Mini Hippo Puppies

Photo of Mini Hippo

Mini Hippo: The cross between the Chinese Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel

Mini Hippos are named this for their resemblance to a baby hippopotamus. They are calm and friendly puppies that enjoy being around people.


Mini Hippo At a Glance

Photo of Mini Hippo Photo of Mini Hippo Photo of Mini Hippo Photo of Mini Hippo

Mini Hippo At a Glance

  • Size: 13"-20", 20-55 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 8-15 years
  • Energy Level: medium
  • Coat: Short to medium in length that can be fluffy, smooth, or coarse
  • Shedding: light
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Dog Group: Non-Sporting
  • Common Nicknames: Cocker-Pei

Mini Hippo Breed Guide

Learn more about Mini Hippos

  • Temperament

    The Mini Hippo’s temperament can vary, depending on which parent they take after. Generally, they have the calmness and loyalty of the Shar-Pei and the affectionate and friendliness of the Cocker Spaniel. They enjoy spending time with people which can be playing or cuddling. They are intelligent dogs that will try to impress you with their antics. Mini Hippos can get separation anxiety as they don’t do well if left alone for extended periods of time.

  • Health

    Mini Hippos are generally healthy, though they can be prone to ear infections, eye conditions, hip dysplasia, and allergies. They can also have issues with their skin.

  • Activity Level

    The Mini Hippo will need about 45 minutes of exercise daily, including going on a walk, playing fetch, or exploring in an enclosed yard. Mini Hippos can be prone to overheating so you may need to take a break on your walk, especially during the warmer months.

  • Grooming

    The Cocker-Pei should be brushed weekly and given a regular bath. Due to having sensitive skin, you may need to use a gentler shampoo for them. Their ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to avoid ear infections. Their nails also need to be trimmed one to two times per month. Brushing their teeth several times a week will help them to prevent bad breath.

  • Shedding

    Mini Hippos can have medium or short-length hair depending on which parent they take after. Due to having 3 different coat types that all shed on various levels, you can expect all varieties to shed more heavily about twice a year with minimal shedding throughout the rest of the year.

  • Appearance

    Mini Hippos are medium-sized dogs and will likely have wrinkles like the Chinese Shar-Pei. Their coat can be one of three different coat types. The coarse coat is the shortest and is called the horse coat. The smooth, slightly longer coat is called the brush coat. The longest and fluffy coat is called the bear coat. Common colors are black, black and white, brown, brown and white, tan, and red with a black or pink nose. Generally, the eyes are dark in color or green.

  • History

    Mini Hippos are named Mini Hippos for their likeness to a baby hippo. Their nose can look like a baby hippopotamus’ snout. The Mini Hippo is a cross of a Chinese Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel. It is a newer cross so there isn’t much known about them. Mini Hippos were likely first bred in the United States. Most registration clubs do not recognize them since they are such a new cross.