Mini Hippo dogs are a new breed of dog that are quickly rising to the top of the cutest and most adorable pets in the world.
However, as this breed of dog is relatively new, few people are familiar with it. It may be challenging for prospective dog owners to find the necessary information.
For this reason, we’ve written this article with all the information you need about this designer dog breed. You’re in the right place if this sounds like something that might interest you.
A purebred Shar Pei and a Cocker Spaniel were crossed to create the Mini Hippo, a hybrid breed that is a relatively new designer breed. They are a new breed created to eliminate the health problems of their parent breeds while combining their positive traits.
There are only a few generations of this hybrid dog because it was only recently “designed.”
Due to this, it can be very difficult to understand the breed without being familiar with important details about their parents’ breeds.
The Shar Pei originated in China. In the 20th century, they nearly went extinct completely, but Matgo Law revived the breed by making them popular once more.
Shar Peis were bred to be fighting dogs and guard dogs despite their adorable appearance. In actuality, their wrinkled skin probably aided them because it protected their faces and internal organs.
Shar Peis have grown to be cherished family pets over the years, and they are kept away from the ring. Breeders emphasized their lines and loose skin as time went on because breeders thought it added to their aesthetic.
If you’ve seen Lady and the Tramp, then you already know about this graceful breed.
Several variations of this breed exist, but we’ll concentrate on the American Cocker Spaniel, which is frequently used to breed Mini Hippo dogs.
Similar to the Shar Pei, the Cocker Spaniel was originally bred as a bird hunting dog but in more recent years has been transformed into a family pet. It is renowned for its long, floppy ears and wavy fur.
Finally, we can discuss the Mini Hippo, also known as the “Cocker Pei,” although hardly anyone uses this name these days.
Although the original breeder of this crossbreed is unknown, it is known that it came from the USA. It is a Shar Pei and Cocker Spaniel crossbreed. These dogs are adorable because they resemble tiny, furry hippopotamuses, just like their name suggests.
Mini Hippos aren’t the largest dogs around, as their name implies. In actuality, they rarely reach a height of 21 inches, and their typical weight ranges from 40 to 65 lbs.
Mini Hippos are not frightful like their water-dwelling counterparts who can be. Most people would want to cuddle with these adorable, cute, and amiable puppies all day.
This breed is so lovable because of its big heads, which, despite appearing a little bulky, give them a cute, toy-like appearance.
Depending on the dog’s genetic makeup, they have one of three types of soft, silky, and straight coat.
A brush coat typically measures less than an inch long and has a velvety, silky texture. The most typical type of fur a Mini Hippo can have is this one.
The coat resembles that of the Mini Hippo’s Cocker Spaniel parent a lot more. Although it isn’t very long, it is the longest of the three types, wavy and smooth.
The shortest coat type this crossbreed can have is the horse coat. It typically measures no more than a quarter of an inch and has a rough texture.
They can have fur in a variety of colors, including tri-color, tan, apricot, chocolate, parti, red, black, and blue.
The temperament of a Mini Hippo can be difficult to predict because the Shar Pei and Cocker Spaniel are two very different dog breeds.
Thankfully, some of these breeds’ characteristics include friendliness and a desire for affection, so you rarely get a dog that is difficult to live with.
This mixed breed is known for being very social. Families with children or other pets will benefit from mini hippopotamuses.
They inherit the Shar Pei parent’s intelligence and calmness, but they also share the Shar Pei parent’s stubbornness and overprotectiveness, which can make them appear envious. This also means that you shouldn’t leave Mini Hippos alone for an extended period of time because they could exhibit undesirable behavior or even turn destructive.
They are playful and affectionate, similar to Cocker Spaniels, and while they enjoy pleasing their owners, they can occasionally be a little independent and stubborn. Unlike the Shar Pei, they are easier to control and train because you don’t have to spend as much time with them.
If your neighbors frequently complain about pet noises, this breed is a great choice because it won’t bark excessively. In fact, when dog lovers discover their new Mini Hippo puppy doesn’t bark, they often become concerned or surprised.
