Cockador
A friendly, eager-to-please Cocker–Labrador cross that makes a sociable family dog. Loves people and activity, with the gundog drive of both parents. Size, coat and energy vary depending on which parent they take after.
Cockador scorecard
Overview
The Cockador is a designer crossbreed created by mating a Cocker Spaniel with a Labrador Retriever. Sometimes called a Spanador, it brings together two of Britain's most popular family gundogs, aiming for an affectionate, biddable and active companion. The result is typically a medium-sized, friendly dog with a love of people, play and the outdoors.
The Cockador is not a recognised breed. It has no Kennel Club or FCI standard and no registry, so size, coat and temperament vary between individuals and litters depending on the parents and the generation. Because both parents are gundogs, most Cockadors are energetic, food-loving and eager to please, but buyers should expect a dog that needs proper exercise and training rather than a low-maintenance pet.
Good to know — a Cockador is best with a garden and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Cockador's character comes from its two well-established parent breeds. The Cocker Spaniel is a British gundog bred to flush and retrieve game, known for its merry, affectionate nature and famously waggy tail. The Labrador Retriever, developed in Britain from dogs originating in Newfoundland, was bred to retrieve from water and is celebrated as a friendly, trainable, food-motivated all-rounder; it is consistently among the UK's most popular breeds.
The deliberate Cocker-Labrador cross is a modern phenomenon, part of the wider trend for designer crossbreeds combining sporting breeds. Because both parents are working gundogs with strong appetites and high sociability, the Cockador tends to be people-focused and active. As always, a responsible breeder who health-tests both the Cocker and Labrador lines is essential.
Temperament & family fit
Cockadors are typically friendly, affectionate and outgoing, combining the Cocker's gentle, eager-to-please nature with the Labrador's sociability and patience. They usually love human company, get on well with children and other dogs, and make enthusiastic, fun-loving family pets. Both parent breeds are known for being good-natured, which generally carries through to the cross.
That sociability means they thrive on attention and can struggle when left alone for long periods. Both parents are also food-driven and can be excitable, so a Cockador may be boisterous and mouthy, especially as a young dog. Early socialisation and training channel this energy positively. They are rarely aggressive but their enthusiasm needs guidance.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
The Cockador is usually highly trainable, as both parent breeds are intelligent and motivated to work with people; the Labrador in particular is a favourite for assistance and gundog work. Reward-based training with food and praise tends to be very effective, and these dogs enjoy having a job to do.
Focus on recall, lead manners and impulse control early, as the gundog heritage brings a love of sniffing, chasing and retrieving. Mental challenges such as scent games and retrieve work suit them well. Because they are food-motivated, watch that training treats do not lead to weight gain, and teach calm settling to manage their natural exuberance.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Cockador typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat type varies between the Labrador's short, dense double coat and the Cocker's longer, feathered coat, so grooming needs differ from dog to dog. Most Cockadors need regular brushing, often several times a week, and those with more Cocker-type coats may need occasional trimming. The drop ears inherited from both parents need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infections. They shed, and are not hypoallergenic.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Cockador
Feed a complete, good-quality food appropriate to the dog's size, age and activity level. Both Cocker Spaniels and Labradors are notably food-motivated and prone to obesity, with Labradors in particular known for a strong appetite, so portion control is especially important for this cross. Measure meals, account for training treats, monitor body condition and keep fresh water available at all times.
A medium breed
An adult Cockador typically weighs 13–25 kg, so a healthy Cockador eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–15 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Cockadors sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
How much should a Cockador weigh?
Adult 13–25 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2–3.8 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3.3–6.3 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 6.5–12.5 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 13–25 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Cockador
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Cockador's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Simpsons Dog Sensitive Lamb Potato
A grain-free lamb and potato dry food for dogs with sensitive skin or digestion
From£17.05
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
Cockador health & costs
Before bringing a Cockador home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Cockador can inherit conditions from both parents, and responsible breeders should health-test the Cocker and Labrador lines. From the Labrador side, hip and elbow dysplasia are important concerns, along with hereditary eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and a strong tendency toward obesity. From the Cocker side, eye problems, ear infections and certain inherited conditions are recognised.
