How long does a German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 8–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Cocker Spaniel (10–14 years).

Is a German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix easy to train?

Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix

A German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Cocker Spaniel. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 35–60 lb and live 8–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Cocker Spaniel, a purebred dog — Cocker SpanielPhoto: Wikimedia Commons contributor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight35–60 lbcan be 20–90 lb

Height18–21 inat the shoulder

Lifespan8–12 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix35–60 lb

Cocker Spaniel20–30 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 18–21 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 13.5–15.5 in for the Cocker Spaniel.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Low to high

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Cocker Spaniel very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. The Cocker Spaniel as gentle, smart, happy. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

German Shepherd vs Cocker Spaniel vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix	Cocker Spaniel
Weight	50–90 lb	35–60 lb	20–30 lb
Height	22–26 in	18–21 in	13.5–15.5 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	8–12 yr	10–14 yr
Shedding	high	low to high	low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Sporting

Questions about the German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix get?: Most grow to 35–60 pounds and 18–21 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 20–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 8–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Cocker Spaniel (10–14 years).
Does a German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix shed?: Shedding is low to high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Cocker Spaniel mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.