Corkie | Mixed Dog Breed Information & Facts (With Pictures)

If you’re looking for a friendly and energetic pup that can be your new family member, you should consider getting a Corkie, the hybrid dog produced by combining the Cocker Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier.

Though relatively new, this hybrid dog is a wonderful canine companion that showcases the best traits of both its parent breeds.

If you are curious about this mixed breed and want to learn more about all things related to owning a Corkie, stay put, as its history, appearance, temperament, life expectancy, and more are discussed below.

Breed Overview

What Is a Corkie?

The Corkie is a dog that combines the Cocker Spaniel with the Yorkshire Terrier. This friendly, laidback, and eager-to-please dog can be sensitive at times but makes an excellent companion overall. This dog has a small body shape with long and dense fur that comes in varying colors and markings. 

Corkie dogs may be produced by mixing either an American Cocker Spaniel or an English Cocker Spaniel with a Yorkshire Terrier. These parent breeds are very sweet to their families, making Corkies wonderful family dogs.

A Corkie loves moving around, which is no surprise given that it has the light body of the toy group’s Yorkie and the agility of the sporting group’s Cocker Spaniel, as classified by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Because they’re active dogs, the canine companions will suit pet owners who enjoy physical activities. Their compact size also makes them perfect for those living in the city or having a small space at home.

As a designer dog, a Corkie is not recognized by the AKC but can be registered under the designer dog registry International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and other clubs like the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).

Corkie Origin and History

Like many hybrid dogs, the Corkie has no detailed documentation that could provide specifics on its origin and history. However, this hybrid was said to have originated in the year 2000.

For more context on a Corkie, let’s focus instead on the history of its parent breeds, the Cocker Spaniel and the Yorkshire Terrier.

An ancient, spaniel-type breed, the Cocker Spaniel was originally bred as a hunting dog in the United Kingdom. This dog breed helped hunt Eurasian woodcock, hence the term “Cocker.”

Meanwhile, the American Cocker Spaniel variant was bred to a different standard from the English variant, which made it more suitable for dog shows.

On the other hand, the Yorkshire Terrier is, as its name suggests, native to Yorkshire, England. It worked as a hunter of mice and rats, which it did flawlessly by passing through narrow passages with its small size.

Yorkies eventually turned into chic lapdogs of Victorian ladies towards the end of the Victorian era and found their way to the United States during the 1870s.

Indeed, both the Yorkshire Terrier and Cocker Spaniel have rich histories, making their hybrid Corkie all the more interesting.

Corkie Appearance

It’s hard to predict what designer dogs will look like, but they’re usually a mix of the purebred dogs they were produced from. Of course, either the Cocker Spaniel’s or Yorkie’s genes may dominate, so features will vary.

However, because both its parent breeds have straight and silky coats, a Corkie is likely to exhibit this trait. Moreover, a Corkie’s coat will be medium to long. 

Coat colors are largely diverse thanks to the Cocker Spaniel. Some variants may be black, tan, red, cream, and silver, or their combinations like black and tan. It can also be parti-colored like the Yorkie.

Meanwhile, the face of a Corkie will have dark eyes, a black nose, and a medium-length snout. It can either have the Cocker Spaniels’ hanging ears or the Yorkies’ high-set ears.

Either way, its ears are always covered in long fur. The Corkie’s sturdy body is usually longer than its short legs, giving this dog a longer-looking torso.

Watch this video if you want to see a cute Corkie in action:

Corkie Size and Weight

A Corkie is a small to medium-sized dog with a height ranging from 8 to 14 inches and weighs between 8 and 20 pounds. 

The AKC categorizes Cocker Spaniels as a small breed and the Yorkies as extra small; hence, the Corkie mixed breed is often on the smaller end, size-wise. 

Moreover, female male corkies tend to be smaller than their male counterparts. So expect females to be a few inches shorter and a few pounds lighter.

Being a small hybrid dog, a Corkie will thrive in a home with a smaller space, like an apartment. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to have them live in a place with a huge open area where they could freely run, too.

That said, if you like a small pet, the Corkie will surely do wonders for you, so long as you ensure its optimal health.

Corkie Temperament and Personality

Having a new pet is both challenging and exciting, and the same goes for owning a Corkie. This hybrid is good around kids but would do best in a household with older children instead of one with small children.

The reason for this is they can be sensitive in nature, so what looks like merely playing with small children may turn out to be an agitating circumstance for them. This can make them snappish and irritable.

Generally, a Corkie is fairly sociable, even with other pets. However, supervision is still recommended when they’re around smaller pets, as their Terrier roots and hunting instincts might come out.

