Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
When you think about “Mini Hippo,” you might imagine a small river creature from sub-Saharan Africa, part of the rich tapestry of African wildlife, munching on mud and grass. But, surprise! It’s not a tiny hippopotamus.
Mini Hippo Dog is a cute and charming designer breed that surprises people and wins hearts with its special charm. Despite the name, this adorable dog is not a slippery river animal but a lovable mix of the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Cocker Spaniel.
Let’s explore different aspects of this new breed, including its origins, health care, personality, and temperament.
Source: Pinterest
History of Mini Hippo Dog
Meet the Mini Hippo, also known as a Cocker-Pei – a delightful hybrid dog breed that brings together the best traits from its two parent breeds. While its exact origins are a bit mysterious, some believe it started in the United States.
This charming pup is a perfect blend of the purebred Cocker Spaniel and the Chinese Shar-Pei, creating a 50-50 mix.
Despite the distinct differences in the parent breeds, the Mini Hippo seems to inherit the most favorable characteristics from both. Now, let’s explore the features of this adorable puppy in more detail.
The Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel has been a beloved family pet for a long time. It’s a friendly and calm dog, like the little brother in the family of sporting dogs. They’re lively, good with kids, and easy to take care of.
As puppies, Cocker Spaniels are full of energy and love to have fun. But the great thing is, they don’t need to run around all the time. They won’t get upset or start chewing things if you can’t walk them every day.
Cocker Spaniels come in different looks, but all of them have the same happy personality. They are a bit delicate, so it’s best not to use harsh methods when training them. They respond better to gentle ways.
Sometimes, they might feel anxious, especially if they’re stressed. It’s a good idea to start training them early so that they don’t get too worried.
And because they might be shy around new dogs, it’s important to teach them how to behave. Usually, Cocker Spaniel puppies get along well with other animals.
The Shar-Pei
The Mini Hippo has a buddy called the Shar-Pei, which has a really long history going back to 200 BC in China. This dog was created to guard rich people’s homes and later got involved in herding and hunting. Even today, it’s great at protecting its family and home.
The Shar-Pei is a strong, short-nosed dog that needs someone to handle it well. With the right care, it becomes a wonderful part of the family. This dog is smart, patient, and good with kids. It can also do things on its own.
Unlike the Cocker Spaniel, whose main job is to be a loving companion, the Shar-Pei’s main job is to keep you safe. But, like the Cocker Spaniel, the Shar-Pei needs training when it’s young so it doesn’t cause trouble at home.
Even though it might sometimes be a bit stubborn, it will always love and stay loyal to you. Surprisingly, it doesn’t always get along with people or other dogs.
Size of Mini Hippo DogÂ
Source: Pinterest
The Mini Hippo dog full size is a distinctive breed among medium-sized dogs, exhibiting a unique combination of traits from both the Cocker Spaniel and Shar-Pei. When Mini Hippo Dog full grown, these dogs typically weight between 40 to 65 pounds, and their size ranges from 18 to 21 inches, depending on individual development.
As Mini Hippo’s genes kick in, its face transforms into a cute hippopotamus-like look, inspiring the adoption of the name “Mini Hippo.” Unlike Shar-Pies, known for their charming wrinkled appearance due to “folding” skin, but this trait is not as pronounced as it is with the Shar-Pei.
In terms of appearance, Mini Hippos lean more towards Shar-Peis than their Cocker Spaniel ancestors, especially in disposition, a fluffy coat, and small size. The full size of the Mini Hippo dog showcases a delightful blend of characteristics from both its Cocker Spaniel and Shar-Pei heritage.
Temperament of Mini Hippo Dog
Source: Pinterest
The Mini Hippo hybrid breed combines traits from its parent breeds, the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Cocker Spaniel. Cocker Spaniels are known for being patient and family-friendly, while Shar-Peis are loyal but can be territorial or aggressive with strangers.
This mix results in Mini Hippos having a calm and intelligent nature, along with a protective instinct for their family. They are gentle, patient, and affectionate at home, yet can switch to a vigilant guard dog mode when faced with intruders.
Predicting the exact temperament of each Mini Hippo is challenging due to their uniqueness. Despite this, they generally tend to be social and friendly, making them increasingly popular as a reliable choice for a family pet.
What Does a Miniature Hippopotamus Dog Typically look like?
