Muggin vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Muggin vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonIrish Water Spaniel is originated from Ireland but Muggin is originated from United States. Irish Water Spaniel may grow 45 cm / 18 inches higher than Muggin. Irish Water Spaniel may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Muggin. Irish Water Spaniel may live 3 years less than Muggin. Irish Water Spaniel may have more litter size than Muggin. Irish Water Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance. But Muggin requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Companion dog
undefined
Ireland
United States
Height Male:
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
10 - 14 cm
3 - 6 inches
Height Female:
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
8 - 10 cm
3 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
12 - 22 kg
26 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 12
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Rat Tail, Southern Irish Water Spaniel
Carlin Pinscher Pug Miniature Pinscher Mix, , Pug-Pin, Pugscher, Min Pin Pug Mix
Colors Available:
Dark Brown, Liver
brown, black, golden, white and everything in between , cream
Coat:
Longish hair - thick and very curly
short and fine
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Loving, Loyal, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

irish water spanielThe Irish Water Spaniel is one of the larger spaniel types and also one of the oldest.

He is sometimes referred to as the Southern Irish Water Spaniel. Hailing from Ireland, the precise origins of the dog aren't altogether sure. It is believed that the dog came from other dogs from Persia and there are references to these water dogs from as early as 1600.

The modern breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. The breed's purpose is that of a hunter of waterfowl and he swims strongly.

The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1884. In 1890 the Irish Water Spaniel Club was formed.

mugginThe Muggin is not a purebred dog but rather a cross breed. The hybrid dog population has exploding in the United States in the past ten to fifteen years. A lot of the success of crossbreeding can be attributed to the marketing of these dogs as “Designer Breeds”.

Designer breeds are developed because someone wants some of the characteristics of Breed X and some of the characteristics of Breed Y. Therefore, Designer breed XY is developed. In order to understand this hybrid dog, you need to understand the two purebred breeds they come from. The Muggin is the result of crossing the purebred Pug and the purebred Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin. So, we need to look at the origins of these two purebred breeds.

They are also referred to as Pin Pugs, Min Pin Pug, Pug Pin, Pugscher and were originally the Carlin Pinscher. However, these days there are other breeds besides the Pug and Min Pin making up the gene pool for the Carlin Pinscher. Because of this the Muggin has been separated from the Carlin Pinscher. The American Canine Hybrid Club has accepted the Muggin name for the Pug Min Pin cross.

Pugs are originally a Chinese breed and they were companions rather than working dogs of any kind. During the Han Dynasty they were the dogs of royalty. At the same time there were dogs very much like the pug in Japan and Tibet. The Pugs came to Europe by way of trades with the Dutch who then brought them to Europe. They were named the Mopshond and they caught the eye of the royalty in Europe as well.

Pugs were imported to the United States after the U.S. Civil War and in 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and called Pugs.

The Min Pin traces its origins to Germany a few hundred years ago. They were “ratters”, guarding the house and stables from all types of vermin. Most dog people believe that the Min Pin is much older than this, perhaps by thousands of years. Yet there is no detailed history to support that. Most believe the breed comes from the German Pinscher line. There might also be some Daschund and Greyhound in that line.

They were once called the Reh Pinscher. This was their name when they came to North America in 1919 and then the breed was renamed in 1972. The Miniature Pinscher Club of America was started in the early 1900’s while the AKC recognized the Min Pin in 1929. Today the Miniature Pinscher is a family dog, a companion.

The Muggin is a loving and loyal dog. All they want is for you to be happy and to share that happiness with them. They can also easily become a one person dog and bond intensely with that one person. They are not a hybrid that you can leave home alone while you go to work for 8 to 10 hours a day. No, the Muggin needs attention and lots of it. Despite this they are great with both kids and other dogs.

Because they are a cross breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, some hybrid registries do recognize the Muggin. These include the Designer Breed Registry, the International Designer Canine Registry, The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the American Canine Hybrid Club, and the Dog Registry of America.

Description

irish water spaniel puppy - descriptionA peculiar feature of this dog is its hairless tail which is partly covered in curls which the rest is all but hairless, giving him the nickname of Rat Tail or Whip Tail.

Looking much like a Poodle with his tight oily curls, the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium to large sized purebred dog, a robust, compact built dog with a skull which is shaped like a dome.

The muzzle is longish, the eyes dark brown and intelligent looking and the ears are long and floppy.

His hair is thick and curly and it sheds very little so that the dog is regarded as being hypoallergenic. The medium length coat is a dark brown, liver color with fairly tight curls that may even tend to cover the eyes.

It is interesting to note that he has webbed feet, which is useful for when the dog swims.He stands at roughly 51cm to 61cm and weighs between 25 to 30kg.

Temperament:

Temperament in any dog is affected by socialization and the way the human owner raises the dog. The Irish Water Spaniel is a water loving dog, being active and energetic.

He is an intelligent dog and easy to train and socialize. When trained he becomes such an obedient dog. He has also got a light-hearted side to him and is actually known to be quite amusing and clownish, providing plenty of laughs for you.

They make good family dogs, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. They're also able to make good guard dogs, taking the protective roles seriously. He isn't an aggressive dog but he has a warning bark that can be a good warning to intruders.

muggin puppy - descriptionAs previously mentioned, the Muggin is a cross between the Pug and the Miniature Pinscher. They are small, shave sturdy legs, floppy ears, and a wrinkled forehead for the most part. Like all hybrids however, all first generation dogs do not look the same. Some might resemble the Min Pin more and others the Pug. Some might have the stockier body of the Pug and the short tail of the Min Pin. Or one could have the Pug’s curly tail and the athletic body of the Min Pin. The snout can be short or long, the ears heavy and floppy or small and thin.