The Corkie is also full of life and truly enjoys being around its family. Because of this, leaving them for extended periods is not ideal, as they may become extremely distressed or anxious.

Because of this, Corkies might be better suited to a single owner who is working from home or a home where not all family members spend most of their day outside the house.

That said, crate training and having your Corkie get used to enjoying its alone time is vital. This will help curb potentially destructive behaviors.

Considering all of this, though, a Corkie is generally a lovable dog with an amazing personality that deserves your attention.

Corkie Lifespan and Health Issues

Corkies usually live 10 to 15 years on average. Like many small dogs, this is quite long for a canine and is also pretty much in the same range as the lifespan of its Yorkshire Terrier parent.

Despite its relatively long life, a Corkie is still susceptible to various diseases that it can inherit from its purebred parents or acquire as it matures. Here are some Corkie health problems to watch out for.

• Patellar Luxation: Luxating patella is a condition where the patella or kneecap of a dog is out of its normal place. Simply put, patellar luxation means dislocated kneecap, which many toy and small breeds, like the Corkie, are genetically inclined to develop.
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA): AIHA happens when the red blood cells are attacked and destroyed by a dog’s own body. It is known as the most common canine autoimmune disease, and, unfortunately, it can affect a Corkie. Some symptoms are pale gums, weakness, fainting, and difficulty or increased breathing.
• Seborrhea: Seborrhea is one of the skin problems that a Corkie is prone to. This is a condition in which a dog produces excessive or insufficient keratin, making its hair greasy or dry. The Corkie’s Cocker Spaniel parent is highly prone to this.

Another possible health problem of a Corkie is reverse sneezing or backward sneeze, which is more commonly observed in smaller dog breeds like terrier-type dogs.

How to Take Care of Your Corkie

Bringing a Corkie puppy home is more than just providing it shelter — it’s also about ensuring you are ready to give your new furry friend the best that any dog could have. 

Although the Corkie is a small dog, it will still need a lot in terms of nutritional requirements, grooming, and physical activities. You can gain insights on these important aspects of caring for your pet below.

Food and Diet 

Like other dogs, a Corkie needs sufficient nutrition that is dependent on its age, weight, and activity level. Remember that dogs’ good lives are highly reliant on how they’re fed, so a balanced diet is a vital part of raising them.

An adult Corkie should be fed 2 cups of dry dog food a day, divided into two meals. Since Corkies are usually small to medium in size, their daily food consumption is noticeably not that much.

Buying dry dog food for your Corkie can be tricky with so many available options in the market. That said, you must ensure that it is of premium quality by picking one that has natural ingredients and enough protein.

You also have to be on the lookout for kibbles that have unhealthy additives or artificial ingredients, as they can be harmful to your dog. Reading the labels of what you’ll feed your dog is always a must.

Like other pets, an accessible source of clean water is also crucial to keep your Corkie healthy and energized.

Cleaning and Grooming

The grooming frequency of your Corkie will depend on which parent it takes after, but generally, expect that this dog will have moderate to high maintenance requirements.

Since Cocker Spaniels are moderate shedders, it’s safe to say that the Corkie dog will likely shed similarly. It is also likely to sport medium to long hair, which will need regular grooming. 

Some Corkies may also inherit a low-shedding coat from the Yorkie, a dog famous for its floor-length, hypoallergenic fur.

Because of its silky hair, you can straighten out any tangles just by hand. You may also brush its hair with a metal comb and a stiff bristle brush and finish it off with a slicker brush.

You should also bring your Corkie dog to a professional groomer from time to time. This way, they can also trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush the teeth of your pet. Doing these at home is also an option.

Training and Exercise

The Corkie dog is very trainable. However, as previously stated, it has a delicate nature and can have a stubborn streak which might pose a challenge for rookie dog owners.

Considering this, using positive reinforcement makes training effective and should lead to steady progress. Likewise, obedience training and crate training are also recommended for Corkies, especially Corkie puppies.

Early socialization, which can begin as early as 7 to 8 weeks in a pup’s life, will also help make a Corkie’s snapping tendencies to be manageable. 

Meanwhile, when it comes to exercise, Corkies need adequate daily activities that last for at least an hour. During this period, you can bring your dog for walks or bring it to a dog park where it can play with other dogs.

How Much Does a Corkie Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Usually, the average price of a Corkie puppy will range between $200 and $800. Many factors come into play when it comes to how expensive a mixed breed will be, though, such as its bloodline, age, color, and more.

Of course, given that the costs of the purebred Cocker Spaniel and the Yorkie dog breed are significantly higher, the price of Corkie puppies can still go up.

