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The Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mix, also known as the Cockweiler or the Rottie Cocker, is a mixed breed dog between the Rottweiler and Cocker Spaniel.
If you’ve had the pleasure of owning a Cocker Spaniel or Rottweiler, then you know how amazing each of these breeds can be. But what happens when you mix these two breeds together?
This guide will cover everything you need to know about this unique dog breed, including its history, what it was bred for, physical appearance and size, color, temperament, and other frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
What Is A Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix?
The Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mix is a mixed breed dog created by breeding a Rottweiler with a Cocker Spaniel. These types of crossbreeds are known as designer dogs or hybrid dogs.
With a mixed breed like the Rottie Cocker, each offspring can take traits from either parent breed.
Rottweilers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instinct. On the other hand, the Cocker Spaniel is a gentle, cheerful breed known for being great with kids and other pets.
Combined, you get the Cockweiler, a loyal, loving, and affectionate dog that makes a great family pet. They are also known for being very intelligent and eager to please their owners; this makes them easy to train.
History Of The Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix
When it comes to cross breeds, it’s difficult to pinpoint their exact history. This is because there are no records of when or why the cross occurred.
However, we can look at each parent breed’s history to better understand.
Rottweiler History
The Rottweiler is a long-standing breed that has been around since before Christianity. The Rottweiler was utilized for various purposes, including herding, guarding, and being a friend.
In the 19th century, the Rottweiler was introduced to America, where it became a popular working dog.
Today, Rottweilers can be used as working dogs or family dogs. They are known for being very protective of their family and can make great guard dogs.
Cocker Spaniel History
The Cocker Spaniel is a domesticated breed of dog that was developed in England during the 1800s. They were originally developed to pursue game birds such as partridges and woodcocks.
In recent years, this powerful, flexible, and intelligent breed has become a popular choice for families as a loyal and caring companion dog.
The Cocker Spaniel was first recognized as a distinct breed in 1878 by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This breed is known for producing some of the most varied pups in a litter compared to all dog breeds.
Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix Appearance & Build
Imagine a dog that looks like a Rottweiler but with the feathery ears and legs of a Cocker Spaniel. Now imagine it slightly smaller than a Rottie with a softer face.
That’s the Cockweiler!
While the Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mix can take on any traits from their parent breeds, they are typically medium to large-sized dogs with short to medium coats. In addition, their head is less blocky than a Rottweiler.
In addition, their muzzle is usually deep and broad, rounded and shorter than a Rottweilers. They also have a powerful neck and laidback shoulders.
But as I mentioned, you can never predict the appearances of a mixed breed dog with 100% accuracy since they can inherit an unequal amount of genes from one parent over the other.
Coat Colors & Texture
Cocker Spaniels can have a single coat of hair like the Cocker Spaniel or a double coat like the Rottweiler. The texture of their hair is generally soft and silky. It
can also be either wavy or straight.
The Cocker Spaniel Rottie mix can take on coat colors from either parent breed. The most common colors are black, brown, and tan. However, they can also be white, cream, blue, or red.
Ears & Tail
The Cockweiler’s ears are usually floppy and long like the Cocker Spaniel, but they can smaller in length like the Rottweiler. Their tails are also usually long and tapering like the Cocker Spaniel.
Eyes
The eyes of the Cockweiler are usually almond-shaped and can be any color, including brown, blue, or green. However, their eyes are commonly dark brown.
Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix Size (Weight & Height)
The Cockweiler is a medium to large-sized dog. They typically weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and can range in height from 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. The males will be on the larger end of the spectrum and the females on the smaller end.
Their size will highly depend on which parents they take after more. Here is a quick breakdown of the average size ranges for both parent breeds:
- Cocker Spaniel Height: 14 – 15 inches, weight: 25 – 30 pounds.
- Rottweiler Height: 22 – 27 inches, weight: 80 – 130 pounds.
So the Rottie Cocker can technically fall anywhere in these size ranges.
Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix Shedding & Grooming
The Cockweiler is a moderate to heavy shedder. Therefore, they will require weekly brushing and grooming to help reduce the amount of hair shed around the house.
If they inherit the Cocker Spaniel coat, they will have less shedding than the Rottie coat. But if they get the Rottweiler coat, expect to do a lot of vacuuming, especially during the shedding seasons (fall and spring).
They are also prone to ear infections, so it’s important to check their ears regularly and keep them clean. Their nails will also need to be trimmed regularly.
As for bathing, they will only need it when they are dirty or start to develop a doggy odor. Bathing them too often can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat, leading to other issues like dry skin.
Are Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, the Cockweiler is not a hypoallergenic dog. They are moderate shedders and produce dander (dead skin cells), which people with allergies tend to be allergic to.
