By Avatar photoShiloh Nevada Last updated: 18th October 2022

Dorkie

By

Avatar photo Shiloh Nevada
Last updated: 18th October 2022

The small-sized, Dorkie, a cross breed between the two purebreds- the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier, is an extremely quick acting dog, making them even more cute to watch. Longer built like the dachshund, with an average lifespan of 11 years, this breed has a keen sense of smell that is comfortable living in apartments, making them a great family dog and ideal for those who look for short-term attachment with pets.

Dorkie Pictures

 Quick Information

Other NameDorkie Terrier
CoatLong, thick
ColorBlack, black and tan, white
Breed TypeCross breed
Group (of Breed)Hound dog, toy dog, lap dog
Lifespan10 to 13 years
Weight7 to 12 pounds
Height/SizeSmall; 12 to 14 inches
SheddingMinimal
TemperamentLoving, cheerful, affectionate
Good with ChildYes
HypoallergenicYes
BarkingAverage, shrill
Health ConcernsGeneral dog issues
Competitive RegistrationACHC, DDKC, DRA, IDCR, DBR

Dorkie Video

Temperament and Behavior

The non-hyper, attention-loving Dorkie dog need its family members to give it time, love, hugs, and take them for walks or rides. Being good with other pets and children they enjoy playing with them and sleeping or burrowing under cover, and love to meet other dogs. They tend to give short, shrill barks to alert its family when they hear unrecognizable sounds.

Care

Exercise

Moderate exercise is recommended for the Dorkie since they are already playful and burn lots of energy. Just take them out for a couple of walks and leave them playing whenever they want.

Grooming

Dorkies are low-maintenance dogs since they only need occasional brushing and clipping to keep their long hair and nails trimmed and healthy. Ones with comparatively longer hair need trimming. Bathing must be rarely done, but with a good-quality dog shampoo.

Health Problems

Being generally healthy, the Dorkie dogs do not develop any breed-specific diseases, but might inherit any health issues from parents. Seeking for a health assurance certificate from the puppy breeders is advisable before adoption.

Training

Experienced trainers/owners should impart a consistent socialization training when the dogs are still puppies, making the task easier. Take the lead when out for a walk to keep away any possible behavioral or pack-leader issues during adulthood.

Feeding

Being pick-and-choose eaters, the diet of the Dorkie should regularly be monitored to assure complete nutrition. Also, adding oats to your dog’s diet can also provide it with many nutritional benefits. If you opt for dry dog food, growing puppies need 1 to 2 cups per day, but for the adults, 2 ½ to 3 cups is recommended, divided into two meals.

Interesting Facts

  • Dorkies are often born with one blue eye.
  • Possibly, these dogs have inherited two different colored eyes through the genes of its Dachshund parent.

83 responses to “Dorkie”

  1. Bryan says:

    I just got a dorkie and I was wondering if they are lactose intolerant?

  2. Linda Ferris says:

    Our Dorkie died just a month ago as a result of kidney failure. We are so yearning for another Dorkie to buy or adopt. If anyone has information that would make this possible, please send an email. Thank you.

    Linda Ferris

    • Leslie says:

      Hi Linda, so sorry to hear about your precious baby! If you don’t mind would you please let me know if and/or when you find Dorkie babies to adopt of buy. We have a 4 year old black and brown Dorkie and his name is Sammy. He looks more like a Dachshund than a Yorkie, his mother was a long-haired Dachshund and his father was a small yorkie so I think he’s about 3/4 Dachshund and 1/4 Yorkie. He only has long hair on his tail (like a Mohawk) and around his paws. He is the best baby and we just want to try and find a female for him to mate with so that we could have little puppy Sammy’s, as my husband says! My email is LGBrown0628@gmail.com or my phone number is 678-901-3551. Thank you so much and I hope and pray that you can find another baby to love to help fill the void that you have now. -Leslie

      • Halina says:

        Ditto! Big dog just killed our dorkey. We are heartsick and would like to get another one. So sweet and full of life!

