What is a Mini Hippo Dog & what should I know?

 Well, other than the cutest dog on the planet. The Mini Hippo Dog is a mix between the Chinese Shar-Pei & Cocker Spaniel. They are loving, playful, protective, and oh so cute! Living life with a Mini Hippo will be ever so fulfilling. Lets see if owning a Mini Hippo is right for you. 

Coat & Shedding 

They come in three different coat types, bear coat (fluffy), brush coat (medium), & horse coat (short). Bear coat Mini Hippo tend to shed the least of all three coat types so if you’re looking for a low shedding dog, the bear coat, Mini Hippo would be the best fit for you. Brush coat are medium shedders, while their coat does not require a lot to maintain, you will have to sweep or vacuum more often than the bear coat. The horse coat is the worst shedder of all. While their coat may be extra short, they tend to shed the most. Also, people tend to have more of an allergic reaction to this coat type. It is extremely short and bristled. 

Health

The Mini Hippo is unfortunately prone to some health issues much like any other breed. However, they can have a genetic health condition that is specific to the Shar-Pei breed and Shar Pei mixes. SPAID is an auto inflammatory disease that can also affect Mini Hippo Dogs. SPAID is often referred to as Shar-Pei Fever. Since Shar-Pei carry the gene & Cocker Spaniel do not, you will least likely run into the disease if you get an F1 Mini Hippo (first generation) . It’s unlikely that that your F1 Hippo will be affected as it typically takes two copies of the gene to be affected however, there have been cases with Shar Pei and Shar Pei mixes being affected with only one copy of the gene. it was thought that a dog could not be affected without two copies of the gene until very recently. You are more likely to run into SPAID with a F2 (second generation) Mini Hippo. this is because both parents are a 50/50 mix of Shar Pei and Cocker Spaniel. This means that both parent dogs could potentially carry the gene and pass down two copies to their offspring. This is why it’s very important to find a reputable & knowledgeable breeder when purchasing a Mini Hippo Puppy. Mini Hippo‘s are also prone to other health conditions, such as cherry eye and Entropion. 

Temperament 

Mini Hippo‘s can take after their Shar Pei parent, and definitely need to be well socialized as a young puppy. While Their Cocker Spaniel parent tends to be very friendly and loving. Shar Pei tends to be protective and aloof at times. It’s important to purchase your Mini Hippo from a breeder that focuses on the socialization of their puppies. And as a new owner, you will need to continue to socialize your puppy once you get it home. They can be very loving and the most wonderful dogs on the planet. Here I have provided both breeds personality traits Cocker Spaniel Personality Shar-Pei personality

Size

The Mini Hippo dog is a medium size dog. Typically weighing anywhere from 25 to 45 pounds and a height of 14 inches to 20 inches from paw to wither. Although not very tall in stature they tend to be heavier because of their thick skin that they inherited from their Shar Pei parent.

Cost

The price for a Mini Hippo Puppy typically ranges from 2k, and I have seen them go all the way up to 8k. With the average price being around 3k. Pet stores that offer financing tend to sell them for a much higher price. Your best bet is to find a Breeder, rather than a pet store. 

Do you think the Mini Hippo dog is right for you?

Now that we have covered all the basics. I would love to share my own personal experiences with the breed. When well socialized, and properly trained, the Mini Hippo dog is an excellent companion. They are highly intelligent and very easy to train. They are more active than their Shar Pei parent And enjoy going on walks. However, nothing to vigorous in the heat because of their thick skin. My Mini Hippo‘s are so great with my children and are even welcoming with house guests. I Mini hippo‘s love to snuggle, and are extremely affectionate, unlike their Shar Pei parent.  they also tend to love water much like their Cocker Spaniel parent. Which is great for lake days. If you’re considering a Mini hippo Puppy, you will not regret getting one. Do your research, find a reputable breeder, and take the plunge. 

Mini Hippo Land