Dorkie

Dorkies are tiny, playful, and affectionate dogs that are a cross between Dachshunds and Yorkshire Terriers. They are famous for their lively personalities and outgoing nature.

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Dorkie Breed overview

Dorkies are a popular hybrid breed that are known for their affectionate and adaptable nature. They have high energy needs and require regular exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy. They are friendly and playful dogs that are good with children and other dogs, making them perfect companion pets for singles or families alike.

Height:
5-10 inches
Weight:
5-12 lbs
Life expectancy:
13-16 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Dorkie

Training

Dorkies are intelligent dogs that can be trained fairly easily with positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. They respond well to training that is fun, positive, and consistent.

Dorkies can have a stubborn streak inherited from the Dachshund, but they also have a strong desire to please their owners inherited from the Yorkshire Terrier. Socializing them early on and training them well can help prevent negative behavior.

Grooming

Dorkies need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and clean. Their fur may be short and smooth like a Dachshund or long and silky like a Yorkshire Terrier.

To keep their coat looking its best, they should be brushed daily, and their fur should be trimmed regularly to avoid matting. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Health

Like their parent breeds, Dorkies are prone to certain health issues, including dental problems, hypoglycemia, and joint problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can help keep them healthy.

It's important to keep their teeth clean to avoid dental problems. Hypoglycemia is a health condition that can affect small dogs, but it can be managed with a balanced diet, frequent feedings, and monitoring.

Joint problems, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), may also occur in Dorkies. To reduce the risk of joint problems, it's important to avoid overexerting them and to choose appropriate exercises.

Exercise

As a small breed, Dorkies don't need a lot of exercise, but they do enjoy short walks and playtime. They can be indoor or outdoor dogs and enjoy playing fetch or chasing toys around the house.

Dorkies are also good at some restraint exercises and they really enjoy agility as well. Eventually, introducing them to games like hide and seek might keep them engage.

Nutrition

As a small breed, Dorkies have a fast metabolism and require small and frequent meals throughout the day. It's important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their needs.

High-quality dry or wet dog food can be provided, or you can opt for a homemade diet that contains lean protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Avoid overfeeding them and providing them with table scraps, as they can gain weight quickly.

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Dorkie Traits & Characteristics

