Corkie

The Corkie is a hybrid breed of a Cocker Spaniel and a Yorkshire Terrier originated in the United States.

Also known as Yorkie-Cocker, this small dog is affectionate and loyal to its owners.

Corkie Breed overview

Corkies are a small and adaptable breed that make great companion pets for families and individuals. They are affectionate, playful, and intelligent, and they thrive on human company and attention. They require regular exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy, and they do well in a variety of different living situations. With proper training and socialization, they can make a great addition to any family.

Height:
6-9 inches
Weight:
8-12 lbs
Life expectancy:
10-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Corkie

Nutrition

Corkies require a balanced diet of high-quality dog food. Feeding a diet that is appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level is important.

Owners should also be mindful of the calorie content of treats and human food, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Grooming

Corkies require regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat. They have a medium-length, straight coat which can be either silky or curly.

Regular brushing, bathing, and trimming should keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.

Training

Corkies are intelligent dogs that are generally easy to train, but can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement training methods work best, with treats and praise as rewards.

Early socialization and training are important to ensure that Corkies grow up to be well-behaved and obedient dogs.

Health

The Corkie is generally a healthy breed with few known major health issues. However, as with all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems such as ear infections, dental problems, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.

Exercise

Corkies require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are a playful and energetic breed that needs daily walks and playtime to keep them stimulated.

Daily exercise can also help prevent obesity, which is a common problem for small breeds.

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Corkie Traits & Characteristics

The Corkie is not recognized by any major kennel club as it is a hybrid breed. As such, there are no set breed standards for the Corkie.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

A Corkie is a breed that shows a lot of love and devotion to their owners. They are known to be very affectionate and are always eager to please. They tend to bond very closely with their family, making them loyal companions.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Corkies are very friendly and patient, making them a great companion for children. They have a gentle and playful personality that kids love, and they are always up for a game of fetch or a tug of war. However, as with any dog, it is important to supervise their interactions with children to ensure that everyone stays safe.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Corkies tend to be friendly and sociable with other dogs, but they can be territorial at times. They are known to bark at other dogs, especially when they feel threatened or intimidated. It is important to socialize them early on to avoid any potential aggression or anxiety around other dogs.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Corkies tend to be reserved with strangers and may need some time to warm up to new people. They are not aggressive, but they can be a bit timid or anxious around people they don't know. Socialization from an early age can help them be more comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Corkies are a playful and energetic breed. They love to run, jump, and play, and they can have a lot of fun with games like fetch, tug of war, and hide and seek. They are also great companions for kids because of their playful nature and love for human company.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Corkies are generally very alert and aware of their surroundings. They are always on the lookout for potential danger and will bark to alert their owners if they sense something amiss. This trait can make them great watch dogs, but it also means that they can be prone to a lot of barking if not properly trained.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Corkies are a very adaptable breed, and they tend to do well in a variety of different environments. They can thrive in small apartments or in large houses with yards. They are also able to adjust well to new situations and new people, making them great companions for families that like to travel or move around a lot.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Corkies are moderate shedders and require a fair amount of grooming to keep their coat in good condition. They have a thick and silky coat that needs to be brushed regularly to prevent tangling and matting. Bathing them once a month can help keep their coat clean and healthy.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Corkies have a thick and silky coat that requires regular grooming. They need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent tangling and matting. They also need to be bathed once a month to keep their coat clean and free of dirt and debris. Regular grooming helps keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Corkies are not known for drooling. They have a dry mouth and produce very little saliva. This makes them a great breed for people who are sensitive to dog drool or who want a cleaner, less messy dog.