Category: Pet Breeds

When a Shar-Pei is crossed with a Cocker Spaniel, the result is a medium-sized dog with a very distinctive set of physical features. A large, rounded snout, a wrinkled face that is a little more smoothed-out than the Shar Pei parents, and short and fuzzy or medium-length coats appear to be common characteristics, but a mixed breed’s appearance can vary greatly.

This mix is commonly referred to as a “Cocker-Pei”, though some sources use the term “Mini Hippo”, which we think is pretty fitting. In this guide, we’ll explore the Cocker-Pei’s parent breeds to learn more about this extraordinary mix and what to expect if you adopt one.

Breed Overview

The color possibilities for Shar-Peis and Cocker Spaniels are so vast that really, anything could happen. Your Cocker-Pei may be solid-colored or a mix of two or three colors, and possible markings include mask, brindle, points, white, roan, and more. This diversity adds another layer of uniqueness to this mix.

They also vary in height and weight. While Cocker Spaniels are on the lighter side and weigh up to 30 pounds (though females are more around the 20–25 pound mark), Shar Peis can weigh up to 60 pounds (males). Therefore, the middle ground would be around 40 pounds, though there’s no way to know for sure until the dog has finished growing.

Cocker-Pei Characteristics

 

Cocker-Pei Puppies

There are breeders who specialize in “Mini Hippos”. That said, we would always encourage adoption over going this route. There are countless shelter puppies and dogs—including some very adorable and unique-looking mixed breeds—waiting for a home, so we urge you to consider looking into this option before you buy.

If you like Shar-Peis and/or Cocker Spaniels, you could try searching for something like “Shar-Pei (mix) for adoption” or “Cocker Spaniel (mix) for adoption” or reach out to rescue organizations to ask. You might not find a Mini Hippo specifically, but you could find someone else you fall in love with. If you’re determined to buy a Shar-Pei Cocker Spaniel puppy from a breeder, learn as much about that breeder as you possibly can to ensure they engage in ethical practices and have a solid reputation.

What’s more, note that Shar-Peis are short-snouted dogs, which means they’re at risk of suffering from breathing difficulties, and their wrinkly skin can get infected. Though these issues might not affect a Shar-Pei mix as much as they would a purebred, that’s not a guarantee. Speak to your vet, rescue organization, or a reputable breeder about these issues.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cocker-Pei

The most important thing to remember when it comes to discussing a dog’s temperament is that every dog is an individual—just because a dog is of a certain breed doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll “fit the bill” in terms of personality traits commonly associated with that breed.

For example, Shar-Peis are known for being very calm, dignified, and reserved around strangers but some may have a goofy personality and be very friendly with strangers. A good rule to go by is to get to know the dog before you make any judgments. However, it’s true that certain traits are commonly associated with certain breeds, and these generalizations come from what’s known about the breed’s history, what owners report, and what they were originally bred for.

In addition to being calm, Shar-Peis are famous for being independent yet devoted to their families. Cocker Spaniels are said to be sweet-natured, merry, playful, and fairly open toward strangers. It’s possible that your Mini Hippo will have a mix of these traits.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

When you bring a new dog home, it’s imperative to begin socializing and training them to ensure they get along well with the whole family and can approach social situations with confidence and calmness. If you do this, there’s absolutely no reason why a Shar-Pei Cocker Spaniel mix wouldn’t be a loving and gentle member of the family.

As well as teaching the dog how to be gentle and friendly, it’s crucial to teach children how to respectfully interact with the dog. These steps keep everyone safe and help your dog feel secure and loved, which is important for building those important bonds.

If you plan to adopt an adult dog, communicate with the rescue organization to make sure the dog would be a good fit for families with children. Some rescue dogs are better suited to adult-only families.

Does This Mix Get Along with Other Pets?

If a Cocker-Pei has been around other dogs and cats from an early age, chances are they’ll get along well with them. Again, it all starts with socialization. Gradual, controlled introductions are also essential when bringing any new animal home. What’s more, harmonious cohabitation between animals can also depend on the individual animals’ personalities.

