Old English Sheepdog vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison

The Cockachon is not a pure bred dog but rather a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. Very little if anything is known about who initially developed the Cockachon. It is known that the International Designer Canine Association (IDCA)registered and recognized the hybrid in 2009.

It is obviously a relatively new cross breed. The hybrid is also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Designer Dog Kennel Club (DDKC).

The origin of the Old English Sheepdog is unclear as records weren’t kept. However there are some aspects that suggest the dog originated in the 19th century and that the Scottish Bearded Collie had a significant part in the development of this dog which hails from England.

It is also believed that the Russian Owtchar was involved in the development of the Old English Sheepdog. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. In 1904, the Old English Sheepdog Club of America was also founded.

The shape of the dog has changed very little over the years and it was in the 1880s that the dog was exported to the United States.

The Cockachon is a cute, little dog very popular in current times. He is small, compact, dark eyes, a round head and black nose. He has a baby face and fluffy hair. It has a furry tail and a blunt muzzle.

The Cockachon is a mix between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. In order to get a better idea of what the hybrid can look like just look at the individual parents. The American Cocker Spaniel is a small dog with a short muzzle and domed head. It is in the Sporting Group, but it is the smallest member of the group. He has a compact, sturdy body and though domed his head is refined.

The Cocker’s stance includes a sloping topline, muscular hindquarters and strong shorter legs adds up to a balanced canine. The coat can be in a wide variety of colors including liver, golden, black, and red. Also, it could be liver and tan, black and tan, roan or tricolors. So, while the Bichon Frise is always white the Cockachon can be any of these colors including white. The types of coats that the Cocker Spaniel and the Bichon Frise have are very different as well.

The Bichon Frise is also a small dog, actually smaller than the American Cocker. The Cockachon usually ends up being about the size of the Bichon at 5-10 kg in weight and 23-30 cm in height. The skull of the Bichon Frise is round rather than domed and the muzzle is also rounded. The tail is long and curly while the Cocker would usually have a cropped tail. The nose and eyes of the Bichon Frise are black and its hair is dense and curly. Unlike the Cocker Spaniel it barely sheds.

Many Cockachon have floppy ears, curly coats and come in any variety of colors though many, many are white.

The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog standing at between 50 and 60cm and weighing between 27 and 45kg.

He is muscular with a broad bottom and hip area. The head is also large and the small ears are carried flat. The tail has always been docked, giving the dog a large panda-bear look to him, but these days the tail is often left long, and the dog loses that square compact look.

When the tail is left long it is well feathered. The coat can become fairly long and is quite harsh and wavy to straight. The coat is essentially grey with white hair over the head area. The puppies are born with their hair being black and white, and later on the traditional grey coloring comes in.

What is quite interesting with this dog is that it stands lower at the shoulder than at the loins, so just like a Panda bear, he also lopes or walks in a bear-like fashion.

Temperament:

The Old English Sheepdog isn’t an aggressive dog. He is social, intelligent and entertaining for his human family, whom he loves to spend time with.

He is an energetic dog too and he would prefer a country setting where there are large fields to run in as opposed to living on a tiny property in the city. He is an adaptable dog though, and will slot into life in the city or suburbs, so long as he is well exercised.

Train him and socialize him and he will become an obedient, amicable pet to have around.

People created the Cockachon to get a small, lap or carry dog that had certain characteristics. These characteristics included a very social, loving dog. He is active and friendly, sweet and gentle. He is loyal, and loves being loved. He is great with other dogs and you can trust him with your children. He is a little independent but very loyal.

Like many little dogs he can have serious separation anxiety. Crate training is recommended so that he has a place to feel safe when you are not with him.

The Old English Sheepdog is the ideal dog for a family pet. They love spending time with their human family and are affectionate and loyal, getting on well with children as well as other pets.

From the time he is a puppy, you can see that he is fun-loving and easy going while also being intelligent. He is also a guardian and wants to protect his human family.

Provide him with the opportunity to get out into the country sometimes if you don’t live on a farm because he is essentially a farm dog. He used to be a herding dog and likes to be busy. Treat him well and have him trained and socialized and he’ll make you a superb pet.

Hybrid dogs seldom have a lot of inherited diseases as they seem to jump a generation but if they do, it can be either a combination of both breeds issues or issues from just one of the breeds in the cross. For the Cockachon these issues include:

Luxating Patella

This loose kneecap issue is common to many small dogs and can cause lameness if not addressed.

• Eye & Ear Problems

Eyelid problems such as the ones that might bother a Cockachon can be found in many small dogs. These include Entropion and Ectropion.

It is estimated that the beautiful Old English Sheepdog can live to be about 10, 11 or 12 years of age if he is looked after well. Just like with other dog breeds though, this particular dog is also prone to some of the common dog diseases there are.

Some of these diseases include hip dysplasia, diabetes, eye diseases and deafness along with some skin problems.

Diabetes:

As a chronic disease, Diabetes can affect dogs as well as other animals and humans. Diabetes in dogs can’t be cured but it can be managed, with Diabetes Mellitus being the kind of diabetes most seen in dogs. Whatever kind of diabetes your pet has, the negative effects remain the same.

Cancer:

It can be devastating when your dog has been with you for about 10 years, to discover that he has cancer. Of course, cancer is the leading cause of death found in dogs older than the age of 10.

Many cancers are curable if you catch them early. Malignant lymphoma is a common cancer with dogs but there are other cancers too. The warning signs of cancer in dogs are much the same as what you get with humans. You’ll discover a lump or even an injury that won’t heal. There could also be abnormal bleeding.

Skin Problems:

There are many different kinds of skin problems seen in dogs, some of which are more common than others. You’ll notice your dog licking a part of the body so that the hair disappears and the skin becomes exposed.

There are skin problems started because of inadequate diet and lack of nutrition. There are plenty of commercially manufactured pet foods that don’t have the right amount of vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Always buy a good quality one to fight these very aggravating skin allergies. A vet may give hydrocortisone products but many dog owners these days try to treat their dogs with natural products.

Feeding

Don’t overfeed a Cockachon. Give him ¾ -1.5 cups of dry food of high quality in two meals per day.

Health issues

In addition to the issues listed above, the Cockachon is also prone to heart disease and cardiac issues.

Exercise and games

The Cockachon has a lot of energy for its size. Make sure it gets plenty of exercise. If walks are the exercise of your choice make sure you walk him for 30 minutes a day. He loves to play, and a back yard would be nice. These little guys do well in obedience but are usually to small for agility.

Diet:

Food allergies are caused by your dog eating food with ‘bad’ ingredients which don’t agree with him. Make sure your pet has a wholesome diet.

Invest in the very best quality commercially manufactured food. Home-made food is always a wonderful treat for any dog but it needs to be kept simple. No exotic, spicy foods and no suddenly changing your pet’s diet.

Simple, nutritional boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach added into his kibble as a treat will do wonders for your pet and he will thank you for keeping his meals tasty and simple. A little bit of raw meat added in occasionally can also do him the world of good. Fresh, cool water must always be available.

Grooming:

The Old English Sheepdog is quite a high maintenance dog, what with that long hair and all, and some owners of this dog prefer to take him to the parlor to have the hair sheared and wash, otherwise it could become a mammoth task for a dog owner.

If you opt to keep the hair long, you may end up having to be constantly brushing your pet’s coat to prevent it tangling. Not only that, if you live in a hot area, cutting the hair can help towards keeping the dog cool.

The ears of your dog should be checked regularly for infection as well as the eyes, and keep the nails clipped as well.