Even dogs that do bark a bit more are simple to train and control, so you won’t experience a problem in your apartment building.
Just remember, these dogs don’t deal well with loneliness. Come back home as quickly as you can if you want to make sure they stay quiet and collected.
Due to their excellent social skills and ability to get along with both people and other animals, these dogs make wonderful additions to households with both children and other pets.
They are fiercely independent yet detest being left alone, so it may appear as though they are unsure of what they want. Due to the confrontational nature of their parent breeds, which are combined in the offspring, they have these perplexing personality traits.
When coupled with intelligence, their obstinacy can occasionally try their owners’ patience. They will know exactly what you need from them; the only remaining uncertainty is whether they will want to.
If nothing else, Miniature Hippos will express their unhappiness by altering their behavior or by starting to bark, which we’ve already mentioned is something they don’t often do.
These dogs have a tendency to become very jealous and possessive toward their owners. However, this makes them excellent watchdogs and loyal companions. Despite their diminutive size, they’ll do a great job keeping your house secure.
Additionally, because of their diminutive stature, they easily adapt to apartment life. They don’t need a lot of room, and as long as you take them for a few daily walks, they can live in a flat without any problems.
Mini Hippo dogs are very easy to train, so this is typically not a challenging task with them.
The Cocker Spaniel is a canine that enjoys making its owners happy. Anything it can do to increase the amount of time it spends with its family will be done.
A Shar Pei, on the other hand, is incredibly composed and perceptive. One of the few dog breeds that can be potty trained without the owner giving it a lot of instructions is this one.
As their offspring, the Mini Hippo has many good traits. This dog is extremely intelligent and will go out of its way to please its owner. Your dog will learn to do anything and everything with a little bit of positive reinforcement!
Give him enough exercise and mental stimulation. Your Mini Hippo only needs a few games and regular walks to stay content.
Because Cocker Peis are such amiable dogs who adore company, socialization is also very simple for them. Naturally, it’s a good idea to expose them to as many animals and situations as you can from a young age in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
These puppies can attempt to be dominant and guardian, despite rarely being aggressive. Because of this, you should always teach them good manners if you don’t want to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation when they’re bigger, stronger, and acting badly.
Designer breeds are typically very healthy, but there are some health concerns with Mini Hippos that you should be aware of before looking for Mini Hippo puppies for sale.
These dogs are prone to seasonal allergies. Additionally, some dog foods, particularly those containing corn and wheat, can cause problems for them. Food allergies are fairly common, so try to stay away from these two components.
Also, Mini Hippo dogs get ear infections relatively easily. To keep them as healthy as possible, you should clean their ears as frequently as you can. Contact your neighborhood veterinarian right away if you notice your Hippo emitting an odd odor or scratching more frequently than usual.
Additionally, the eyes of this breed of dog are extremely delicate and susceptible to cherry eye. When the third eyelid protrudes from the eye socket, it results in a cherry eye, which has a red, swollen appearance.
The only treatment for this condition that will make your dog feel better is surgery.
You should spend a lot of time cleaning your dog’s eyes and ears as a result. Your new normal will include cotton swabs and eye drops!
Additionally, brush your Mini Hippo’s teeth frequently to prevent cavities, food buildup, and tooth infections.
Apart from that, these are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. They will live a long and healthy life as long as their diet is balanced and they have clean eyes and ears.
Despite what we just said about how healthy the Mini Hippos are, the Cocker Spaniel and Shar Pei are both dog breeds that are prone to a variety of health issues. Some puppies might receive a raw deal and inherit the various illnesses their parents have.
The best way to guarantee you’ll receive a healthy puppy is to only do business with reputable breeders who put their Mini Hippo dog puppies through a number of health and DNA tests.
These experts won’t unnecessarily sell you a puppy with genetic flaws, so you’ll always be aware of what you’re getting into.
Giving your dog the best care possible is another thing you can do for him.