For adult adoptees, discuss the dog’s background with the rescue organization to ascertain whether they’d likely get along well in a home with other animals or would be better suited to being the only animal in the home.

Things to Know When Owning a Cocker-Pei:

Food & Diet Requirements

You can choose to feed your Cocker-Pei a wet food or dry food diet or go for a combination of both. It’s entirely up to you (unless your vet has recommended a specific kind of diet for medical reasons), but you should check that the formula you’ve chosen meets certain requirements.

Most importantly, it should be complete and balanced, which means it meets all your dog’s nutritional needs. If you’re in the United States, you can look for an AAFCO label, which means it meets the stringent requirements to be considered complete and balanced.

In addition, your chosen recipe should target your dog’s age range (puppy, adult, etc.), and you’ll want to check the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain any ingredients your dog is allergic to. When it comes to how much to feed, check the label on the packaging and weigh out portions accordingly. These guidelines are in place to help prevent obesity, which can cause other serious health conditions if not addressed.

Exercise

Shar-Peis are dogs with moderate energy levels, whereas Cocker Spaniels are known for being a little more effervescent. Regardless, individual dogs have individual needs. You can exercise your Cocker-Pei with two or three daily walks, but you can also play games like fetch and let them play with other dogs to supplement these walks.

Be careful when exercising your Cocker-Pei during the summer months. Shar-Peis are prone to overheating, so make sure your mix stays hydrated, doesn’t exercise too strenuously, and has plenty of opportunities to cool off.

Training

While Cocker Spaniels are said to be people-pleasers when it comes to training, Shar-Peis are reputed to be willing but stubborn at times, though they typically respond well to positive reinforcement and a patient approach.

Whatever your Cocker-Pei’s personality, start with the basics and reinforce them regularly, even when the dog knows them well. Avoid getting frustrated when things don’t go to plan—these things don’t happen overnight. Calmness, consistency, and a positive attitude will make things work, even if it takes a bit of time. Consider signing your pup up for obedience classes for a good head start.

Grooming

Shar-Peis don’t require much grooming thanks to their short coats, but Cocker Spaniels have long coats prone to tangling. If your Cocker-Pei has longer hair, they’ll need to be combed regularly throughout the entire coat. Pick apart knots with your fingers rather than yanking a comb through, and take special care around the ears as this is a sensitive area on Cocker Spaniels that can be injured if brushed too hard.

In addition, you’ll need to keep your Cocker-Pei’s nails short to prevent the feet from getting sore and inspect the ears regularly for dirt buildup. Remove this with a dog-safe ear-cleaning solution if need be.

Health and Conditions

You might have heard that mixed-breed dogs are healthier, but research has shown that while pure breeds are at greater risk of several hereditary disorders, both pure and mixed-breed dogs are at equal risk of developing certain other conditions. We’ll list some of these below.

In addition—and more to the point—Shar-Peis are brachycephalic because they have short snouts, and this causes breathing difficulties and makes them sensitive to heat. They can also suffer from skin infections due to bacterial buildup in their folds.

Your Cocker-Pei may inherit some of these issues, though it’s possible that they’ll be milder in a mixed breed. However, it’s hard to predict exactly which traits mixed breeds will inherit and how severe they will be. Again, we’d strongly urge discussing this with an expert.

Male vs Female

Male dogs are typically taller and heavier than females. Apart from this and the obvious physical differences related to the reproductive system, there aren’t really many noticeable differences between males and females. It all comes down to the individual dog’s personality.

As for the issue of reproduction, we’d urge you to speak to your vet about getting your Cocker-Pei neutered or spayed when they’re old enough. Male dogs can become harder to manage when they’re not neutered for hormonal reasons, and possibilities include fighting with other dogs, roaming, mounting, and general territorial behavior.

