Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua is a small designer dog developed by breeding a Chihuahua and a Cocker Spaniel. They are intelligent, sweet, kid-friendly dogs that occasionally bark. Cocker Spaniel Chihuahuas are small in structure but are brave and alert dogs. They would be suitable for apartment living and large houses. If you would like to add a Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua to your family, here is all you need to know about this adorable puppy.
Breed recognition: Dog Registry of America (DRA), IDCR
Cocker Spaniel Vs. Chihuahua – A Comparison
Features
Cocker Spaniel
Chihuahua
Image
Origin
America
America
Height
13.5 – 15.5 inches
6 – 9 inches
Weight
20 – 30 pounds
3 – 6 pounds
Size
Small
Small
Group
Sporting
Companion dogs
Children Compatibility
High
High
Family Compatibility
High
High
Pets Compatibility
High
Low to medium
Barking Level
Medium to high
Medium
Shedding Level
Medium
Low to Medium
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming Needs
Medium
High
Overall Health
Medium to high
Low to Medium
Energy
Medium
Medium
Exercise Needs
Medium to high
Low
Trainability
Medium to high
Medium
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Field Trials, Obedience, Rally Obedience
Watchdogs, companion dogs
Complication in breeding
No
No
Litter Size
5 puppies
1 – 3 puppies
Lifespan
10 – 14 years
10-18 years
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Personality
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahuas have big expressive eyes, small erect or floppy ears, and a triangular dark muzzle. Chi-Spaniels come in different sizes and coat colors ranging from black, red, cream, white, chocolate, silver, gray, fawn, tricolor, spotted, merle, and brindled. They have a medium to long coat. Some may have longer hair, while others may have short hair.
The ears may have fringes and have longer fur on the chest, belly, legs, and feet. His tail will be most likely plumed and hairy. They are short and slim built. Generally, designer breeds will resemble either one of the parents or a mixture of both.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
Medium to high
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Medium to high
Pet-friendly
Medium
Stranger -friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good to new owners
Medium
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold-tolerance
Medium
Heat-tolerance
Medium
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Temperament
One can never predict the mixed breed’s temperament. It can either be a combination of both or completely inherit one parent’s nature. Chi-Cockers are generally calm, playful, and brilliant. They would like to be pampered, and if they are not getting enough attention, it can result in separation anxiety. They mingle well with the kids and would be gentle with them. They would also be good with your pets. Although they may be courageous, they would not make good watchdogs. They can get closer to one of the family members out of love. Early socialization is recommended.
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Training
Chi- Cockers are generally friendly dogs, easy to train; however, they are sensitive dogs, and they would do well with gentle training. Positive reinforcements can be helpful during training. Early socialization is a must as they are reserved towards strangers. Taking your canine to a dog park and obedience classes can enable him to showcase his intelligence and learn how to interact in different situations. Clicker training methods can work wonders for these dogs.
Also, you can provide the following training sessions to Chi Cockers:
The Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua will not need a proper exercise regime. However, they would require daily physical exertion. These are playful dogs that will adore playing games such as fetch in the yard or walking.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Medium to high
Exercise needs
Low to medium
Intensity
Low to medium
Playfulness
Medium to high
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Grooming
Pet parents must brush their Chi-Spaniel’s coat twice or thrice a week to avoid matting. If the Cocker Spaniel takes the Spaniel gene, he may have floppy ears, so you must clean their ears to keep them dry. Gently clean their eyes if he secretes discharge. Trim their nails and brush their teeth twice a week.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
Medium
Drooling tendency
Low
Amount of shedding
Medium
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Health
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahuas are generally healthy dogs. However, it is also vital to buy a Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua from a reputable breeder. This can assure a happy and healthy puppy that will be the perfect companion for life.
Health Overview
Overall health
Medium to high
Weight gain tendencies
Medium
Size
Low to medium
Patellar Luxation: Knee Dysplasia, also known as Patellar Luxation, is a condition that affects both the parent breeds. The dislocation of the knee cap can be excruciatingly painful, causing the dog to avoid leaning on the injured leg.
Signs of the luxating patella in dogs:
While your dog runs along, he may suddenly pick up a back leg and hop for some time.
Kicks his leg sideways to get the kneecap back in position and is normal.
Glaucoma: A condition that involves an excessive amount of pressure on the eyes, causing the eyes to stretch out that fails to drain out normally. When it is left unnoticed, it can cause blindness. Symptoms include uneven pupil size, frequent squinting, bulgy eyes, and cloudy cornea. You can resolve glaucoma with special eye treatment and medication, or an invasive solution would be surgery.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful, life-threatening condition caused when the bones of the rear legs don’t fit properly in the joints. Hip dysplasia is primarily hereditary, but injuries, excessive weight gain, wrong exercises can cause hip dysplasia. Some dogs might exhibit symptoms, while some might not. Treatment ranges from medication to replacement of the hip through surgeries. This condition causes defects or damage to the hip bones joints and worsens without treatment.