People talked about this before, but this dog is really cute! It’s called the Mini Hippo Dog because it looks like a tiny hippopotamus with a small, padded, and wrinkled snout. These dogs are small to medium-sized with square bodies.
Bear Coat: This is the favorite coat, more than an inch long, smooth, wavy, and velvety.
Brush Coat: Like the bear coat, one inch long, glossy, and silky.
Horse Fur: Rough texture, half an inch or less.
Surprisingly, all three coats don’t shed much and don’t cause strong allergies. You can know a Mini Hippo by its pink or black nose and green eyes.
Breeders usually cut their tails when they are puppies to stop them from wagging too much as they grow. Mini Hippos have a deep bark, small floppy ears, and sharp teeth, making them special and cute little friends.
Nature and Behavior of Mini Hippos
Source: Pinterest
Understanding the Behavior of Mini Hippos, a unique dog breed that combines the traits of hippos and canines, can be quite an intriguing topic. Mini Hippos exhibit a wide range of behaviors that can vary from one individual to another.
Jealousy is not uncommon among Mini Hippos, and they may show it in different ways. For families with children, it’s essential to introduce them to Mini Hippos carefully, as the presence of kids can influence their Behavior.
As a dog breed, Mini Hippos are known for their loyalty and can bring happiness to their owners and family members. They are all about faith and loyalty, making them beloved pets in many households.
Mini Hippos are intelligent and interested in nature, looking for indications of their owner’s feelings. They can sense when something is amiss and act protectively.
It is one of the reasons why Mini Hippos are considered a great dog breed for families and owners who want a loving and watchful companion. They may be wary of strangers, which is their way of ensuring the safety of their loved ones.
In all, the Behavior and nature of Mini Hippos are both fascinating and endearing, making them a one-of-a-kind dog breed that captures the hearts of many pet enthusiasts and experts alike.
Training of Mini Hippos
Source: Pinterest
The Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel breeds are known for their intelligence, which, when introduced into the Mini Hippo breed, presents both advantages and challenges. Mini Hippos are quick learners, excelling in acquiring new tricks.
However, their well-being requires consistent mental stimulation. This intelligence can lead to a certain level of “willfulness,” emphasizing the importance of proper training.
Mini hippos often exhibit a strong sense of self-importance and may act independently. Successful training involves a balance of consistency, firmness, and engaging positive incentives for the hippo.
EXERCISE
Even though Mini Hippos may seem small and sturdy, they’re surprisingly agile! While they don’t need a lot of exercise every day, if you decide to go for an extended workout with your Mini Hippo, it’s not likely to tire out easily.
These dogs get their stamina from their Cocker Spaniel parents, who are skilled in chasing and retrieving. Plus, Mini Hippos are smart. So, if you bring this lovable breed home, consider spending at least 2 hours a day on outdoor activities when your Mini Hippo becomes an adult.
Grooming of Mini Hippo Dog
Not all Mini Hippos have the same grooming needs because each one inherits a unique mix of genes from its parents. Since Shar-Peis and Cocker Spaniels are very different dog breeds, Mini Hippos can look quite different.
Shar-Peis have a short, smooth coat categorized as a “single layer,” while Cocker Spaniels have a long, silky coat that is a “double layer,” needing regular brushing. Mini Hippos can have coats anywhere in between, leading to different grooming requirements.
Some may only need occasional trips to the groomers, weekly brushing, and monthly baths, while others may need more frequent grooming with monthly trips to the groomers, daily brushing, and weekly baths.
The good news is that by the time a Mini Hippo puppy is 8 weeks old, you can look at its fur to get clues about its grooming needs. If the puppy has longer hair, it’s a sign that it will need more frequent and time-consuming grooming.
Diet of Mini Hippos Dogs
Source: Pinterest
The diet of Mini Hippos dogs is a topic that deserves attention, as it can greatly impact their health and well-being. When planning a diet for Mini Hippos, it’s essential to choose high-quality kibble that is specifically formulated for their dietary needs.
This diet should be guided by the fact that Mini Hippos, as a dog breed, have a unique manner of eating. They benefit from a balanced diet with meat products to provide nutrients.
Mini Hippos dogs require a lot of care in their diet, and a well-rounded and nutritious approach ensures that they stay healthy and happy.