        • olivia says:

          why would your other dog do that?
          Maybe you should make sure that your stupid and idiotic dog gets trained and maybe you should make sure that it doesn’t happen again

          • Judy says:

            Olivia
            I did not read that the big dog was hers, be kind

          • Ajp says:

            She said A “BIG Dog” not that it was her dog….. Lord you may want to correct your rant. Bless her heart I can’t imagine life without my lil lady

  3. Marlene says:

    I was blessed to have my dorky 16 years. He was 1/4 Dachshund and 3/4 Yorkshire. He was intelligent and cuddly. I love the combination. I would like my puppy to grow to 9 -10 pounds maximum. Please reply if you have the smaller breed available. Thank you very much.
    Marlene

    • Bonnie Delzell says:

      Marlene. I have 7 8 wk old doxies. 4 males n 3 females

      • Marlene says:

        Hi Bonnie,
        please may I get more info? Does Doxie mean Dachshund? I would love to see pictures of the pups and the parents if possible, please
        Thanks,
        Marlene

      • Marlene says:

        Hi Bonnie, please may I get info on the pups? Are they mix? I’ve not used this site before. I hope this goes to your email.
        Thank you, Marlene

        • Bonnie Delzell says:

          Marlene. Sorry I didn’t get back sooner. Now have Doxie Yorkie blend. Should be small n look like above pic. My phone takes terrible pics n can’t remember how 2 send. If still interested call me at 912 856 4864. They r currently 4 weeks old. Have 2 male Doxies from another litter 8 months old. Blk n tan. Hope 2 hear from u. Yes Dachshund n Doxie r the same

      • Kelly says:

        Very interested, send pics please

      • Beatrix Loomes says:

        Hi, I’m visiting from NZ and am interested in the Doxie cross. Ideally 6” height max to help my pointer get rabbits out. Anyone around VA/M/D.? Thanks Beatrix

  4. Deborah McElveen says:

    I have a wonderful male Dorkie. He loves to burrow in covers, and honestly he’s like a lap dog. He’s 2 years old, and very loving. Gorgeous colors, and face to melt ur heart. Weighs about 12 pounds. He only eats about 1 cup of food per day. Wish he’d eat a little more as he’s long and thin. But, I put more in the food bowl, and still he eats his personal limit. Sweet dog. Loving dog. Smart.

    • Diana says:

      Did you try putting chicken broth in with his dry dog food??? My Dorkie is very picky when it comes to her dog food…So I found that if I put hot chicken broth in it, and let it sit for about 5 minuts… It softens the dry food and it is flaverfull… She loves it and eats it all… I do leave out dry for her all day,just in case…But she usually don’t eat the dry…. I hope that this will help you…

  5. Lisa L Lenox says:

    I love my dorky so very cuddly and loving..he talks well kinda..lol..
    I understand him and he is my everything my world
    .God blessed me with a wonderful companion. Amen

  6. Ruthie says:

    In 5 weeks we are going to bringing home our first dorkie. We are very excited to bring home our new member of our family!! We want to be great parents to our new addition and to be well informed. Any advice on types of dog food, training, potty training and any other helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

  7. Maria says:

    Hi
    I have a 9 month old dorkie, she is really cute and sweet, but she won’t go poop outside unless I am outside with her, we have a big fenced back yard and two other dogs. No matter alone of with the other dogs, she will not poop or pee outside unless I am there. Is this normal?

    • Lorraine says:

      We too have a sweet Dorkie and she will not even get off the deck in the backyard without me. I am no expert on dorkies but we have noticed that although she is friendly, cheerful, and playful with everyone, she is a one woman dog and I am that woman. If I am sleeping she will not even allow my husband to approach me without first earning him that she is protecting me. That being said, dogs in general do not like to poop unless they feel totally safe and it appears that you are her safety net.

  8. June says:

    My Dorkie was bred by a breeder of both purebred Yorkies & Dachshunds. Breeder gave me papers for a purebred Yorkie but as my pup grew I realized she was a mix of both breeds. She looks mostly Yorkie, but is a little longer with those big Dachshund eyes. She is extremely intelligent. I can teach her almost anything in less than 15 min. She is funny, too. She will bring me toys to play with her. She will only poop in the corner of yard because she likes to run & play on the grass and doesn’t want poop in her yard. Yes, she knows. Her Dachshund dad was an award winning show dog. She cuddles up to me when I’m on the couch and loves to ride in her car seat. She gets along with other dogs & people. Never bites. And wakes me up every morning at the same time. Keeps me on schedule. Just love my Dorkie.

    • Catherine VandeVelde says:

      June, what kind of car seat do you have for your Dorkie? We’ve just adopted a one-year-old that we are pretty sure is a Dorkie. I’m wanting to learn more about care, etc., and safe traveling in the car. Thanks!

    • Dana says:

      Do you by any chance have any pictures of your Dorkie? She sounds so much like I want to view the phone door kid that passed away three months ago.