Their coats will usually be fine and short, and colors can vary a lot. They might be black and tan like a Min Pin, or more like a Pug with a solid color of cream, brown, black, white or golden. They also tend to shed quite a bit no matter which parent they take after the most. They will either have brown noses and black eyes or brown eyes and black noses or any combination of black and brown.

If Muggins are only bred to Muggins the second and third generations will resemble each other more than the first generations will. However, at this point many breeders will try to strengthen the breed by occasionally adding in to the gene pool other dog breeds.

Characteristics

irish water spaniel dog - characteristicsYour active Irish Water Spaniel just loves water so you can count him in whenever you go swimming. That is one characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel – he just loves to be involved in all the action you're busy with.

He makes an ideal family pet for an active family, and he will be a loyal and devoted pet who will provide a lot of fun to your family with his mischievous side.

He is confident, independent and strong willed so first time dog owners should bear this in mind. He is essentially just a fun loving, busy dog and if you make sure to exercise him well and make sure he is a participating member of your family, he'll be your most loving and devoted friend.

Children friendliness

muggin dog - characteristicsThey are good with children but should be supervised.

Special talents

Energetic and loving little dogs.

Adaptability

Very adaptable if taken for walks or has space in a yard. Can live anywhere under those circumstances.

Learning ability

Very intelligent but strong willed dog. Needs strong leadership from their person.

Health Problems

irish water spaniel puppies - health problemsA generally healthy breed, the Irish Water Spaniel, just like with most other dogs, can fall prey to some of the more common dog ailments of which hip dysplasia is one.

Bone and joint problems like this can lead to lameness even in young dogs.

Eye diseases are also a problem, and cataracts can form in the eye, particularly when the dog is older and create a cloudy look to the eye. It's not painful for the dog.

Hypothyroidism, a treatable hormonal disorder is another disease worth being aware of.

muggin puppies - health problemsThe first generation of Muggins may face all the health issues of either or both their parents, while second and third generations tend to have less health issues, They types of issues the first generation of Muggins might face include:

Nerve Degeneration – Degenerative Myelopathy or Dm – causes paralysis and eventually fatal.

  • Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication to prevent seizures.
  • Patellar Luxation – kneecap movement can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Hypothyroidism – responds to medication.
  • Demodectic Mange and skin issues including allergies
  • Eye issues – including cataracts and Cherry Eye.
  • Yeast and Staph infections
  • Myotonia Congenite -Rare disease cause muscle contractions and stiffness.
  • Von Willebrand’s – inherited clotting disorder – no treatment unless needing surgery
  • Congenital Magaeshphagus – enlarged esophagus from birth is treatable.
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes – small dog hip joint disorder causes lameness.
  • Liver Issues – cause discomfort and could be fatal
  • Reverse sneezing – minor issue not serious but may sound like the dog is choking.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

irish water spaniel dogs - caringYour Irish Water Spaniel requires quite a bit of grooming that will involve his coat, his nails, his teeth and his ears. The double coat doesn't shed much so it can be easily maintained by brushing the coat twice a week.

It can help your water spaniel to look good by sending him in to a doggy grooming parlor to have his curls neatened. This is a dog that loves water and swimming, and you will need to check the inside of his ears for dampness, wax build-up and debris. This can all combine to cause nasty ear infections.

Exercise:

The dog is energetic and will need to be exercised. Take him for walks, play ball games with him and allow him to go on hikes with you or to go swimming. He loves being involved in all your activities as he is a social, active dog.

Diet:

Highly energetic, it will be important to feed your Irish Water Spaniel with food that enhances his energy levels. There are some good quality commercially manufactured dog foods on the market. Choose one that caters for active, athletic dogs such as the Irish Water Spaniel.

Dry kibble is more recommended to prevent canine tooth decay. Mix in some home cooked foods from time to time such as cooked chicken, rice, pasta and vegetables and try to include some raw meat every now and then as well. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

Feeding the puppy

muggin dogs - caringThis crossbreed has a definite propensity to overeat and become obese from puppyhood. Feed the puppy a small dog dry food 3-4 times a day a total of ¾ of a cup to 1 cup.

Feeding the adult

Again don’t over feed the adult Muggin or he will become obese easily. Feed at least twice a day one to one and half cups total.

Points for Good Health

High Energy

Games and Exercises

With the athleticism of the Min Pin taking precedence over the less active Pug, the Muggin is a fairly active dog. The Muggin is also not effective by the Pug’s difficulty with heat and cold. They love to go on long walks and need exercise to keep from being bored and destructive. However, remember there is a Pug in your Muggin and if she is not into exercise don’t try to get her to do more than she can.

You do want your Muggin to get enough exercise to fend off any tendency to be overweight. They are good at agility, jogging, obedience and watchdog activities.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Irish Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Irish Water Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Water Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Irish Water Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Water Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Irish Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Irish Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Water Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Irish Water Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Irish Water Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Water Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Water Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Water Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Irish Water Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Irish Water Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Muggin vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Muggin vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Muggin vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Muggin vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Muggin vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Muggin vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Muggin vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Muggin vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Muggin vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Muggin vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Muggin vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Muggin vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Muggin vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Muggin vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Muggin vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Muggin vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Muggin vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Muggin vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Muggin vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Muggin vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Muggin vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Muggin vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Muggin vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Muggin vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Muggin vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison