The Yorkshire Terrier is a famous little dog because it is a hypoallergenic breed with a good temperament. But it is a bit small for some families. The idea of a crossbreed like a Corkie is intriguing, especially if you can get a larger family-friendly dog with most of the benefits of the Yorkie. Is this the case? What do you get when you choose a Corkie?
What is a Corkie? A Corkie is a result of cross-breeding a Yorkshire Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel. The idea is that you end up with a small-to-medium-sized dog that is a great family pet with the right training. It isn’t the tiny lap dog you get with a pure Yorkie, but it does have some of the terrier’s better traits.
Is a Corkie the right choice?
In this guide, you will learn more about this Cocker Spaniel Yorkshire Terrier hybrid. First, there are all of the physical characteristics that make this dog so appealing. Then, we will look at some of the behavioral traits and training implications. Then we will look at their health and lifespan to highlight any areas of concern. Finally, we will discuss buying Corkie puppies and rescuing Corkies from shelters.
How big are Corkie dogs?
A Yorkshire Terrier Cocker Spaniel cross is usually around 12 inches tall. They aren’t large dogs and are still a great size for anyone living in an apartment. This makes them 4 inches taller than the Yorkshire Terrier. There is a more significant weight difference, with the Corkie weighing approximately 15 pounds and the Yorkie no more than 6. This means a more robust and stocky little dog.
What do Cocker Spaniel Yorkshire Terrier crosses look like?
Corkies don’t look that much like a Yorkshire Terrier or a Cocker Spaniel. They are their own animal. You have a stockier animal with short legs and a longer torso. The face shape is similar to that of the Yorkie, with a short muzzle. But, they tend to have floppy ears that are halfway between both breeds. This is incredibly endearing, especially when they are puppies. Some may have erect ears instead.
What sort of coat do Corkies have?
The majority of those Yorkie Cocker crossbred dogs will have a longer coat with straighter and silky hair. This is to be expected when you look at the coats of both parent breeds. The density and feel can vary, however, based on genetics.
There is also an extensive range of coat colors available in this hybrid. Some are very pale with a tendency towards white and golden tones, while others could be pure black. There is also the potential for blue and red genetics to come through as well.
Are Corkies hypoallergenic?
You are sure to come across lots of guides that say that the Corkie is a hypoallergenic dog because the Yorkie is. But, beware that there is a small chance that the puppies will develop a coat more like their Cocker Spaniel mother. You will probably be okay with this dog if you have allergies, but it isn’t the 100% guarantee you may have read.
Are Corkies good with kids?
This is an area where you need to be a bit more careful. The best-trained Corkies do make great family pets that are very affectionate and willing to take commands. They are also happy to play with children and have fun. But, they can also be quite sensitive and might not respond well to small children that don’t know how to play gently. With time, socialization, and training, you can build a good relationship for both the dog and the kids.
Do Corkies have any other behavioral problems to worry about?
Another issue to be aware of here is that these little dogs have a strong prey drive. This comes from the Yorkie side, as these dogs are great at dealing with small rodents and vermin. So, there is a risk that they might go for any smaller animals in the house.
There is also a risk of these dogs developing separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. This could result in excessive vocalization and destructive behaviors. The sooner you handle this or provide distractions, the better for all concerned.
Are Corkies easy to train?
You can train Corkies out of these negative behavior traits and get them used to being with children and other animals. However, it does require a lot of work.
There are two obstacles to overcome here. The first is the stubborn independence, making it harder for them to handle new commands or long training sessions. The other is that sensitivity.
This is why positive reinforcement is the best way to train Cocker Yorkie cross-bred dogs.
How do you take care of a Corkie at home?
Grooming is a big part of taking care of Corkies. Their long silky coat is prone to tangles and matting, which means you need to invest in a good brush. Work out the knots daily, so it doesn’t get out of control.
You can also take them to a groomer to keep their fur at a more manageable length. Bathing with the right shampoo should also help with conditioning. Other grooming needs include regular nail trimming and ear cleaning because of those floppy ears.
Make sure that they have enough space at home in which to play and run around. This is a dog with a medium activity level. Therefore, regular play and walks are a must. This will keep them fit and strong and reduce the risk of boredom.
Do Corkies have any health concerns?
Corkies can be long-living animals, with some living as long as 15 years. This will all depend on their lifestyle and any diseases that they pick up along the way. Thankfully, there aren’t too many significant concerns here.
Key issues to watch out for include Patellar Luxation, Entropion, Ectropion, and Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome.
Your vet will provide all the right tests and check-ups to ensure that your dog remains in the best possible health. If you ever have any concerns, let them know.
Another possible issue here is that these dogs can put on weight. It is too easy to overfeed them and not give them adequate exercise. Obesity can put greater strain on the knees of these dogs as well as their vital organs.
It is crucial to maintain portion control, minimize treats, and provide at least 40 minutes of exercise each day.
How much are Corkie puppies?
The cost of a Corkie puppy will vary depending on the dog’s linage, the reputation of the breeder, and any additional costs upfront. You are looking at somewhere between $200 to $450. Remember to check out all the puppies and their parents before you buy them.
That way, you can be sure of a healthy stock from a right home. They should come from a Yorkshire Terrier father and Cocker Spaniel mother to protect the mother’s health.
Can you get a rescue Corkie from a shelter?
While you never know what sorts of hybrids you will get in shelters, there is always a chance that a Corkie might show up. Rescue animals can be a challenge. But this is also a rewarding way to bring one of these loving dogs into a family and give it a second chance at a happier life.
The Pros and Cons of choosing a Corkie
In short, you can expect the following pros and cons when raising one of these Yorkshire Terrier Cocker Spaniel crosses.
Pros:
1) An affectionate family dog with the right training
2) A good size for smaller homes and apartments
3) Potentially hypoallergenic for those with allergies
4) Not too hard to take care off with regular check-ups and grooming
5) an adorable looking animal
6) Not too many major health concerns
Cons:
1) Sensitivity issues with small children that require training
2) A strong prey drive
3) They can be a bit stubborn when training them
4) Prone to weight gain without the right exercise planet
So, while there are some drawbacks to choosing this dog, there are many potential benefits. The hard work in training and socialization does pay off when you end up with a loyal, playful little pup that becomes a big part of the family.
Is the Corkie right for you and your family?
There is a lot to love about this cute little dog. New owners prepared to put in the work with training and socialization should find that they are a loving family dog. Ensure that you can commit to their needs when it comes to training, exercise, and grooming. If you think a Corkie is a good fit for your family, look up local breeders or shelters to find a healthy Corkie puppy near you.
Sources:
Feature Image Credit: TheHappyPuppySite.com
https://wagwalking.com/breed/corkie
