Dorkie: Your Complete Guide
A dorkie is one of the cutest breeds you’ll come across, brimming with mischievous energy and loving temperament. This breed is a cross between the fun dachshund and the confident Yorkshire terrier. These dogs are small in size, but have the bold, independent personality of a big dog breed.
Other names for dorkie dogs are doxie dorkies and dorkier terriers. Their silly-sounding names are reflective of their playful and affectionate nature. They will happily become lap dogs as they bond very closely with their owners
Dorkie dogs have a unique appearance, but their physical traits depend on which parent they inherit from. If they take more after the dachshund side, they may have a longer body, but if they take after their Yorkshire terrier parent they will have a more proportional structure.
Either way, you will find these dogs to be one of the best furry companions, especially if you live in an apartment and are looking for a pet to spoil. To learn more about how to take care of a dorkie, their requirements for grooming and mental and physical stimulation, read ahead.
A Quick Look at the Dorkie
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 6-12 pounds / 5-10 inches |
| Coat Type | Short or long with varying textures |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Fun, affectionate and smart |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
What Is the History of Dorkies?
Dorkies are a designer dog breed that became popular in the United States in the 1990s. The dorkie dog may have naturally existed before being intentionally cross-bred, but the breed does not have a well-documented history. We can look to their parent breeds to gain a better understanding of these unique pups. Both dachshunds and Yorkies have illustrated histories and are now well-known worldwide.
While it may not seem from their small-dog appearances, dachshunds and Yorkshire terriers were hunting dogs. Dachshunds emerged from Germany in the 15th century and were used to hunt small animals. In fact, their name comes from the Deutsch words “dach” and “hund”, translating into “badger” and “dog”. Their short, stubby legs were well suited for this job, allowing them to dig in holes to look for badgers and other burrowing animals.
Dachshunds made appearances in royal courts during Queen Victoria’s era. They’ve made quite the journey from then, and are now cherished as lap dogs. They were recognized officially as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
On the other hand, Yorkies originate from 19th century England and were initially bred to catch small animals such as rats. They were bred mostly by mixing Scottish and English terrier dogs for their compact size and hunting instincts. Yorkies were employed in places such as coal mines and textile mills.
Later on, they became popular as pets because of their loving nature and adorable looks. This breed was also recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
What Do Dorkies Look Like?
Dorkies are a crossbreed of the dachshund and Yorkie breeds, and hence take after them in terms of appearance. Depending on which parent they inherit more from, their coat, body, and size characteristics can vary significantly. Even dorkies from the same litter can look very different. That said, there are still characteristics that are typical of the dorkie breed.
All dorkies are small dogs with a relatively long body and short legs. They have big, round expressive eyes which gives them a puppy dog look. Their snout is narrow, giving them a refined appearance. Their ears can be floppy or perky, depending on their genes. The tails also vary, with some dorkies sporting long, furry tails and others having curved, shorter tails.
These dogs can have a medium to long coat, with textures ranging from fine and silky to thick and coarse. They come in a variety of colors including black and tan, brown, blue, red, and tan. They can also have a blue and tan coat, common in Yorkshire terrier dogs.
What Size Is a Dorkie?
Even as adults, dorkies are small dogs. This is because their parent breeds are quite small and compact. The average weight range for this breed is between 6 to 12 pounds. Males typically weigh more than females, usually around 7 to 12 pounds. While female dorkies can weigh between 5 to 10 pounds. In terms of height, dorkies are short dogs. They typically stand between 5 to 10 inches. Female dogs fall at the lower end of this range while male dogs are at the opposite end.
What Is a Dorkie’s Coat Type and Length?
Dorkie dogs come in many kinds of coat types, and in several lengths. If a dorkie takes after their Yorkshire terrier side, then their fur will be smooth and silky. The coat may be fine and have a slightly wavy texture. However, if the pup takes after their dachshund side, then their coat will be slightly coarse and dense. It may also be more textured, but feel refined to the touch.
The length of a dorkie’s coat is typically medium to long. It may be shorter in some pups. Most dorkie pups also have feathering around their ears, chest, and legs. Most dorkie dogs have straight to wavy fur, but it is rarely curly. Many dorkie parents enjoy decorating their pup’s fur with fun hair accessories, adding to their character.
What Is a Dorkie’s Temperament?