If you’re looking for a low shedding or non-shedding dog breed, the Cockweiler is not the best choice.
Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix Lifespan
The Cockweiler has a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. This is on the longer end for dogs their size.
Their lifespan falls in the middle between their parent breeds. The Cocker Spaniel has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years, and the Rottweiler has a lifespan of 8 – 11 years.
Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix Common Health Issue
The Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mix is a relatively healthy breed. However, the Cocker Spaniel and Rottweiler have a few health conditions they are prone to getting that will pass down to the Rottie Cocker.
Here are some of the most common health problems seen in the Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix:
Joint Issues
Hip & elbow dysplasia are common conditions where the hip or elbow joint doesn’t develop properly. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Cocker Spaniels and Rottweilers are both prone to this condition and others affecting their joints. So expect their offspring to have similar risks of developing these conditions.
Ear Infections
Cocker Spaniels are especially prone to ear infections. And since the Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix generally has the same long ears as the Cocker Spaniel, they’re also at risk for this condition.
Ear infections can be caused by allergies, bacteria, or yeast. They can be painful and cause your dog a lot of discomforts.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures. Cocker Spaniels are prone to this condition, so it’s something to be aware of if you have a Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix.
Skin Allergies
Cocker Spaniels and Rottweilers are prone to skin allergies. These can be caused by environmental allergens, food allergies, or bug bites.
If your dog is licking, biting, or scratching a lot, it could be an allergy. If you’re unsure what’s causing the allergy, make sure to take them to the vet.
Eye Issues
Cocker Spaniels and Rottweilers are prone to eye issues. These can include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and cherry eye. So the Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mix will be suseptible ot these as well.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes, it’s best to take them to the vet.
Heart Problems
The Cocker Spaniel Rotweiler mix will also be prone to heart problems like its parents. These can include congenital heart defects, valve disease, and arrhythmias. Cocker Spaniels are especially prone to a life-threatening condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which can pass down to this mixed breed.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s heart rate or breathing, it’s best to take them to the vet.
Cancer
Cocker Spaniels and Rottweilers are both prone to cancer. The most common type of cancer in dogs is lymphoma. So the Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix will also be prone to certain forms of cancer.
This is why vet checks are so important to maintain a dog’s health and prevent any issues.
Hyperthyroidism
This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. It can cause weight loss, increased appetite, thirst, and urination.
Rottie Cocker Trainability & Intelligence
Rottie Cockers are considered highly intelligent dogs. They have the potential to be great working dogs, but they can also excel in obedience and agility training. Like all dogs, they need early socialization and consistent training throughout their life to stay well-rounded and adaptable.
When it comes to trainability, Rottie Cockers are considered to be middle of the road. They’re not as easy to train as some breeds, but they’re also not as difficult as others. With patience and consistency, a Rottie Cocker can be trained to do just about anything.
One thing to keep in mind is that Rottie Cockers are bred for work, so they have a lot of energy. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
A tired dog is a good dog, so make sure you give your Rottie Cocker plenty of opportunities to run and play.
Rottie Cockers are also strong-willed dogs. They can be stubborn and headstrong at times, so it’s important to be firm and consistent with training. They respond best to positive reinforcement, so rewards like treats and praise are always a good idea. However, when misbehaving, they may need to be reminded who the boss is, so being firm and correcting their bad behavior is also essential.
Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel Mix Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Rottie Cocker is a medium to high-energy dog. They need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A good long walk or run will suffice, but they would also enjoy playing fetch or going for a swim.
Rottie Cockers are not the best breed for lazy owners. They need an active owner who can keep up with their exercise needs. If they don’t get enough exercise, they may become destructive or start to develop behavior problems.
It’s also a good idea to give them plenty of stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their minds occupied.
Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mix Temperament & Behavior
The temperament of a Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix is a combination of both the Cocker Spaniel and the Rottweiler. These dogs are intelligent, loyal, protective, and loving. They make great family dogs and are good with children. They’re also good watchdogs as they have a strong guarding instinct.
The Cocker Spaniel is a gentle, loving, and affectionate breed that makes a great family pet. They’re also loyal and protective of their family. In addition, Cocker Spaniels are friendly with strangers and get along well with other dogs.
The Rottweiler is confident and calm. While they may be aloof with strangers, they’re devoted and loving with their family. They’re also protective, intelligent, and trainable but are not recommended for first-time owners.
Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mixes can is a perfect combination of these breeds. They make great family pets that are loving, loyal, and protective. They’re also intelligent and can be easily trained. As with every dog, they will require early socialization and obedience training to ensure that they’re well-rounded dogs.
Do Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mixes Bark A Lot?
