Ever wondered what it would be like if there was a puppy that came bearing all good genes of the ever-popular Golden Retriever and the regal Cocker Spaniels??? If yes, then you are at the right spot.
Also known as Golden Cocker Retrievers, these sweet pups may however not be a good apartment dog. The reason being their size and exercising needs. They need regular workouts and enough mind stimulation to satisfy their natural needs of fetching and hunting. And this is not generally possible for individuals living in apartments due to constricted space availability.
However, in case you are an active individual who goes on a lot of nature trips or has a dog park nearby your place, you and the pup might work out ways to stay together. But before that let’s know more about this particular mesmerising breed.
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What is a Golden Cocker Retriever?
A hybrid between two alluring canine breeds, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a highly energetic, family loving dog. These puppies are generally born when a mating takes place between a female golden retriever and a male cocker spaniel as female cockers aren’t biologically apt to hold large puppies by a male goldie.
Arriving with luscious fur similar just like its parents, this baby is one of the best breeds that you can ever have. Also commonly termed as a ‘forever puppy’, these puppies have the ability to exhibit the same adorable face for a long time. Categorised into designer canine breeds, the dog enjoys the tag of ‘being exceptionally friendly’ and ‘perfect designer dog’ for pet parents all over the world.
What is the origin history behind the hybrid?
Also known as Dakota Sport Retriever, Cogol, or a Golden Retriever-Cocker Spaniel mix, the exact origin history of this hybrid is still under wraps. While many claim that the breed came into existence because of some parents looking for a designer sports pup, there is a lot to discover yet.
The only thing we do know is that these pups were first selectively bred 20 years back, that is during the 1900s or 2000s. And even though the breed’s popularity has been on a rise, the AKC doesn’t recognise it as a breed yet.
How does a Golden Cocker Retriever look like?
Unlike purebreds, categorising physical attributes of the Dakota Sport Retriever pup might not be as easy as it seems. This is because both the parents have differing genes which can never be properly identified until the pup grows up. Moreover, their size may also vary from small to medium and therefore there is no particular size chart for these pups.
Additionally, these pups arrive in variable coat colours, with the only thing that’s generally common is a long tail like it’s female Golden mamma and voluminous fur on the ears like it’s male Spaniel papa. Some colour variations include blue, black, brown and white shades, or pure golden. Their coat is typically of a medium length and may require higher maintenance. Without regular brushing, you may end up with loose fur all around your house.
On an average these pups are 20 to 24 inches long and 30 to 45 pounds. However, as mentioned above, there is no certainty to any of these thing as each pup comes out different from the other and therefore everything depends on the set of genes it comes out with.
Is it a good Apartment dog?
If you live in a rather congested place with no access to spots where your energetic pup can relieve itself of the pent up energy, then this hybrid won’t make a good apartment dog. The pup’s body is made up of a combination of two active breeds, and you can hereby imagine how playful they would be.
They will require daily long walks, running and loads of mind stimulating games to continue their ‘good boy’ image. Or else you are simply provoking them to exhibit their bad side by destroying your furniture and pretty much anything that comes within their eye level.
Similarly, these pups when not socialised properly may turn out to be excessive barkers and extremely snappy. They will bark their head out on pretty much anything and everything that passes outside the window, be that a bird or a squirrel on a tree.
Are they good with families?
Although they might not make a good apartment dog, Golden Cocker retrievers do rank the highest when it comes to being a family dog. These little lovable four-legged buddies will love everyone and everything in your home, no matter if it’s your toddler or another pet. They are very affectionate and love to snuggle days away at a stretch, just like their biological parents.
Always eager to impress, these pups display genuine interest in dog training sessions and thus owners won’t have to face a head-strong or challenging pup anytime. They make good choices for individuals who are always on their feet and often go on long hikes or nature treks.
The Dakota Sport Retriever is a very loyal and courageous pup and would face danger head-on. However, given this very characteristic they may not react very well to sudden changes. This is why it is highly essential for proper socialisation of the pup from the very beginning, as you don’t want a little biting machine running like a madman in your house.
Do Cogols have any health issues?
A hybrid, that is a cross between two species typically has higher resistance to many illnesses, but that doesn’t mean they are completely free of all ailments. Such health conditions are hereditary in nature and hence can endanger the pup’s quality of life upon being ignored.
Some of the most commonly reported health issues in Cogols include:
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Epileptic seizures
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
There is no exact way of finding the probability of these issues in these pups. And thus, it is always best to have the pup thoroughly checked by a professional vet in regular intervals. This way, you can find out any underlying issues from a very early age and provide them with the best resolutions without compromising or risking their quality of life.
How much does a Cogol cost?
Arriving with the best of two different worlds, the cost of Golden Cocker Retriever puppies may vary anywhere from $500-$2000. As they differ in their appearances greatly, the more characteristics you are looking for, the higher the price you will have to pay.
For instance, a Cogol puppy with unique markings or a rare solid tone on its body will cost higher than a regular colored one. The same also goes for their parents’ pedigree and competition rankings.
Final Thoughts
These pups make a wonderful furry partner for life, no doubt. However, similar to every other existing dog breed, the pup might not be the best choice for all pet parents. As a result, these wonderful woofers are often abandoned in the nastiest of places or in disgusting situations, even though it’s not entirely their fault.
So, if you are planning to get a Golden Cocker Retriever for your home, be extra sure to know everything about them prior to bringing one home directly. They are super energetic pups who will need loads of patience, time and regular exercise to be on their best behaviour. And therefore as a responsible human being you need to amp up thoroughly and make sure you are ready to cater to their every need. If not, leave them for another responsible pet parent and in the meantime gather as much knowledge required from experts.
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