CockerBull – Bulldog Spaniel mix

The Bulldog Spaniel mix refers to a crossbreed between a purebred Bulldog and a purebred Cocker Spaniel. Given that this is not a usual combination, you expect the mix to have unique qualities. It is one of the rarest bulldog mixes that you will find out there. There are 15 types of Spaniels recognized by the AKC, but the Cocker Spaniel is the most popular for this cross.

With this mix, you can expect anything. Puppies from the same litter can vary significantly in every aspect. Why so, you may ask? Think about it! There are 3 types of bulldogs, including the English bulldog, the American bulldog, and the French bulldog. The Cocker Spaniel, on the other hand, comes in two varieties, including the American and English Cocker Spaniel.

The Spaniel Bulldog mix is small to medium in size and inherits some of the best traits from both parents. The crossbreed is famous for its gentle disposition and affection for people with a size that is compatible with apartment living. If you live in a small house, this mix is a great choice.

So, do you think this mixed breed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Bulldog is the most ideal choice for you and your family?

In this article, we have gathered all the info you need to know about the Bulldog Spaniel mix. From temperament and characteristics to appearance, how to care for them, and cost, among others, we got you covered. Continue reading.

What is a Bulldog Spaniel mix called?

Coming up with a name for a mixed breed is one of the most fascinating things designers do in addition to creating adorable pooches. Mostly, they will combine the names of both parents to create a unique name.

For instance, a Cocker Spaniel mixed with either an English or American Bulldog is commonly known as the Cockerbull.

A French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix is known as a French Cocker Spaniel.

Since the Bulldog Spaniel mix is a designer dog, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a dog breed. However, they are accepted by other registries like the DRA and DDKC.

Cockerbull Puppies

These bulldog mix puppies between a Cocker Spaniel and a Bulldog boast big personalities in a small size. Like both parents, Cockerbull puppies are loving and calm but have high energy that makes them super active, but this can change as they grow. If you are looking for a pup that will enjoy cuddling on a couch and is playful when in the mood, a Cockerbull is a superb choice.

For the most part, Cockerbull pups are relatively easy to train but this can still be a challenge if the stubborn streak of the Bulldog parent dominates. As such, it is best to start training and socialization while they are still young if you want to have a well-behaved companion.

Below is a video of a small Cockerbull which is a mix of French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel;

Cockerbull Full Grown

A fully grown male Cockerbull stands up to 15 inches while a female stands up to 14 inches tall at the withers with a weight of 30 to 50 lbs. on average. Mostly, a Bulldog Spaniel mix will have the looks of their Cocker Spaniel parent with the strength of the Bulldog parent.

We shall discuss this more in the appearance section.

History of the Breed

Not much is known about the history of the Bulldog Spaniel mix. When it started existing or where it came from remains a mystery. Mostly, mix-breeds are a result of unintentional breeding. What we are sure of is that designer dog breeds have been here for the last 20 to 30 years and likely originated somewhere in North America.

While the main reason for developing mixed breeds is strange, there is a high probability that breeders wanted a hybrid with fewer health issues than both parents. Moreover, they needed a pooch with the best traits of a family dog or companion. Designer dogs have since grown in popularity as their demand continues to heighten.

To learn more about this mixed breed, let us take a brief look at their parents.

Parents

The Bulldog – This dog breed originated from England and featured a strong build with a fierce and fearless temperament that made it suitable for sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. In spite of its frightening past, the Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds globally. Unlike their aggressive predecessors, today’s Bulldogs are gentle, social, loyal, and get along with kids. They, however, retain their bravery and protective nature which makes them great family dogs and companions.

The bulldog was documented by the AKC as a dog breed in 1886. As stated earlier, there are 3 types of bulldogs, including the English bulldog, French bulldog, and the American bulldog. The Frenchie and English bulldogs are recognized by the AKC, but the American bulldog variety is yet to be accepted as a dog breed by this kennel club. In terms of dog IQ, American and French bulldogs are more intelligent than the English bulldog variety and their ancestors as well.

On average, bulldogs live between 8 and 13 years and most of them are prone to many health issues that may shorten their lifespan. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, cherry eye, obesity, overheating, thyroid problems, skin problems, and more. This article gives more info on how to care for your bulldog.

The Cocker Spaniel – Bred purposely for hunting, this dog breed originated from the United Kingdom and was used to hunt the Eurasian woodcock. The Cocker Spaniel comes in two types, including the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel. When the breed made its way to the United States, it was developed into a unique standard that was used to hunt the American woodcock. The Cocker Spaniel was documented by the AKC as a breed in 1878.

Both the English and American Cocker Spaniels are good-natured with a friendly and loving disposition, energetic, and considered good with kids. These dogs have a high dog IQ and rank 20^th position in the most intelligent dog breeds in terms of work and obedience. Unlike Bulldogs, they are easy to train and learn new commands fast. This cocker spaniel personality among other traits is what makes the Cocker Spaniel one of the most popular dogs in many homes. The breed has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

The Cocker Spaniel size depends on the gender, but most will stand 14 to 17 inches on average with a weight of 15 to 35 lbs. The American Cocker Spaniel is smaller and tends to have a shorter lifespan than its English Cocker Spaniel cousin. However, they both come in a range of cute colors. Common health issues in Cocker Spaniels include eye diseases, ear infections, patellar luxation, mitral valve disease, canine hip dysplasia, and more.

Watch the short n video below which describes the differences between a Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel, the parents of Cockerbull offspring of the two parents breeds;

Appearance

It is tricky to tell what your Bulldog Spaniel mix will look like until it is fully grown. However, it is likely that they will inherit traits from both parents and can sometimes take after one parent more. You can expect lots of variations in physical appearance from pups of the same litter.

Both parent varieties determine the appearance of the mix, but the mixed breed is classified as small to medium-sized. So, we shall look at each of them individually.

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

The English Bulldog Spaniel mix tends to have a body that looks more like the Cocker Spaniel parent. When it comes to the size, the Cockerbull will stand between 14 and 15 inches in height with a weight of 30 to 40 lbs. Expect to see a longer muzzle, ears that are short and loose, as well as dark brown eyes.

This mixed breed comes with a short coat that is either coarse like the bulldog’s or soft like the Cocker Spaniel. Cockerbulls take after the strong features of the bulldog parent with a tail that is docked and short, plus a black nose. Possible colors for the English Bulldog Spaniel mix are white, black, and brown, and can range between white with a black nose and black & white marking.

Their coats are shorter and shed seasonally but are not suitable for cold or very hot weather.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

The American Bulldog Cocker Spaniel Mix is a small-to-medium-sized breed that stands up to 15 inches tall and weighs approx. 18 to 30 lbs. Its body structure looks more like that of the Cocker Spaniel parent with the coloring of the American Bulldog. The muzzle will be longer with droopy ears and dark intelligent eyes.

This cross has a short coat that is rough like that of the bulldog parent, or it will be soft like that of the Cocker Spaniel parent. This Cockerbull holds himself squarely and stout like the bulldog parent. It is possible for this mix to have a docked and short tail with a black nose.

Coat colors of the American Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix include brown, white, black, and pied. Remember that this mix tends to have a shorter coat that does not tolerate cold. So, it is good to keep them warm during cold seasons.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

A French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix will stand approx. 13 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 25 and 30 lbs. The cross will have shortened legs, a relatively deep chest, and a strong neck. And while their ears will be medium-sized that fall along their face, it is possible for some puppies to have bat-like ears as well.

Expect the French Cocker Spaniel to have a smooth coat that is easy to groom. Mostly, these furballs may come in brindle, brown, fawn, tan, or black colors. However, it is likely to have gray or black with tufts of white hair. They might have a bobtail or one that does not reach the hocks.

Temperament and Characteristics

Like with the appearance, you cannot predict the disposition of your Bulldog Spaniel mix. However, some characteristics are easy to tell since they are evident in both parents. Let us look at each of them separately.

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

Since the English Bulldog parent is stubborn, the Cocker Spaniel English Bulldog mix will be a small dog with a huge personality. Like both parents, the Cockerbull is calm and affectionate and tends to relate well with kids if socialized early. This mixed breed will be just fine with all types of families. Due to the Cocker Spaniel parent’s traits, expect this cross to be smart as well.

The Cockerbull tends to take after the English bulldog parent’s relaxed disposition. So, the mix is ideal for elderly people or early retirees, or people without super-active lives. This crossbreed will love to cuddle or take a long nap on the couch. Sometimes they may be playful when the Cocker Spaniel parent’s instincts dominate, but it is rare.

Unlike the Cocker Spaniel parent, the Cockerbull does not have the tendency to bark often unless he is bored with being left alone. This makes the cross ideal for apartment living. Their size and low energy levels are good for people living in small houses too.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

The American Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix is gentle and affectionate, and most owners say they are great with children of all ages. Both parents of this Cockerbull are intelligent which means that their offspring will be easy to train and learn new commands. The cross might be stubborn at times like its American Bulldog parent, but this can be controlled with early training.

Unlike their Cockerbull cousins above, this crossbreed is both energetic and active, so it is best suited for people with active lifestyles. They will be eager to join you in that hike, run, and walks, as well as play in the backyard to burn off excess energy. Therefore, this is not the pooch you expect to cuddle with all day long. They will keep you on your toes.

