Spanador

In my own words

Do you want to play ball? I love a good game. Hang on while I just go get my ball, I can’t wait to play! Maybe then we can go out for walkies? I just have so much energy, I love running and jumping. Don’t you? Isn’t it so much fun?

I love being around people too. I just want to make a fuss of everyone wherever we go. I love my family too, especially playing with the children. They’ve got almost as much energy as me! I love a good cuddle at the end of the day though – after I’ve burnt off all my energy that is!

Information essential about the Spanador

Kennel Club Group:

Crossbreeds are not recognised by the AKC

Size:

Medium: Weight 20 – 50 lb (9 – 22.5 kg)

Height 18 – 22” (45.7 – 56 cm)

 

Popularity:

Breed History:

The Spanador is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and the American Cocker Spaniel and they are known as ‘designer dogs’ because they are not purebred and are generally healthier than purebreds.. Nor are they recognised by the AKC. Breeders chose to mix these two dogs to produce a dog smaller than the Labrador and more intelligent than a Cocker Spaniel alongside being even tempered and easy to care for. Most crossbreeds are of smaller dogs but the Spanador was created in response to the demand for a medium sized crossbreed. While not as widely known and being relatively new crossbreeds, they are gaining in popularity.

Character:

This breed is affectionate and loving and can be very good with children provided they are well socialised from an early age. They are very intelligent making them easy to train obedience and easy to house train. They can get excitable and boisterous at times, jumping up at people but this behaviour can be discouraged through proper training. The Spanador is a happy, loyal and friendly dog who loves everyone and enjoys playing games and carrying a ball around.

Temperament:

This breed is not aggressive but they can be excitable and enjoy a good play fight. They are sweet and playful but can initially be reserved with strangers. As with a lot a crossbreeds, the focus is on creating an even tempered dog but the temperament ultimately will depend on the parents.

Conformation:

Usually the Spanador is medium sized yet smaller than a Labrador but some may grow to this size. Tails are kept long and not docked like some other Spaniels. The general conformation of the dog will be influenced by its parents but if there is a stronger influence from the Spaniel side, the dog will have a shorter muzzle and more domed skull.

Coat:

The coat is either smooth like a Labrador or with feathering around the chest, shoulders, ears, stomach and hind legs as seen in the Cocker Spaniel.

Colour:

Breeders tend to use a lighter coloured Cocker Spaniel in keeping with the cream Labrador but the coat colour can vary from light gold to darker gold or if a dark Cocker Spaniel is used, the pups may be black. The coat may also have some white patches.

Training:

This breed is intelligent and easy to train. They can be excitable and prone to jumping up at people but this can be discouraged if proper training is given from a young age. Early training and socialisation is recommended for this breed.

Care:

The amount of grooming required will depend on the inherited coat. If the coat is longer and feathered like the Cocker Spaniel, regular daily brushing is required but if the coat favours the short Labrador style coat, infrequent brushing is required. The coat is not required to be clipped. Depending on the coat, the Spanador can be a low to heavy shedder.

Health:

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 12 and 15 years, which is normal for a dog of this size. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. Like most crossbreds the Spanador is quite hardy and healthy, not suffering as many ailments as purebred breeds. However, some health issues such as hip dysplasia prevalent in the Labrador and Cocker Spaniel may arise in the Spanador so it is wise to check the parents for any diseases that could be inherited. This breed may suffer from dry skin and it is important to check and clean the ears regularly.

 

Exercise:

This is an active breed that needs a lot of exercise. They are not suited to apartment dwelling and need access to at least an average sized yard alongside daily walks. They can be boisterous and benefit from a lot of play and exercise to burn off their energy. Be careful not to walk them too far when they are young to let them properly develop without straining their muscles.

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