Dorkies are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as they are a hybrid or designer breed. However, they are recognized by the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Their weight generally ranges from 5 to 15 pounds, and they stand around 5 to 12 inches tall. Their coat can be short or long and may be black, brown, tan, or a combination of these colors.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Dorkies are very affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners. They are extremely attached and gentle, making them an exceptional companion for singles, seniors or families with children.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Dorkies are great with kids. They are playful, friendly and patient, which makes them ideal pet companions for children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Dorkies are very friendly with other dogs. They make great companions and are known to get along with other dogs easily. They have a gentle nature and can get along with dogs of all sizes.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Dorkies are curious and friendly dogs, but they are cautious around strangers. It's not uncommon for them to bark or become suspicious when they sense a stranger coming near. Proper socialization is recommended to prevent fear and aggressiveness towards people they don’t know.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Dorkies are highly playful and energetic. They love to play with their owners and enjoy games that involve chasing a toy or fetching. They are ideal dogs for active family members who love to spend time with their pets.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Dorkies have an average level of alertness. They are not known for being watchdogs, but they will bark to alert their owners of unusual sounds or activity in their environment.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Dorkies are highly adaptable and can thrive in different living situations. They can live in apartments or larger homes, and tolerate different weather conditions such as hot or cold. They are versatile dogs that can adapt to the lifestyle of their owners.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Dorkies have a moderately high tendency to shed. They have long, silky hair that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Additionally, they may need regular grooming and trimming to keep their coat healthy.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Dorkies have long hair that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing, bathing, and trimming are essential for keeping the coat healthy and silky. This breed could be a high-maintenance grooming-wise.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Dorkies are not known for being droolers. They don’t produce much saliva, which makes them ideal for people who don’t like dogs drooling all over the house.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Dorkies are a small breed, weighing between 5 to 12 lbs and standing at 5 to 10 inches tall. They are ideal for small living spaces and can be easily carried around like a lap dog.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Dorkies are highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy taking long walks or running outdoor, but can also be content with short indoor activities like playing fetch.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Dorkies have high exercise needs and enjoy long walks, outdoor games, and other physical activities. They are good pets for active owners who enjoy spending time outdoors with their pet.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Dorkies are not working dogs and do not have a specific job or task. They make great companion pets and thrive on human attention and interaction.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Dorkies are not hunting dogs and do not have a strong prey drive. They are friendly and playful dogs that are more suited to be companions to humans than to be hunters.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Dorkies have good physical stamina and endurance, and are known for being lively and energetic. They have the energy required to play and participate in regular physical activities with their human family members.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Dorkies are generally healthy dogs without many breed-specific health concerns. However, they may be prone to certain health issues like dental problems, hip dysplasia, or eye issues that can be prevented with proper care and regular vet check-ups.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Dorkies are prone to becoming overweight or obese due to their small size and overeating habits. Owners should be mindful of their pet's diet and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity-related health issues.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Dorkies tend to tolerate cold weather well, provided they have enough protection from the elements like a warm coat or sweater. They enjoy playing outdoors in colder temperatures, but extra care should be taken to prevent them from getting too cold.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Dorkies can tolerate hot weather condition, provided they have enough shade and water to cool down. They have long hair that requires extra trimming during warmer seasons to prevent overheating.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Dorkies can do well in apartments or smaller living spaces provided they have enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are adaptable dogs that can thrive in different living situations.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Dorkies have an average tendency to wander or roam. They enjoy exploring and sniffing around, but they don't have a high prey drive like some other breeds. Proper leash training and supervision are recommended when walking in open areas.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Dorkies are sensitive dogs that can become stressed or anxious when exposed to negativity or aggression from their owners. They require consistent training and positive reinforcement to keep their confidence and trust in their human family members.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Dorkies may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods. They are social animals that need human interaction and attention to stay happy and healthy. It's recommended to provide them with toys or activities to keep them occupied while their owners are away.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Dorkies have a moderate tendency to bark. They enjoy being vocal but can be trained to limit their barking habit. They are alert dogs that bark more when sensing strangers or unusual noises.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Dorkies have an average level of mental stimulation need. They are intelligent dogs and require regular mental stimulation like interactive toys or puzzles. Otherwise, they may develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Dorkies are good for novice owners due to their loving and patient nature. They are adaptable and obedient dogs that can be trained easily with consistency and positive reinforcement. Early socialization is recommended to prevent fear or aggression towards strangers.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Dorkies can be stubborn at times and challenging to train. However, with proper training and socialization from an early age, they can become well-behaved, obedient dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Dorkies are very affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners. They are extremely attached and gentle, making them an exceptional companion for singles, seniors or families with children.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Dorkies are great with kids. They are playful, friendly and patient, which makes them ideal pet companions for children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Dorkies are very friendly with other dogs. They make great companions and are known to get along with other dogs easily. They have a gentle nature and can get along with dogs of all sizes.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Dorkies are curious and friendly dogs, but they are cautious around strangers. It's not uncommon for them to bark or become suspicious when they sense a stranger coming near. Proper socialization is recommended to prevent fear and aggressiveness towards people they don’t know.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Dorkies are highly playful and energetic. They love to play with their owners and enjoy games that involve chasing a toy or fetching. They are ideal dogs for active family members who love to spend time with their pets.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Dorkies have an average level of alertness. They are not known for being watchdogs, but they will bark to alert their owners of unusual sounds or activity in their environment.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Dorkies are highly adaptable and can thrive in different living situations. They can live in apartments or larger homes, and tolerate different weather conditions such as hot or cold. They are versatile dogs that can adapt to the lifestyle of their owners.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Dorkies have a moderately high tendency to shed. They have long, silky hair that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Additionally, they may need regular grooming and trimming to keep their coat healthy.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Dorkies have long hair that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing, bathing, and trimming are essential for keeping the coat healthy and silky. This breed could be a high-maintenance grooming-wise.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Dorkies are not known for being droolers. They don’t produce much saliva, which makes them ideal for people who don’t like dogs drooling all over the house.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Dorkies are a small breed, weighing between 5 to 12 lbs and standing at 5 to 10 inches tall. They are ideal for small living spaces and can be easily carried around like a lap dog.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Dorkies are highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy taking long walks or running outdoor, but can also be content with short indoor activities like playing fetch.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dorkies have high exercise needs and enjoy long walks, outdoor games, and other physical activities. They are good pets for active owners who enjoy spending time outdoors with their pet.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Dorkies are not working dogs and do not have a specific job or task. They make great companion pets and thrive on human attention and interaction.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Dorkies are not hunting dogs and do not have a strong prey drive. They are friendly and playful dogs that are more suited to be companions to humans than to be hunters.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Dorkies have good physical stamina and endurance, and are known for being lively and energetic. They have the energy required to play and participate in regular physical activities with their human family members.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Dorkies are generally healthy dogs without many breed-specific health concerns. However, they may be prone to certain health issues like dental problems, hip dysplasia, or eye issues that can be prevented with proper care and regular vet check-ups.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Dorkies are prone to becoming overweight or obese due to their small size and overeating habits. Owners should be mindful of their pet's diet and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity-related health issues.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Dorkies tend to tolerate cold weather well, provided they have enough protection from the elements like a warm coat or sweater. They enjoy playing outdoors in colder temperatures, but extra care should be taken to prevent them from getting too cold.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Dorkies can tolerate hot weather condition, provided they have enough shade and water to cool down. They have long hair that requires extra trimming during warmer seasons to prevent overheating.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Dorkies can do well in apartments or smaller living spaces provided they have enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are adaptable dogs that can thrive in different living situations.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Dorkies have an average tendency to wander or roam. They enjoy exploring and sniffing around, but they don't have a high prey drive like some other breeds. Proper leash training and supervision are recommended when walking in open areas.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Dorkies are sensitive dogs that can become stressed or anxious when exposed to negativity or aggression from their owners. They require consistent training and positive reinforcement to keep their confidence and trust in their human family members.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Dorkies may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods. They are social animals that need human interaction and attention to stay happy and healthy. It's recommended to provide them with toys or activities to keep them occupied while their owners are away.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Dorkies have a moderate tendency to bark. They enjoy being vocal but can be trained to limit their barking habit. They are alert dogs that bark more when sensing strangers or unusual noises.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Dorkies have an average level of mental stimulation need. They are intelligent dogs and require regular mental stimulation like interactive toys or puzzles. Otherwise, they may develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dorkies are good for novice owners due to their loving and patient nature. They are adaptable and obedient dogs that can be trained easily with consistency and positive reinforcement. Early socialization is recommended to prevent fear or aggression towards strangers.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Dorkies can be stubborn at times and challenging to train. However, with proper training and socialization from an early age, they can become well-behaved, obedient dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency.

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History of the Dorkie

The Dorkie breed was first introduced in the United States in the 1990s. It was originally bred as a designer dog to create a loyal, loving, and playful companion that was hypoallergenic and low-shedding.

Both of their parent breeds, the Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier, have a long history and have been popular breeds for many years. Allowing them to create little's Dorkie mix to place them besides some family hearts.

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Dorkie Puppies

Dorkie puppies may inherit the short and stubborn personality of the Dachshund, or the outgoing and playful nature of the Yorkshire Terrier. They are generally small, with fuzzy fur and a curious nature.

Since they are a small breed, it is important to socialize them early on and train them well. They should also be introduced to different people, animals, and environments to prevent them from becoming overly protective or anxious.