Dorkie
Crossbreed: Dachshund × Yorkshire Terrier
The Dorkie is cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Dachshund. With its long body and short legs, the Dorkie is quite a character. A happy, affectionate and sociable dog, Dorkies make a wonderful addition to family life. Here's everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed.
The Dachshund is a small terrier with a unique body type. With short legs and an elongated body, they resemble a sausage. They are determined, intelligent, courageous, lively and very jovial. They adapt to many ways of life, but they do need physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are well-tempered dogs who, if well trained and socialised, are a delight to have around. They come in two sizes: Standard and Miniature, and in three different coat types: Smooth, Long, and Wire-haired.
Yorkshire Terriers are lively, intelligent dogs that deserve respect as true terriers, not toys. Best suited to families with gentle, respectful children, they make excellent companions. Originally bred as rat hunters, they remain alert and vocal, making them effective watchdogs. Though now often seen in shows or as pets, they’re the smallest but boldest of the terrier group.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small terrier with a unique body type. With short legs and an elongated body, they resemble a sausage. They are determined, intelligent, courageous, lively and very jovial. They adapt to many ways of life, but they do need physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are well-tempered dogs who, if well trained and socialised, are a delight to have around. They come in two sizes: Standard and Miniature, and in three different coat types: Smooth, Long, and Wire-haired.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are lively, intelligent dogs that deserve respect as true terriers, not toys. Best suited to families with gentle, respectful children, they make excellent companions. Originally bred as rat hunters, they remain alert and vocal, making them effective watchdogs. Though now often seen in shows or as pets, they’re the smallest but boldest of the terrier group.
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Life expectancy |
The Dorkie has a life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Small
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Adult size |
Female
Between 8 and 12 in
Male
Between 8 and 12 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 7 and 11 lb
Male
Between 7 and 11 lb
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Coat colour
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Black
Brown
Sand
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Type of coat
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Long
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Eye colour
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Brown
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Purchase price |
The Dorkie costs between £700 and £1500 |
The Dorkie is a popular crossbreed, who was first considered a "designer dog" in the late 1990s. The Dorkie's appearance may vary, but these characterful little dogs typically have the elongated body of the Dachshund.
More details about the Dorkie
Dorkie: Origins and history
The history of the Dorkie goes back to recent decades. The Yorkshire Terrier, originally from England, was used to hunt rodents in textile factories, while the Dachshund, with its origins in Germany, was a hunting dog specialising in tracking badgers and other burrowing animals.
The aim of this combination was to create a dog that inherited the small size and agility of the Yorkshire with the robustness and endurance of the Dachshund. The Dorkie, the result of this cross-breeding, is therefore a small companion suited to living in a variety of environments.
Dorkie: Characteristics
Dorkies are cuddly, affectionate companions who love spending time with their people. These sociable little dogs always want to be the centre of attention, making them perfect family pets.
Dorkies love to play. Brain games and fetch are often firm favourites with this crossbreed.
After a nice walk or a game, the Dorkie knows how to settle and relax at home.
Dorkies pick up tricks quickly. They are very intelligent dogs who learn fast, particularly if positive reinforcement methods are used during training.
Depending on the traits they inherit from the Dachshund parent, a Dorkie may have a high prey drive. A long lead or secure field will help exercise your pup safely.
Dorkies may be reserved and shy around strangers when they first meet them. Socialisation from a young age can help prevent a mistrustful nature towards unknown people.
Dorkies typically love spending time with their people, but they also enjoy moments of resting or exploring alone.
Dorkie: Behaviour
Dorkies can learn to settle at home alone, provided they have been given the right separation training from a young age. As with any dog, they may become stressed and vocal if left for long periods.
Dorkies do best when trained with gentleness and consistency. Training from a young age is essential - without it, your Dorkie may become a stubborn adult dog, inheriting this trait from their Dachshund parent.
Dorkies may be small, but they have a voice loud enough to make up for their size! Dorkies can be very vocal, with a bark that makes them seem much larger than they actually are.
Dorkies don't typically have a tendency to stray, but they may wander in search of an interesting scent. Finding a secure space is the best way to let your Dorkie explore their surroundings safely.
A bored Dorkie may become destructive. Lots of exercise and mental stimulation will help keep your Dorkie feeling their best!
Dorkies love to eat, and they can be prone to overeating and laziness. Keep an eye on your Dorkies diet, to avoid obesity in later life.
Dorkies may not excel as guard dogs, but they will alert to the presence of intruders.
Training a Dorkie
These little dogs are very intelligent, but they can also be stubborn - much like their Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier parents. Dorkies respond best to gentle, firm and consistent training, which should begin at a young age.
Dorkie: Lifestyle
Dorkies do well in apartments, provided they're given the right exercise and mental stimulation.
Dorkies need at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise a day. Training sessions, outdoor adventures and brain games will keep your Dorkie feeling healthy and happy.
Dorkies make great travel companions. These outgoing, compact dogs love going on adventures with their owners.
Breed compatibility Dorkie
Dorkies can share their home with cats, provided they were well socialised at a young age.
Dorkies typically get along well with other dogs, often enjoying playtime on walks. With the right introductions, they can happily share their home with other dogs.
Dorkies are usually gentle with children, but as with any dog, supervision is always recommended.
The Dorkie's size and temperament makes the crossbreed well-suited to older people. The crossbreed's affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions to the elderly.
Dorkies can be suitable for first-time dog owners, provided they receive the right training from a young age. If you're a first-time owner embarking on life with a Dorkie, puppy classes may be the way to go.
Without the right boundaries and training, Dorkies can become stubborn and vocal.
Dorkie: Purchase price
The cost of owning a Dorkie typically ranges from £700 to £1,500, depending on the breeder and location.
Daily costs to factor in include a high quality diet, preventative veterinary care and doggy accessories.
Dorkie: Shedding
Average
Dorkies require regular brushing, ideally several times a week.
Professional grooming sessions may be necessary, particularly to keep your Dorkie's eyes, ears and teeth clean and healthy.
Dorkie: Health
This is a strong crossbreed, but Dorkies can inherit health issues specific to the parent breeds. Regular check-ups with your vet are recommended.
Dorkies tolerate heat, but it's important to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
This small crossbreed may be sensitive to the cold due to its small size and fine coat. Winter clothing and warm bedding are recommended for colder months, as well as short walks when it is very cold.
Like the Dachshund, the Dorkie can be prone to obesity, especially if overfed or under-exercised.
Dental problems, ear infections, and skin diseases can all affect the Dorkie. Due to their small size, Dorkies can also be susceptible to injuries, especially if they jump from great heights.
Be sure to supervise them when they're playing, preventing access to areas they could get injured.
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