Mini Hippo Dog: 12 Key Questions for Which We Needed an Answer!

So, “what is a Mini Hippo dog breed?” Since this is among the newest breeds out there, this is a question that might be on some people`s minds when wanting to buy or adopt a dog.

Being a rather new breed, most people aren`t really familiarized with the characteristics of this type of dog. This is where we come into play as in this article will try to offer answers to most of these questions.

What Is a Mini Hippo Dog Breed?

So, what kind of dog is a Mini Hippo? The real origins of this dog are still unknown, but at least we know they are a mix between the Shar Pei and the Cocker Spaniel.

With the wrinkled shoulders and head of a Shar Pei and the kind face of a Cocker Spaniel, the Cocker-Pei (as they also get called) gets the advantages of both breeds: kind face and cute appearance. You cannot walk this dog through the park and not catch people`s attention.

How Big Do Mini Hippo Dogs Get?

A full grown adult miniature Hippo dog can get anywhere between 18 and 21 inches, and can weigh around 40 to 65 pounds.

What Are Their Most Basic Characteristics?

The miniature Hippo is protective and social but still a rather calm type of dog; also, they are somehow independent. They are in great disposition all the time, which makes them amazing family dogs.

This breed isn`t really the barking type, which makes them good choices for first time dog owners. However, if necessary, you`ll hear them.

They adapt quite well when it comes to dog owners with apartments. And as most dogs, the miniature Hippo dog doesn`t really like to be left alone, but they won`t bother your neighbors too much either if you`ll leave them alone for some time.

If you live in an area where the weather is hot most of the time, maybe this breed isn`t the best choice for you. They have a rather better tolerance for cold weather compared to hot one, but still they aren`t big fans of cold weather either.

What Is Their General Appearance?

As their name implies, dogs of this breed are very similar to the small version of a hippo. And if you think about their small sizes both in length or height, you can imagine how adorable they look.

The coat of these charming little dogs is straight, soft and somehow silky. These little fellas come in 3 distinct coats:

• Beat coat – Typically, it has a wavy smooth touch and is longer than 1 inch in length.
• Brush coat – It has kind of velvety texture and is less than 1 inch in length.
• Horse coat – It has a rough touch and is less than ¼ of an inch in length.

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What Is Their Temperament & Behavior?

Generally speaking, the Mini Hippo is a very social canine that feels the need to be friendly all the time. They are amazing family dogs, as they are always gentle with the children and playful with other dogs, offering a lot of pleasure to the entire family.

They have 2 entirely bipolar behaviors, often giving the feeling of independence, but somehow affectionate at the same time, a bipolar behavior that was inherited from both parents.

The independent behavior may sometimes evidently oust their owner`s overall patience. And although they are smart pooches, sometimes they feel the need to get stubborn for no good reason.

Their owners will hear them immediately if they aren`t happy, as miniature Hippos have a loud type of bark. They also have a tendency of barking when playing, and some of them might be predisposed to barking at strangers passing next to their owner`s house.

Some dogs of this breed are so possessive about their owners that, they tend to suffer of jealousy. They are also good companions and great watchdogs, always guarding the property in which they live.

What Kind of Training Do Mini Hippos Need?

Because of their cool and quiet well of being, this type of dog is able to undergo positive reinforcement training rather fast.

Due to their sense of alert and loving way of being, the Cocker Pei will always be in the look out to protect their owners and only ask a bit of affection in return.

With the right kind of owner, the miniature Hippos are easily trainable as they are always eager to please. All they need is a firm and consistent type of training to curb their independent, and at times, stubborn disposition.

Hippos are strong will dogs, so they need owners who can act diligently and prove themselves as the leader of their pack. It`s advisable to begin training since they are puppies and socialization with other dogs should also begin from early age.

Canines of this particular breed require a moderate exercise level from one day to another. Still, dog owners need to take into account that miniature Hippos have a tendency to get tired faster than other breeds.

If you remember to take small breaks from time to time, then everything will be in order. In fact, this type of dogs will actually “tell” you when they need rest by simply laying down when they feel the need.

What Diet Do These Canines Need to Follow?

Fixed routine meals suitable for their level of energy and size should be more than enough to feed the Mini Hippo.

However, there should be no compromises regarding the quality of the food products. Two equal portions should be more than enough for their daily meal.

What Health Issues Do They Usually Experience?

Every dog owner wants for his canine to be happy and healthy. Take the following steps and things should be fine.

• Dental – Brush their teeth on a regular basis in order to prevent any possible health problems related to teeth, such as tooth decay.
• Eyes – Dogs of this breed might experience Cherry Eye, a medical condition of the nictitating membrane, also known as the third eyelid, often occurred in pets` eyes. Surgery might be required in order to correct this disorder. Dog owners also need to wipe away any goop which might form in their canines` eyes to keep infection or irritation away.
• Ears – Miniature Hippos might be predisposed to ear infections. However, this can be easily prevented by keeping ears clean to aid keep away any build-up of wax or access of debris.
• Allergies – Allergic reactions have a tendency to be seasonal. Still, if dog owners feed their pooches with high quality dog food and keep away allergens that can be found in various allergens like corn or wheat, then there`s not much to worry about.

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How Long Does a Mini Hippo Dog Live?

These dogs are expected to live anywhere between 10 and 15 years.

Do Mini Hippo Dogs Shed?

The shedding of this adorable dog is seasonal, but somehow much less than other breeds. So, those owners who don`t really enjoy having their dogs soiling their carpets or inside of their cars will be happy with this dog.

If there will be any shedding, this will typically happen during fall or spring seasons for a couple of days.

Are Mini Hippo Dogs Hypoallergenic?

According to Wikipedia, hypoallergenic dogs are pet animals that are less prone to trigger allergies in people.

Regarding to those who suffer of allergic reactions, a hypoallergenic dog would supposedly allow them to own a canine in their house, whereas most other dogs might cause an allergy.

It`s widely believed that hypoallergenic dogs are the ones that shed less, but this is a myth.

In reality, there are proteins which cause allergic reactions and are found not only in the dogs` hair, but in urine, saliva, hair roots and the dander that is removed from the skin of these pets as well.

The miniature Hippo dog has been promoted as being a hypoallergenic canine as they don`t shed their hair too much. However, there`s no dog breed known to be entirely non-allergenic.

Dogs of this breed are generally believed as being hypoallergenic, when in fact are known to cause distinct forms of allergic reactions, which include bronchitis, as does any dog breed out there.

How Much Does a Mini Hippo Dog Cost?

If you are looking for Mini Hippo puppies for sale, you should know that puppies of this breed don`t really come cheap, but they aren`t that expensive either compared with other types of canines.

The average price of a miniature Hippo puppy is anywhere from $350 to $650. However, the cost will depend on the Hippo puppy`s age, your local dog rescue or shelter, “puppy package” (e.g. in-store coupons, neutering, shots, in-store training/boarding), etc.

Overall Conclusion

As we established above, the miniature Hippo dog is a playful, alert, independent and adorable little canine that will be adored from the start by any dog lover who wants to offer them a home, especially when talking about first time dog owners.