Females can also become more challenging when they’re in heat. Common behaviors associated with the heat cycle include urinating frequently, restlessness, becoming extra clingy, and agitation. Vulval swelling and bleeding are also normal during this time.

 

4 Little-Known Facts About the Cocker-Pei

1. The Shar-Pei Is an Ancient Breed

The Shar-Pei was developed in southern China over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. They were bred as farm dogs to herd and guard but were also valued for their hunting skills.

---

2. “Cocker” Has a Special Meaning

The “cocker” portion of the breed name “Cocker Spaniel” is a reference to the breed’s history as a woodcock hunter. Easier to guess, “spaniel” refers to Spain, where spaniel-type dogs are thought to have first come from.

---

3. Shar-Peis Have Blue-Black Tongues

Blue-black tongues are very uncommon in dogs, so uncommon that only two breeds display this trait: the Shar Pei and the Chow Chow, another ancient Chinese breed.

---

4. The Cocker Spaniel One of Britain’s Most Popular Breeds

Statistics from 2022 rank the Cocker Spaniel as the third leading dog breed in the U.K. These statistics were compiled based on how many dogs of 20 breeds were registered in 2022. Ahead of the Cocker Spaniel were French Bulldogs (second place) and Labrador Retrievers (first place). In the U.S., the Cocker Spaniel is ranked at number 29 out of 200 on the AKC’s breed popularity ranking.

Final Thoughts

The Shar-Pei-Cocker Spaniel combination is incredibly unique and, with care and attention on your part, is sure to be a wonderful family companion. That said, because of the health issues linked to Shar Peis (breathing issues and wrinkly skin that can get infected), it’s essential to discuss this fully with the organization or breeder your dog comes from.

---

Featured Image Credit: Left – Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock | Right – Kajetan Sumila, Unsplash

The post Cocker-Pei (Cocker Spaniel & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Facts appeared first on PangoVet.

German Shepherd Irish Setters are a hybrid dog resulting from pairing the two breeds in its title. While this isn’t a very popular mix, those fortunate enough to own one can enjoy the best of two worlds: a loyal pet willing to do anything to protect their family and a fun, sweet-natured pup who’ll do anything for a laugh. However, though this hybrid has many redeeming qualities, it isn’t the right dog for every family. Read on to learn more about the German Shepherd Irish Setter mix to see if it’ll be the best pick for your lifestyle.

Breed Overview

The German Shepherd Irish Setter is an interesting mixed dog as the parent breeds can have very polarizing personalities. The German Shepherd is known for its protective and loyal nature, while the Irish Setter makes for a sweet-natured companion and rollicking playmate for children. Together, these two breeds form a large, intelligent, and faithful companion with many redeeming qualities.

German Shepherd Irish Setter Mix Puppies

German Shepherds are one of the most beloved dog breeds, consistently making the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds¹. Irish Setters, on the other hand, rank in the middle of the list. Their populations seemed to have peaked in the 1970s and have dropped dramatically since. Therefore,

German Shepherd Irish Setters aren’t that common of a mixed breed. Finding a breeder specializing in this unique hybrid may be quite a challenge. Instead of scouring the internet for breeders, you may have better luck reaching out to your local rescues or shelters to see if they have one waiting for their forever home.

German Shepherd Irish Setter Mix Origin & History

Not much is known about the origins of the German Shepherd Irish Setter hybrid. Both breeds have fantastic qualities that make them great family dogs and companions, so it’s not hard to see why the mixed breed exists. Still, information about the origin and history of the hybrid is non-existent. This could be because this isn’t a very popular mixed breed or simply because no one knows anything about its beginnings.

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Shepherd Irish Setter Mix

The German Shepherd Irish Setter is an intelligent breed with parents that have historically been used as working dogs. As such, owners can expect their pups to thrive in environments where they’re challenged both mentally and physically. Due to their working dog DNA, this hybrid can have a strong prey drive, which may mean they’ll need to be left on a leash or inside your fenced yard all the time.

