5-10 lbs
5-8"
United States
The Dorkie is a gorgeous mix of the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier. It is a small hybrid dog breed about seven inches tall and weighs an average of eight pounds. This dog breed usually has long, straight, thick fur that is usually black and brown or brown and tan. They have big floppy ears, a small head, long torso, and short legs. Their tail is medium to long and usually furry. They are susceptible to skin and eye issues and need regular checkups to stay healthy, just like any dog breed. The Dorkie loves kids and other pets but should be supervised with small children because of their small size.
The Dachshund dog breed originated in Germany in the 1500s and was mostly used for hunting small game such as badgers. They are believed to have descended from varieties of the French Basset Hound, Braque, and Pinscher. The longhaired and wirehaired Dachshunds were bred from varieties of Spaniels and Terriers. Their long body and strong little feet were perfect for digging into badger holes to get them for the hunters.
The Dorkie looks more like a Yorkshire Terrier than a Dachshund but has the long torso, thick body, and short legs of the Dachshund. The coat is medium to long like a Yorkshire Terrier that is thick and silky. They usually come in the Yorkshire Terrier colors of black and brown; red and black; or bluish and brown but these can vary depending on the parents. Their eyes are small, round, and dark, with large, floppy ears, a long, furry tail, black nose, and a medium muzzle with a goofy smile. They are small; usually under 10 inches tall and weigh up to 12 pounds.
The Dorkie coat does not need too much maintenance but it is recommended that you brush them with a metal comb and stiff bristle brush three or four times a week. If they get any tangles or mats, use your fingers to loosen them before brushing them out. You should also clean their teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for dogs. You can do this a few times a week but it is recommended that you do it every day. Trim their nails when needed and clean their ears once a week. Watch for redness as bacteria and yeast can grow in a moist environment like the canine ear.
Insuring your dog as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.
Want more info on pet health insurance? Check out our guide to pet insurance 101.
Your Dorkie is likely going to be a very laid back and gentle dog that likes to nap and can be considered a lap dog. They enjoy cuddling and being held and tolerate children and other pets well. However, it is best to supervise until you know how they will react. They can be easy to train but that depends on the dog as some can just be too lazy and laid back to care much. You have to be consistent and use positive reinforcement because the Dorkie can be sensitive. They do bark sometimes but are excellent pets for apartments due to their small size and laid back attitude.
Your Dorkie needs at least 30 to 45 minutes of activity every day to keep her healthy and happy. This breed tends to be a little bit lazy and you may have to entice her with a game of fetch or a walk around the neighborhood. You may also get her interested in agility training and competition or playing Frisbee in the park. A trip to the dog park to play with other dogs may also be a good choice. If your dog does not get enough exercise she is likely to become anxious and overweight. It is important for her to get at least a half hour per day of vigorous exercise daily.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/20/2017, edited: 10/30/2021
More articles by Darlene Stott
