If you think that a Dorkie is the right dog breed for you, it is best to do some research on them first. Dorkies are wonderful and you might want to know more about them before deciding to get one.
You may already know that this dog breed is a mix between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier, one of the best small family dogs, and purebred Dachshund. These dogs are quite small. Even as an adult, they are only between 5-10 inches tall. They only weigh between 5-12 pounds.
When looking at the dog life expectancy of a Dorkie, they usually live between 13-16 years. Keep reading here today to learn more about the dorkie dog breed.
Tag-a-Long Doggie
Similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, dorkies will usually be great companions. They often follow around their owners just like a shadow. Dorkies have great dog temperament and truly enjoy hanging around humans. If you are looking for a lap dog that may even nap on you, the Dorkie is a great option. Most Dorkies are easy-going and laid-back. With this being said, these dogs might not be best if you have small children in the house. They might nip at the children if they are being too rough with them. This is a trait they often get from the Yorkshire Terrier.
Behavioral Issues
It is important to know that Dorkies often have behavioral issues.
They might bark a lot. Both Yorkshire Terriers and Dachshunds are known for yapping and barking. The dorkie puppies might not be any different. With this being said, not all dorkie dogs are the same. If you train any dog enough, you can better control their barking.
Your Dorkie might have separation anxiety, as well. Since this dog breed enjoys being around humans so much, they are likely to get anxious and stressed when you leave them. Knowing when your dog is stressed out helps a great deal in understanding how you can manage it.
If you must leave the home, make sure your Dorkie has something to chew on. This way they don’t destroy your carpet or other things in the home.
Hunting is a common thing for Yorkshire Terriers and Dachshunds. They will hunt small game, rats, and other small animals. Don’t act surprised if your Dorkie chases smaller animals when you are taking them for a walk. To prevent this, you can keep your Dorkie on a leash during walks.
Challenging Training
Since Dorkie dogs are descendants of hunting dogs, they are quite intelligent. They also want to please their owners. With that being said, Dorkies are usually very stubborn. They're not one of the easiest dogs to train so you will need to make sure to provide your Dorkie with positive reinforcement.
With their short attention span, Dorkies often get bored. You will need to make sure their training sessions are frequent, but short. Good dog training treats also work wonders! This is the most effective way to train a Dorkie.
It is also important to focus on your attitude and tone when speaking to a yorkshire mix breeds. Be patient when you are training them, too.
Less Space Needed
Since both parents of the Dorkie are smaller, you can expect any Dorkie that you get to be small, as well. Adult Dorkies are usually less than 10 inches and less than 12 pounds. There are even miniature Dorkies, which can be even smaller in size when full-grown. This type of Dorkie is a mix between a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Dachshund.
With the smaller size, Dorkies would make for a perfect pet if you live in an apartment or small home. You can travel with them easily, as well. You will just need a small carrier.
Easy to Care For
Before getting any dog, you should know first how to care for a pet. If you want a small dog breed that is easy to care for, the Dorkie is a great option. These dogs don’t need much maintenance.
Dog hygiene is extremely important. You will be happy to know that you only need to brush their coat on a regular basis (about 2-3 times a month) to make sure it stays healthy and shiny.
In regard to feeding a Dorkie, they only need about 1-2 cups of food daily (usually dry food is the best for these dogs). You can split this into 2 meals. With plenty of water, in addition to the food, your Dorkie will be healthier.
Common Health Problems for Dorkies
While Dorkies generally live between 13-16 years, there are some health concerns that you may need to watch out for.
Some Dorkies will have back issues due to the elongation of their spine. Other issues that your Dorkie might experience include patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, Legg-Perthes disease (a genetic condition), and skin allergies.
Moderate Daily Exercise
If you don’t want a dog that is highly energetic, you can get a Dorkie. These dogs will only need between 30-45 minutes of daily exercise. Usually, they have short spurts of energy and activity. As long as you let your Dorkie run around a bit and take a small walk with them daily, they should be happy. Keep in mind that Dorkies have shorter legs, so they get tired easier than many other dog breeds. If you are going on a longer walk, take more breaks and bring along some water.
Conclusion
Now that you have more information about Dorkies, you can decide if you want this dog breed for your family. They do make great pets and don’t require much maintenance. They are playful, cuddly, and loving, too.
What is a dorkie dog?
Do dorkies shed?
Are dorkies hypoallergenic?
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