Appearance of the Scottish Cocker
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| The Scottish Cocker is a hybrid of the American Cocker Spaniel and the Scottish Terrier and, as such, can take on the appearance characteristics of either or both of the parent breeds. Scottish Cocker breeders and owners describe this adorable hybrid as small to medium-sized, from 25.5 to 40.5 centimeters in height, and weighing from 7 to 11.5 kilos at full maturity. Its coat is silky, medium-length and can be slightly wavy or straight, in colors such as white, brown and black. Its body is solidly built, with a rounded head, medium to broad muzzle and scissor bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, although if its coat is robin, it may have blue eyes, its nose is black and its ears may be long and set low or straight, pointed and set high on the head. The tail can be of variable length, carried straight or curled over the back with feathers. |
Temperament of the Scottish Cocker
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| Your Scottish Cocker hybrid is a cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Scottish Terrier and, as such, may inherit temperament and personality traits from either or both of its parent breeds. Scottish Cocker breeders and owners describe this adorable little dog as gentle, outgoing and affectionate, not requiring large amounts of exercise, adding that it is intelligent and fairly easy to train. All this makes him an excellent family companion who will quickly grow on you. He is very affectionate with his human family, getting on well with children, other dogs and even the family cat. He doesn't know strangers, and there's a risk of a stranger becoming his new best friend. He really doesn't like to be left alone for long periods, suffering from separation anxiety and boredom in these circumstances - and a bored dog can develop annoying destructive behaviors. His energy level is low to moderate, so he's quite happy to sit in front of the fireplace, on your lap, next to you on the sofa or in your bed for hours on end. His barking is moderate. Keep this in mind if you live in a noise-restricted area. |
Needs and activities of the Scottish Cocker
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| Your Scottish Cocker hybrid is a moderately active dog who will enjoy daily walks with you, playing and romping in the dog park or fenced yard, playing interactive games like fetch, Frisbee, fly ball or search and find. These are great ways to get him to exercise, as he'll probably need 1-2 hours a day to stay fit and healthy. He has a moderate tendency to hunt, prey and wander, which makes it essential to keep him on a leash when he's outside the house, fenced garden or other enclosed and protected area, unless you like to chase him down the street, through the neighborhood or into the woods in pursuit of a small animal or an interesting scent that has attracted his highly sensitive nose. His size and activity level make him a good companion for an apartment or condominium, provided exercise requirements are met and you don't have to contend with noise restrictions. It can also live very well in a family home with or without a fenced yard, in a rural or urban environment. He can tolerate most climates, although he may need extra care and protection in warmer temperatures. |
Maintenance of the Scottish Cocker
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| Your Scottish Cocker hybrid falls into the moderate category of maintenance and shedding. Since only the Scottish parent contributes a hypoallergenic coat to the organic mix, your hybrid may or may not be hypoallergenic, which is a concern for those with family members who are asthmatic or have respiratory problems. Its moderate level of shedding will require more frequent vacuuming and brushing once or twice a week to keep its coat free of loose hairs, debris, mats and tangles. Brushing also helps distribute the natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy and beautiful. Your hybrid should only be bathed when necessary to preserve these vital natural oils. He's in the low category for drool and odor. Be sure to check his ears weekly and clean them if necessary with absorbent cotton and an approved canine earwash solution. While you're on your lap checking his ears, take a look at his toenails and trim them if necessary, unless he's able to keep them worn down by his normal exercise activities. Your Scottish Cocker, like all canines, will need to have his teeth brushed at home two to three times a week to help prevent the development of periodontal disease and the tooth loss that can accompany this gum disease. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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