There is something appealing in the idea of taking a small companion breed, like a little chihuahua, and breeding them with a larger, more people-oriented dog like a spaniel.
The idea here is that we might end up with a pet that has a decrease risk of small dog syndrome, but a more manageable size than a typical spaniel.
Is this the case with this cocker spaniel chihuahua mix, or are these preconceptions completely misguided?
We will start with the size and physical features, with a moment to consider the coat type.
Then we will look at the personality and possible behavioral problems. From there we will consider the heath and care needs of the dog and where to get one.
By the end, we should have a clearer idea of whether these notions were misguided or not.
Table of Contents
What should we call this cocker spaniel and chihuahua mix?
There are a few potential names that owners and breeders could play about with here.
Calling it a cocker spaniel chihuahua mix is accurate, but takes far too long to say. There is something amusing in the idea of the cockerhuahua, but this hasn’t really caught on anywhere.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]Instead, most breeders and owners seem to have settled upon the name chi-spaniel. [/thrive_text_block]Chi Spaniel makes sense. As you will see from the physical traits below, there is a lot of the spaniel in this dog. Yet, there are plenty of Chihuahua traits fighting for attention.
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How big does this chihuahua cocker spaniel mix get?
One of the more common questions with this dog is what can we expect from the chi spaniel size. This is a question that many people will ask because of the small size of the chihuahua.
Surely, this mix breed can’t get that much bigger. This is a curious looking dog that really does look like a blend of the two parents.
Sometimes there is a more clear leaning one way or the other. Here there are elements of both dogs. There is a smaller stature and skinny look, as well as the potential of the head shape of the chihuahua.
Yet, there are those big floppy ears, longer legs and curled tail that immediately show that there is a cocker spaniel parent too. These ears can look a little over-sized and comical with some dogs.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]The chi spaniel full grown is definitely a small dog, with a weight between 6-18 pounds. [/thrive_text_block]Further Reading: The Best Dog Beds For Small Dogs (Top 14)
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What about the coat and grooming needs with this chihuahua spaniel mix?
The coat of this dog may depend a little on which chihuahua type bred with the cocker – either the long haired or short haired chihuahua.
Still, the coat of the cocker spaniel is long enough and needs enough care and attention by itself.
This dog requires regular brushing on those medium to long coats to prevent tangling and to maintain the condition.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]This is not a hypoallergenic dog, and there is a risk of moderate shedding. [/thrive_text_block]On the subject of the coat, there are different colors to look out for.
Some are a richer reddish-brown, others darker. Many turn out to have the fawn color of the chihuahua parent. If you have a white chihuahua or blue chihuahua, this could also affect the color of the pups.
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What do we need to know about the chi spaniel temperament?
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]This is generally a friendly family dog, but only with good socialization training and some patience. [/thrive_text_block]This can be a bit of a sensitive dog. This means that you need to handle them with care and make sure they are respected well by children.
Children must always be careful with this pup because of the smaller size and weight too. With time, owners often find that they have a loyal, devoted little pet.
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Potential problems with the attachment of this little dog to their owners.
There are two behavior issues to content with here:
The first is that this little dog can be so devoted and keen to be with people, that it then develops separation anxiety. This is when they can get distressed at being left alone for long periods.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]Therefore, these dogs will always do better in homes where one family member is always present. [/thrive_text_block]Then there is the potential of small dog syndrome. There are some chihuahuas that can be a little neurotic, possessive and needy. This comes out the worse when they are pampered too much.
This can lead to possessive and jealous behavior, with favoritism towards one member of the family.
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Training these chihuahua cocker spaniel mix puppies
Clearly these dogs need the right training regimen from an early age to get the best out of them. This means clear socialization training and other basic needs like leash training and housebreaking.
There are mixed opinions on the risk of barking. Some can be a bit yappy if this isn’t controlled early on too. The results can vary depending on the experience of the owner.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]This is fairly smart dog that can learn quickly, but their stubbornness means they may not respond as well as hoped. [/thrive_text_block]Anyone that struggles with the training of these dogs can turn to Doggy Dan the Online Dog trainer for accessible guides on all kinds of issues.
It might also help to try some interactive dog toys and brain training for dogs to help keep these dogs active and test their skills. This bonding process can help with any training regimens.
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Other care needs with these cocker spaniel chihuahua mix puppies
Be aware that although their small sizes allows them to adapt to apartment living, they can also be a pretty active dog. This means that they still need plenty of exercise.
Playtime in a yard would help. Otherwise, make sure they get out to the dog park.
Good socialization means that they should get on well with other dogs.
Be careful with these dogs and their climate. There are some problems with such a small dog with temperature regulation.
They can struggle with the cold, so don’t keep them out too long on cold days.
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As for any potential health issues, there are some major health concerns here with heart and eye issues. Some also struggle with hypoglycemia, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]Even so, dogs with the right treatments and a good healthy upbringing can live between 12 to 15 years. [/thrive_text_block]The range of health issues and care needs means that new owners need to be prepared.
Many will benefit from a guide such as The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health from Kingdom of Pets, which will help with basic ideas on care, housing, feeding and treats.
Other may appreciate genetic testing via from a kit like the Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test. This will highlight key markers and risks.
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Finding the right breeder with a chihuahua cocker spaniel for sale
There are sure to be breeders with these puppies for sale because many know that they can get a good return on this unusual dog.
There will be some breeders that are responsible and understand the care needs of the dogs. Other may breed them irresponsibly for a quick buck.
Research local breeders and visit different options. Meet the parents, pups and breeders to learn more.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]The price can vary depending on the breeder. Some may try and charge too much for rare breeding, long coated dogs or other specific traits. Other will go too cheap. Look for something in the middle. [/thrive_text_block]The alternative solution here is adoption.
There could be a little chi spaniel in need of a new loving home in your neighborhood. Families that struggle with the possessive tendencies, training needs or other issues may give up the dog for adoption.
This is a great way to save a life and find a new friend at a fraction of the cost of buying a pup.
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Is the chi spaniel right for you?
In answer to our original question about the preconceptions about this dog, it seems that some were indeed misguided.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]There was the hope that this mix might not be quite as neurotic and possessive as the chihuahua, but that risk still remains. The additional training issues don’t help. [/thrive_text_block]Then there is that hope that this creates a smaller, more manageable spaniel mix.
In some ways this true, this is definitely a small dog with spaniel features. Yet, there is an activity level that means they need to go out and play and walk quite a lot. There are also some care needs to consider relating to that size.
There are some clear pros and cons with this dog.
There is the potential for a sweet, loyal family-friendly dog that is fun to play with and a great companion.
However, that temperament requires some patience and hard work with the training. This, plus the care needs, means that they need a dedicated, experienced owner to get the best out of them.
It is also important to research the best breeders, or alternatively adopt a cocker spaniel chihuahua mix in need.
There is plenty of reward for those that put in that time and effort, but this little dog isn’t for everyone.