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Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix is a crossbreed between a purebred Shiba Inu and the American Cocker Spaniel. The other common name for this breed is Shocker. So, you may want to know, what’s the Shocker breed like?
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix is a crossbreed that’s friendly, intelligent, and lively. Also, the cross is a great companion for active singles and families. The Shocker is small in size with almond eyes, a narrow muzzle, and a black nose.
This crossbreed assumes most Shiba Inu traits. So, the mix has a cat-like personality. In this Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of this crossbreed.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix Physical Appearance
Shockers are usually 15-20 inches tall and weigh between 15-30 pounds. The primary colors of this mix are white, tan, red, and cream. The color can mix tan/white, black/tan, or black/white.
They have a daintier body structure, which appears lankier than that of Shibas. Despite the small body size, this mix has a high energy level.
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They have small feet, which corresponds to their body size, and have almond eyes. They mainly have a black nose with a small narrow muzzle.
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix has a thick coat with medium to long hair. So, you might want to consider frequent grooming. The tail is soft and fluffy and curls over its back.
Like Shiba Inus shedding coat, mostShockers have a thick cottony coat. This coat often sheds to reveal the inner soft, thick fur, which is plushier. The cross has a rough line of fur that runs down its spine.
The primary colors of Shockers that are common include tan, black, white, and brown. Further, it can be a combination of any or all, or all of these.
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix Personality
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix is friendly and a good companion. Besides, they can be good family dogs as they relate well with kids.
This crossbreed gets its traits from both parents. The Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix color, weight, and size and usually come from both parent breeds.
They have an average height of 15 inches at shoulder level. Also, they can weigh anywhere between 15 and 30 pounds, averaging 20 pounds.
The crossbreed has medium affection, thus family friendly. Also, it relates well with other pets. However, you may have to train and socialize them together first.
They’re not friendly to strangers at first sight. However, they’re not the perfect dogs for watchdogs as they lack enough body strength.
Thankfully, this crossbreed is suitable for apartment living, even with limited space. They’re small to moderate in size and always remain clean; thus, they won’t stress you with cleaning issues.
Also, they’re not bad for new owners as they’re less sensitive. Unlike Shibas, this crossbreed makes a good pet dog for a first-time owner.
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix Temperament
Shockers have a moderate temperament and hardly show aggression. However, they can be somewhat possessive and territorial.
Therefore, this crossbreed can be aggressive if they sense a threat. This can be a stranger wanting to take their toys or the presence of other dogs in their territory.
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In addition, this mix is alert, social, active, and loyal to the owner and immediate family. Also, the crossbreed is playful with those they trust.
Shocker crossbreeds are affectionate and trustworthy. So, they can play beside your kids without harming them.
They can be sweet as they show affection to their owners. So, if you plan to own one, expect them to cuddle next to you while curling on your lap often.
Of importance, Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mixes are intelligent and energetic. So, they need frequent exercise to keep their positive attitude high.
Shockers are self-assured puppies. This means that they’ll never say no to a good time. So, they keep kids busy for a long time before they run out of stream.
Owners will tell you how this crossbreed can be friendly and lively. However, they also have a yappy and defensive side.
You’ll have to engage them in talks more often since they’re highly vocal about everything. Although getting them to be silent can be hard, you need to train them from an early age.
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix Care and Maintenance Tips
Training Needs
This crossbreed is intelligent and a little bit difficult to train. The breed often wants to take the alpha position, which you shouldn’t allow.
Instead, you have to be firm and consistent always. Ensure to be firm always so that they can know their place.
The best way to train your canine friend is to break the training into smaller sessions. Short sessions are easier and take an average of 5 minutes. This keeps their attention span high.
Also, the crossbreed might have a high prey drive. So, ensure to handle them properly and initiate obedience training early.
Positive reinforcement should always stick to your fingertips. Praise them when they do well and try to correct bad behavior.
Grooming Requirements
Grooming is essential for every other dog, and so is the Shocker mix. Although this crossbreed has less fur, you must groom them occasionally.
You must note that grooming involves several practices, which are brushing the coat, clipping your canines’ nails, and bathing them.
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You don’t have to do all these grooming practices simultaneously. Instead, have a timetable for each.
For example, you can brush their coats twice a week. Clip their nails once every three months, and take them for a bath every three to six months.
Although Shockers don’t shed a lot, you should invest in a good vacuum cleaner. It helps keep your floor clean and free from fur.
Otherwise, occasional shedding will happen, thus sending fur tumbleweeds everywhere in your house. If your crossbreed is more of a Shiba Inu, a vacuum cleaner and a brush will come in handy.
