The Golden Cocker Retriever often referred to as the Dakota Sport Retriever is a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel.
This medium-sized dog breed stands between 20 and 24 inches tall and weighs 30 to 45 pounds. This adorable mixed breed dog has a twelve to fifteen years lifespan.
The Golden Cocker Retriever, which is a fun-loving and incredibly intelligent breed is the ideal choice for first time dog owners and will make someone a devoted friend for many years to come.
However, you obviously want to learn everything there is to know about the Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix before making a final choice.
And we are here to assist with that. The information in this article will help you determine whether this designer dog is the one you want to give a forever home to and whether this energetic breed is the right for you.
The Golden Cocker Retriever is a designer dog or a mixed breed dog coming from two purebred parents. And in this case, the Golden Cocker Retriever breed is the result of crossing two popular and beloved dog breeds, none other than the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel.
The Golden Cocker Retrievers, are also known by other names such as the Dakota Sports Retrievers, English Comfort Goldens, Comfort Retrievers, and Cogols.
This is the greatest option for you and your family if you're looking for a pet that enjoys taking part in outdoor family activities, gets along well with children, and is gentle, loyal, affectionate, and friendly.
And can we forget that this designer breed is undeniably cute, loveable, and huggable?
Also, with their sweet demeanor, lustrous coat, round and big dreamy eyes, and floppy ears, a full-grown Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix dog looks like a puppy and can make you feel like you are still caring for a puppy at home.
Given that they have just been widely available for around 20 years, Golden Cocker Retrievers can be considered a sort of new breed of designer dog.
There isn't a lot of information available about this cute dog's past. The little information we have on them is that they have been around for at least 20 years and are also adorably cute and amusing.
This mix's original name, the Comfort Retriever, was coined in 2003. The breed was recognized by the International Canine Designer Registry in 2009, and to prevent misunderstandings, the name was altered to English Comfort Golden or Dakota Sport Retriever.
Just like other mixed breed dogs, it can be challenging to predict the exact type of dog you will receive once you decide to get a Cogol. You never know what they will look like or what their true temperament will be.
We may, however, draw conclusions about them based on the Golden Cocker Retrievers that we are familiar with and by looking at their parent breeds.
And of course, we need to look at the parent breeds ancestry in order to comprehend the Golden Cocker Retriever's breed origin.
The Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix dogs are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club but not by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because of their hybrid status.
Golden Retriever
This breed of Retriever, often known as a Goldie or Golden, was first produced in Scotland as a gun dog.
This breed, despite being the third most popular home dog in the world, is actually divided into two lines: those used as pets or in dog shows, and those used as hunting partners. They were bred by mating a Tweed Water Spaniel with a Flat Coated Retriever.
In 1911, the Kennel Club in England recognized the Golden Retriever as a separate breed. They were categorized as “Retriever — Yellow or Golden” at the time. It was in 1920 when the breed name was finally changed to Golden Retriever.
The American Kennel Club acknowledged the breed in 1932. According to the AKC, the Golden Retriever is currently the third most popular breed in the United States.
Cocker Spaniel
Cockers are frequently spotted at dog exhibitions, where their thick hair and huge dog eyes give onlookers a glimpse of their endearing countenance. They are adored for their adorable appearance, which includes floppy ears and fur that flows when they run.
The Cocker Spaniel that we have today descended from a Spaniel family, a big group that dates back to antiquity. The term spaniel translates to “Spanish dog,” and it is widely accepted that the Spaniels originated in Spain in the 14th century.
It was originally bred as a hunting dog, and in 1878, the AKC officially recognized the Cocker Spaniel as a distinct breed.
In 1936, the Cocker Spaniel became the most popular dog in the United States. And it was given its moniker because of his prowess while woodcock hunting in the field.
Additionally, there are two types of Cocker Spaniels: American and English Cocker Spaniels. The bigger size of the English Cocker Spaniel distinguishes it from the American Cocker Spaniel.
The English were described also as having a less voluminous coat, being taller, and having longer heads than their American cousins.
Beginning in 1940, the English and Canadian kennel clubs recognized the variants as distinct breeds, and the AKC did the same in 1946. The Cocker Spaniel (for the American variety) and the English Cocker Spaniel are the breed names used by the AKC (for the British type).