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Corkies are a small breed, typically weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. They are well-suited to small living spaces and don't require a lot of room to move around. However, they do still require regular exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Corkies are an energetic breed and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks and runs, and they love to play games like fetch and tug of war. They also enjoy being around people, so they do well in households with plenty of human company.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Corkies are an energetic breed that require regular exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy walks, runs, and playing games like fetch and tug of war. They also benefit from socializing with other dogs and people, so it's important to make sure they get plenty of opportunities to exercise and socialize.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Corkies are not typically bred for working or performing certain tasks or jobs. They are companion pets and thrive on human company and attention. However, they can make great therapy dogs or emotional support animals because of their calm and gentle nature.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Corkies are not typically used for hunting or tracking games. They have a gentle nature and a small size that doesn't lend itself well to hunting. However, they are a great breed for people who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Corkies have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance. They enjoy physical activity and can have a lot of fun playing games like fetch and tug of war, but they do require regular breaks and rest periods. It's important to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise while also making sure they get enough rest.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Corkies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. It's important to keep up with their regular veterinary care and to watch for any signs of unusual behavior or physical symptoms that could indicate an underlying health issue.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Corkies can be prone to obesity if they are not given enough exercise or are overfed. It's important to monitor their food intake and to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise and activity. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent obesity and keep them in good physical shape.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Corkies are not well-suited to cold weather conditions. They have a thin coat that doesn't provide much insulation against the cold, and they are prone to shivering and discomfort in cold weather. If you live in a cold climate, it's important to provide them with plenty of warm clothing and protection when outdoors.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Corkies are generally able to tolerate hot weather conditions, but they can become uncomfortable if it gets too hot. They have a thick coat that can create insulation against the heat, so it's important to keep them cool by providing plenty of shade, water, and air conditioning during hot weather.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Corkies are a great breed for apartment living, as they are small and adaptable. They don't require a lot of space, and they do well in small homes or apartments. However, they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, so it's important to make sure they get enough physical activity.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Corkies tend to be very attached to their owners and do not have a strong tendency to wander or roam. However, it is important to supervise them when outside to prevent them from running off or wandering too far. They also benefit from plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep them mentally and physically healthy.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Corkies can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, so it's important to use positive training methods with this breed. They thrive on praise and rewards, and they are more likely to respond well to training when treated with love and kindness. Harsh training methods can cause them to become anxious or stressed.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Corkies can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They are very attached to their owners and thrive on human company. It's important to make sure they have plenty of mental and physical stimulation when left alone, and to gradually train them to be comfortable with being alone for short periods of time.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Corkies are known to be vocal dogs and can be prone to a lot of barking if not properly trained. They tend to bark to alert their owners to potential danger or when they feel they are not receiving enough attention. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Corkies are a very intelligent breed that require mental stimulation and engagement to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy games that challenge their problem-solving skills, and they also benefit from training that requires them to think and learn new commands. Without enough mental stimulation, they can become bored and restless.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Corkies make great companion pets for novice owners. They are intelligent, loyal, and easy to train. They also do well around children and other pets, making them a great addition to families. However, they do require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and looking good.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Corkies are a very intelligent breed that are eager to please their owners. They tend to pick up new commands and tricks quickly, and they respond very well to positive reinforcement. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so consistency and patience are key when it comes to training.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

