The History of the Cockeranian
- A Cockeranian is considered a hybrid or designer breed, meaning a dam from one breed and a sire from a different breed were chosen by a breeder to mate for the purpose of creating a mixed breed of canine. Cockeranians derive from two American Kennel Club (AKC)-recognized pure breeds, allowing for a known lineage.
- Cocker spaniels are indigenous to the United Kingdom region and were brought to America in the late 1800s, which led to the American Kennel Club differentiating between the American cocker spaniel and the English cocker spaniel as two separate breeds by the turn of the century. Pomeranians originate from Germany and Poland, becoming recognized in England in the late 1800s and by the American Kennel Club in 1900.
- According to the American Kennel Club, cocker spaniels are the smallest breed within the Sporting Group, renowned for high energy levels and attentiveness, while Pomeranians are classified in the Toy Group, which are notorious as lap dogs. The breeding of Cockeranians began in the 20th century, with the size, looks, personality and health of this hybrid breed associated with a cross between cocker spaniel and Pomeranian traits.