Golden Cocker Retriever Appearance
Before we go any further, it's important to note that mixed breed pups can have a variety of physical characteristics.
So, in the case of the Golden Cocker Retriever, the pup is not always equal parts Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel. Additionally, none of the puppies are alike in their litter.
However, the Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix should ideally have a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller physique than Goldies.
The silky, medium-length Golden Cocker Retriever coat is typical. It will have distinctive fringes around the legs, ears, and stomach that need to be brushed regularly to avoid matting.
Some puppies have a double coat because they receive more genes from the Golden Retriever, which might result in heavier fur that needs more meticulous care.
The most popular coat colors are cream and golden, though they could also come in a wide range of hues. There are a variety of other coat hues and patterns available, such as white, black, black and tan, chocolate, red, roan, merle, and parti-color.
The tail of a Golden Cocker Retriever may be long, curled, and pointed upwards. And some of them may have hair tufts in between their toes.
This mix frequently resembles a mini Golden Retriever, yet it has a bigger head than a Cocker Spaniel.
They have slightly almond-shaped, deep-set eyes that can be in shades of brown, blue, green, or a mixture of these colors. Compared to Goldens, they have long ears that touch their cheeks.
The Golden Cocker Retriever makes the ideal canine companion because it is a devoted and loyal dog.
They enjoy chasing each other and running around because they have a natural sense of playfulness.
Your Retriever will enjoy playing outside with you as both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel have a sporting background.
They are very sociable dogs who adore being around people. And because they are so amiable, they can be the ideal companion for older kids while also being kind to younger kids.
The Golden Cocker Retriever can easily develop a close attachment with its family and owners. So, this means that they can get separation anxiety.
They are not the perfect pet if you plan to spend long periods of time away from home because they will constantly want to be with you.
They'll function best in a household with more activity, and where there are people around for the majority of the day.
This dog breed is intelligent and vigilant, yet at the same time submissive. As we've already mentioned, the Golden Cocker Retriever is ideal for new dog owners because they are amiable, eager to please their owners, and very family-oriented.
Grooming
Due to their lengthy coat, Golden Cocker Retrievers do require extra care. And this means that you will need to brush their coat every day. To keep them looking neat and to avoid matting, you should have them trimmed, not shaved, every three to four months.
You might need to brush your Golden Cocker Retriever more frequently if he inherited the thicker fur of his Golden Retriever parent.
It's crucial to maintain good dental hygiene for your dog to avoid dental decay and tartar buildup. Depending on whatever method is more convenient for you and more amenable for your dog, you can use dental sticks or a dog toothbrush to complete this task.
Aside from brushing your dog’s coat and teeth daily, and bathing him once in a while or as needed, you also need to clean his ears with a damp cloth and clip his nails.
Common Health Issues
Mixed breeds are frequently referred to as having “hybrid vigor,” which refers to the fact that they typically live longer than their purebred ancestors. Even so, these dogs could still be prone to hereditary diseases.
You should also take into account the generations of inbreeding that have left crossbreeds susceptible to certain diseases.
Despite being well-liked breeds, Goldens and Cockers have their own peculiarities that they can pass on to their hybrid offspring.
Both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, and they are susceptible to epilepsy and seizures linked to these bone problems. And both parent breeds are prone to having glaucoma, cataracts, and congestive heart failure.
Mast cell tumors and hypothyroidism are other conditions that can affect Golden Retrievers. In addition, this breed is prone to luxating patella, entropion, kidney disease, and other illnesses.
The Golden Cocker Retrievers could also be prone to ear infections, just like a Cocker Spaniel. And they are more likely to develop seborrhea (a skin condition), and liver problems.
How to Care for a Golden Cocker Retriever Puppy
Exercise & Living Conditions
Due to their high level of energy, Golden Cocker Retrievers require a lot of exercises. Experts advise exercising for at least 60 minutes a day, which can be accomplished with one lengthy stroll or two shorter walks.
Despite their tiny size, Golden Cockers thrive in households with large yards or in rural areas due to their activity needs.
And while it's not ideal, they may also be okay with flats or apartments. You just have to make sure that the space is not too congested and that you take your dog for a daily walk.
