Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel are the two breeds that make up the Docker. They are small to medium-sized and prefer to lounge around with short bursts of activity interspersed throughout the day. Fetch, trekking, or squirrel chasing would be good activities. Some of the best traits of both parents were passed down to these pups. As well as Docker Spaniel and Spaniel Docker, Dockers are known by several other names.
These lovely puppies would be wonderful additions to any home. They prefer a large family since they dislike being left alone for long periods of time. When looking for a friendly canine companion who will also alert you to any hazards around, a Docker might be a good alternative. Here are all the Docker facts and mixed breed features you'll ever need to know!
Highlights
- Dockers are a cross between a dog and a cat. Like their Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel parents, they are not purebreds.
- Depending on the style, Dockers may come in a variety of colours. They are typically one colour, although a second colour can be incorporated into the design.
- It is not uncommon for their coats to be a mix between those of their mother and father. Dachshund hair is short and wiry, with a touch of silkiness from the Cocker Spaniel parentage.
- When it's raining or snowing, you don't want to be wearing a pair of Dockers. In the winter, they may need a dog coat, and in the summer, they may need sunscreen for their paws.
- Dockers are known for their barking. As watchdogs, they're excellent. Barking behaviours can be reduced with early training.
- Company, they may become agitated and disruptive during the day.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
20 to 30 Pounds
Lifespan
12 to 14 Years
Height
9 to 15 inches
History
In the world of designer dogs, Dockers have only been around for a short time and are still making their mark. As with many recent cross-breeds, the origin of these dogs is a matter of debate, and it is difficult to tell for sure.
Despite their appearance, Dachshunds were originally designed for hunting, and they've been known to take down badgers and foxes in the past. They are native to Germany and come in a range of sizes, including standard, miniature, long, and smooth-haired varieties, as well as wire-haired varieties.
As a result, there are six distinct breeds of Dachshund that could exist. These dogs have a strong personality, yet they're noted for their adaptability in compact spaces, making them ideal pets for city dwellers.
Cocker Spaniels were initially bred in England to hunt woodcock. In spite of the fact that Spaniels are thought to have been formed in the 14th or 15th century, the Cocker Spaniel was only formally recognised in 1893 and all other comparable spaniels were referred to as "Land Spaniels" prior to this.
Traditionally, the most prevalent colour for a dog's coat was black, but today, a variety of colours, including red, cream, white, and roan, are available. The English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel have been separated into two distinct breeds in recent years, with the American Cocker Spaniel dominating the show ring.
Personality & Temperament
Dogs of the Docker breed have a natural desire to be loved and cherished by the people who are closest to them. All family members are important to them, but they tend to have a "favourite" that they devote all of their time and attention to. It is possible that their reliance on people is a drawback, as they may experience separation anxiety and be more clingy than other breeds.
Dockers have retained a high prey drive and do not always have the finest recall while off the leash, thus they are not generally a 'easy' pet. They are easily distracted by the aroma of new things. In addition, they can be prone to impulsiveness and snap at the drop of a hat when they're nervous or apprehensive.
Dockers are intelligent and energetic, but it's not always simple to keep them occupied, and if they're bored, they can quickly develop behavioural behaviours like chewing on furniture or yelping nonstop. Every day, owners need to come up with new and exciting strategies to keep their employees' attention focused.
Care
It's possible to have a guard dog and a companion dog at the same time. Taking care of your dog and having it guard you can be a rewarding and intriguing experience for your relationship with your dog. To learn more about how to properly care for a dog, read this article.
Health
While the Docker population is still quite small, it's prudent to keep an eye out for any health risks that may be prevalent.
Lip Fold Dermatitis
Dogs can suffer from one of the smelliest ailments, a chronic infection around the mouth that is caused by the growth of germs. While oral antibiotics and medicated baths can help some dogs, extra skin folds around the mouth will need to be surgically addressed in others.
Even if the course of antibiotics is expected to last a long period, it is always a good idea to conduct a culture of the bacteria developing.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Docker's form makes it very susceptible to IVDD, and its owners must take responsibility and take preventative measures to avoid it. As a result, they should keep their dogs trim, discourage needless leaping, and utilise body harnesses while they are out and about.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
One of the heart's valves is defective, causing an uneven flow of blood that can be seen using a stethoscope. A thoracic x-ray and an ultrasound examination of the heart should be performed to rule out other possible causes of a murmur. Additionally, these tests can reveal how far along the disease has gone and whether there are any associated abnormalities.
Recommended Health Test
- X-Rays
- MRI
- CT Scan
- Eye Examination
- Skin Evaluation
- Ultrasound
Nutrition
Dockers are easy to feed. As long as you pick a high-quality dry kibble made from meat and vegetables, and keep gluten and by-products to a minimum, they’ll be happy. Feeding your Docker shouldn’t cost much more than $50 every month.
An adult Docker eats about two cups of dry food a day. Like all small dogs, obesity is a big concern, so we don’t advise leaving food out when it’s not mealtime. Make sure to serve meals consistently and use a gravity feeder if your Docker eats too fast.
Grooming
Dachshunds have short, coarse coats that make it easier to fit down holes, while Cocker Spaniels have soft, flowing coats. This combination leads their Docker puppies to inherit medium-length coats that tend toward the short side.
The more Cocker Spaniel it’s got, the more it will shed, and the more brushing it will need. A more Spaniel-like Docker will need daily brushing, while a more Dachshund-like Docker can get by on as little as once a week.
Shorter coats are easier to groom but have their own trade-off: dogs with shorter coats are worse at handling changes in the weather. If your Dachshund Cocker Spaniel Mix looks more like its Dachshund parent, consider bundling it up for winter walks, and be sure to follow best practices for keeping it cool in the summer (lots of water, staying off hot pavement).
Exercise
Dockers are high-energy puppers. Especially when little, they can happily walk miles every day, though you don’t necessarily have to push them to their limit to keep them happy. That said, neglecting to exercise your Docker can make it anxious and disagreeable until it gets its walk.
Take your Dachshund Cocker Spaniel Mix walking for at least 45 minutes every day and engage in frequent intentional play sessions. Remember, Dockers love to chase, so balls and motorized toys are a great way to keep them happy.
Training
It’s well-known that Dockers like to do things on their own terms, but fortunately, they also love to make their owners happy. Initially, their stubbornness can make housebreaking and obedience training hard.
However, with patience and consistency, they’ll come to see you as their hunt leader. Once that happens, your Docker will turn all its intelligence and will toward making you happy. A properly socialized Docker can even be trained as a therapy dog.
Children and Other Pets
The Docker is a sturdy yet sensitive breed and will most likely do well with child members of the family. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.
When it comes to other pets, Dockers can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. It's best if they get used to other pets early. If the Dachshund parent's personality prevails, the Docker may want to lead the pack in multi-dog homes.
Always be cautious introducing new dogs to each other. Nose to butt is a good sign, as is tail wagging. If they are eye to eye, separate them immediately.
Puppies
Once your Docker puppy joins the family, start with training and socialization. These tiny bundles of cuteness might charm you into cuddling and playing all day long, but teaching them the basic manners is for their own good. Once they learn where to go potty and how to walk on a leash, they’re ready to move on to learning commands and socialization. With this routine, your adorable puppy will grow up to be a friendly, obedient dog with a wonderful personality.
Breeds Similar to Docker
- Flandoodle
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Dachshund
- Griffonese
- Cruiser
- Cocker Spaniel