26-40 lbs
15-19"
United States, United Kingdom
The Blue Spaniel is the mix between an Australian Cattle Dog and Cocker Spaniel. They are bred to be active companion dogs. This breed is a generally known to be happy, smart, and energetic. Blue Spaniels come from two athletic parent breeds, so they require regular and vigorous exercise to remain happy. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, weight of 28 to 45 pounds, and height of 15 to 20 inches. Their general size depends on whether they descend from American or English Cocker Spaniels, with the former being on the smaller side. They typically look like undersized Cattle Dogs with Cocker Spaniel features, including floppy ears and a medium-length, wavy coat that requires regular brushing. Because they are a relatively new breed, they are currently unable to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) roster of purebred dogs.
The name Blue Spaniel is a nod to the breed’s color that it inherited from the Australian Cattle Dog and the name of its other parent breed parent, the Cocker Spaniel. The Australian Cattle Dog, a descendant of Collie varieties and Dingoes, was bred in Australia in the mid-1800s to herd cattle. Eventually, the mixed breed known for its endurance and work ethic, was bred with Dalmatians and Sheepdog varieties to resemble the Australian Cattle Dog we know today. The AKC recognized the breed in 1980. The Blue Spaniel’s other parent, the Cocker Spaniel, originated in the United Kingdom and was bred in the 1800s as a sporting companion. Cocker Spaniels were gifted at woodcock hunting, from which part of their name “Cocker” was derived. Until 1936, the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel (which tends to be smaller than the former) were considered the same breed. American and English breeders, however, began to disagree about how to mate the dog. This resulted in two varieties: an “American” and an “English” Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker Spaniel is more popular in the United States, while the English Cocker Spaniel is more popular in the rest of the world. The union of the Australian Cattle Dog and Cocker Spaniels has given way to the Blue Spaniel, which is a relatively new breed. The size difference between the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel account for this breed’s wide variations in average height and weight ranges. Though the Blue Spaniel’s personality is not stabilized, it is generally known to be pleasant, smart, and energetic. Currently, the Blue Spaniel is not recognized by the AKC. As such, Blue Spaniel breeders should be thoroughly researched if you are considering purchasing a puppy through them.
A Blue Spaniel typically looks like small Australian Cattle Dog with Cocker Spaniel ears and coat. It has a compact, athletic build. The size depends on whether the Australian Cattle Dog is bred with an American or English Cocker Spaniel. Either way, they are generally medium-sized. The average weight is 26 to 45 pounds and the average height is 15 to 20 inches tall. Their coat is blue (mottled or speckled) or black and white with tan markings. Blue Spaniels retain the Cocker Spaniel medium-length, wavy and soft coat. They have an alert and intelligent expression, with low-set floppy ears, a scissor bite, dark nose, and oval eyes that are usually dark brown or hazel. Their tail is medium length and tapered, while the paws are round with resilient pads for running.
Blue Spaniels are moderate shedders and – accordingly – require a moderate level of regular grooming. They are not completely hypoallergenic, but produce less allergens due to their hair-like coat from their Spaniel side. Owners can reduce shedding and matting by brushing 1 to 2 times a week and giving their Blue Spaniel monthly baths. Owners should give special attention to cleaning out Blue Spaniel’s large, floppy ear every time they are washed. Like all dog breeds, Blue Spaniels should have their teeth brushed on a daily basis and nails clipped 1 to 2 times a month to avoid painful overgrowth. Clipping around the head, ears, tail and feet is recommended.
Blue Spaniels are known to be happy and friendly dogs with occasional aggressive herding and hunting tendencies. These tendencies are triggered when Blue Spaniels are around groups of dogs or small animals. Blue Spaniels do bark occasionally and are known to be sensitive to environmental and routine changes, as well as aggressive behavior from others. Luckily, the breed also responds well to obedience training, given its high level of intelligence and willingness to please its owner. Otherwise, Blue Spaniels can be very playful and eager to engage in games with their owners and most other dogs. Because both parent breeds require physical and mental stimulation, Blue Spaniels must be exercised and entertained regularly to remain content and healthy. The Blue Spaniel is more like its Cocker Spaniel ancestry in that it is extremely people-oriented, making it an affectionate and loyal family dog that relishes in human attention.
The Blue Spaniel comes from two highly energetic and curious breeds. As a result, they require consistent and daily exercise. Blue Spaniels should have at least one moderate to long walk a day, paired with vigorous play with other dogs or retrieval games with people. Blue Spaniels thrive in temperate and cool environments. They will be fine in warm to hot environments if they are not over exercised in the heat. Blue Spaniels will be happiest in a suburban or rural home with a big yard that they can play in. Both parent breeds have high impulses to wander, so Blue Spaniels must be monitored closely if they are off-leash or in an area that isn’t enclosed. Though Blue Spaniels enjoy being outdoors, they are primarily indoor animals that enjoy downtime with their owners and family.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 10/16/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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