Cutest Dogs in the World: Chihuahua Vs. Cocker Spaniel

Are you considering adopting a dog, but can’t choose between a Chihuahua vs a Cocker Spaniel? Or perhaps you’re just wondering what’s cute about these breeds.

When comparing Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels, it’s hard to say which is cuter! Chihuahuas are tiny with pointy ears and a lot of variety in their coats. Cocker Spaniels are mid-sized dogs with long, wavy fur, floppy ears, and sunny dispositions. 

In this article, we’ll talk about Chihuahuas vs Cocker Spaniels: what’s cute about each breed, and which is the cutest?

What Makes Chihuahuas Cute?

Large Eyes

Chihuahuas have big, beautiful eyes that make them look absolutely adorable! Some coat patterns have marks above the eyes that look like eyebrows, which I find very sweet as well.

Pointy Ears

Chihuahuas have naturally pointed ears, kind of like a very small cat! Their ears are big in comparison to their heads, too.

Short or Long Coats

Whether you like short-haired or long-haired dogs, you’re bound to find some type of 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

Chihuahua markings include black brindling, black mask around the eyes, black sabling, spotted on white, white markings, and merle markings.

If most of us close our eyes and picture a Chihuahua, we see a short-haired, fawn-colored pup. But as you can see, there are many other variations of the breed!

Long Tails

Both long tails and short tails can be cute, but I personally think Chihuahuas’ tails are perfect. It’s fun to see an excited, wriggly Chihuahua wagging their tail!

Teacup-Sized

Chihuahuas weigh less than six pounds, and stand just five to eight inches at the shoulder. That’s super tiny! (Like I mentioned above, they’re smaller than most cats!)

Cute Barks

Chihuahuas tend to bark a lot–so good thing their barks are high-pitched and cute! You’ll likely want to train a “quiet” command if you adopt one, though, so that you can put an end to continuous barking when it becomes less adorable.

Love to Cuddle

Chihuahuas are little sweethearts who love to cuddle. They also get cold easily, which is why many of them wear sweaters to stay warm (another cute trait!).

So, they’ll likely also snuggle up to you for body heat, especially in the winter months.

Energetic

Chihuahuas are little, but they’re bundles of energy! You’ll likely see them doing zoomies around the living room and trying to engage you in play often.

Like all dogs, they also benefit from daily walks. Chihuahuas have little legs and love to sniff, so take it slow and keep things at their pace. If you stray too far from home, you might have to carry them back!

Courageous

You’ve likely heard of little dogs like Chihuahuas described as having a “big dog attitude.” These little pups are brave and protective!

Proper socialization and training is important so they don’t try to pick fights they can’t win!

Smart

Lastly, Chihuahuas are pretty smart! They might even try to outsmart you if they really want something, like a treat or a second serving of dinner.

What Makes Cocker Spaniels Cute?

Big Eyes

Cocker Spaniels have large eyes that are round and sweet. They convey the dogs’ intelligence and loving natures!

Floppy Ears

I’ve always loved dogs with long, floppy ears. Cocker Spaniels’ ears are even better with their long, curly fur.

Did you know these ears can also help the dogs while tracking a scent by wafting the smell toward their nose, kind of like if you waved your hand toward you to draw a scent nearer?

Short Legs

American Cocker Spaniels have short legs and long backs. This is a super cute look! However, it does cause health problems such as an increased risk of IVDD, a spinal disorder.

English Cocker Spaniels are more proportionate and, in my opinion, even cuter for it!

Beautiful Coats

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.

Medium-Sized

If Chihuahuas are smaller than your average cat, Cocker Spaniels are a bit bigger than a very large cat like a Maine Coon.

For me, this is the perfect size of dog. Most people can lift them if needed and walk them on leash easily, even if they pull. And, they’re not so small you have to worry about stepping on them!

Perky

Cocker Spaniels have great attitudes and are happy-go-lucky dogs. They’re also known for being very gentle.

Amiable

Cocker Spaniels are so friendly, they’ll get along with just about everybody. Socialization is still important for these dogs, as is making slow, proper introductions–especially with other dogs.

Remember to always supervise dogs and kids as well, no matter how well they behave together!

People Pleasers

Eager to please, Cocker Spaniels are typically a breeze to train. They just want to make their people happy!

Energetic

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 pull back the curtain on caring for Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels, and reveal some of their less cute traits.

Always remember that adopting a dog is a commitment. Their cuteness isn’t the only factor to consider before adoption!

Grooming

Chihuahuas are simple to groom. Short-hairs need only occasional brushing, and long-hairs should be combed to the skin once weekly. Both 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 so that mats don’t develop close to the skin, which is very painful for a dog.

Cocker Spaniels also require regular baths.

Exercise

Both dogs are energetic, but Cocker Spaniels need more daily exercise due to their size. However, neither breed can handle exerting themselves too much.

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

Training

Cocker Spaniels are easy to train, while 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 has high value to them. This might be praise, treats, or play!

Health

Cocker Spaniels are prone to several health problems including spinal injuries, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and eye problems. 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, epilepsy, and eye problems.

If adopting from a breeder, choose one who performs recommended health testing and publishes the results. Here are the recommended tests for Chihuahuas from the OFA, and here are the recommended health tests for Cocker Spaniels. Additionally, there are also recommendations for English Cocker Spaniels if you’re leaning in that direction instead.

I don’t recommend adopting an American Cocker Spaniel from a breeder, since even with health testing their genetics cause an increased risk of back problems.

Are Chihuahuas or Cocker Spaniels Cuter?

Everyone will have a different answer when it comes to whether Chihuahuas or Cocker Spaniels are cuter. What do you think?

Do you prefer a teeny tiny Chihuahua with upright ears, a bit of stubbornness, and a lot of sass? Or do you like Cocker Spaniels with their floppy ears, curly coats, and easy-going personalities?

Other things to consider before choosing a breed to adopt are cost, health, and where you’ll adopt from.

Chihuahuas are likely to be cheaper to feed because they’re tiny. American Cocker Spaniels have back problems that are less likely to occur in Chihuahuas, and you aren’t going to find a reputable American Cocker Spaniel breeder due to their poor breed standards–so the responsible way to adopt one is from a reputable rescue or shelter.

On the other hand, Chihuahuas or English Cocker Spaniels can both be responsibly adopted from a reputable breeder, rescue, or shelter.

Both breeds can have some behavioral and health issues as a result of poor breeding, so finding an ethical breeder is crucial to avoid this.

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©