Give him nutritious food and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, but limit his activity level while he is still a puppy to prevent bone problems.
This is where it gets a little tricky in terms of grooming and shedding amounts, as is the case with most mixed breeds, including Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and even Pomskys.
Despite the American Cocker Spaniel’s moderate shedding, the stray hairs will remain lodged in its wavy coat. This will give the impression that they do not shed at all. They are also great for those who have allergies because their hair won’t fly around.
On the other hand, Shar Peis shed seasonally. They go through periods of excessive shedding, and then it can be difficult to clean up after them.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the precise amount of shedding and level of grooming needed for Mini Hippos because they can inherit any of their parents’ coat types (or even something in between!)
Some Mini Hippos might only require a quick brushing every few days, but you might even need to take some of them to a groomer!
The question of whether or not a dog breed is hypoallergenic causes additional anxiety for many prospective dog owners who suffer from allergies. So what about Mini Hippo dogs?.
First and foremost, despite the widespread misconception that a dog must only shed sparingly in order to qualify as hypoallergenic, Your dog’s dander, hair roots, urine, and saliva contain protein that is what is causing your allergies, not dog hair.
This means that some dogs with little to no shedding may also cause you breathing problems.
Luckily for allergy sufferers, Mini Hippos are overall hypoallergenic dogs. They don’t produce a lot of dander or excessive amounts of shedding.
However, be aware that they do occasionally drool. This may not be the best breed of dog for you if the dog’s saliva bothers you.
If you’re searching for additional hypoallergenic crossbreeds, you might want to look into some Poodle hybrids, like:
Most Popular Mini Hippo Puppy for Sale Names for 2022
How much do mini hippos shed?
Because none of the three types of fur have an undercoat, they shed very little. They also do not cause severe allergy flare-ups. In addition, the Mini Hippo frequently has green eyes and a black or pink nose. Many breeders decide to trim their tails during the puppies’ infancy.
A hypoallergenic breed like the Havachon is beneficial for those with allergies. They don’t shed much, but two to three times a week brushing is required to remove any mats.
Mini Hippo Dog Size and Weight: How Big Do Mini Hippo Dogs Get When Fully Grown?
Mini hippo weights range between 40 and 60 pounds when fully grown. These dogs grow from about 18 to 21 inches tall.
The size of a miniature hippo’s parents is one of the main determinants of that animal’s size.
An American Cocker Spaniel parent will produce a mini Hippo that will be smaller than an English Cocker Spaniel parent. This is due to the fact that American Spaniels are slightly smaller than English Spaniels.
A mini hippo’s full-grown size can generally be estimated by comparing it to the size of its parents.
Despite having the word “miniature” in their name, miniature hippos are not considered to be small dogs. They are considered to be medium-sized dogs.
Mini hippopotamuses are comparable in height to Border Collies or Chow Chows. They are slightly bigger than the typical Cocker Spaniel but roughly the same size as a Chinese Shar-Pei.
FAQ
What is a mini hippo dog?
A mini hippo is not a household name yet. Because of their unique appearance and benevolent disposition, these adorable little puppies are gaining a lot more popularity. This dog is a cross between a Chinese Shar-Pei and a Cocker Spaniel.
How long do mini hippos dogs live?
In terms of lifespan, a mini Hippo dog can expect to live for 10 to 15 years on average. If they do have any health issues, they are typically manageable dogs. Mini Hippos typically don’t inherit any Cocker Spaniel or Chinese Shar-Pei health problems.
How big does a hippo dog get?
They can weigh between 40 and 65 pounds and stand between 18 and 21 inches tall. The Mini Hippo Dog has one of three coat types and varies in fur color depending on who buys them: Beat Coat: This is the breed’s most favored fur type.
Is there a mini hippo?
The pygmy hippopotamus, also known as the pygmy hippo, is a diminutive hippopotamid that is indigenous to the swamps and forests of West Africa, primarily in Liberia. There are also small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast.