One of the most popular new hybrid dogs is the Sprocker Spaniel, a product of a crossing between the Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. This means it brings the best traits of both breeds. Are you thinking of getting one? Make your experience more exciting and fulfilling by knowing everything essential in Sprocker ‘paw-renting’.
How big does the Sprocker Spaniel grow?
The size of a Sprocker is generally categorised as a medium-sized pooch. However, the actual size will still vary depending on the dominant gene of his parents.
- The height of a male Sprocker could be anything between 44 to 50 centimetres.
- The weight of a male Sprocker could be anything between 18 to 20 kilograms.
- The height of a female Sprocker could be anything between 40 to 46 centimetres.
- The weight of a female Sprocker could be anything between 14 to 18 kilograms.
What is the perfect environment for a Sprocker Spaniel?
Historically, the Sprocker Spaniel had been selectively bred by gamekeepers as hardworking dogs. In that period, their talents are recognised as an excellent furry companion both in a home and field environment.
Read: Sheepdog Training 101
“The advantage of an outcross is fresh blood and, with luck, you get the best of both breeds. Most Sprockers I’ve come across have been wonderful hunting dogs,” says David Tomlinson, a gundog writer. “Sprockers are great dogs, whether as a gundog, a pet, an agility dog or even an assistance dog.”
If you want to keep them as your furry buddy, consider having enough space for them to roam. They are said to make the perfect company for people living in the country or those with large back garden. They can also be kept in a small or medium-sized house just remember to provide them with regular exercise.
How often do you need to exercise a Sprocker Spaniel?
As energetic creatures, Sprockers needed to be provided with the right amount of daily exercises as well as mental stimulation. Owners are advised to follow a dynamic exercise every day for at least 60 to 80 minutes. Remember that the more exercise they get, the happier they will be. That said, they are always up for extended times outdoors.
Diet guide for Sprocker Spaniels
It is important to keep your Sprocker fit, both working and domesticated variety. An average Sprocker adult is likely to consume between 700 and 1,100 calories in a day. However, specific details should vary on the age, activity level, and neutering status of your pooch.
- Keep a diet that involves improved digestible and rich in nutrient content.
- Consider getting a specified diet for working dogs that is VAT free.
Check out the best dog food ingredient here.
Homemade Snack Recipe
Here’s a quick tip on making one of its favourite treats from the Sprocker Spaniel Club. Ginger dog treats have simple ingredients and can be easily made in no time.
Prepare the following ingredients:
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 ¼ cup of gluten-free flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 eggs
Steps in making the Gingerbread dog treat:
- Prepare the oven to 350°F.
- Create a mixture of the eggs, molasses and oil into a mixing bowl.
- Beat the mixture.
- Fold the mixture together with the wet ingredients to form the dough.
- Put flour on the counter or cutting board. This is where you will roll the dough created at about ¼ thick.
- Cut it into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet for about a half or an inch distance apart.
- Bake it and leave it for 20 minutes.
- After that, rotate the pan to flip the cookies and adjust the temperature to 300°F.
- Then, bake it again for 30 minutes.
- Finally, you can get it from the oven and leave it to cool down. Place them in an airtight container for at least two weeks before serving.
- Serve it nice and cool!
Check out more homemade dog treats ideas here.
Genetic diseases of Sprocker Spaniels
Like many other dog breeds, the Sprocker Spaniel is predisposed to hereditary health issues. The best preventive measure is to strictly follow a regular visit to the vet and a healthy lifestyle.
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Watch out for the following health conditions:
- Allergies
It is much the same with their ancestor the Cocker Spaniel; this pooch may have allergic reactions to food (chicken, wheat or soy), grass, pollen, shampoos and other chemical products, perfumes, and latex. Learn how to treat dog allergies here.
- Allergies
- Hip dysplasia
Being an inherited condition, hip dysplasia cannot be prevented with any products. However, proper diet and exercise are known to be of help.
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA in dogs are said to be passed onto the next generation through an autosomal recessive pattern. It is best prevented through getting puppies from responsible breeders. Dog carriers should not be bred.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Epilepsy
As this can be caused by many potential health problems, it is best first to rule out the main cause. Get a proper diagnosis with the help of your vet.
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
This is one of the common hormonal imbalance conditions observed in dogs. Unfortunately, it is said that there is no cure for hypothyroid. However, your vet will likely prescribe your pooch with certain medications to help manage the said condition.
If you are torn between getting a Cocker Spaniel or Springer Spaniel, you might as well get a Sprocker Spaniel. Note that this pooch is no designer dog or cross-breed. This is due to the fact that this is a breed of both Spaniel parents.
