Dorkie Dog Breed

While the Dachshund was utilized to hunt and root out burrowing animals and the Yorshire Terrier was employed as a ratter, the Yorkie-Dachshund mixes are bred for companionship; they do, indeed, make loving little shadows. It is very hard to find anything to complain about with this breed and they are likely to gain popularity very quickly as part of the "designer dog" era. Members of this breed are truly a fabulous choice to anyone that can spend enough time with them, whether young or old, experienced or not. Fenced yards are appreciated by this breed but not necessary, they do require daily walks though.

Pros

• Can live in small apartments and condominiums
• Easily maintained (grooming & exercising)
• Easily trained
• Not yappy
• Great with children, other pets, and strangers
• Attention loving companion
• Behaves well during travel

Cons

• Not a guard dog
• Not an exercise partner (other than walking)
• Not hypoallergenic

A Dachshund mixed with a Yorkshire Terrier will produce a hybrid Dorkie that will vary much more in appearance and temperament than the purebred parents. Your puppy may inherit more characteristics from one or the other, or they may get an equal mix. Before adopting or purchasing, it is recommended to supplement this Dorkie information by reading up on both parent breeds.

Don't pay too much attention to the name, the Dorkie isn't THAT dorky. Although he's a very good student, he can also excel in agility training. Members of this breed are easily trained by first time owners. They are sensitive to your tone and attitude so it is important to be patient, and treats and praise will ensure success.

This breed is naturally friendly with humans and all other pets. They are playful but gentle with children, and are an all-around great companion for anyone who can spend plenty of time with them daily. Some owners say they have an uncanny ability to sense human emotion and will comfort people if needed.

Dorkie dogs will be active indoors but still enjoy going outside to run and play in the yard. However, a yard is not necessary and a few daily walks will make them very happy. Trips to the dog park can be easily handled by this breed and they are very capable when it comes to agility training.

Yorkshire-Dachshund crosses are small sized dogs that are sized very well for small dwellings like apartments and condos. Although hybrid dogs are less predictable than purebreds in terms of size, expect your Dorkie dog to have a longer body like the Dachshund but longer legs than one. Most are around a foot tall (at the shoulders) and can weigh anywhere from 5-20 pounds. The fluctuation is Dorkie size is due to the unpredictability of hybrid size and the fact that breeders often attempt to produce miniature individuals.

Mixed breeds vary much more than their purebred parents and even puppies from the same litter cannot be guaranteed to appear or act the same. Ask your breeder about the differences that come with each generation of Dorkies, as the percentage of each parent breed changes per generation. F1 Dorkies are the result of crossing a purebred Dachshund with a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. An F1B is when a breeder takes one F1 Dorkie and crosses them back with either a purebred Yorkie or purebred Dachshund; this is done to enhance or decrease certain features of the personality or looks. An F2 is the result of two F1 Dorkies bred together... and so on.

There are both long and short haired Dorkie dogs, plus Dachshunds come in 3 coat types: short, long, and wire-haired. The Yorkshire has a notoriously long, silky coat. Most likely, your Dorkie will have medium-long hair. Look for a breeder utilizing a long haired Dachshund for the best chances of picking up a long haired Dorkie puppy.

These dogs will also have many size variations. Both Yorkies and Dachshunds are bred down into smaller sizes such as Miniature and Teacup. Although they are not as common, it is possible to find breeders that offer Teacup or Mini Dachshund Yorkie mixes. Keep in mind that sometimes dogs that have been bred smaller for size often suffer health consequences that can be costly for the owner.

Since he is a hybrid, the Dorkie temperament cannot be predicted in complete accuracy. They inherit personality traits from both parents and not always equally. Generally, these dogs tend to be sweet, affectionate, playful and intelligent. They love people and attention but will love you, their owner, best of all. They will probably follow you around like a little shadow, sleep with you, accompany you on your daily walks, and even travel with you if you'll allow it!

This breed is playful yet gentle with kids and can fit into a quiet or vibrant household with equal ease. They are good additions to households with multiple pets because they get along with other animals very well. Of course, socialize them from puppy-hood for the best outcome. Although they may bark at the approach of a stranger (or anything else they deem necessary), they are not yappy dogs. Members of this breed are not aggressive towards strangers and, therefore, are not the correct temperament or size to be intimidating guard dogs.

Dorkies have a lot of energy..when they are awake that is! Although indoor dogs, they enjoy being let out to play in the yard or taking a few leashed walks per day. Such friendly little dogs do very well at the dog park. This breed is pretty easy to train, even for a first time dog owner. They are intelligent, submissive, treat and affection motivated and they excel in obedience and agility training.

Below are pictures and images of the Dorkie dog breed.

Dachshund-Yorkie mixes result in puppies that should be healthier than the parent breeds, especially first generation crosses. Choosing a reputable breeder, combined with routine trips to your veterinarian, can help prevent some issues. It is recommended you read up on all possible health issues of both parent breeds before adopting one of these dogs. Typically, this breed will live about 13 years with few problems; some Dorkies have been known to live longer and many times hybrid dogs outlive their purebred parents.

Although the Dorkie is a healthy breed, they have been known to suffer from skin allergies. Especially as a puppy, they may have dry, itchy, flaky skin. Make sure you keep their food and skin products as natural as possible.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Skin Allergies

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Dorkie as a dog breed:

• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Designer Breed Registry
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club
• International Designer Canine Registry

• Sources
• http://thecaninechefcookbook.com/blog/2011/8/29/comparing-my-dorkie.html
• http://www.greatdogsite.com/hybrids/details/Dorkie/
• http://dogs.petbreeds.com/l/810/Dorkie
• http://www.101dogbreeds.com/dorkie.asp
• http://www.designermixes.org/breed_info/227/dorkie.aspx