Cutest Dogs in the World: Chihuahua Vs. Cocker Spaniel

Quick Take

• One of these breeds sailed to America on the Mayflower, and it's probably not the one you'd guess. Discover the Mayflower breed →
• Cocker Spaniels' most irresistible physical feature doubles as their biggest health liability. See the ear health risks →
• Chihuahuas are infamous for stubbornness, yet that quality quietly hands them a surprising win in the head-to-head comparison. See the stubborn surprise →
• Both breeds look effortlessly adorable, but maintaining that look costs very different amounts of effort. One owner group is in for a rude awakening. Compare grooming demands →

Chihuahuas are the oldest breed in the Americas, tracing their lineage to the Techichi, a small, mute companion dog kept by the Toltec civilization of ancient Mexico as early as the 9th century. After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the breed largely vanished into remote villages. It was rediscovered in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which is how the breed was named. American tourists and traders traveling through Mexico began bringing these tiny dogs across the border in the late 19th century, with the American Kennel Club officially recognizing the breed in 1904. Cocker spaniels originated in the United Kingdom as hunting dogs, getting their name from their ability to flush and retrieve the Eurasian woodcock. They were brought to America aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Selective breeding in the U.S. later produced a smaller, distinct variation formally recognized as the American cocker spaniel. Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with pointy ears and a wide variety of coat types. Cocker spaniels are medium-sized dogs with long, wavy fur, floppy ears, and cheerful personalities. When comparing Chihuahuas and cocker spaniels, it’s difficult to decide which is cuter.

What Makes Chihuahuas Cute?

Chihuahuas have big, beautiful eyes that make them look absolutely adorable! Some Chihuahuas have coat patterns with marks above the eyes that look like eyebrows, which make them even cuter.

Chihuahuas have naturally pointed ears that are large compared to the size of their heads.

Whether you like short-haired or long-haired dogs, you’re bound to find a Chihuahua cute! This is because they can have either short, super easy to manage coats or long, fine, silky coats.

Their coats can also be several colors and patterns, including:

• Black
• Black and tan
• Blue and tan
• Chocolate
• Chocolate and tan
• Cream
• Fawn
• Fawn and white
• Red
• Merle

Chihuahuas weigh less than six pounds and stand just five to eight inches at the shoulder. They tend to bark a lot, so it’s a good thing their barks are high-pitched and cute.

Chihuahuas are little sweethearts who love to cuddle. They also get cold easily, which is why many of them wear sweaters.

Chihuahuas are little bundles of energy. You’ll likely see them doing zoomies around the living room and frequently trying to engage you in play.

Chihuahuas benefit from daily walks. They have little legs and love to sniff, so take it slow and keep things at their pace. If you walk too far from home, you might have to carry them back

You’ve likely heard of little dogs like Chihuahuas described as having big dog attitude. These little pups are brave and protective, but proper socialization and training is important so they don’t try to pick fights they can’t win. Chihuahuas are pretty smart and may even try to outsmart you if they really want something, like a treat or a second serving of dinner.

What Makes Cocker Spaniels Cute?

Cocker spaniels have large eyes that are round and sweet, which convey the dogs’ intelligence and loving nature. They have long, floppy ears, covered with curly fur. Their ears help the dogs while tracking a scent by wafting the smell toward their nose.

American cocker spaniels have short legs and long backs. Their long back does cause health problems such as an increased risk of IVDD, a spinal disorder. An American cocker spaniel is a small-to-medium-sized sporting dog. On average, they stand 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.

English cocker spaniels are more proportionate, standing 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 26 and 34 pounds.

Cocker spaniels have long, silky coats with beautiful curls. Their coats also come in a wide range of colors, including:

• Black
• Black and tan
• Silver
• Buff
• Red
• Brown
• Brown and tan
• Black and white
• Red and white
• Buff and white
• Brown and white
• Black, white, and tan
• Brown, white, and tan
• Brown roan
• Brown roan and tan

They may also have roan or merle markings.

Cocker spaniels have great attitudes and are happy-go-lucky dogs. They’re also known for being very gentle and friendly, but socialization is still important for these dogs, especially when introducing them to other dogs.

Eager to please, cocker spaniels are typically easy to train.

Like Chihuahuas, cocker spaniels have a lot of energy. However, American cocker spaniels in particular should avoid certain exercises like climbing stairs or jumping from furniture. These activities are dangerous for them due to their long backs.

Chihuahuas vs Cocker Spaniels: Pulling Back the Curtain

Now, let’s take a closer look at caring for Chihuahuas and Cocker spaniels and reveal some of their less cute traits.

Grooming

Chihuahuas are easy to groom. Short-haired Chihuahuas need only occasional brushing, while long-haired Chihuahuas should be combed down to the skin once a week. Both types should be bathed regularly.

Cocker spaniel coats are more complicated, requiring a thorough comb-through at least two to three times a week. Be sure to brush all the way down to the skin to prevent mats from developing, as mats close to the skin can be very painful for a dog.

Cocker spaniels also require regular baths.

Grooming Advantage: Chihuahua

Exercise

Both breeds are energetic, but cocker spaniels need more daily exercise due to their size. However, neither breed should be overexerted.

Chihuahuas are tiny and tire fairly quickly, while cocker spaniels have long backs that are prone to injury. Cocker spaniels shouldn’t be allowed to climb stairs or jump on and off furniture, and dog sports that require jumping are also not recommended for them.

Exercise Advantage: Chihuahua

Training

Cocker spaniels are easy to train, whereas Chihuahuas can be more stubborn. Both breeds will respond to short, positive training sessions. Don’t use punishment or aversive methods.

Be sure to find what motivates your dog and offer a reward that is highly valued by them. This could be praise, treats, or play.

Training Advantage: Cocker spaniel

Health

Cocker spaniels are prone to several health problems, including hip dysplasia, luxating patella, hereditary eye disorders, and, in some cases, spinal issues such as intervertebral disc disease. They can also develop ear infections, especially if their ears aren’t cleaned regularly, and skin problems if their coat is allowed to mat.

Chihuahuas are prone to genetic heart problems, luxating patella, dental disease, and eye problems.

Health Advantage: Tie

Are Chihuahuas or Cocker Spaniels Cuter?

Do you prefer a tiny Chihuahua with upright ears, a bit of stubbornness, and lots of sass? Or do you like cocker spaniels with their floppy ears, curly coats, and easy-going personalities? Everyone will have a different answer when it comes to which breed is cuter. What do you think?