  9. Brenda Corrigan says:

    I love my Doekies, yorkies, and Doxis I breed them so always have some new adventure.thier personality oh my is all I can say

    • Cheri Lackey says:

      Hi Brenda
      i need a dorkie asap. My darling Bling passed a month ago and i am still suffering with grief and miss her terribly.
      Bling was solid red and very in control. if you have a pup or young dog with long red hair, please contact me. Cheri Lackey 832-520-5914

  10. Deanna says:

    I’m looking for a Dorkie I’m located in Ottawa Ontario

  11. Renee says:

    My Dorkie is 9 years old her name is Sookie I love her dearly she is my best friend and the smartest dog I ever had…. I wish I could freeze time and keep her alive forever ???? She gives the best snuggles…

    • Cathy says:

      Oh do I know how you feel!!! I
      My little girl is 10 and in very good health….Lots of love is the key!!!❤️❤️

  12. Phoenix Mom says:

    My Dorkie, Phoenix is my problem child. He is 18 months. He looks like a Doxie except he has long legs and weighs healthy 30 lbs. No dog toy lasts long. We have bark box upgraded for distructve dogs…demolished as is my couch. He gets aggressive if any one comes near me as my Yorkie. I heard the Yokie and mix is a one person dog. Phoenix gets aggressive with anyone that comes to the door with no stopping barking. He is a major kicker but is almost a motion detector if anyone gets up to go to the bathroom. He is selfish with food and toys plus a bully with my other dogs….he tried only once bullying my 250 lb Daniff.

  13. Sam A says:

    Anyone know how often a dorkie should be groomed? Or if their hair needs to be cut at all? My dorkie Toby is looking ratty and I think he has matted hair and I keep telling my mom that he needs to be groomed and all she says is “I’ll give him a bath” and “I have scissors”

  14. Ann says:

    I have a dorky. Her name is Sheba. She looks all Yorkie on the outside. Can’t see any dachshund in her. She is so sweet and I Love her to pieces ????

  15. Lance Wilson says:

    I rescued Buster, my Dorkie 4 years ago. He has the body of a Doxie and the coloring of a Yorkie with the terrier face, and he weighs 20 pounds. He’s 9 years old and loves to play like he’s much younger. He is affectionate and fiercely loyal and protective. He’s also a great lap dog and loves to travel in the car. Sometimes I wonder who really rescued who.

  16. Shelley says:

    10-12lbs ???????????????? we must grow them big because ours (who, yes we saw his mother and father) weighs 20 lbs.. he’s not overweight at all.. he’s just really big. He’s a very sweet and affectionate doggie and we love him ❤️

  17. Randy Naumann says:

    My dorkie is hi energy healthy with her she eats very seldom but she weighs 12 pounds so she getting enough nourishment she burrows under
    Covers but she has to be between me and my wife she protects both of
    Us. She acts like she’s a big dog when other people or animals come around. She has has the agility of the Yorkie. But she has the feature of the
    Dashound except her legs are long and muscular jumps like a frog.

  18. Theresa Alles says:

    I am interested in a Dorkie puppy for my Granddaughter for her Birthday which is March 27. I live in Southern Michigan. Preferably a male light brown or cream color. Thanks

  19. Tammy says:

    Looking for a pup please contact me

    • Linda says:

      Hey Tammy my friend has a 1 week old Dorkie for sale. I don’t think she has papers on the puppies but the price she is 200.00 here in NC

      • Dawn Hanna says:

        I am interested in your dorkie. I have Buddy, my 14 yr. old boy..he is starting to fail. We would love another one..let me know. Dawn

      • Anna Callicutt says:

        Where in NC? I am interested in getting another Dorkie in the near future and have been searching EVERYWHERE! Breeders are so hard to find. :'(

  20. Zelda Williams says:

    My little Dorkire named Sage is abou 3 1/2 months. I was wondering if you all have any home remedies for those white spaghetti worms? I have given him raw garlic but I have seen 1 or 2 even after the garlic treatment. Help!

  21. Zelda says:

    Does anyone have a good home remedies for worms.

    • madelin says:

      try grapefruit seed extract,ground pumpkin seed(raw organic),or ground cloves. these have all worked on my dogs

  22. Karen Gibson says:

    I rescued a 2-year old Dorkie this summer. She’s a doll! She does have a licking issue with our clothing or blankets, I think its anxiety thing. I have a huge issue with the info on this page regarding feeding. There is no way these dogs should get 2-3 cups of food a day! Mine gets 1/4 cup twice a day and her weight is perfect! I do add some canned food and pumpkin at night because she has anal gland issues. We had a doxie/terrier mix growing up and I’m so happy to have another dog like this!

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hi Karen,
      Small toy dog breeds like the Dorkie differ from the larger breeds in their nutritional requirements. Despite their small stature, toy dogs have higher metabolic rates and need more calories as compared to larger dogs. The dietary requirement may also vary among individuals of the same breed, depending on their age, size, and activity level. Therefore, consulting a vet for finding out the appropriate feeding and diet formulation of your Dorkie is recommended.