They can be very sensitive dogs. As such, they generally don’t like irregular daily routines, noisy households, or frequent visits from strangers. That’s not to say they won’t be friendly toward strangers; however, you’ll need to do a lot of socialization and training to get them off on the right foot.

The Irish Setter in your hybrid dog will make them extremely playful. Even the German Shepherd side enjoys interactive play with other dogs and their human family members.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

This breed can be protective and fearless in the face of danger, as their German Shepherd parent often excels in police and protection roles. While Irish Setters are very loyal toward their families, they don’t have the same natural guarding instincts. This can mean that your mixed breed pup may or may not make a great guardian, depending on which parent they take after more.

The German Shepherd Irish Setter can be very friendly and may naturally match the energy level of the home. If you have elementary-aged kids, this can mean they become best friends with your family dog.

However, due to their size, you may want to wait until your children are older before adopting one. They can weigh up to 90 pounds and may inadvertently hurt small kids or those who do not yet know how to handle a dog properly.

It’s a bit of a catch-22 how closely German Shepherd Irish Setters bond with their human companions. It’s this connection that makes this breed prone to separation anxiety. If left untreated, it can lead to problematic behaviors like destruction of property and excessive barking. Dogs with separation anxiety shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods as it can exacerbate the problem.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The German Shepherd Irish Setter can absolutely get along with other household pets, especially if they’re properly socialized from a young age. This is due mostly to the Irish Setter in the DNA. This breed is known for its outgoingness and ability to make friends wherever they go. German Shepherds are not quite as easygoing, and some become aloof when they hit social maturity.

However, it is important to understand that individual temperaments vary, and some dogs may be more friendly, reserved, suspicious, or territorial by nature.

Things to Know When Owning a German Shepherd Irish Setter Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

German Shepherd Irish Setters are large breed dogs that require a diet designed specifically to meet their nutritional needs.

It’s especially important to feed a large breed-specific puppy food when your pet is still young, as these breeds can grow very quickly. If they’re not fed appropriately, their skeletons sometimes won’t grow at the same rate, potentially causing developmental orthopedic conditions. We recommend talking with your veterinarian about when your puppy should switch over to adult food, though you should expect to feed them puppy formulations until they’re around 12 to 18 months old.

Commercial dog foods formulated for large breeds often contain ingredients to support joint health, like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine.

To reduce your German Shepherd Irish Setter’s risk of developing bloat and gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), do not allow them to exercise 30 minutes before or after eating. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help prevent bloat and GDV.

Since these dogs are often very active with high metabolisms, they may require more food than expected. However, you mustn’t overfeed them as they could then potentially become overweight, which could exacerbate the orthopedic issues they may be prone to developing. We recommend speaking with your veterinary team to determine the proper portion sizes.

Exercise

German Shepherd Irish Setters are active and athletic dogs requiring a lot of exercise to stay happy, healthy, and physically stimulated. Dogs not getting the appropriate amount of physical activity may turn to problem behaviors due to their pent-up energy.

You should expect to commit around two hours daily to exercising your dog. The type of activity you do will depend entirely on your pup’s personality. Some German Shepherd Irish Setters enjoy long walks, while others like playing walks, going for swims, or participating in (and excelling at) various dog sports (e.g., herding, agility, tracking, etc.).

Training

This is a highly intelligent breed thanks to their German Shepherd DNA. German Shepherds belong to the top three smartest dog breeds, boasting the mental capacity of a human toddler²! They’re exceptionally obedient, instinctual, and fast learners.

Irish Setters aren’t known for their intelligence in the same way as German Shepherds. They tend to mature slowly, mentally and physically, and remain in their puppy phase longer, making the need for early training and socialization even more important.

Some owners may encounter issues training German Shepherd Irish Setter as the breed may be prone to stubbornness. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with training to ensure success.

