Corkie
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Corkie
Canis lupus

One of the Corkie’s parent breeds, the Cocker Spaniel, was thought to have come over on the Mayflower.
Corkie Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.
Corkie Conservation Status
Corkie Facts
- Fun Fact
- One of the Corkie’s parent breeds, the Cocker Spaniel, was thought to have come over on the Mayflower.
- Temperament
- Friendly, intelligent, and sensitive
- Diet
- Omnivore
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Corkie as a Pet:
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Shedability
- Trainability
- Intelligence
- Tendency to Chew
- Size
- Family and kid friendliness
- Yappiness / Barking
- Moderate
- Separation Anxiety
- Moderate
- Preferred Temperature
- Average climate
- Exercise Needs
- Moderate
- Friendly With Other Dogs
- High
- Pure bred cost to own
- $200 to $800
- Dog group
- Non-sporting
- Male weight
- 10-20 lbs
- Female weight
- 8-20 lbs
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The Corkie’s Cocker Spaniel ancestors first came to America aboard the Mayflower. It later developed into a unique American breed.
The Corkie is a mixed breed dog that combines elements of the popular Cocker Spaniel (the American Cocker Spaniel in particular) and the Yorkshire Terrier. The technical term for a cross between two purebred parents is a “designer dog.” The Cocker Spaniel is an active and alert hunting dog, originally bred to hunt woodcocks. Today, it is primarily intended to be a companion dog. The Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred as a vermin hunter, but over time this elegant-looking long-haired breed became a popular lapdog of the British upper class and later a lovable companion for all types of people.
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As a hybrid dog, there is no Corkie standard. That means its appearance and personality may vary slightly from one dog to another, even among closely related family members. But in general, this is a small dog with either erect or droopy ears and long, dense fur that comes in several varieties, including black and tan, black and brown, and black and white. The Corkie should appeal to owners who want a friendly and upbeat companion.
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3 pros and cons of owning a Corkie
Pros! | Cons! |
---|---|
Sociable The Corkie likes to interact with people. | Stubborn The Corkie has a stubborn streak that may interfere with any attempt to train it. |
Eager to Please The Corkie wants nothing more than to please its owner. | Sensitive This dog needs to be treated very gently. |
Laid Back This dog knows how to relax and settle down. | Lazy This dog has the tendency to become lazy and indolent if not given enough exercise. |
Corkie Size and Weight
The Corkie is a small dog with a thin frame, so owners should treat this dog with care.
Height (Male) | 10 to 14 inches |
Height (Female) | 8 to 12 inches |
Weight (Male) | 10 to 20 pounds |
Weight (Female) | 8 to 20 pounds |
Corkie Common Health Issues
The Corkie is a healthy dog with a solid lifespan of 11 to 15 years, but owners should be aware of several health problems that can develop. Based on the health profile of its two parent breeds, the Corkie is prone to cataracts, dermatitis, allergies, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, reverse sneezing and an eye condition in which the lower lid may be turned inward or outward.
The Corkie, like many other small breeds, may also be prone to an inheritable disorder called patellar luxation: a chronic dislocating kneecap that could cause serious mobility problems. Another potential condition is retinal dysplasia, meaning the abnormal development of the retina in the eye, which causes visual problems.
Finally, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older dogs. A good breeder will try to minimize the risk of many genetic conditions (or any other conditions with a genetic component), but it’s a good idea to get regular checkups and tests at the vet just to be sure. In summation, these are the most common health problems:
Health and Entertainment for your Corkie
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- Allergies
- Reverse Sneezing
- Cataracts and other eye problems
- Cancer
- Hypothyroidism
Corkie Temperament
As a cross-breed dog, each individual Corkie may be slightly different in personality and temperament, even within the same litter. But in general, the Corkie should be a fun, affectionate family dog with a big, charming personality. They will, of course, need regular exercise, or else they might become lazy, bored, and anxious while developing behavioral problems. But as long as it receives enough care and attention, the Corkie is a good-natured, well-behaved dog with many appealing traits. They are excellent companions that form strong bonds with their owners.
