Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix

The Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Cocker Spaniel and the Dalmatian. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Cocker Spaniel is known for being friendly, affectionate,and gentle. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Cocker Spaniel or the Dalmatian? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Cocker Spaniel History

Like most dogs, Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs. They come in two varieties, the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. There is writing depicting the “Spaniel” as early as the 14th century. They originated in the United Kingdom, with the term cocker deriving from their use to hunt the Eurasian woodcock. Being that the Eurasian woodcock isn’t in the United States, it was bred to a different standard, which enabled it to specialize in hunting the American woodcock. Cocker spaniel coats come in a variety of colors including black, liver, red and golden in solids. There are also black and tan, and sometimes liver and tan, as well as a variety of color mixtures of those solid colors including roans, roan and tans, tricolors and those solid colors with additional white markings.

Dalmatian History

The first illustrations of the dog have been found in Croatia in the 1600’s. It is obviously noted for its black and white spots. Pretty much all dogs were initially bred for similar purposes. The dalmatian was used as a dog of war, a hunter's helper, and to protect the villages and houses. To this day, they have a very protective instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts. Their strong hunting instinct has made them an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin. They have also been used as bird dogs among other things.

They are of course synonymous with firefighters for their role as escorts and firehouse mascots. The thinking goes that they became so compatible with firehouses since they and horses are very compatible. The Dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. They are also pretty good watchdogs and were used to help protect the firehouse from would be thieves stealing strong, steady horses.

Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix Size and Weight

Cocker Spaniel
Height: 14 - 17 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 26 - 35 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Dalmatian
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years

Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix Personality

The Cocker Spaniel and the Dalmatian are both loyal and affectionate. They are also very charming, so watch out! This dog will require a good training regimen as they can get excited. They are very loyal to their family. One of the best things you can do for any breed is to socialize it as much as possible. Please use positive reinforcement, it goes a long way! She should be rather affectionate and love being with you, she can also be stubborn so keep that in mind.

Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Cocker Spaniel mixed with the Dalmatian might be prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, PRA, cataracts, epilepsy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Cocker Spaniel Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in