Owners should pay close attention to their diet to ensure they receive all the nutrients required to maintain their well-being. Providing the right diet for Mini Hippos is crucial to keeping them in their best condition.
Health Issues of Mini Hippo Dog
Source: Pinterest
The Mini Hippo, a hybrid dog breed, might inherit certain health issues from its Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel parents. These issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, knee issues, and thyroid disease, which are more common in both Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel breeds.
However, it’s important to note that not every Mini Hippo is guaranteed to have these health issues. Mini hippos are usually healthy, but it’s good to watch out for a few things:
Seasonal Allergies: Sometimes, Mini Hippos may have mild allergies. Your vet can help treat them. Some pups might also be sensitive to certain foods, so a grain-free diet is often recommended.
Ear Infections: Mini Hippos are prone to ear infections, usually due to allergies. To prevent them, clean their ears weekly or when you notice wax.
Eye Infections: Mini Hippos might get regular eye infections, treatable with ointments and cleaning. However, they’re more prone to cherry eye, which needs surgery.
Teeth: Mini Hippos have sharp teeth, but proper nutrition and chew toys can keep them strong. Watch out for bad breath, though.
Apart from these, Mini Hippo Dogs are generally healthy and benefit from regular vet check-ups.
Mini Hippo Dog Lifespan
Source: Pinterest
The Mini Hippo Dog lifespan, on average, ranges between 10 and 15 years, showcasing the enduring companionship these delightful canines offer.
Are Mini Hippo Dogs Hypoallergenic?
According to Wikipedia, hypoallergenic dogs are less likely to cause allergies in people. For those with allergies, having a hypoallergenic dog is seen as a way to have a furry friend, unlike most other dogs that might trigger allergies.
Contrary to the belief that hypoallergenic dogs shed less, the truth is that proteins causing allergies are not only in the dogs’ fur but also in urine, saliva, hair roots, and the skin flakes they shed (dander).
Miniature Hippo dogs are often promoted as hypoallergenic due to minimal shedding. However, it’s important to understand that no dog breed is completely non-allergenic.
While these dogs are thought to be hypoallergenic, they can still cause various allergic reactions, including bronchitis, similar to any other dog breed.
Do Mini Hippo Dogs Shed?
Source: Pinterest
This adorable dog has minimal seasonal shedding, much less than other breeds. Owners who prefer a cleaner home and car interiors will be pleased. If any shedding occurs, it usually happens for a short period during the fall or spring seasons.
Mini Hippo Puppies
Mini Hippo puppies are cute and perfect for any home. They’re small, adorable, and resemble mini hippos. These playful and affectionate pups easily bond with owners and get along with everyone.
They’re social and adaptable, making them great companions. Plus, they’re smart and learn quickly, making training fun. Mini Hippo puppies are gaining popularity and bringing joy to households worldwide.
Mini Hippo dog prices typically range from $350 to $600, with variations based on the puppy’s age and the specific dog shelter in your local area.
Mini Hippo Puppies for Sale
Discover joy with Mini Hippo puppies for sale! These adorable bundles of charm blend puppy cuteness with the unique allure of miniature hippos.
Perfect for any family, you can buy these Mini Hippo puppies from different countries, expanding your options for the perfect pint-sized happiness. Don’t miss out—bring home your international Mini Hippo companion today and explore a world of love and laughter. These countries include:
Mini Hippo puppies for sale in Ohio
Mini Hippo puppies for sale in Tennessee
Mini Hippo puppies for sale in Georgia
Mini Hippo Dogs for Sale Near Me in USA
Mini Hippo Dogs for Sale Near Me in UK
Explore Mini Hippo puppies for sale and bring home joy with these adorable companions. Find your perfect furry friend today.
Conclusion
If you want a lively, loyal, and smart puppy, this cute Mini Hippo is a great choice for your family, even if you’ve never had a dog before. It’s fine with apartment living.
But be careful, because this little dog has a loud bark for its size. It’s always ready to protect you and make you smile. Mini Hippo Dogs are vocal when they’re angry, worried, or excited, but they’re not noisy all the time.
In short, we hope you now understand this unique designer breed better. Even though they haven’t been around for centuries like their parents, Mini Hippos have made a big impact on the world.
Note: Do you like Mini Hippos? Check out our cute Mini Hippo Dog for sale at harpersatelier.
I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.