How to Take Care of the Corkie
The Corkie is a medium maintenance dog that requires some dedication and effort on the part of the owner to care for, but that does not necessarily mean it is only intended for experienced owners. With enough time and attention, even novice and first-time owners can get the hang of caring for this dog’s needs. The most difficult thing to deal with is the dog’s stubborn streak. Owners should be aware that training does require some patience and effort to overcome the dog’s stubbornness. If you have any other questions or concerns about the dog’s maintenance and care, then you should consult with your vet.
The Best Dog Food for Corkies
Due to this dog’s tendency for inactivity and obesity, owners should carefully control the amount of calories it’s eating. The Corkie should be fed around 2 cups of high-quality every day, although the exact amount may vary based on its size, age, and activity level.
Since many Corkies suffer from allergies, look for alternative protein, limited-ingredient, or allergy-friendly dog food to eliminate ingredients your dog is sensitive to.
At A-Z Animals, we think the best dog food for Corkies is Inception Dry Dog Food – Complete and Balanced Dog Food – Meat First Legume Free Dry Dog Food.
We like that this food excludes potato, legume, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, artificial flavors and preservatives from your Corkie’s diet. Instead, you’ll find mostly ocean whitefish and catfish for wholesome protein, Omegas that support the immune system, and supplemental L-Carnitine and Taurine for the heart and clear eyes.
Try out Inception Complete and Balanced Legume Free Dog Food, available on amazon.
- INCEPTION IS PROTEIN FIRST – Inception is formulated with animal protein first to serve your canine companions’ needs. We understand your canine companions are carnivore first, omnivore second and thrive with good animal protein in their diets. At Inception, we ensure our first two ingredients are animal protein.
- INCEPTION FISH FORMULA – We all know the benefits that come with eating fish. The same goes for your dog. The Inception Fish recipe comes with a combination of two different types of fish: Whitefish and Catfish. The Inception Fish recipe also comes complete with vitamins and supplements to contribute to your dog’s overall health. Whitefish contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which are known to be good for skin and coat. Whitefish also contains high levels of vitamin B3 and vitamin D and is high in selenium, known for supporting immune health.
- INCEPTION IS LEGUME FREE – Inception formulas are free of potatoes, legumes, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. We want to give your canine companions everything they need for a long and happy life with you.
- INCEPTION BOUND WITH HEALTHY GRAINS – All our recipes contain wholesome, all-natural ingredients such as oats, millet and milo. Oats are good healthy fiber source. Oats contain beta-glucan, which is a soluble fiber that helps aid digestion, oats are full of linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, which helps keep skin strong and healthy. Oats also contain many essential minerals such as zinc, iron, manganese and copper. Millet is a healthy source of carbohydrates for most dogs, and is easier to digest. Compared to many other grains, millet has a relatively high protein content. This may be more suitable for dogs with food sensitivities to more common grains. Millet contains many beneficial nutrients such as copper, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. Millet is a grain high in B-vitamins and iron. Milo contains many other micro-nutrients such as magnesium, copper, and zinc. Milo also contains relatively high levels of dietary fiber which can help aid in digestive health. Lastly milo contains natural antioxidants, which benefit the immune system in dogs.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER – To help booster the immune system, we’ve included ground flaxseed, which is an excellent source of plant omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of natural antioxidants as well.
Corkie Maintenance and Grooming
Despite its tendency not to shed very much, the Corkie has medium to high grooming requirements. The long, luxurious coat needs to be brushed every single day with a bristle brush and metal comb to prevent matting (followed by a slicker brush for finishing). Tangles should be worked out by hand so you don’t damage the coat. This should be combined with regular clipping every four to six months either done by yourself or a professional groomer. Proper dental hygiene can be maintained with regular tooth brushings a few times a week. Clean the ears with cotton about once a week to prevent obstructions and wax buildup. Trim the nails with a clipper every so often to keep them in proper shape. Finally, baths should be given whenever your dog becomes particularly dirty.
