The Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier were crossed to create the mixed breed dog known as the Dorkie. These tiny puppies, who are laid-back and devoted, have some of the greatest traits from both of their parents. Doxie Yorkie and Dorkie Terrier are other names for dorkies.
These adorable pups are not overly yappy and would make great companions for seniors living in apartments. They do well in small or one-person households, but they also do well in bigger families with older children because of how much attention they require. This dog is a great travel companion and would follow you wherever the road may take you if you're a traveler. See the list of characteristics and information about Dorkies below!
Highlights
- Dogs of mixed breeds include dorkies. Unlike their Yorkshire Terrier or Dachshund parents, they are not purebred animals.
- Red, brown, black, and blue are the predominant colours of dorkies. Usually, they are any combination of two or more of these hues.
- People who have allergies are not advised to choose dorkies. Their coats, however, only need three to four brushings per week and are low maintenance.
- Due to their small size, Dorkies are vulnerable to injury from overexcited kids. They are kind to children, family, and friends. Just make sure that young children are watched.
- Dorkies get along well with other dogs and other animals of various species. But in public, keep your puppy away from larger dogs. Dorkies don't consider themselves to be small dogs, and their confidence may threaten larger dogs.
- Due to their tiny legs, Dorkies are busy indoors but don't need to go for long walks. However, because children's bladders are so little, it's important to remember that they can need frequent restroom breaks.
- These affectionate dogs do not enjoy spending time alone themselves. Therefore, be sure to show them a lot of love and attention since they will show you loyalty and commitment in return.
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 neighborhood 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
5 to 12 pounds
Lifespan
13 to 16 years
Height
5 to 10 inches
History
The dachshund dog breed was developed in Germany in the 1500s and was primarily used for hunting badgers and other small animals. It is thought that they are related to different breeds of the French Basset Hound, Braque, and Pinscher.
The Spaniel and Terrier breeds were used to cross-breed the longhaired and wirehaired Dachshunds. They were ideal for digging into badger burrows to retrieve them for the hunters because of their lengthy bodies and sturdy tiny feet. In the 1800s, the Dachshund became a popular home pet and grew even more popular after being spotted by the royal courts of Queen Victoria.
In order to generate a better-sized home pet, the small Dachshund was developed at that time. Some Dachshunds were imported from Germany after World War I, and the American Kennel Club formally registered them in 1885. They are the 13th most popular dog breed in the United States. The Maltese, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier, English Black and Tan Terrier, Clydesdale Terrier, Paisley Terrier, and Waterside Terrier were the ancestors of the Yorkshire Terrier in England in the 1800s.
They were specifically developed to trap rats, and they were pretty proficient at it. They became common in wealthy families and quickly gained popularity as family pets due to their beauty. As soon as they started winning dog competitions, the AKC took note and registered them in 1885. They are currently the ninth most popular dog breed in the country.
Personality & Temperament
Strong-willed and prone to independent thought, both parent breeds. This may result in a dog who is opinionated and headstrong. On the plus side, this gives them personality and charm, but on the minus side, it might result in inappropriate behaviors like snappiness.
However, the Dorkie is a real angel in a fur coat of a family dog when properly socialized as a puppy and carefully trained in manners. However, even with a well-behaved Dorkie, you can't take it easy. They require defined boundaries so they are clear on what is and isn't permitted. In order for children to recognise their place in the family and avoid becoming arrogant or above themselves, kids are also given harsh but fair discipline.
Last but not least, these tiny dogs have a loud voice. They are capable of barking and unafraid to do so. Again, on the bright side, they make an incredibly capable guard dog, but they could also alienate your neighbors.
Care
The best method to care for a pet Dorkie is to educate yourself as much as you can about this crossbreed canine. A Dorkie puppy requires various forms of care than an adult dog. Learn more about taking care of a Dorkie.
Health
Concerning Dorkie health issues, there are no official statistics. However, a number of diseases are closely associated with their parent breeds. It is erroneous to believe that hybrid dogs are healthier than their parent breeds because this is only a matter of chance and genetics. Yes, a hybrid might get lucky and avoid inheriting the disease-causing features of their parents, but they might also inherit double the difficulty.
Patellar Luxation
The issue of patellar luxation, or shaky kneecaps, affects both parent breeds equally. This describes an instability that causes the patella (the kneecap) to pop to one side. The dog skips a step as a result of the mechanical locking of the leg.
Mild instances only occasionally require pain medication. But for individuals who are most badly injured, knee reconstruction surgery results in significantly better mobility.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
It should come as no surprise that the Dachshund's long back could present issues for the Dorkie. Imagine that lengthy spine as a bridge spanning a river. The bridge is prone to sag in the middle when the river is quite wide, which puts strain on the building, especially in breeds with long backs.
Symptoms range from back discomfort of various degrees, through to paralysis. Surgery is necessary in the most severe cases to offer the patient a chance to regain sensation in their limbs, though this cannot be certain.
Portosystemic Shunts (PSS)
Sadly, portosystemic shunts are more prevalent in Dorkies than Yorkies or Dachshunds, according to statistics.
A blood artery that shunts blood through the liver is referred to as a PSS. The fetus has this blood vessel, although it is expected to close soon after birth. Blood should be detoxified in the liver, but if it doesn't, it bypasses the organ. As a result, the body begins to accumulate natural poisons, which induce neurological symptoms. These symptoms, which can vary from excessive salivation to seizures, are most severe shortly after eating.
Medical care can lessen symptoms but cannot treat the underlying problem. The shunt can be tied off in skilled hands, but this is technically challenging and not always successful.
Tracheal Collapse
A characteristic of the Yorkshire Terrier is tracheal collapse. The trachea, or windpipe, is made up of cartilage rings that are top-braced by a spring ligament. The windpipe lacks sufficient stiffness and has a tendency to flatten down if this ligament is overly lax.
Consider a hosepipe to get a sense of the significance. Water stops flowing from a hosepipe when you tread on it. Similarly, a collapsed windpipe prevents air from passing through, leaving the dog gasping for breath.
A collapsed trachea might cause loud honking sounds or fainting spells. Using a stent, the issue can be surgically corrected, but this surgery is risky and expensive.
Recommended Health Test
- X-Rays
- MRI
- CT Scan
- Eye Examination
- Skin Evaluation
- Ultrasound
- Blood Work
Nutrition
Dorkies put themselves at risk for several health problems related to obesity, like many smaller breeds. How are you going to resist not rewarding them? Their degree of activity is another worry. They are more prone to weight gain and the related medical disorders because of their laid-back personalities and decreased energy levels.
To maintain your Dorkie's well being and a high standard of living, a regular feeding plan is essential. Make sure the youngsters are aware that sweets should only be used as a training tool. Their appetite, regrettably, does not have a stop switch.
Grooming
Does a Dorkie shed a lot of hair? Dorkies have mild to moderate hair loss. Compared to the Yorkshire Terrier breed, the Dachshund sheds more. So, depending on whose parent a Dorkie takes after, it will shed differently.
A Dorkie's coat should be brushed two or three times every week. This dog's coat tangles can be broken up and removed with a straightforward pin brush. Make sure the bristle tips have plastic covers so the dog's skin is not damaged while being brushed.
A minor tangle in a Dorkie's coat can occasionally be untangled by its owner using gentle pressure and their fingertips. Remember that pulling a knot roughly is never a good idea.
Allergies can be identified by red, dry skin, bald patches in a Dorkie's coat, and other symptoms. A dog's treatment plan can be provided by a veterinarian, who can also assist in diagnosing food or environmental allergies.
Exercise
Dorkies require at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. This hybrid dog may get some enjoyable exercise by playing fetch in the backyard, walking a trail at a nearby park, or simply going for a stroll around the neighborhood. A trip to the dog park would be a wonderful treat for this dog because they get along well with other dogs.
A Dorkie is an excellent pet for someone who lives in an apartment because of its modest size.
Training
The laid-back nature and obstinate streak of a Dorkie might make obedience training a little difficult. It's a good idea to have plenty of tasty treats on hand to give to a Dorkie when they succeed in a training session. Words of praise are also beneficial in training this hybrid breed. A simple technique to hold this dog's attention during a training session is to keep it to no longer than 15 minutes.
An additional example of a dog with a rebellious streak that can influence its obedience training is a terrier hybrid called a Rat Terrier.
Children and Other Pets
Since the Dorkie is a little dog, exuberant kids can easily hurt them. They are kind to children, family, and friends. Just make sure that young children are watched over to ensure that neither party hurts the other.
Dorkies get along well with both pets of other species and other canines, including other breeds of dogs. Early socializing helps facilitate a seamless transaction. Make cautious to shield your Dorkie from larger dogs when you're out in public. They do not consider themselves to be small dogs, and the confidence of the small mixed breed may present a problem to larger dogs.
Puppies
Even when fully grown, a Dorkie is still considered to be little. So, it’s no surprise that Dorkie puppies are exceptionally little! This is something owners need to keep in mind when managing and training a puppy dorkie. Since they are little or small, they are easily injured. These little puppies require additional caution.
The Dorkie is no exception to the rule that designer canines are always expensive. The price is lower than it is for rarer breeds because the two parent breeds are common and well-liked. A few hundred bucks is what you should budget for, especially if the breeders have done genetic testing. Due to the likelihood of health problems, we implore you to only consider these dogs.
Dogs Similar to Dorkies
Rat Terriers, Border Terriers, and Doxiepoos are canines that resemble Dorkies.
Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are renowned for being devoted to their owners, much like Dorkies. Both dogs are also simple to groom. However, Rat Terriers are far more animated than Dorkies.
Border Terrier
Black and brown hair can coexist in the coat of Border Terriers and Dorkies. They are both known to be prey-driven as well. However, compared to Dorkies, Border Terriers are both taller and heavier.
Doxiepoo
This Dachshund/Dorkie hybrid can experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time, just like the Dorkie. One distinction is that a Dorkie gets along with other dogs in a home more amicably.