Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel Mix

The Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Dalmatian and the Irish Water Spaniel. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Dalmatian is known for being friendly, energetic, and intelligent. 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 Dalmatian or the Irish Water Spaniel? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel 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 Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel 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.

Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel 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.

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.

Irish Water Spaniel History

The Irish Spaniel has a few nicknames - the Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel, and Bog Dog. They came on the scene in Ireland in the 1830s, from the kennel of a guy named Justin McCarthy. No one really knows the exact breed where they originated but it was more than likely a combination of the Barbet, Poodle type dogs as well as Portuguese Water Dogs. They were more than likely bred to work in the water due to their coat and make-up. They are a very popular dog across the pond but have never gained that much notoriety in the States.

Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel Mix Size and Weight

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

Irish Water Spaniel
Height: 16 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 24 - 27 lb.
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years

Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel Mix Personality

The Dalmatian and the Irish Water Spaniel might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel 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 Dalmatian mixed with the Irish Water Spaniel might be prone to joint dysplasia, deafness, allergies, urinary stones, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel 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.

Dalmatian Irish Water Spaniel 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."

Dalmatian Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in