The Dorkie: A Small Dog with a Big Personality

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The Dorkie is a cross of a purebred Dachshund and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie Dachshund Mix. It’s a small dog breed at about 5 to 10 inches tall, weighing between 5 to 12 pounds. The average lifespan of this crossbreed is around 13 to 16 years.

Let me tell you five facts you should know about these dogs.

1. Devoted Dorkies will follow you around all day

Like its Yorkshire Terrier parent, the Yorkie Dachshund mix is an excellent companion dog. These puppies will follow you around all day like little shadows, as they love being around people. A Dorkie will probably even nap in your lap several times during the day.

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Most Dachshund-Yorkie mixed dogs have a laid-back, easygoing attitude. However, this crossbreed may not be ideal for families with toddlers and preschool-age children. The Yorkie-Dachshund mix may end up nipping at kids who play too roughly, a trait the breed can inherit from the tough Yorkshire Terrier.

Some behavioral problems to watch out for in the Yorkie Dachshund Mix

Like most dogs, the Dachshund and Yorkie mix has its fair share of potential behavioral issues.

The Dachshund Yorkie Mix may bark excessively

Both the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier are notorious for their yapping abilities, so Dorkies will bark at every little thing they encounter for the first time.

The good news is that you can control this dog’s incessant barking with enough training.

Listen to this tiny Yorkie Dachshund puppy barking at its owner:

Dachshund-Yorkie dogs can suffer from separation anxiety.

Your Dorkie will love being around you so much that they’ll get stressed out when you’re out of sight.

Give your dog some chew toys if you have to leave it at home for a couple of hours or more. You don’t want to come home to a destroyed carpet.

The Dorkie has a high prey drive.

Hunting is in this crossbreed’s genes. The Europeans used Dachshunds and Yorkshire Terriers to hunt rats, badgers, and small game.

Don’t be surprised if your Dachshund-Yorkie Terrier mix chases around other small animals when you’re out for a walk.

2. Training a Dorkie can be challenging

As the offspring of hunting breeds, the Yorkie-Dachshund dog is intelligent and eager to please. However, these puppies also have a stubborn streak that can make them a little difficult to train.

Positive reinforcement is your best bet to getting your Dorkie to behave. Many of these dogs also have short attention spans, similar to Yorkshire Terriers that easily get bored. Holding quick, frequent training sessions is more effective than spending the entire day teaching your Dachshund-Yorkie puppy how to sit or stay.

Yorkie-Dachshund mixes are sensitive to your tone and attitude as you’re interacting with them. Try to be as patient as possible when you’re training your Dorkie so he can pick up positive behavior more quickly.

3. Cute Dorkie puppies don’t take up a lot of space

Since the Yorkshire Terrier and the Dachshund are similar in size, the Yorkie and Dachshund mix is a small breed. As mentioned above a full-grown Dorkie can be 5 to 10 inches (12 to 25 cm) tall and weigh 5 to 12 pounds (2 to 5 kilograms).

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This minuscule crossbreed comes at an even tinier size. The miniature Dorkie is the offspring of a Miniature Dachshund or a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier. Many people prefer toy dogs like Mini Dorkie puppies because they’re easier to take care of compared to larger dog breeds.

Their small size makes the Dachshund Yorkie mix ideal for apartment living. They’re easier to travel with, too. Just put your Dorkie in a breathable carrier bag, and you can take it with you wherever you go.

Its size is not the only thing that makes a Yorkie Dachshund mix one of the cutest dog breeds today. Most of these crossbreeds have the endearing, well-proportioned face of a Yorkie with the long, slim body of the Dachshund.

Unlike in the Yorkie Terrier, Dorkie tails aren’t usually docked. Yorkshire Terrier-Dachshund mixes also tend to have long, straight, thick fur, usually in black and brown or brown and tan.

4. Taking care of the Dachshund Yorkie mix is a breeze

The Dachshund and Yorkie dog doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, but you’ll want to brush its coat regularly to keep it looking shiny and healthy.

Here are some quick Dorkie grooming tips you can follow.

If your Yorkshire Terrier-Dachshund mix has short hair, brush his coat 2 to 3 times monthly to remove dead or loose hair. Yorkie-Dachshund dogs with longer hair need brushing 2 to 3 times a week with a metal comb or a stiff bristle brush. Use your fingers to loosen any tangles before brushing the coat.

Check your Dachshund-Yorkie’s ears regularly for redness or rashes. Clean with ear wash and cotton balls at least once a week to prevent bacterial buildup.

How to trim a Dorkie with long hair

The Dachshund and Yorkie crossbreed’s coat also needs occasional trimming, especially if it takes after a long-haired Dachshund or the Yorkshire Terrier. A trim will help keep your Dorkie cool in the summer or if you live in a warm climate.

Use clippers with a half-inch guard to shave your Dachshund Yorkie mix, going with the grain of the fur. Start at the neck and work your way over your dog’s back. Make sure your the coat is one consistent length after the trim.

Trim your Dachshund-Yorkie dog’s facial hair with grooming scissors. A bath at the end of the trim helps remove loose, shaved-off hair from your Dorkie’s body.

Proper nutrition for your Yorkie Dachshund Mix

Due to this crossbreed’s small size, the Yorkshire Terrier-Dachshund mix needs only 1 to 2 cups of dry dog food daily. Divide the food into two meals and don’t forget to give your puppy plenty of fresh water.

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Keep an eye on your Yorkshire Terrier-Dachshund mix during mealtime and make sure he finishes his food. Yorkies are known to be picky eaters, so your Dorkie puppy may inherit this ‘refined palate.’

Some health issues to watch out for in the Dachshund Yorkie Mix

As mentioned in the first paragraph the Dorkie has a life expectancy of 13 to 16 years. These hybrids are generally healthy, but they may be prone to health issues commonly found in the Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkie-Dachshund dogs can experience back problems because of their elongated spines. Patellar luxation may also be an issue since this commonly affects Dachshunds. Because of its Yorkie parent, your Dorkie puppy may also suffer from hypoglycemia, skin allergies, and a genetic condition called Legg-Perthes disease.

Are Dorkies hypoallergenic?

The Yorkie Dachshund Mix tend to take on the hypoallergenic qualities of the Yorkshire Terrier. These Terriers have a coat that is similar to human hair, so it’s less likely to trigger allergies.

The Yorkshire Terrier and Dachshund mix is a low shedding dog breed as well, so this dog won’t leave clumps of hair around your home.

5. Dorkies need only moderate levels of exercise daily

Can’t keep up with a high-energy dog? You’ll be glad to know that the Yorkie Dachshund mix needs only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day.

These dogs usually go on short bursts of activity, so a quick trip to the dog park or a short walk around the block should suit your puppy just fine.

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Because of its short legs, the Dachshund-Yorkie hybrid easily gets tired. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water on walks so your dog can get a drink whenever needed. Keep your Dachshund and Yorkshire terrier mix on a leash when you go out unless you want to spend the day chasing your puppy around.

Because the Dachshund-Yorkie crossbreed is more of a lapdog, it can sometimes display a lazy attitude. Use walks or games of fetch to get your puppy to move and give it the exercise it needs.

Finding the perfect Dorkie puppy for your family

Dorkie breeders like Yorkies, Dorkies, and Dachshunds may charge anywhere from $400 to $800 for a Dachshund Yorkie Mix puppy. If you’re having difficulties finding a breeder dedicated to Dorkies, you can also get in touch with breeders of Yorkshire Terriers and Dachshunds:

• Dachshunds Unlimited
• Artistry Yorkies

Make sure to check the pedigree papers of the puppy’s parents before you accept a final price.

This way, you’ll get the healthiest Dorkie puppy possible.

You may also find an older Dorkie for adoption at rescue organizations or shelters in your area. Sometimes, this crossbreed is also available at rescues for its parent breeds, like the Dachshund Rescue of North America and Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, Inc.

Are you ready for a Dorkie?

The Dachshund-Yorkshire Terrier mix is a companion dog that thrives with attention, so it makes a great pet for people who can spend most of the day doting on their dog.

The Yorkshire Terrier-Dachshund cross has an easygoing temperament, but this dog is ideal for families with older children who can properly handle dogs.

The Yorkie Dachshund mix may inherit the stubbornness of the Dachshund and the independence of the Yorkshire Terrier, so you’ll need to devote some time and effort in crate training and removing negative behaviors from your Dorkie.

Leave a comment if you want your own Dorkie, too!