This breed inherits the best personality traits from both its parent breeds, the dachshund and the Yorkshire terrier. They are quite lively, playful, and affectionate with their family. These dogs are social and love being around their humans and getting pets and praise. They enjoy being part of active families where they can be the center of attention.
Dorkies also have a protective side to them, adding to their potential as small watchdogs. They are curious dogs that are attentive to the environment around them. They will naturally alert their owners to anything they find strange by barking. In addition to this, since they are intelligent dogs, they can also be sensitive. If their bids for attention are ignored, they may become anxious and develop stubborn behaviors. This can be managed through early socialization and gentle training.
Interestingly, while they are energetic and playful, they can at times be moody. Sometimes, they just want to cuddle up with their humans and be a lap dog. With dorkies, it is important to pay attention to their behavior cues and give them space to engage in activities as they like.
Are Dorkies Good With Kids?
Generally, dorkies are gentle dogs and make good pets for children. Even so, there are a few factors to consider when adopting a dorkie in a household with kids. These dogs are small in size, and are therefore fragile. Even in play, they can get hurt if they engage in energetic activities that their bodies cannot handle.
Hence, dorkies are better suited in homes with older children who have the awareness to be gentle in play. With smaller children, the breed requires supervision to ensure that playtime goes without accidents.
Are Dorkies Good With Other Animals?
Dorkies are social dogs and enjoy being around other animals, but their behavior greatly depends on how they are socialized. If you have other pet dogs, introduce your dorkie slowly to them. The earlier you socialize your dorkie, the better the animals will get along.
Around smaller animals, dorkies require supervision. Because of the hunting instincts passed down from their parent breeds, dorkies may view them as prey. Keep this in mind, especially for small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs.
Are Dorkies Aggressive?
Dorkie dogs have a loving temperament, and are not naturally aggressive. However, if they are not trained or socialized properly, they might develop unwanted behaviors or display disobedience. They are sensitive dogs and require lots of attention from their owners. If they feel dismissed or ignored, they might get stubborn.
Due to their hunting instincts, they also often display territorial behavior to threaten perceived danger, or to chase prey. You can train your dorkie to minimize this.
Do Dorkies Bark?
Dorkies are not a quiet breed. They are protective dogs and alert their owners of anything unusual by barking. Depending on their individual personality, your dorkie can be a moderate or frequent barker. While you can train your pup to curb excessive barking, this breed may still not be suitable for living arrangements with strict noise rules.
Are Dorkies Affectionate?
This breed is known for its loving and affectionate nature. They bond very well with their humans and love spending lots of time with them. In fact, dorkie dogs can be quite clingy, not wanting to leave their owner’s side and following them around the house. They are also eager lapdogs, waiting every moment to cuddle with their family.
Are Dorkies Intelligent?
Dorkies are considered an intelligent breed, getting their intellect from their hunting dog ancestry. These dogs are curious, as they explore their surroundings to be aware of any changes. They are also great at problem-solving and need mentally stimulating games and activities to keep them engaged. You’ll often find them investigating where you’ve hidden their treats and poking their nose in no-go areas.
Another quality that indicates intelligence is the breed’s independent thinking. While they love being praised by their owners, often they like doing things their own way. This can also manifest as stubbornness, but you can curb this behavior through positive reinforcement.
Are Dorkies Energetic?
For their size, dorkies are energetic dogs and enjoy getting plenty of playtime. However, they don’t need a lot of physical activity or exercise to keep them entertained. Moderate exercises of short intervals multiple times a day are enough for their needs. You can take them out on short walks for about half an hour or play fetch in the park.
Alongside physical activity, dorkies also need mental stimulation. You can plan indoor activities for them and give them interactive toys.
Are Dorkies Easy to Train?
Dorkies are not the easiest breed to train. While their smart brains pick up training cues exceptionally well, they can be stubborn and want to do things their own way. To successfully train dorkie dogs, use rewards-based techniques with praise and treats.
They love being appreciated by their owners and respond well to words of encouragement. You will also have to be gentle yet firm in your training efforts. They might not pick up habits quickly, but if done consistently, dorkies can be very well trained.
Are Dorkies Good Watchdogs?
