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Cocker Westie (Cocker Spaniel & Westie Mix) Info, Pics, Traits, Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Cocker Westie (Cocker Spaniel & Westie Mix)

Height: 12–18 inches
Weight: 15–35 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Colors: White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, black
Suitable for: Active families, people who are home often, families with children, apartment living
Temperament: Loyal, inquisitive, agile, graceful, companionable, sensitive

Cocker Westies, the result of crossing a purebred Cocker Spaniel with a purebred West Highland White Terrier, are popular designer dogs and the ultimate small companions. Known for their attachment and loyalty, Cocker Westies are usually glued to their owner’s side.

They’re energetic and playful, which is great for families looking for a small but active dog. While their small size may fool you, the inquisitive dogs are athletic companions that can excel in many areas. Let’s dive into what makes the Cockier Westie a great companion and family pet.

Divider 1Cocker Westie Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Purebred Cocker Spaniel puppies have grown in popularity, which usually results in a high price for Cocker Westie pups. Although Cocker Westies are not purebred dogs, they’re considered a designer breed.

When looking for a Cocker Westie, take your time to find a reputable and ethical breeder. Make sure they let you visit the facilities, share the puppy’s medical background with you, and let you meet the puppy’s parents or siblings. You can also try to find one of these pups at your local shelter. This specific mix might not be guaranteed, but you can get lucky by finding another similar Cocker Spaniel mix.

When you bring a Cocker Westie home, be ready to have a loyal dog by your side. They’re very agile and energetic and need regular walks and mental stimulation to avoid boredom.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cocker Westie

1. Cocker Westies Have Double Coats.

Cocker Westies always have double coats since they’re bred from two purebred dogs with double coats. They’ll require moderate coat maintenance, including daily brushing and monthly bathing, to prevent matting.

2. Cocker Westies Are High-Energy Dogs.

Cockier Westies have tons of energy, especially as puppies. They aren’t your average lapdogs and need plenty of exercise, so they’re great for active owners who enjoy spending time outdoors.

3. Cocker Westies Are First-Generation Mixes.

Cocker Westies are rarely multi-generational since they’re still relatively new to the designer dog breed market. They’re usually first-generation hybrids coming from purebred parents.

Parent Breeds of the Cocker Westie
Image Credit: (L) Lendkadan, Shutterstock | (R) Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cocker West Highland Terrier Mix 🧠

Since Cocker Westies are hybrid dogs, there’s no way to know what kind of temperament and intelligence your puppy may have. Several factors can influence a dog’s behavior, especially with mixed-breed dogs. However, we can look at the temperaments and intelligence levels of Cocker Spaniels and West Highland White Terriers to get a better idea of what your Cocker Westie might be like.

Cocker Spaniels are good-natured, playful dogs from the Spaniel group and are praised for their affection and loyalty to their families. They’re quite intelligent and are usually eager to learn, but they’re sensitive and do best with positive reinforcement training methods. While they’re not overly stubborn, some Cockers exhibit independence that can overwhelm a first-time dog owner. They’re also relatively friendly to new people as long as they’re socialized early.

West Highland White Terriers are bright and active dogs known for their strong-willed and courageous personalities. Westies can go from easy-going to full-on bark mode and stay true to their Terrier roots. These small dogs are almost too smart for their own good, which can lead them to trouble. Aside from their boss-like demeanors, Westies are highly affectionate and love attention.

Cocker Westies seem to be an even mix of Cocker Spaniel and West Highland White Terriers, but their temperaments can vary drastically. Though we can’t guarantee what your Cocker Westie’s temperament will be, it’s safe to say that they will be loyal and devoted to their families. Since both breeds have a strong need for companionship, your Cocker Westie pup will most likely have the same need.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Despite their small size, the Cocker West Highland Terrier Mix is a hardy dog with lots of energy. Their small bodies can be fragile, so children must be taught to handle them responsibly. Cocker Westies are also great for families that enjoy outdoor activities since they demand to be a part of the fun.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Cocker Westies can do well with other dogs and cats with early socialization as long as they’re introduced carefully. The problem is that Spaniel and Terrier dogs have high prey drives, so we don’t recommend them for houses with smaller animals. However, each dog is different, and with enough socialization and training, they can get along with other pets.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Cocker Westie

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Cocker Westies are small dogs that need specific nutrients, so we recommend finding a dry dog kibble formulated for small dogs. Dry kibble is important to keep their teeth and gums clean, especially with smaller dogs. In addition to dry kibble, canned wet food should be added for more nutrition and flavor. For a more specialized diet, we recommend consulting your veterinarian for your dog’s specific needs.

Exercise 🐕

Cocker Westies come from two high-energy canines. At a minimum, your Cocker Westie requires a few brisk walks and an hour of off-leash playtime. They need more than just physical exercise; they’ll need mental stimulation to prevent boredom or anxiety from developing. The Ethical Pet Seek a Treat puzzle toy is a great game for your Cocker Westie, which triggers their hunting and foraging instincts.

Cocker Westies are naturally athletic dogs and can excel in canine sports. Agility is a great way to reinforce the basics of obedience while providing your dog with a physical outlet. It can also improve your bond with your dog, which is always a plus.

Training 🦮

Cocker Westies are smart dogs that are eager enough to learn, so there shouldn’t be too much trouble training. West Highland White Terriers are somewhat challenging to housebreak, so it’s essential to be consistent. Cocker Westies are sensitive pups, and positive reinforcement training with the occasional treat is recommended.

Harsh training methods are ineffective and can make them more fearful. Group obedience classes are a great place to start since they allow your puppy to socialize and meet new puppies. Since these hybrids are high on the intelligence level, your Cocker Westie will do well with these classes.

Grooming ✂️

Cocker Westies have double-layered coats that must be brushed at least once a week, but preferably once a day. We recommend using brushes meant for double coats to prevent matting and snarling. Bathing your Cocker Westie once a month will maintain the coat while reducing “dog” odors, but it’s crucial not to over-bathe your dog and dry out the skin.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Although Cocker Westies come from two healthy dog breeds, there are still some health concerns that they might inherit. Let’s take a look at the health issues of the West Highland White Terrier and the Cocker Spaniel to get a better idea of what kind of health problems your Cocker Westie might face:

Common Health Conditions of the Cocker Spaniel
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Cataracts
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Glaucoma
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Epilepsy
Common Health Conditions of the West Highland White Terrier
  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy
  • Legg-Perthes Disease
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Dental problems
  • Cancer

Though conditions like Hip Dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are serious concerns, most of the conditions that Westies and Cocker Spaniels face have treatments available. It’s best to prepare financially for any health conditions before buying your Cocker Westie, especially if they’re predisposed to several.

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Male vs Female

Whether to adopt a male or female is a constant debate, but there is not much difference in their temperaments. Male Cocker Westies are bigger, and they like to mark their territory, which can become a problem if not nipped in the bud. Aside from their size and marking, males and females are similar and both make excellent pets.

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Conclusion

Cocker Westies are athletic and happy hybrids that enjoy spending every waking hour with their owners, making them an ideal choice for families and dog owners who are home often. These clever little dogs will entertain you to no end, especially when they’re younger and have more puppy energy. Aside from their Westie stubbornness, Cocker Westies respond very well to training. If you’re looking for a companion dog that will quickly bond with you, the Cocker Westie will not disappoint.

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Featured Image Credit: Pxhere

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