To avoid this problem, do not crossbreed with a parent who has the issue of hip dysplasia. Regular checkups are suggested.
Hypothyroidism: An abnormality in the thyroid gland secretion can cause this condition. It holds responsibility for medical disorders like epilepsy, alopecia, obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin-related diseases. A proper diet and medication help treat this issue.
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is a disorder that can affect several tiny dog breeds, including Chihuahuas. When a dog’s blood sugar level drops too low, hypoglycemia occurs. This occurs most frequently after an exercise session, when the dog skips a meal, or when the dog witnesses an exciting occurrence. If you suspect your dog is suffering from hypoglycemia, make an appointment with your veterinarian right once.
Hydrocephalus: This is a comparatively rare disease experienced by smaller canines. Dogs with this disease have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside their heads that cannot drain. This puts a lot of pressure on the brain, leading to lousy vision or blindness, seizures, restlessness, trouble learning commands, and coma.
Ear Infections: This is most common in Chi Cockers with floppy ears. Fungi and bacteria can cause ear infections to thrive in the warmth and darkness provided.
Allergies: Chi Cockers can be allergic to various substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your dog licks his paws or rubs his face a great deal, get him checked by your veterinarian.
Overactive Tear Glands: This causes tear stains near the dog’s eyes. Due to genetics, eye infections, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, inflammation, or swelling, dog’s tears are not drained or blocked correctly. Dogs with shallow eye sockets, eyelids turned inward, hair growth around eyes, and blocked tear drainage holes are more susceptible to this. In addition, short-nosed breeds such as Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese and their mixed breeds are prone to this disorder. You can have a cotton cloth handy to wipe the tear stains off your dog’s eyes.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: The most prevalent hereditary bleeding problem in dogs is Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD). It’s caused by a lack of a specific protein that helps platelets (blood cells that aid with clotting) adhere together and form clots to close damaged blood arteries. Von Willebrand factor is the name of the missing protein (VWF).
Cardiomyopathy: This condition is caused due to the improper conduction of blood to the heart, causing a sudden rise in heart rate. Sadly, there are no symptoms that might result in normal fainting to unexpected deaths.
Eye Diseases: Chi Cockers can be prone to these eye diseases:
Corneal damage
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Eyelid mass
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Cherry eye
Entropion
Dental Issues: Dental issues like bleeding gums, gum inflammation, tartar buildup, bad breath, cavities are common in Chihuahuas and their mixed breeds. Regularly brushing their teeth can prevent oral infections, gum diseases, and other dental problems.
Tracheal collapse: Tracheal collapse is a gradual respiratory disease caused by the collapse of such tissue tracheal rings. This is common in small breeds like Chihuahuas and their mixed breeds. As the windpipe contracts, it might create breathing issues in your dog. A severe dry cough may emerge as a result of this. The reason for the tracheal collapse in dogs is usually unknown.
Small dog syndrome: Chi Cockers suffer from this syndrome, a collective behavior change exhibited by small dogs. They do all activities to overcome their small stature, such as excited manners, growling at people and other pets, and jumping up on pet parents, people, or other pets.
Skin Problems: The continual scratching or licking paws can be annoying, but don’t blame your dog for his bad behavior; the skin issue is to be blamed. Parasites, allergies, and underlying sickness are all possible reasons. The following are the symptoms of skin problems:
Skin Sores
Dry Skin
Rashes
Lumps
Redness
Dandruff
Bumps
Sunburns
Hair Loss
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Diet and Nutrition
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua will need one cup of high-quality food divided into two meals. You can provide an occasional treat. Based on your pet’s age and size, you can also consider giving ½ to 1 cup of quality dry kibbles. They need a lot of energy-rich food with high protein and optimal nutrition included in their diet.
Overfeeding your puppy can result in obesity and related health issues. So, have an eye on the quantity you feed your pet.
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Living Condition
Chi- Cockers are not suitable for people who often travel as they are prone to separation anxiety.
They are ideal for apartment living.
They can live in moderate climatic conditions.
Adding a Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Breeding a Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua
The Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua would need a lot of attention to be a happy dog.
They are great companions for older adults.
To stay happy with your Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua, buy the puppy from a reputable breeder. Then, check the puppy’s health clearance certificates and vaccination certificates.
The cost of a Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Puppy is $150 – $500