Thanks to the American Bulldog parent, these Cockerbulls do not bark often. However, it is prone to separation anxiety and may exhibit bad behaviors when bored, including barking.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

Both parents of the French Bulldog Spaniel mix are people-oriented that will love being in the company of their family. The mix is smart which means they can receive commands very fast. However, their Frenchie parent is very stubborn and hard to train, unlike the Cocker Spaniel parent. As such, expect your crossbreed to show a lot of obstinacy during training. They are great with kids and make excellent watchdogs that will bark to alert you when unfamiliar persons approach your home.

The French Cocker Spaniel is very outgoing and likes to seek attention from family members and visitors they know. So, expect this mix to show funny traits like the Frenchie parent. This affection to people leaves them vulnerable to separation anxiety and they can chew a lot or bark when they are bored. While they may have high energy, they may enjoy cuddling and playing indoors.

The mix is good for apartment living but would benefit a lot from early socialization.

Ease of Training

Is the Bulldog Spaniel mix easy to train?

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

Although the English Bulldog Spaniel mix may be intelligent, it inherits the English Bulldog parent’s stubbornness. This would make training the Cockerbull somewhat frustrating. As such, you will need to start training your mix from puppyhood and be patient. Like all dogs, this mix will respond best to positive reinforcement with short and enjoyable sessions.

To make sure that your Cockerbull behaves well and is comfortable even around strangers, it will require early socialization. So, take them for walks and to the dog park so they can meet new people and other animals. Early socialization with your kids is also important. The mix may also exhibit flushing and ratting traits, especially in small animals and birds.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

The American Bulldog Spaniel mix is extremely smart which makes it easy and fast to teach new commands. However, it might be a little stubborn like the bulldog parent, but early training is best when it is easy to control them. You can use their affection towards you to build a strong bond that will come in handy during training. The mix is active too which is great for training.

This mixed breed needs to be socialized early if you want them to relate well with your kids and get along with other dogs and pets at home. So, take them out to meet new people and to the dog park as well so they can learn how to behave around other dogs.

To some extent, your Cockerbull may tend to flush birds and small animals.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

The French Bulldog Spaniel is the hardest to train among the three varieties because the Frenchie parent is very stubborn. To be clear, this mixed breed is very intelligent! However, to house-train, the Frenchie parent is extremely challenging so if your mixed breed inherits this, you are not lucky. Thanks to their love for treats and attention, you can use this to your advantage during training. Also, the mix may lose interest very fast so, keep the training sessions short and use verbal praise.

Introduce crate and obedience training early when the French Bulldog Spaniel is a puppy, and make sure you socialize them with other dogs early if you want them to get along easily. Due to their small size, however, supervise them when among large dogs. If the ancestor instincts prevail, this mix may flush birds and small animals so supervise their interaction.

Exercise Requirements

The exercise requirements of any dog, including the Spaniel Bulldog mix, depending on the activity levels. However, most bulldogs have breathing problems and that could affect the amount of exercise they need per day.

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

As mentioned earlier, the English Bulldog Spaniel mix is more laid-back with low energy levels. If they take after the English bulldog parent most, the short snout may lead to breathing problems which limit the amount of exercise they need.

On average, this Cockerbull needs about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day with activities such as a brief walk or a visit to the dog park. This mix does not do well in hot climates as it is susceptible to overheating problems. So, avoid exercise in hot weather.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

While the Cocker Spaniel parent tends to be somewhat laid-back, the American bulldog is active. Therefore, these Cockerbulls will have moderate to high energy levels. Make sure this mix gets at least 45 minutes of physical exercise per day with activities like walks and ample play in the backyard.

This mixed breed also needs a lot of mental stimulation to keep its intelligence occupied and prevent boredom that could lead to destructive behaviors.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

The amount of exercise for your French Bulldog Spaniel depends on the length of the muzzle. If the mix has a very short snout, it will need little exercise compared to the one with a longer muzzle. However, you need to make sure that the cross gets sufficient physical and mental activities, so they do not get bored.

That being said, the French Bulldog Spaniel needs between 30 and 45 minutes of exercise each day. Include games such as fetch to keep them mentally engaged.

Nutritional Requirements

The Bulldog Spaniel mix’s dietary needs are determined by many factors including age, energy levels, and health issues (if any) among others.

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

The English Bulldog Spaniel mix should consume 3 cups of high-quality dog food per day that is formulated for active, medium-sized breeds. Divide this meal into 3 small servings to prevent your mixed breed from overeating. This mixed breed tends to overeat like both parents.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

These Cockerbulls need to eat 3 cups of premium dog food per day that is made for dogs with high energy and is active. As a rule of the thumb, this food should be split into 2 to 3 portions throughout the day to prevent it from free-feeding or overeating.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

French Bulldog Spaniels are smaller than their Cockerbull cousins but active. Therefore, they should eat 2 cups of high-quality dog food per day that is formulated for small dog breeds. Make sure it is divided into small meals because they tend to overeat and could be overweight.

