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Have you ever heard of Mini Hippo Dog? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. As the latest designer dog breed, it’s recently gaining popularity for its fondness for human interaction.
They’re a cross between Chinese Shar-Pei and the Cocker Spaniel. These medium size dogs have big heads that look similar to a hippo’s (hence the name). Most people are not yet familiar with the temperament of this designer dog.
In this article, you can find the answers to major questions about the mini hippo dog.
What is Mini Hippo Dog Breed?
The Mini Hippo dog is a cross between Shar-Pei and the Cocker Spaniel, but no one knows the origins of this dog. It got its wrinkled head and shoulders from the Shar-Pie, and its kind, gentle face from the Cocker Spaniel. They are also known as Cocker-Pei. When you take your cocker-pie for a walk in a park, it is sure to grab some attention from other canine lovers!
How Big Do Mini Hippo Dogs Get?
A completely grown Mini Hippo Dog can be around 18 to 21 inches, and weighs approximately 40 to 65 pounds.
What are the Basic Temperaments of Mini Hippo Dog?
It’s quite hard to visualize what temperaments the Mini Hippo Dog will get. Luckily, it inherited all the good genetic factors from its two parent breeds.
The Mini Hippo is friendly and known for its good social nature. They can easily get along with other pets and kids. This dog breed is calm and intelligent like the Chinese Shar-Pei. However, it can sometimes be stubborn with jealous bouts. When this happens, don’t leave them alone for long.
Loyal like the Shar-Pei and playful like Cocker Spaniel, mini hippos make great family pets. Cocker-Pei breeds are caring and social, but still calm and independent. They can be trained easily without the need for specific control.
If you’re a first time pet owner, mini hippo dogs are quiet and do not bark a lot. This makes them ideal for those living in apartment complexes, too. The important thing to remember is that mini hippo dogs do not like to be left alone for long periods. So make sure you come back as soon as possible, or have someone else that the canine trusts as well.
What Is the General Appearance of a Mini Hippo Dog?
A mini hippo dog’s head looks somewhat similar to a smaller version of a hippo. They’re cute, adorable, and playful. Its coat soft, silky, and straight. They come in three (3) different varieties, including:
- Brush Coat: Contains silky and velvety texture. Length is less than one-inch.
- Beat Coat: Is wavy and smooth. Coat length is longer than one-inch.
- Horse Coat: Comprises of a rough texture. Length of the coat is ¼-inch.
Mini Hippo Dog Nature and Behavior
One could say that it’s the dog breed for families. They like to play with kids and other pets. They’re affectionate yet highly independent. The only drawback is they’re not keen on being left alone for a long time. This duality in behavior may have been inherited from their breed parents.
The independent nature of the mini hippo dog will be evident immediately and will, in fact, test your patience. Maybe it’s their intelligence that makes them stubborn. When they’re not happy, you’ll know right away through loud and peculiar barks. This is not the typical bark you’ll hear whenever they see strangers.
Some mini hippo dogs will get very possessive of their owners. This might result in cases of jealousy. However, they make amazing companions and watch dogs.
How Big Do Mini Hippo Dogs Get?
In general, the fully grown mini hippo dogs grow between 13 and 20 inches tall. Their weight can differ from less than 20-pounds to more than 60-pounds. As you all know that American Cocker Spaniels are smaller in size compare to the English breed, so you can expect smaller hybrid brood from this cross.
What Kind of Training Do Mini Hippos Need?
It’s easy to train mini hippo dogs. The Cocker Spaniel parent is quite keen to please their owners and they love learning new things. The Shar-Pei parent, on the other hand, is very cool and calm. They also know how to potty train themselves – which is super cool!
Be sure to follow consistent training. Mini hippos love short, exciting sessions. For better results, use a positive reward system. Ensure the canines get regular leg stretches. Taking them out for walks or playing stimulating games with your mini hippo is the best kind of training.
What Diet Do Mini Hippos Dogs Need to Follow?
You should only feed it two times a day. Mini hippo dogs should have a high-quality diet, not just dry kibble. Balanced food with plenty of meat is the best option whenever you can.
What Health Issues Do Mini Hippo Dog Usually Experience?
When it comes to the health of your mini hippo dog, you need to take care of a few things as this breed gets seasonal allergies easily.
Avoid corn and wheat in their food as they are allergic to those. Clean their ears frequently to prevent infections. Most mini hippo dogs also suffer from an eye condition called Cherry Eye. It’s a health condition where the third eyelid bulges from the eye socket. Hence, their eyes need constant cleaning to avoid this irritation. Lastly, regularly brush their teeth to fend off tooth decay.
How Long Does a Mini Hippo Dog Live?
The mini hippo dog lives approximately between 10 and 15 years.
Do Mini Hippo Dogs Shed?
Yes, mini hippo dogs shed their coat. But it’s seasonal and they shed comparatively less than other breeds. This usually happens in spring or fall seasons and only for a few days.
Finding a Mini Hippo Puppy
The good news is that the mini hippo is not yet as popular as other designer breeds. So if you want one for a pet, you’d have to do some serious searching and waiting. Verify that you’re getting one from a reliable and reputable breeder. Make sure it’s a healthy pup by asking all the right questions before you seal the deal. It’s worth the wait – we promise!
Avoid buying designer puppies at pet stores or puppy mills. They breed to meet the market demand and get easy profit with little concern for the puppies. The average cost of a mini hippo puppy is anywhere between $350 and $650. The cost can vary based on the pup’s age.
Mini hippo dogs won’t make ideal guard dogs as they can’t be left alone for long periods of time. But for folks who want a loyal and friendly canine to improve their lives, then the mini hippo dog is the perfect match.