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Chi-Spaniel |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Mexico <> Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Chi Cocker
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A brief presentation of the Chi-Spaniel |
| The Chi-Spaniel is a hybrid breed. It's a combination of the parent breeds Chihuahua and English Cocker Spaniel. It's a gentle, highly intelligent dog. It loves its family and is good with children and other pets. He rarely barks. He's rather friendly, and besides the fact that he doesn't bark often, he doesn't make a good watchdog. Depending on his direct parentage, he can come in a variety of colors and coat lengths. They are suited to living in a wide range of environments, including apartments, small houses without a yard, or larger houses with a fenced-in area in which they can play. |
History of the Chi-Spaniel |
| Although there isn't much information on the Chi-Spaniel breed itself, we can still learn a lot about the breed by studying its parent breeds. |
A little of the Chihuahua |
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| The history of the Chihuahua is controversial because there are so many different stories about their origins. The most common belief is that they originated over 3,000 years ago, with the Aztecs. Another story is that the breed originated in China and was mixed with other small native dogs when they were brought to the New World by Spanish traders. Another theory is that the Chihuahua began in South America from the Techichi dog breed, which was a small, mute dog used in sacrificial ceremonies. Some believed the small dogs were to be buried with their dead as guides to the afterlife, while others thought the dog was used as food by the Aztecs and Toltecs. Another idea is that the Chihuahua was found in Chihuahua, Mexico, in the 1800s, hence its name. The Chihuahua was not popular in America until Xavier Cugat brought his Chihuahua to appear with him in public. They have been registered with the American Kennel Club since 1904, and this small but powerful puppy is a popular dog breed in the USA. | ||
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| Standard of the Chihuahua | ||
A little of the English Cocker Spaniel |
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| The modern English Cocker Spaniel is a descendant of an ancient family of dogs, the Spaniels. The dog is thought to have originated in Spain. The English Cocker Spaniel got its name from its excellence in woodcock hunting. In the late 1870s, Americans began bringing the English Cocker Spaniel to America. Eventually, this dog was bred to be smaller in size, with breeding restrictions. English Cocker Spaniels were not to be bred with American Cocker Spaniels. Eventually, the two became separate breeds, with the smaller English Cocker Spaniel becoming more popular among Americans. | ||
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| Standard of the English Cocker Spaniel |
Appearance of the Chi-Spaniel |
| The color, coat type and coat length of the Chi-Spaniel all depend on the Chi-Spaniel's immediate parentage. The Chi-Spaniel's parent breeds differ in size and the way their coats are composed. Some Chihuahuas have longer coats, like the English Cocker Spaniel. Others are short-haired. This will affect exactly what the Chi-Spaniel will look like. The smooth-haired Chihuahua has a smooth, glossy coat that lies close to the body with a ruff of thicker hair on the neck, and the long-haired Chihuahua has a soft, curly coat. The English Cocker Spaniel has a thick, wavy coat. Your Chi-Spaniel's ears may be fringed, and he may have longer fur on his legs, belly, chest and feet. His tail will most likely be feathery and hairy. Colors of this hybrid may include black, cream, red, white, fawn, chocolate, gray, silver, tricolor, brindle, spotted and merle. |
Temperament of the Chi-Spaniel |
| Your Chi-Spaniel will be very affectionate. Often a confident dog at home, it needs mental stimulation to be satisfied. Although friendly, this hybrid can become a one-person dog if you allow it. He can be sensitive and will need positive reinforcement during reprimands and also during training. Early socialization is always preferable, as both parent breeds can be hesitant when meeting new people or other dogs. Obedience classes and outings to the dog park will enable him to show his intelligence and learn to interact in all situations. |
Needs and activities of the Chi-Spaniel |
| Chi-Spaniel owners say he's an active little dog who loves to chase small animals like squirrels, and he'll play as long as you let him. Chi-Spaniel adapts well to life in an apartment or large house with a fenced yard. He'll enjoy a brisk 30-minute walk with you, or you can allow him to play in a fenced-in area. However, this hybrid should not be left outside. Regular activity is essential if you don't want to see the English Cocker Spaniel side showing off by chewing and digging. |
Maintenance of the Chi-Spaniel |
| The Chi-Spaniel has minimal grooming requirements. It's not difficult to maintain, and grooming once a week is often more than enough to keep your Chi-Spaniel in tip-top shape. He sheds very little, and brushing him once a week with a bristle brush should be enough to soak his natural oils into his coat and remove any excess hair. During shedding season, you can use a shedding comb once a week. He'll only need a bath when he gets dirty. If your Chi-Spaniel has a longer coat, you can choose to keep it shorn so you don't have to groom it as much. Teeth and nails shouldn't be neglected, so brush his teeth a few times a week and trim his nails every few weeks. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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