If you are not sure how much dog food you should feed your Bulldog Spaniel mix, ask your vet to prepare the best feeding schedule for your dog’s needs. Make sure your cross has access to plenty of fresh drinking water.

Health Issues

Although bulldogs have many health issues, Spaniels are healthier than bulldogs but not without their fair share of problems. So, while their offspring is it is prone to some of these health issues that both parents suffer from.

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

Major health issues in the English Bulldog Spaniel cross include hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, pulmonic stenosis, and eye problems. This mixed breed is also prone to minor health problems such as deafness, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, skin issues, hemivertebrae, cleft palate, and more.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

Some of the common health problems in the American Bulldog Spaniel include eye problems, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, overheating, and obesity, among others.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

The French Bulldog Spaniel mix is prone to common health problems such as patellar luxation, eye problems, hypothyroidism, breathing problems, autoimmune disorders, hip dysplasia, and seborrhea.

Your Bulldog Spaniel cross should attend all the scheduled vet checkups so your vet can advise you on how to keep them healthy.

Life Expectancy

The Cocker Spaniel tends to live longer than Bulldogs, but we can attribute that to the many health conditions that bulldogs face. So, how long do Bulldog Spaniel mix live?

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

The English Bulldog lives between 8 and 10 years compared to 12 to 15 years for the Cocker Spaniel. Therefore, the English Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix will live between 9 and 14 years.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

Both the American Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel parents have a long lifespan of up to 15 years. So, their offspring, the Cockerbull, has a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years on average.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

Frenchies and Cocker Spaniels have a long lifespan, so you expect the French Bulldog Spaniel to have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years on average.

How to care for your Bulldog Spaniel mix

Proper care for the Bulldog mixed with Cocker Spaniel begins with feeding them the right diet that meets their specific needs. Then, ensure that they go for regular vet checkups and give them ample exercises to keep them fit. If you do all this and groom them appropriately, you will have a healthy and happy pooch.

Grooming

The grooming needs of your Bulldog Spaniel mix depend on the type of coat they inherit. While the bulldog is easy to maintain, the Cocker Spaniel parent is known for having high maintenance needs. So, let us take a look at each of them.

English Bulldog Spaniel mix

Typically, the English Bulldog Spaniel mix has a short normal coat that is straight which means it is easy to groom. Brushing it weekly is enough unless they are in the shedding season when they tend to shed fairly and will need to be brushed a couple of times weekly. Luckily, this mix does not inherit the drooling tendency of the bulldog parent. Buy a good vacuum cleaner.

The Cockerbull should be bathed a couple of times a month to remove the doggy smell using the right products recommended by your vet. After they come in contact with water, clean and wipe to dry their ears well to prevent any infections. Trimming their nails every few weeks is in order. Make sure you brush their teeth at least three times a week if you can’t do it daily.

American Bulldog Spaniel mix

The American Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix has a short single coat that is easy to maintain by brushing it once a week. However, the coat tends to shed, so you will need to invest in a decent vacuum cleaner. During the shedding season, brush your mix at least three times a week to keep the coat good-looking by removing dead hairs to minimize shedding.

Regular baths are unnecessary for the Cockerbull unless they get extremely dirty. Clean their ears to dry any water after a bath and to prevent infections. Their nails should be clipped every 3 to 4 weeks and brush their teeth daily or at least 3 times a week.

French Bulldog Spaniel mix

French Bulldog Spaniels may inherit a short or long-medium coat that is slightly wavy. As such, it should be brushed 2 to 3 times a week to give it a stunning look and prevent matting. This mix needs to be bathed every 6 to 8 weeks to get rid of the doggy odor. Check their ears weekly, especially if they are floppy for any signs of redness or infections.

This mix’s nails should be clipped every 6 to 8 weeks and their teeth brushed daily or at least thrice a week.

Cockerbull Price

As mentioned in the beginning, a Bulldog Spaniel cross is one of the rarest designer dogs. This means that you can expect them to be pricier than some popular mixed breeds. The price of a Bulldog Spaniel mix puppy depends on the breeder’s reputation and location. Another factor that influences the cost is the pedigree of the parents.

That being said, you should expect an English Bulldog Spaniel mix puppy to cost between $1,000 and $2,500.

An American Bulldog Spaniel mix puppy should be priced anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500.

A French Bulldog Spaniel mix puppy can cost you $1,200 to $2,500.

Remember that our prices above are calculated based on the prices of the purebred parents. If your puppy is from pedigree parents like show dogs, expect to pay higher.

Where to Adopt

Adopting a Bulldog Spaniel mix is an excellent way to save a stray or abandoned puppy and it is also cheaper than shopping from a breeder. You can start by asking workers from your local shelter and if you are not lucky, contact rescue organizations for the Cocker Spaniel or Bulldog.

FAQs