Grooming

This hybrid will have a medium-length coat that will need some regular maintenance. To keep your pup’s coat looking its best, you’ll need to brush them at least twice weekly. You should expect some degree of shedding, as both parent breeds do a fair amount, especially during the seasonal changes. Sticking to your brushing regimen during these times can help remove loose hair and prevent it from spreading throughout your home. Using a no-rinse shampoo can also be beneficial if your dog gets a bit dirty.

Health and Conditions

The German Shepherd Irish Setter mix is a generally healthy hybrid, though they may be at risk of developing some of the conditions their parent breeds are prone to.

Elbow and hip dysplasia are degenerative joint diseases that can cause lifelong pain and reduced mobility. Over time, the inflammation and scar tissue that result from these diseases can lead to arthritis. Degenerative spinal stenosis, a syndrome of low back pain occurring with the compression of the cauda equina (the sack of nerve roots at the low end of the spinal cord), can occur in medium to large dog breeds and is especially prevalent in German Shepherds.

Bloat and GDV is a life-threatening condition that mostly affects deep-chested breeds, such as the the two that make up the German Shepherd Irish Setter. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas (bloat) and twists upon itself (GDV).

German Shepherd Irish Setters can develop cancers like osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma at any age.

The hybrid may also be at risk of developing inherited eye diseases, epilepsy, skin conditions, heart disease, and allergies.

Male vs Female

While some people believe that male and female dogs have different personalities based solely upon their sex, most experts agree that it’s more the breed and their upbringing that ultimately decide the dog’s personality. That said, intact males tend to be more aggressive than their neutered counterparts, regardless of breed.

As commonly seen in most other dog breeds, male German Shepherd Irish Setters are typically larger than females. Males can be between 24 and 28 inches tall and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Females, on the other hand, are generally between 22 and 25 inches high and 50 to 70 pounds.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Shepherd Irish Setter Mix

1. Both parent breeds have been featured in the media.

German Shepherd and Irish Setters both have an extensive history of media portrayals.

Strongheart, a male German Shepherd, is generally regarded as one of the earliest canine film stars, but he’s not the only one. Rin Tin Tin, a Hollywood canine legend, was a German Shepherd.

Kojak is a fictional Irish Setter from the Stephen King novel The Stand. Alex the Dog was a mascot for Stroh’s beer during the 1980s, appearing in parades and morning television shows like the Today Show.

---

2. Both parent breeds are working dogs.

German Shepherds were bred originally as herding dogs, though they’ve since expanded to many different types of work, including police work, disability assistance, and warfare. Irish Setters were bred as hunting dogs, specifically for locating and pointing gamebirds.

---

3. The German Shepherd Irish Setter has Europe in their history.

Both parent breeds are from Western Europe, with their country of origin right there in their breed titles. The German Shepherd hails from Germany and was developed using various herding dogs. Though their exact origins are a mystery, the Irish Setter was bred in Ireland and is likely to have descended from a mix of Spaniels, setters, and pointers.

Final Thoughts

The German Shepherd Irish Setter is a very unique and rare hybrid dog breed that combines some of the best traits of both of its parent breeds. These high-energy dogs can grow to be quite large, so they do best in homes with plenty of space to run. They can make decent guard dogs, especially if they take after their German Shepherd side.

Opting for a mixed breed versus a purebred does have an air of unpredictability. Your German Shepherd Irish Setter may take after one side more than the other, so we can’t pinpoint the personality traits they’ll wind up with. The Irish Setter DNA can give them an affectionate, loving, and playful personality, while the German Shepherd side is more reserved, confident, and loyal.

This hybrid may not be the best choice for families with small children or those in apartments or shared dwellings. While Irish Setters are very welcoming and not at all aggressive as a rule, your dog could inherit the German Shepherds’ protective and sometimes aggressive traits. However, properly socialized and well-trained German Shepherd Irish Setters should be well-rounded and well-behaved.

---

Featured Image Credit: Left- vlaaitje, Pixabay | Right – Anna Goroshnikova, Shutterstock

The post German Shepherd Irish Setter Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits appeared first on PangoVet.