20-47 lbs
18-20"
United States
The Spanador — sometimes referred to as the Cockerdor — is a mix of the American Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Their good looks and endearing personality combine to make a very attractive dog. It’s no surprise then that this adorable pup, although still a relatively new hybrid, is fast becoming very popular as a family dog and companion.
In this guide to the Spanador, you’ll learn:
The Spanador is the perfect blend of its parent breeds. They have the sweet loving nature of the Labrador coupled with the attractiveness — and smaller size — of the Cocker Spaniel.
If you’ve been looking at Spanador puppies and have your heart set on a youngster then you can expect to pay anywhere between $600 to $2,000. This is a similar price to puppies of both parent breeds but the price is expected to increase as this hybrid becomes more popular.
The life expectancy of a Spanador is 12 to 15 years; slightly longer than the Labrador Retriever and similar to the American Cocker Spaniel.
In all the excitement of welcoming a new puppy into the family, you don’t want to forget about insurance. It’s quick and easy to browse and compare the best pet insurance plans so you know your furry friend is covered should anything happen to them.
The Spanador dog is a fairly new crossbreed, believed to have been developed in America towards the end of the 20th century. Both parent breeds date back much further than that, of course.
The first Cocker Spaniel arrived in America in 1620. This breed was developed from the English Cocker Spaniel and at first they were just a smaller dog. But, as they continued to be bred they became so different that by 1945 they could no longer be seen as one breed.
The Cocker Spaniel started life as companion and working dogs for settlers, helping them to explore the land and retrieve game. They were ideal for hunting as they could work in difficult terrain and all weather.
The American Kennel Club recognised the American Cocker Spaniel as its own breed in 1873.
The Labrador Retriever — or Lab — originated on the Island of Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada. At this time they were called the St. John's dog after the capital city and were used to help fishermen.
They were imported to England in 1830; it wouldn’t be until later they arrived in the United States. It was actually in England that the third Earl of Malmesbury called these dogs Labradors and prevented them from becoming extinct. Sadly, the breed did disappear in Newfoundland because families were only allowed to own one dog and females were taxed more highly.
The American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1917 and by 1991 they were the most popular dog registered with the AKC.
The Spanador isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are, however, recognized by clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.The Lab mix with Cocker Spaniel produces a very attractive dog. They have an athletic build with strong legs and a deep, wide chest. Their muzzle is pointed and the top of their head is slightly rounded. The ears are set high but flop over and hang down the side of the face. They may also be fringed like the American Cocker Spaniels.
The coat of a Spanador is medium to long and quite dense, with feathering around the legs, ears and chest, which they also get from the Cocker Spaniel. Their fur can be a variety of colors such as tan, white, black, red and brown.
In terms of size, they’re slightly smaller than the average Labrador Retriever.
The Spanador could have either a medium or a long coat depending which parent breed is dominant. The sheds moderately all year and particularly during the summer. Their coat will need brushing weekly and at least twice a week during summer. Using a comb will help remove the excess hair and prevent matting. Your Spanador may have longer hair or fringing around the legs, ears and chest which they get from the American Cocker Spaniel. You’ll need to comb or brush here to prevent tangles.
You only need to give them a bath when they really need it, such as when they have run through the mud. Be aware that this breed can suffer from dry itchy skin, so be careful which dog shampoo you use. Make sure to check their ears regularly and clean when necessary. You should also brush their teeth daily and clip their nails when required.
The Spanador is an active dog and will suit an equally active owner. They love water, so expect them to indulge in a spot of swimming any chance they get. They’ll also enjoy long walks or even jogging with you. You may want to keep them on a leash, though, as they’re known to get so engrossed in an activity they can wander off and ignore your calls. They’re a very adaptable breed but will benefit most from a safe enclosed yard where they can run around.
But, be aware, a Spanador dog will need to be introduced to exercise slowly when younger to allow their legs and muscles to strengthen. Otherwise they could end up with aches and pains as they age.
This breed loves to please and is very intelligent. This, coupled with the fact they thrive on affection and praise, makes them an easy dog to train.
The Spanador is a relatively healthy breed. However, they can, of course, be affected by the health conditions that affect the parent breed. A few you need to be aware of, include:
There’s also a chance of allergies and weight gain — although these are only minor concerns.
Does your insurance cover the cost of conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy? You’ll naturally want to ensure you have the best cover for your Spanador, so browse and compare top pet insurance providers to ensure you do.
When the ball and socket doesn’t form properly in the hip joint it causes hip dysplasia.
It can happen in one or both hip joints and the result is that they grind and rub together instead of gliding smoothly. It will be very painful and restrict movement. The treatment might include oral supplements, physiotherapy or surgery. This is an inherited condition and can happen at any age.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary condition that affects most dog breeds. It isn’t painful but will affect both eyes and eventually lead to total blindness. First, dogs will lose their night vision, followed by their day vision. The deterioration will be gradual, so you may not notice at first but over time the eye will become opaque and cataracts will form.
Spanadors absolutely love their food. So much so that they’re known to eat too fast and this can cause them to get bloated. To help, you may want to feed them little and often, or you could use a slow feed dog bowl that will encourage them to take their time.
For the same reason, they can also easily become overweight. Keep an eye on their portion size and if you give them treats, make sure to take this into account when serving up their meals.
Spanadors can eat wet or dry food but ideally look out for one that’s specifically designed for active dogs, with high-quality protein as the main ingredient.
Are you wondering how to make sure you are feeding your dog the best possible diet? To help, take a look at the advice from our trusted partner Dog Food Advisor, including the best wet food and the best dry food.
The Spanador is an enthusiastic breed that loves life and is very playful. They’re curious and always looking for the next adventure, enthusiastically embracing everything you do together.
They are also gentle, loyal and affectionate. They’ll love being with you and are quick to curl up on your lap, both as a puppy and an adult. However, this does mean they can get bored if left at home for a long time on their own.
Of course, their desire to be with you all the time, as well as their tendency to operate as bundles of energy, means a Spanador may not be suitable for all owners. But, they’re generally good natured dogs that get on well with children and other animals, including cats. That said, although they love attention they can be quite reserved with strangers at first, a character trait they get from the Cocker Spaniel.
Cocker Spaniels can also be known to have a streak of aggression. This should be counteracted by the placid Labrador but if you meet the parents, look out for whether the American Cocker Spaniel appears friendly and outgoing.
Written by Ellie Roddy
Published: 12/15/2017, edited: 01/03/2024
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Hello there I have a six year old spanador and would like to let her have a litter. Would you recommend a particular breed for her ? We are thinking a labrador, springaspaniel or German shepard.
Hi, I'm going to buy a puppy of Labrador father mix with cocker spaniel mother. What do you think about them. I would like to How big will they grow, appearance and attitude. I have mention my WhatsApp number below. Thanks
Do you have information on where in the USA we can find the Spanador breed?