Diet & Nutrition
A dog the size of a Golden Cocker Retriever should generally consume about 1000 calories per day, with about 25% of those calories coming from protein and 13% from fat.
Naturally, you should always check the back of the dog food package to be sure you're feeding your pet the right amount depending on their precise weight.
Feed your Golden Cocker Retriever premium dog food at least twice daily. Again, based on their weight, you should try to feed them food designed for medium to large dog breeds. Always make sure the meal is nutritious and avoid giving them too many treats to prevent obesity.
Training
For the best-behaved dog possible, this puppy needs to be trained and socialized from an early age, just like with pretty much any other breed of dog. Considering the dog's intelligence and desire to please, training should be quite simple.
To ensure that your pet thrives, make sure to expose him to a variety of environments, people, sights, and smells.
Your pet needs a tranquil atmosphere since he can get melancholy and sad if he is continually exposed to an aggressive, stressful environment.
If you know you're buying your new family member from a reputable breeder who encourages inquiries and asks essential questions in return, it will all be worth it.
He or she should also encourage you to observe and get to know the parents and their puppies, as well as to visit the dogs and their homes.
Additionally, trustworthy breeders have a history of visits to the vet, genetic testing, and health guarantees. Ideally, before releasing their puppies, they should already have their initial vaccine shots and deworming treatments.
And responsible breeders won't give away their puppies at a very young age. The ideal timing for a puppy to move in to a new home can vary depending on the circumstances, but most breeders and veterinarians concur that 8 weeks of age is a reasonable minimum.
Moreover, you don't have to exclusively purchase Golden Cocker Retrievers from breeders if you want to add one to your household.
Going to your neighborhood rescue facility or shelter to adopt an adult Golden Cocker Retriever is preferable to purchasing a puppy.
If you want to avoid having to raise one of the puppies yourself, choosing to adopt from a shelter is the best alternative. Of course, you have to take into account the possibility that some of these canines have problems.
Price
A Golden Cocker Retriever puppy can cost between $800 and $2,000 on average. The location of the breeder or kennel, the puppies' lineage, the puppies' training, and in some situations, the cost of travel, can all have an impact on the cost of a crossbreed Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever.
The Golden Cocker Retriever sheds regularly and moderately. Knowing this, make sure you are always ready to vacuum your home.
Regular brushing of your pet might aid in reducing shedding. In addition, doing so will help his coat appear cleaner and feel softer.
Is there a mini Golden Cocker Retriever?
Yes, mini Golden Cocker Retrievers exist. There are several toy Golden Cocker Retrievers available for owners who genuinely want one the size of a teacup, or a canine companion that they can literally call a “forever puppy.”
This occurs when a mini Golden Retriever, which is a cross between the Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle, is combined with a Cocker Spaniel.
In essence, mating a Golden Retriever with a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle makes it smaller. In order to create an even smaller dog, you then mix it once again with Cocker Spaniel.
Sadly, there is another way to “produce” a mini Golden Retriever that may cause you to reconsider your decision.
Some breeders may intentionally or unintentionally breed dogs suffering from dwarfism to produce even smaller pups.
Although dogs with dwarfism may appear cute because of their tiny size, they can suffer great agony for the rest of their lives.
Conclusion
A Golden Cocker Retriever is the offspring of two of the most well-known dog breeds. These puppies are devoted to you at all times and make the ideal family companion because they enjoy going outside to play.
They are also loyal and loving. Being a breed that thrives on activity, the Golden Cocker Retriever makes an excellent running or trekking partner and the ideal playmate for small children.
If you spend most of your time away from home, you shouldn't get a Golden Cocker Retriever because they are prone to separation anxiety.
This breed is ideal for dog owners looking for a playful canine companion who likes to spend time outside.
Additionally, they require high upkeep and frequent brushing since they are moderate to heavy shedders. Having said that, this hybrid dog is also not recommended for people who have allergies.
The Cogol, Dakota Sport Retriever, or Golden Cocker Retriever can be a wonderful family dog that is trainable, loving, joyful, and polite if you don't mind dander and you love being on the move.
A freelance writer and huge animal advocate, with 6 dogs and 3 cats. Graduated with a medical degree and is now spending time running a shelter and rescuing animals in need. Loves a good book, travel and spend time with family and pets.