On top of this main expense, here are additional costs you should add to your budget if you’re thinking of buying a Corkie:

Like having other dogs, owning a Corkie is a big financial responsibility. On top of the expenses listed above, you should also consider the recurring costs of food, vet fees, treats, and the like. 

Places to Find Corkie Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Even if finding a Corkie puppy might pose some challenges, there are numerous places you can look to find one. Just be cautious of backyard breeders and puppy mills.

You may check out the following breeders where you can get a Corkie puppy for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – Responsible breeders on the AKC Marketplace mostly list purebreds on the site, but you can try to reach out to a Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier breeder to ask if they also breed mixes, which can potentially include a Corkie.
• Greenfield Puppies – The listed breeders in Greenfield Puppies are primarily located in Pennsylvania and nearby states, so if you’re around these areas, you may find it convenient to get a Corkie puppy through this platform. This site has been operating for over a decade. They abide by all state laws and adhere to strict guidelines. 
• Lancaster Puppies – You can find both purebred and hybrid dogs like a Corkie in Lancaster Puppies, another puppy advertising platform. Depending on your preferences, you can also filter your search by price, sex, size, state, and more.

Meanwhile, if adoption is your priority, check out the following rescue organizations where you might find Corkie puppies:

• Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue – Established in 1997, this non-profit organization is located in Tampa, Florida. They rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome neglected Cocker Spaniels with the help of volunteer fosterers and veterinarians. The current dogs they have for adoption include mixes, so you might find your Corkie here.
• Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue – This charitable organization began in 1996 as a one-woman, breed-specific rescue mission and has since helped hundreds of dogs find better homes. They also rescue Cocker Spaniel mixes, so you should check them out occasionally for a Corkie. Just prepare the $350 adoption fee.
• Yorkie Rescue of America – Founded in 2011, this rescue organization focuses on saving Yorkies and has rescued and rehomed over 400 of them since then. Their site shows happy adopters and their testimonies, so you should check their adoptable dogs from time to time to chance upon a Corkie.

Whether you go the adoption route or buy a Corkie, make sure you are mentally, physically, and financially prepared. You have to put in the work so they get the best life possible.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Corkie

As with other pets, owning a Corkie has both advantages and disadvantages. If you plan on getting this pooch as your own, it’s important to be aware of these so you can manage your expectations.

Here are some advantages of having a Corkie:

• Compact size: Because they’re usually small to medium-sized only, you can easily bring a Corkie anywhere and have it live in smaller spaces. 
• Long lifespan: Corkies have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, which is fairly long for a dog. Many happy years could be spent with this pooch.
• Excellent family pet: A Corkie loves having quality time with its family members, so whether you are an adult who loves to lounge on the sofa, a teen looking for an exercise buddy, or a child who needs a playmate, this pet can fit the role.

Meanwhile, here are some disadvantages of owning a Corkie:

• Can be sensitive: Due to their small size, Corkies are more fragile and sensitive, especially when around small children who can mishandle them. Always make sure that they are monitored when playing.
• Can be high maintenance: A Corkie’s long and silky coat will require more diligent maintenance compared to other breeds, so they might not be for those with little time to spare.
• Can’t be left for long hours: Corkies are likely to develop separation anxiety and resort to destructive behavior if left alone for a long time and if not given the proper training.

Although these cons might seem daunting, remember that all dogs are generally well-behaved if they are rightfully socialized and trained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Corkies Make Good Pets?

The Corkie is a hybrid of two good-natured breeds, which makes them good pets as well. These dogs are good pets, especially if they are given socialization and proper training early on.

Do Corkies Bark a Lot?

Corkies are moderate barkers, but they will excessively bark when left alone for a long time or when they feel bored. This is why it’s important to keep them company and ensure they’re physically or mentally stimulated.

Do Corkies Shed?

Corkies shed minimally throughout the year, but their long fur will have high grooming requirements. Hence, ensure to brush their hair regularly or bring them to a professional groomer if needed.

Are Corkies Hypoallergenic?

Corkies are not hypoallergenic. However, since the Corkie’s Yorkie parent is considered hypoallergenic, expect the Corkie to produce less dander than dogs that shed heavily.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for that one dog that is friendly and affectionate and has a bursting-with-life attitude that does not require too much space, then a Corkie may be the dog for you.

However, keep in mind that you need to frequently groom the long, silky, straight fur of this dog. Further, due to its fragile and sensitive nature, this dog may not do well if you have smaller kids at home.

Additionally, as pet parents of this hybrid, you must also provide your Corkie with the proper training it needs. This way, you can ensure that you will raise a well-behaved dog.

So, are you getting this mixed-breed dog soon? Tell us your thoughts about the Corkie in the comments below!