A Corkie is a breed that shows a lot of love and devotion to their owners. They are known to be very affectionate and are always eager to please. They tend to bond very closely with their family, making them loyal companions.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Corkies are very friendly and patient, making them a great companion for children. They have a gentle and playful personality that kids love, and they are always up for a game of fetch or a tug of war. However, as with any dog, it is important to supervise their interactions with children to ensure that everyone stays safe.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Corkies tend to be friendly and sociable with other dogs, but they can be territorial at times. They are known to bark at other dogs, especially when they feel threatened or intimidated. It is important to socialize them early on to avoid any potential aggression or anxiety around other dogs.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Corkies tend to be reserved with strangers and may need some time to warm up to new people. They are not aggressive, but they can be a bit timid or anxious around people they don't know. Socialization from an early age can help them be more comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Corkies are a playful and energetic breed. They love to run, jump, and play, and they can have a lot of fun with games like fetch, tug of war, and hide and seek. They are also great companions for kids because of their playful nature and love for human company.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Corkies are generally very alert and aware of their surroundings. They are always on the lookout for potential danger and will bark to alert their owners if they sense something amiss. This trait can make them great watch dogs, but it also means that they can be prone to a lot of barking if not properly trained.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Corkies are a very adaptable breed, and they tend to do well in a variety of different environments. They can thrive in small apartments or in large houses with yards. They are also able to adjust well to new situations and new people, making them great companions for families that like to travel or move around a lot.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Corkies are moderate shedders and require a fair amount of grooming to keep their coat in good condition. They have a thick and silky coat that needs to be brushed regularly to prevent tangling and matting. Bathing them once a month can help keep their coat clean and healthy.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Corkies have a thick and silky coat that requires regular grooming. They need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent tangling and matting. They also need to be bathed once a month to keep their coat clean and free of dirt and debris. Regular grooming helps keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Corkies are not known for drooling. They have a dry mouth and produce very little saliva. This makes them a great breed for people who are sensitive to dog drool or who want a cleaner, less messy dog.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Corkies are a small breed, typically weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. They are well-suited to small living spaces and don't require a lot of room to move around. However, they do still require regular exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Corkies are an energetic breed and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks and runs, and they love to play games like fetch and tug of war. They also enjoy being around people, so they do well in households with plenty of human company.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Corkies are an energetic breed that require regular exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy walks, runs, and playing games like fetch and tug of war. They also benefit from socializing with other dogs and people, so it's important to make sure they get plenty of opportunities to exercise and socialize.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Corkies are not typically bred for working or performing certain tasks or jobs. They are companion pets and thrive on human company and attention. However, they can make great therapy dogs or emotional support animals because of their calm and gentle nature.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Corkies are not typically used for hunting or tracking games. They have a gentle nature and a small size that doesn't lend itself well to hunting. However, they are a great breed for people who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Corkies have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance. They enjoy physical activity and can have a lot of fun playing games like fetch and tug of war, but they do require regular breaks and rest periods. It's important to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise while also making sure they get enough rest.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Corkies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. It's important to keep up with their regular veterinary care and to watch for any signs of unusual behavior or physical symptoms that could indicate an underlying health issue.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Corkies can be prone to obesity if they are not given enough exercise or are overfed. It's important to monitor their food intake and to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise and activity. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent obesity and keep them in good physical shape.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Corkies are not well-suited to cold weather conditions. They have a thin coat that doesn't provide much insulation against the cold, and they are prone to shivering and discomfort in cold weather. If you live in a cold climate, it's important to provide them with plenty of warm clothing and protection when outdoors.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Corkies are generally able to tolerate hot weather conditions, but they can become uncomfortable if it gets too hot. They have a thick coat that can create insulation against the heat, so it's important to keep them cool by providing plenty of shade, water, and air conditioning during hot weather.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Corkies are a great breed for apartment living, as they are small and adaptable. They don't require a lot of space, and they do well in small homes or apartments. However, they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, so it's important to make sure they get enough physical activity.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Corkies tend to be very attached to their owners and do not have a strong tendency to wander or roam. However, it is important to supervise them when outside to prevent them from running off or wandering too far. They also benefit from plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep them mentally and physically healthy.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Corkies can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, so it's important to use positive training methods with this breed. They thrive on praise and rewards, and they are more likely to respond well to training when treated with love and kindness. Harsh training methods can cause them to become anxious or stressed.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Corkies can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They are very attached to their owners and thrive on human company. It's important to make sure they have plenty of mental and physical stimulation when left alone, and to gradually train them to be comfortable with being alone for short periods of time.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Corkies are known to be vocal dogs and can be prone to a lot of barking if not properly trained. They tend to bark to alert their owners to potential danger or when they feel they are not receiving enough attention. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Corkies are a very intelligent breed that require mental stimulation and engagement to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy games that challenge their problem-solving skills, and they also benefit from training that requires them to think and learn new commands. Without enough mental stimulation, they can become bored and restless.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Corkies make great companion pets for novice owners. They are intelligent, loyal, and easy to train. They also do well around children and other pets, making them a great addition to families. However, they do require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and looking good.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Corkies are a very intelligent breed that are eager to please their owners. They tend to pick up new commands and tricks quickly, and they respond very well to positive reinforcement. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so consistency and patience are key when it comes to training.

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History of the Corkie

The Corkie breed originated in the United States in the late 20th century. Like most hybrid breeds, the exact origin and reason for breeding the Corkie are not well documented.

The breed was likely developed with the intention of creating a companion dog that was small enough to be kept in apartments, yet sturdy and playful enough for family living.

Corkie Puppies

Corkie puppies have an average litter size ranging from 3 to 5 pups. As with all breeds, socialization and training should start at an early age.

They have a playful and energetic nature as puppies and require proper stimulation to avoid behavioural issues.