Chi-Spaniel...A mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Chihuahua

This unique breed makes an amazing pet. Since I've found very little information on this breed, I thought I'd organize what I know and chronicle my dog's life to help other pet owners.
NOTE: I'm willing to re-home chi-spaniels! I live in the Pittsburgh area. Feel free to email me at: chispaniel@live.com

Friday, May 25, 2012

7 Month Old Chi Spaniel Puppy

Gorgeous Shiny Coat

Floppy Ears

Fearless Explorer

Nyota keeps growing.  I'd estimate her to be around 15 pounds at the moment.  Curled up, she'd still fit in a shoe box.  The only fur trimming she's needed has been her 'pom pom feet' which the groomer shaved the bottoms of her paw pads, informing us that the fur between her toes may get matted and then irritate the delicate skin there that cocker spaniels are known for.  Prior to shaving, her feed had long wispy fur on them.
She did have her nails trimmed, but that is all. 

She's so small, I bath her on my own.  She's not fond of the water, so I have to hold her with one hand and bath her with the other.  It's quick and not difficult.  Because chihuahuas have a difficult time regulating their body temperature, I make sure the water's not too hot, but the air is so she is okay until her fur dries.

I had previously used a national brand of "natural, gentle, oatmeal" puppy shampoo, but I disliked the smell and switched to Richard's Organics Moisturizing Dog Shampoo with oatmeal, echinacea, and almond oil.  It smells like almond and leaves a very faint almond smell in your pet's fur.  I have allergies and asthma and normally perfume smells irritate me, but this did not.