Both parent breeds have established Kennel Club health schemes, so buyers should ask for hip and elbow scores and eye-test results for the parents. The drop ears of both breeds make ear care a lifelong commitment. Given the obesity risk from both sides, weight management is one of the most impactful things owners can do for a Cockador's long-term health. Pet insurance is advisable.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint common in Labradors; ask for parental hip scores
- Elbow dysplasia — an inherited joint condition in Labradors that can cause lameness and arthritis
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited eye disease in both Cockers and Labradors leading to blindness
- Ear infections — long drop ears in both parents trap moisture and need regular cleaning and checks
- Obesity — both parent breeds are food-driven and gain weight easily, straining joints and overall health
- Cataracts — clouding of the lens recognised in both parent breeds, so eye testing of parents is important
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Cockador; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Cockador puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Cockador
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, people-loving family dog
- Highly trainable and good with children
Things to consider
- Needs plenty of exercise and stimulation
- Moderate shedding and feathered coat needs grooming
Compare the Cockador
See how the Cockador measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Cockador?
The Cockador is a designer crossbreed created by mating a Cocker Spaniel with a Labrador Retriever, sometimes called a Spanador. It brings together two of Britain's most popular family gundogs, aiming for an affectionate, biddable and active companion. The result is typically a medium-sized, friendly dog with a love of people, play and the outdoors.
How big is a fully grown Cockador?
A fully grown Cockador is a medium-sized dog, typically standing around 35–50 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 13–25 kg. As a crossbreed there is no breed standard, so size varies between individuals and litters depending on the parents and generation. Meeting both parents gives the best guide to likely adult size.
What is the difference between a Cockador and a Springador?
Both are Labrador crosses, but the Cockador crosses a Cocker Spaniel with a Labrador, while the Springador crosses an English Springer Spaniel with a Labrador. The Springador tends to be larger (around 46–61 cm, 20–34 kg) and very high-energy, whereas the Cockador is generally medium-sized (around 35–50 cm, 13–25 kg). Both are active gundog crosses needing plenty of exercise.
Are Cockadors good family dogs?
Yes, generally. Cockadors are typically friendly, affectionate and outgoing, combining the Cocker's gentle, eager-to-please nature with the Labrador's sociability and patience. They usually love human company, get on well with children and other dogs, and make enthusiastic family pets. They thrive on attention and can struggle when left alone for long periods, and may be boisterous and mouthy as young dogs.
How much exercise does a Cockador need?
The Cockador is an active dog that needs a good amount of daily exercise, typically an hour or more, plus mental stimulation. Both parents are working gundogs bred for stamina, so a short stroll is rarely enough. They enjoy off-lead runs in safe areas, retrieving games, swimming and sniffing walks. Without enough exercise and enrichment they can become bored and prone to unwanted behaviours.
Do Cockadors shed and how much grooming do they need?
Yes, they shed and are not hypoallergenic. Coat type varies between the Labrador's short, dense double coat and the Cocker's longer, feathered coat, so grooming needs differ. Most need regular brushing, often several times a week, and more Cocker-type coats may need occasional trimming. The drop ears inherited from both parents need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infections.
What health problems can a Cockador inherit?
From the Labrador side, hip and elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, and a strong tendency toward obesity are key concerns. From the Cocker side, eye problems, ear infections and certain inherited conditions are recognised. Both parent breeds have Kennel Club health schemes, so ask for hip and elbow scores and eye-test results for the parents.
Are Cockadors prone to weight gain?
Yes. Both Cocker Spaniels and Labradors are notably food-motivated and prone to obesity, with Labradors in particular known for a strong appetite, so portion control is especially important for this cross. Measure meals, account for training treats and monitor body condition. Given the obesity risk from both sides, weight management is one of the most impactful things owners can do for long-term health.
Are Cockadors good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Cockadors tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Cockador need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Cockador needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Cockadors shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Cockadors easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Cockadors are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Cockadors bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Cockadors good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Cockadors suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Cockador is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Cocker Spaniel breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/spaniel-cocker/
- The Kennel Club — Labrador Retriever breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
- PDSA — Labrador Retriever: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/labrador-retriever
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and behaviour: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/dog-breeds-and-behaviour
- RSPCA — Buying a puppy: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy
Recommended for your Cockador
Matched to a Cockador's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation.
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Chase Buddy Boredom Busting Dog Toy
A sturdy chase toy for dogs left alone for short spells, redirecting the energy that turns into barking, pacing and chewed skirting boards into active play.
£23.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Self-Moving Interactive Dog Ball
A rechargeable self-moving ball that rolls and changes direction to keep dogs engaged. Ultra-quiet (around 35dB) for indoor and apartment use, helping ease boredom and separation anxiety.
£20.99
Duck Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toy
A duck-shaped puzzle toy that dispenses treats when your pet presses the paddle.
£36.99
Spherical Slow Feeder Licking Bowl
A spherical non-slip slow feeder that paces fast eaters and turns mealtimes into a calming licking ritual. The ridged surface slows gulping, aiding digestion and easing boredom for dogs and cats alike.
From£13.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.