These dogs are naturally protective and territorial since their parent breeds were used as hunting dogs. Hence, they make fairly good watchdogs. They are also curious and will get your attention by barking to alert you of anything that seems amiss. They’re also not afraid of bigger animals or strangers, and will not back down out of fear. However, they’re not aggressive dogs, so they typically won’t pick a fight.
Are Dorkies Good Service Dogs?
Because of their smarts, many people think of training their dorkies as service dogs. However, they are not well suited to the role of a service dog as they are small and can not take up physically strenuous tasks. They are also independent so it can be tough to train them to be completely obedient in foreign or unknown settings.
Dorkies are better suited as emotional support animals and can provide assistance to individuals requiring comfort.
How to Care for a Dorkie?
In comparison with a lot of other small dog breeds, dorkies are relatively low maintenance. While they are affectionate and loving, they are also comfortable spending time on their own. These pups also don’t need a lot of exercise, so you can exercise them for 30 minutes and then provide them with toys to play with. They do need much more mental engagement than exercise so you will still need to be attentive towards them.
They are also predisposed to certain health conditions, so you will be proactive with scheduling check ups at the vet.
Do You Need to Groom a Dorkie?
A dorkie’s grooming needs depend on their coat type and texture. Generally, dorkies need to be brushed two to three times a week if they have short coats. For dorkies with longer coats, you may need to brush them daily. As for bathing, once every month is sufficient.
Ear cleaning and nail trimming is also an essential aspect of grooming dorkies to keep them clean and prevent any infections.
Dorkies that take after their Yorkshire terrier side are more high-maintenance in terms of their grooming needs. You may even need to see a professional groomer to maintain their long coat.
Do Dorkies Shed?
All dorkies shed, but the degree of shedding depends on their inherited traits. Long-haired dorkies shed much more than short haired dorkies. However, for the most part, they don’t shed excessively and are moderate shedders. These dogs are not hypoallergenic so if you or a family member has allergy concerns, then a dorkie may not be a suitable choice.
What Health Problems Do Dorkies Have?
Dorkies are a healthy breed, reflective of the good genes in their parent breeds. Still, there are a few health conditions to look out for when caring for these dogs. Dorkies commonly have trouble with dental health and are prone to develop gum disease. Having a regular dental grooming routine can easily avoid this health complication and improve their quality of life.
A more serious health concern in dorkie dogs is luxating patella. This is when the kneecap does not develop well and slips out of place. It can cause the pup a lot of discomfort, and may even result in arthritis. Early detection and management can improve treatment outcomes.
One health problem that dorkies get from their dachshund side is intervertebral disk disease. This is caused by a long torso, and can be worsened by strenuous physical activity such as jumping. Avoid exercising your dorkie more than they can handle to reduce risk of this health condition.
Finally, as with most small dogs, this breed is prone to hypoglycemia. This is when a dog’s blood sugar drops to low levels and poses a threat to their life. Ensure that you feed your dog adequately in short intervals, and be on the lookout for signs of low blood sugar such as weakness.
How Long Do Dorkies Live?
On average, dorkie dogs live between 13 to 16 years. You can ensure that your dorkie pup lives a long, healthy life by caring for their grooming, nutrition, and exercise needs with diligence. Also, schedule regular check-ups at the vet to detect any health issues early on.
What Should a Dorkie Eat?
Nutrition can be tricky to get right if you don’t research your dog’s needs and ensure that you make informed choices around their food. Dorkies can gain weight easily and are prone to obesity. Create a diet plan for your dog based on its weight and size. You can also consult with a veterinary doctor for better, customized guidance around your dorkie’s food requirements.
In general, dorkies need about one cup of kibble per day formulated for small dog breeds. You can break this into multiple meals to allow your pup to digest food better. If you want to give your dog treats, go for low-calorie, healthy options to avoid weight gain and prevent obesity.
Is a Dorkie the Right Dog for Me?
Dorkies can be hard to resist for anyone, with their big, expressive eyes, affectionate nature and fun-loving personality. However, you need to make sure that you can provide the pup with the right environment for them to thrive in.
If you have a busy lifestyle and want a dog with low socialization requirements, consider adopting other breeds. Additionally, if you’re expecting a quiet dog, or live in an apartment with strict policies around noise, this breed may not be right for you.
Overall, dorkies are excellent for individuals looking for a loving companion to dedicate their time and efforts to.