Corkie Training
The Corkie is a fairly intelligent dog that should grasp human commands quickly, but there are two important caveats that owners need to understand. First, this dog has a stubborn streak and a mind of its own; this may cause it to sometimes ignore its owner’s commands. Second, the Corkie has a rather sensitive and gentle nature that needs to be handled with care. Both of these traits can reinforce each other in bad ways to produce an unpleasant training experience.
Owners will therefore need to exercise extreme caution when dealing with this dog. Positive reinforcements work best; do not raise your voice or treat it negatively. If you are struggling to come up with an effective routine, then you might want to take your dog to a professional trainer.
Corkie Exercise
The Corkie only needs about 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day, preferably in the form of long walks, fetching, and general playtime. If the Corkie doesn’t receive enough exercise, then it may indulge in some bad habits such as laziness and destructive behavior. A fenced yard is recommended to give it enough space to run around in as long as you don’t leave the dog unattended for long periods of time.
Corkie Puppies
Prospective owners need to be particularly careful about where they buy a puppy from. Low-quality breeders and puppy mills, while generally cheaper, also have a tendency to produce puppies with more health problems. Instead, you should try to find a high-quality breeder in your area with a strong reputation for healthy dogs. It’s always a good idea to ask the breeder for proof of the dog’s health tests just to be sure. After bringing your puppy home, early socialization and training should help it develop into a well-behaved and friendly adult. Owners should try to introduce it to as many new people, dogs, and situations as possible.

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Corkies and Children
Despite their small size, Corkies should have a natural love of children. They want to indulge in adventure time with the entire family. However, adults should supervise all interactions with smaller children. Although the Corkie can tolerate a lot of rough play, it might respond poorly if treated harshly by kids.
Dogs Similar to the Corkie
Besides the Cocker Spaniel and the Yorkshire Terrier, the Corkie bears a strong resemblance to the following purebred and cross breed dogs:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The King Charles is a small but well-manner, congenial breed with an athletic build, intelligent mind, and noble bearing. It is an overall spunky, fun-loving, gentle, and affectionate companion.
- Scottish Cocker – A crossbreed between a Scottish Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel, the Scottish Cocker is a friendly and affectionate dog with a silky and slightly wavy coat of varying lengths. Black, white, and brown are the most common colors. Its temperament is slightly toward the fiery than the mellow side.
- Cairicocker – A cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel, the Cairicocker is a small but scrappy dog with wavy hair ranging from short to long in length. These are also excellent companions for the entire family.
Famous Corkies
The Corkie is still too new and obscure of a mixed breed dog to have much of a following, but its two parent breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier and Cocker Spaniel, are some of the most popular dogs in the United States. They are particularly common on the dog show circuit.
Popular Names for the Corkie
If you are looking for a good Corkie name, then you might want to consider one of the following options:
- Charlie
- Max
- Bella
- Buddy
- Daisy
- Cooper
- Lily
- Luna
- Tucker
- Lucy
Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Corkie FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a Corkie?
The Corkie is a mixed breed hybrid that combines aspects of a Cocker Spaniel and a Yorkshire Terrier. It’s a friendly, laid back, and eager to please dog that should make an excellent companion. Physically, this dog has a small body shape with long and dense fur of varying colors and markings.
What is the price of a Corkie?
The Corkie is actually much more affordable than the typical dog; the price is around $200 to $800 on average. Obviously, if the dog has a stronger pedigree, then it will end up costing more. But if you choose to adopt a Corkie instead, then you should be paying a much cheaper price.
Do Corkies shed?
The Corkie does not shed much at all. If you don’t want to deal with a lot of loose hair, then this may be a good choice for you.
Are Corkies hypoallergenic?
No, the Corkie is not a hypoallergenic dog. Despite being only a light shedder, owners with serious allergies might be taking a slight risk with the Corkie.
What does a Corkie look like?
The Corkie is a small dog, measuring no more than 14 inches at the shoulders, with a short muzzle, droopy or erect ears, and a fairly slim physique. The long and straight hair has a silky quality to it, and there are many different color and marking combinations, involving black, white, cream, silver, brown, sable, red, and blue.
Sources
- Wag Walking, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/corkie
- Doggie Designer, Available here: https://doggiedesigner.com/corkie/