- to rise: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 20-30 lbs
- life span: 10-12 years old
- group: Not applicable
- Best suitable for: Families with older children, singles and seniors, homes with/without yards, guards, lap dogs
- print: Gentle, fun loving, sweet
- Similar Breeds: Cocker Spaniel, Beagle
Booker Basics
Both Beagles and Cocker Spaniels are sweet and adorable dogs that will love to spend endless hours cuddling and playing with you. So you can imagine what a combination of these two words would be like – it’s good to have Bocker!
The Bocker Dog is sweet, easy going and easygoing. When it comes to designer breeds, every dog is different – a Bocker Poodle might look more akin to a Cocker Spaniel but their personality is more like that of a Beagle or vice versa.
Although sweet and easy, training a Bocker can be a challenge because they like to do things their own way.
the origin
It is difficult to trace the origin of this breed designed for dogs, but we know each individual breed.
The Beagle is an ancient breed of dog, dating back to 5th century Greece. Here, they were mostly used as hunting and tracking dogs. The Southern Terrier (ancestor of the Beagle) was brought to England by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. In 1884, General Richard Rowett imported the first Beagles to America where he is still used not only as a tracker and hunter, but now also a loving companion for families.
Cocker Spaniels also have a long history, and the name “Spanyells” dates back to Spain in the 14th century. Once used as a hunting companion, this breed also made the transition to a family pet and is a popular breed with families.
Pedigree
Food / diet
Given that this breed has a lifespan of approximately 12 years, Bockers require around 1.5-2 cups of high-quality kvass per day (spread between 2-3 meals) to keep them healthy. Be sure to talk to your local vet to find out what type of dog food is appropriate for each stage of your dog’s life.
The Bocker Terrier is a friendly, well behaved dog.
training
Although they are sweet and easygoing, training a Bocker dog can be a challenge, because they like to do things their own way. With a solid trainer, they should be able to learn basic commands. Bocker also did well in obedience lessons.
Weight
The Bocker dog is a medium sized breed and can weigh anywhere from 20-30 lbs.
Temperament / behavior
Overall, the Bocker Terrier is a friendly, well behaved dog who will bring owners a lot of joy. They are great companion dogs for singles, couples, and seniors looking for a four-legged friend who will keep them active, but also bring good luck after a long day. They are creatures of habit and will take it easier with being fed and walked at the same time every day which is good news for those who already have a regular routine. Bockers understand the concept of personal space and don’t mind sleeping in his crate at night or relaxing in his bed with a toy while you’re busy.
The Bocker terrier will alert their owners of any new arrivals entering the home, a knock on the door or any strange noises outside. They tolerate heat, but hate cold climates. If you live in an area that sees its share of snow, you’ll want to invest in good quality winter doggy equipment.
joint health problems
Beagles can develop problems such as cherry eye, ear infection, heart disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and intervertebral disc disease.
life expectancy
The Bocker Terrier is expected to live anywhere from 11-13 years.
practice requirements
These dogs are not recommended for apartments mostly because they require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Bockers are particularly attuned to daily routines and will feel out of place if they don’t play, eat or go out at the same time every day. Having a home big enough for them to run at their own pace (or even access to a fenced yard) would be enough to make sure they get enough daily exercise. If you live in an apartment, a Bocker will need 1-2 walks a day of an hour or more to make sure they get their daily energy.
The Bocker terrier will alert their owners of any new arrivals entering the home, a knock on the door or any strange noises outside.
recognized clubs
Bocker is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC, known as Bocker), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC, known as Bocker Spaniel), and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR, known as Bocker) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR, known as Bocker Spaniel).
coat
Bockers can have the curly hair of a Cocker Spaniel, the short rough coat of a Beagle or a mixture of both. The Bocker doesn’t shed much, so he won’t need more than daily brushing to keep his coat in good condition. Baths should be given as needed, or every 2-3 months (depending on how often they get out and roll in the mud). They come in a variety of different colors that include golden, white, black, cream, brown, bi-color (such as white and brown) or even tri-color (such as brown, black and white).
puppies
Be sure to socialize your young puppy to children and other dogs (both small and large) at an early age, as they will get used to it and understand that it means no harm. As always, young children should always be supervised while playing or handling a puppy.
Photo credit: aconk sukawinata/Flickr; eriklam/bigstock. elizabeth_s/Bigstock
