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Corkie (Cocker Spaniel & Yorkie Mix): Complete Guide, Info, Pictures, Care & More!

Written by: Oliver Jones

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Oliver Jones

Corkie (Cocker Spaniel & Yorkie Mix): Complete Guide, Info, Pictures, Care & More!

With a personality and face that will immediately win over your heart, the Corkie is a perky and playful little dog that loves to please. Developed by breeding a Cocker Spaniel with a Yorkshire Terrier, the Corkie makes a fantastic pet for families, seniors, and singles. A super smart and highly affectionate breed, this designer dog is great for folks looking for a low-shedding pet.

Breed Overview

Height:

8-14 inches

Weight:

9-20 pounds

Lifespan:

10-15 years

Colors:

white, black, tan, sable, blue, red, cream, silver, brown

Suitable for:

Seniors, singles, families with other pets and children, apartment dwellers, those seeking a hypoallergenic dog

Temperament:

Loyal & loving, intelligent, eager to please, highly trainable

Before you bring home a cute and cuddly Corkie puppy, there are several things you need to know about properly caring for this jolly dog. Thankfully, this in-depth guide will answer all of your questions about Corkie care!

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider-dog pawCorkie Puppies

Corkie with crown_Oksamutnaya_Shutterstock
Image Credit: Oksamutnaya, Shutterstock

As affectionate as she is active, the Corkie is a happy-go-lucky hybrid dog that will provide you with endless amounts of loyalty and love. Developed by purposefully breeding a Cocker Spaniel with a Yorkie, the Corkie is not a mutt. Rather, she’s a crossbreed that offers the best traits of both of her purebred parents. Small, sweet, and sensitive, the Corkie does just as well in a large house as she would in a smaller apartment setting. It’s important to note that Corkies are extremely social dogs that cannot be left alone for long stretches of time. If you travel a lot or work long hours, this breed is not for you.

Parent_breeds_Corkie
Image Credit: Left – Pixabay | Right – Rebeccacashworth, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Corkie

Corkies are highly affectionate, playful, obedient, and social dogs. She is not afraid to show you just how much she adores you! As we stated before, Corkies are prone to separation anxiety. Being a sensitive pup, the Corkie needs constant reassurance and companionship. If left alone for long periods, she might resort to bad behavior including destructive chewing and excessive yapping.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Absolutely! The Corkie makes a great pet for families with both young and older children. Early socialization and training are key to ensure your Corkie stays confident and calm around unfamiliar faces. Always keep a close eye on your tots whenever they’re playing with your dog.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Being a social butterfly, the Corkie makes an excellent addition to a multi-pet household. She gets along well with other dogs and even cats. However, due to her parent Yorkie breed’s history as a ratter, a Corkie may want to chase and pounce on smaller pets. Never leave her alone with rabbits, hamsters, or other tiny critters.

divider-pawThings to Know When Owning a Corkie:

Now that you know all about this playful pup’s personality, here’s everything you need to know about properly caring for your new Corkie!

Food & Diet Requirements

Corkies are small, energetic dogs. As such, you’ll need to feed your pet a high-quality kibble that caters to her weight and high activity levels. Feed your Corkie about two cups of premium dog food divided into two meals each day. This will cost you between $30 and $60 monthly. Ensure your pup always has access to clean, fresh water.

Exercise

Thanks to her terrier heritage, the Corkie is a spunky and energetic dog. Though she can do well in an apartment, she still needs at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. Walk your Corkie about a mile every day. If you don’t have access to a yard, take her to a dog park or consider enrolling her in doggy daycare.

Training

Corkies are highly trainable dogs. They love to learn and aim to please. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best for this hybrid breed. Offer your Corkie plenty of praise, tasty treats, and encouragement to see steady progress. Soon enough, she’ll be able to learn more complicated tricks!

Grooming ✂️

The Corkie is a hypoallergenic dog, meaning she doesn’t shed as much as other breeds. However, she does require daily brushing with a de-shedder, comb, and slicker brush to keep her thick coat tangle-free. Trim her nails, clean her ears and eyes, and brush her teeth regularly.

Health and Conditions

Minor Conditions
  • Retinal dysplasia
  • Lip fold pyoderma
  • Seborrhea
Serious Conditions
  • Patellar luxation
  • Ectropion
  • Entropion
  • Exposure keratopathy syndrome

An overall hardy little dog, the Corkie can be prone to certain health issues later in life. Annual wellness visits, and occasional testing, including x-rays and blood tests, will ensure your Corkie stays healthy throughout her entire lifespan.


Male vs Female

Male Corkies tend to be a bit bigger than females. Both genders have the same temperaments.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Corkie

1. Cocker Spaniels Traveled with Pilgrims

That’s right! Many experts believe that today’s Cocker Spaniels can be traced back to two dogs that were aboard the historic Mayflower.


2. Yorkies Are Actually Working Dogs

Despite their petite size, Yorkies were actually intended to be working dogs. Their small stature came in handy for hunting and killing rats and other pests in clothing mills. Nowadays, Yorkies are considered to be companion dogs.


3. A Coat of Many Colors

Corkies come in a variety of colors, including blue, cream, brown, black, and white.

divider-dogConclusion

If you’re in the market for a fantastic little dog, consider adding a Corkie to your family! Great with kids and other pets, the Corkie is intelligent, affectionate, and so much fun! If you travel often or aren’t home a lot, this breed is not best suited for you.

Whether you live in a house or apartment, or single or have a large family, the Corkie could be the perfect pup for your household!

submit a pet pk dog

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Left- Alkhaine, Pixabay | Right – Alkhaine, Pixabay

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