Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken Mix

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

Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken 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.

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.

Kai Ken History

The Kai Ken is sometimes called the Tiger Dog, thanks to their striped brindle coats. They are known for being loyal and affectionate. They are one of the six native Japanese spitz-type dogs. They originated in Kai (hence the name), a mountainous region in modern day Yamanashi. Like most dog breeds they were more than likely bred for their hunting prowess. They have been known to even swim and climb trees to catch their prey. They are obviously a very versatile dog and in Japan are still used for that purpose. Primarily for larger game. It is believed that in the 1950’s some were brought to the States from service men and that is how they originated here.

Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken Mix Size and Weight

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

Kai Ken
Height: 17 - 22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 40 lb.
Lifespan: 14 - 16 years

Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken Mix Personality

The Irish Water Spaniel and the Kai Ken 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.

Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken 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 Irish Water Spaniel mixed with the Kai Ken might be prone to joint dysplasia, seizures, cancer, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken 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.

Irish Water Spaniel Kai Ken 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."

Irish Water Spaniel Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in