This answer depends on which parent breed the dog takes after more. Rottweilers are known for being relatively quiet dogs. They will bark if they feel the need to protect their family or property, but they’re not constant barkers. Cocker Spaniels, on the other hand, are known for being quite vocal.
So if your Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mix takes after their Rottweiler parent more, they’re likely to be a relatively quiet dog. But if they take after their Cocker Spaniel parent more, they may be quite vocal.
Regardless, barking can be controlled through proper training should you end up with a dog that loves to speak.
Do Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Every dog is a unique individual that may or may not like cuddles.
Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mixes are not known for being cuddly dogs. They can be independent, but they are still loving and affectionate with their family. With that said, there are many Cocker Spaniel Rottweilers that will be cuddly.
Are Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mixes Good With Kids?
Yes, Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mixes are good with kids and great for families. They’re gentle, loving, and have a lot of patience. In addition, this mixed breed will have some of the guarding and protective instincts a Rottweiler has, so they also make great guardian dogs.
Are Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
The answer to this question will depend on the individual dog. Cocker Spaniels are friendly towards other dogs, but Rottweilers can be aloof and suspicious.
So some Rottie Cockers may get along with other dogs, while others may not. When properly introduced to other dogs and socialized, Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mixed will get along fine with other dogs. It really comes down to training.
Are Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mixes Good With Strangers?
The Rottweiler Cocker Spaniel mix is a loyal and protective breed that will bark at strangers. However, they are not naturally aggressive but will let you know when someone is around.
They may be suspicious of strangers at first, which is why early socialization is so crucial for them early on in various situations.
Are Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
No, the Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix is not a good breed for apartments. This breed has high energy needs and does best with a lot of space to run around. If you live in an apartment, it’s best to find another breed that would better fit your lifestyle.
Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mix Food & Diet
The Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercial or homemade. However, avoiding foods high in fillers and chemicals is important as they can cause health problems down the road.
When it comes to Rottie Cocker, they can have sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to find a food that agrees with them.
Additionally, the food requirements of your dog will vary depending on his age, size, level of activity, and health. However, 18% of their dog food should be protein, and 8% should be fat. Each food brand you purchase will have specific feeding recommendations based on your dog’s age and size that you may follow.
The diet of a dog should be based on high-quality dry food. You may add wet or raw food or prepare your own meals, but this is the expensive route. High-quality dry food is all a dog needs to live a happy and healthy life.
Make sure you research to find the best dog food for them, ones that are balanced and nutritious. Some of the best food brands are Hills, Acana, and Royal Canine.
What Is The Price Of A Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mix?
A purebred Rottweiler can cost anywhere from $1500-$2500, whereas a Cocker Spaniel is between $800-$2000.
So expect to pay between $500 and $2000 for a Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix. But, of course, the price will depend on the breeder, where you live, the dog’s color, and other factors.
Pros and Cons of a Cockweiler
Now that you know everything there is to know about the Cockweiler, it’s time to decide if this is the right breed for you. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons:
Cons Of Getting a Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mix
- Not Purebred – Because the Cockweiler is a mix of two different breeds, it’s not what’s called “purebred.” This means that if you’re
- Shedding – Like most dogs, the Cockweiler will shed. This also means they are not hypoallergenic, so this breed may set those off if you have allergies.
- Exercise – This breed needs a lot of exercise, so if you are not an active person, the Cockweiler is probably not the right dog for you.
- Barking – The Cockweiler can be vocal if I take after the Cocker Spaniel, so be prepared to train your dog not to bark excessively.
- Require Daily Training & Socialization – Every dog needs training and socialization, but the Cockweiler may require more time than some other breeds.
Pros Of Getting a Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mix
- Loyal – The Cockweiler is a loyal breed and will be a great companion for you and your family.
- Family-Oriented – This breed does best when they are around their family and love spending time with them.
- Protective – The Cockweiler is protective of its family and makes a great guard dog. They will bark if someone is at the door but are not naturally aggressive.
- Smart – The Cockweiler is a smart breed and is easy to train. They learn commands quickly and enjoy doing tricks.
- Great With Kids – This breed is great with kids of all ages and will be gentle with them. They are also patient, which makes them good playmates.
Final Thoughts
The Cockweiler is a great breed for active families looking for a loyal, friendly, and protective companion. They are somewhat easy to train but will require consistent daily effort.
If you are looking for one of these breeds, you get them from a reputable breeder. A good breeder can provide all the information you need about the Cockweiler and their parents. They will also be able to answer any questions you have.
The last thing you want is to bring home a sick or unhealthy puppy. This sets you up for failure right from the beginning.
If you are considering getting a Cockweiler, make sure you are prepared to give them the time, attention, and exercise they need. This breed is not for everyone but can make a great addition to the right family.
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