Exercise Requirements
This crossbreed is a moderate to high energy level dog. So, you don’t need a lot of exercise. Plan for long or short walks to keep your canine friends’ energy levels down.
Enough walks for your canine friend should last at least 40 minutes. However, you can do up to an hour; this depends on your pooch friends’ state by the 40th minute.
Lack of exercise can make them destructive. Ensure you exercise your pooch friend at least once a day. The crossbreed can either have a high or moderate energy level.
So, exercising them prevents a lot of bad traits. Besides, a tired dog is a good dog. You can also use other exercise ways like playing games.
Playing games around your homestead with your crossbreed helps them exercise. At the same time, you can introduce training and positive reinforcement during play.
Socialization Needs
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix needs socialization. Although this crossbreed is often good with people, you need to socialize them.
Socialization should go hand in hand with training. So, as you train them, ensure you visit the dog park for socialization.
Also, socialize them with people. However, most Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mixes are usually good with people. However, this isn’t a guarantee; the Shiba Inu might override the American Cocker Spaniel.
If Shiba Inus overrides Cocker Spaniel, the cross may not be good with strangers. Therefore, socialization should be compulsory.
However, if your pup isn’t aggressive and behaves well with strangers, there’s not much need for socialization.
Diet And Nutrition
Shocker mix needs a good diet as the cross is a muscular dog with a lot of athleticism. Besides, the cross loves to play and can move all day without wearing out.
So, you should feed them a high-protein diet to supplement their high energy needs. The dog’s body is naturally fat-friendly. I don’t mean feeding your pup until they’re overweight.
So, 2 to 2 and ½ cups of food daily is enough. You can divide the amount into two meals. Also, the different food types you use have guidelines. Ensure to read them before feeding your canine friend.
Health Issues in Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix
This crossbreed of a Cocker Spaniel and a Shiba Inu is generally healthy. However, there are some complications the breed is prone to, including;
- Glaucoma: This is an eye complication that results from high fluid pressure inside the eye. It often causes blindness and has no treatment.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a joint problem where the hind socket joints dislodge from their normal position. So, they keep rubbing together, causing pain and mobility issues.
- Cataracts: This health condition affects the eyes. Whereas it’s not life-threatening, this condition can lead to blindness.
- Patellar Luxation: This condition involves the dislocation of the kneecaps. The treatment usually involves surgery.
- Allergies: This crossbreed is prone to both food and skin allergies. So, you must know what you’re feeding your canine friend. Common causes of allergies are mold spores, pollen, and some types of proteins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Cocker Spaniel and Shiba Inu Mix Called?
A Cocker Spaniel and Shiba Inu mix is known as “Shocker.” The crossbreed must be between purebred parent breeds.
This crossbreed between an American Cocker Spaniel and a Shiba Inu gives a sweet and affectionate designer dog.
What Is a Shocker?
A Shocker is a crossbreed between a Shiba Inu and an American Cocker Spaniel dog. The mix is playful, energetic, sweet, and affectionate.
Also, the cross can be somewhat protective of their human family. Not only family members but also their toys.
How Much Is Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix?
You can get a Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix at a cost ranging between $250 to $1,200. The cost depends on the breeder and the parent breed’s lineage.
Crossbreeds that come from purebreds without health conditions are costlier. However, you can always check with the rescue centers nearby for a cheaper option.
How Big Does a Shocker Get?
Shockers have a height of between 15 to 30 inches. However, this can vary depending on the parent breeds. Some can be larger, while others are smaller.
They’re among the categories of medium-size dogs. Besides, they resemble miniature Shiba Inus, which are also small.
Is Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel Mix Good with Kids?
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mixes are good with kids. They’re friendly and know how to play with kids, especially kids who understand how to handle the dog.
So, one thing you don’t want to miss is the training and socialization of your fur friend. They’re essential, especially in making the breed more friendly.
Final Words on Shiba Inu American Cocker Spaniel Mix
Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel mix is a playful, energetic, lively, and affectionate crossbreed. Also, this dog likes cuddling and thus can be your sweet companion.
Also, this crossbreed can be nippy. So, you should train them from an early age. They like barking a lot. Train your crossbreed not to bark when there’s no need.
This mix likes barking at anything that seems unusual to them. Positive reinforcement comes in handy to train this small fur friend not to bark at anything.
The crossbreed has moderate to high energy levels. So, you’ll have to exercise your crossbreed to keep them in good health, fit, and happy.
Due to the breed’s intelligence, start training early and utilize short training sessions. Short sessions prevent loss of attention.