INTRODUCTION

The Bocker is a mongrel dog, a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and Beagle dog breeds. Small, affectionate and curious by nature, these puppies inherit some of the best qualities of their two parents. The Cocker Spaniel and Beagle mixes we call Bockers are also called Beakers or Beagle Spaniels. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these mixed-breed dogs in breed-specific shelters and rescues, so remember to adopt. These adorable pups do well in apartments and homes with fenced yards, whether with single seniors or households with children. Make sure the yard is secure, as they have a tendency to track and follow scents. Their eagerness to roam can lead them into dangerous situations, such as traffic. So be careful and take extra precautions. Bockers love play sessions and endless activity. They should not be left alone for too long. Ideally, you should have several pet families. Isolation is their biggest enemy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bockers are mixed breed dogs. They are not pure breeds like their Beagle and Cocker Spaniel parents. The main colors of Bockers are black, brown, white, merle, tricolor, and bicolor. They are rarely a solid color and are usually a combination of two or more colors. Their coat can be short and harsh like the Beagle or curly like the Cocker Spaniel. A brushing every other day and a bath every few months with a mild shampoo should satisfy their grooming needs. Because the Bocker is a small dog, it can be easily injured by over-excited children. Bockers prefer to be mostly with adults or older children who know how to play gently. Isolation and the Bocker are not compatible. If left alone for too long, they can display destructive behavior. Bockers like to play, but they can get sidetracked by new smells and launch into a new adventure. Keep a close eye on your puppy for his own safety. Bockers are suitable for families of any size and will love all members equally, but may form a strong bond with their primary caregiver.

HISTORY

The Bocker mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders began intentionally mixing Beagles and Cocker Spaniels in the late 1990s, probably in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to create a new companion dog and minimize the health problems that many purebreds suffer from. They continued to create Bockers as the demand for mixed breed puppies increased. Although Bockers began as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check local shelters, look for Bocker rescues, or check with breed-specific Beagle or Cocker Spaniel rescues, as they often help rehome the growing number of mixes in need of adoption. Bockers are recognized by:American Canine Hybrid ClubDesigner Dogs Kennel ClubDog Registry of America, Inc.International Designer Canine Registry®.