      • Nizh's Momma says:

        There is NO way my Dorkie girl Nizhoni (who just turned 1 in December)would ever consume 2 cups in a day. I’m lucky if my dainty girl eats 3/4 a cup a day. She weighs in at 4 3/4 lbs and her vet says she is perfectly healthy and just a dainty eater.

    • suzanne cargile says:

      I have a 14 year old Dorky and she only eats 1/4 cup mixed with a tbs of canned twice a day. With her treats she is doing well.And my girl always licks the chair cushion for some reason but she is a little anxious ! She is the best dog I ever had!!!

  23. Nancy says:

    I know that yorkies are prone to liver problems has anyone here had that problem with a Dorkie?

    • Dana says:

      we never heard of a Dorkie with liver problems. We adopted our Dorkie when she was almost 9 years old( previous family told us that she was two years old ). She did not have any liver problems but she had horrible teeth problems and A tumor in her mouth and one on her head. two months after we adopted her she needed to have 25 teeth removed from her mouth and they remove the tumor from her mouth and the one on her head. 16 months later she was diagnosed with carcinoma, a very aggressive type of cancer that also caused her jaw to break.

  24. Sue says:

    WE have a 8 month old Dorkie. We are having a very difficult time with his eating. I think he was taken from his mom too early as his behavior with excessive licking when he is trying to go to sleep and wanting you right next to him when he eats or will eat from your hand. We have switched foods but it isn’t helping. His weight is good…we’ve cut all treats. Any idea?

    • Gwen Mendoza says:

      My Dorkie also experienced the same. He also had a hard time in eating when he was 4 months old and was vomiting too after eating. I brought him to the vet so he could be seen. The Vet recommended vitamins like multivitamins to boost his appetite and advised me to give table foods occasionally but make sure that the food will not harm the dog. It also good if you give him milk and hydrating liquids that is prescribed by the Vet.

    • Terry says:

      My Dorkie is 4 and she still is an excessive licker. my mouth, ears, legs arms….I have to tell her firmly NO if she wants me to pet her when we head to bed. once she settles down under the blankets she calms down. I feed her dry Iams toy Breed which she loves, I was giving her Hills Science Diet for toy breeds but she prefers the Iams. I give her about 1/2 to 1/3 cup twice a day. She has her own small crate in my room with her water and food dish in it, she only goes in it to eat but she seems to feel safer eating in there rather than having her dish out in the room.

    • Kay says:

      I got a food ball from the pet store. You can put the puppy food into it and the puppy will happily chase it around and eat the food like a champ. She is a very finicky eater and currently eats Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula in the food ball. I also feed her Taste of the Wild grain free canned food. She gets 1/2 of a can of that daily.

  25. HECTOR S GARCIA says:

    Our Bella just had her litter of 4 a week ago. She is a miniature dachshund and the father is a teacup yorkie. We lost the runt earlier this week but the other 3 are quite healthy. Can’t wait till they open their eyes. I never had newborns before so quite excited.

    • Laney Castors says:

      I’m looking to buy a Dorkie puppy. Let me know if your pups will be available and where you’re located. I live in NJ. Thanks.

    • David s says:

      Looking for puppy available?

    • Sherri Westberry says:

      I am looking for a female dorkie. I live in fort Myers Fl. If you have one you can contact me at 239-634-8306. My name is Sherri. Thank you

      • justine mcmahon says:

        hi, I just got my Dorkie from a breeder in florida. Found her on facebook.

      • justine mcmahon says:

        Hi, I just got my baby Dorkie a few weeks ago so hes about 11 weeks old now. He is my first little dog since I have all German Shepherds. I feed my dogs a raw balanced diet and are raised holistically. My question to any raw feeders out there is there a specific supplement that these little Dorkies need? Thanks in advance.

  26. Jackie says:

    I am looking for a Dorkie puppy. We just lost our last one. We live in Arizona but will travel. Does anyone know of any available now or in the near future?

  27. Bill hundertmark says:

    Would like a curly or rough coat dorkie pup or a little older. Thank you Bill.

  28. Libby says:

    We just adopted a 2yr old Dorkie male and he hates my husband. Won’t come near him and last night he growled at him when he walked in the room. I’m beside myself with worry that he will never warm up to my husband. What can I do? Any advice would be appreciated.

    Thanks.

    Libby

    • Betsy Mahon says:

      It could be that the dog was abused by a male. My husband has a Yorkie she doesn’t like female’s. For that reason. Ask him to have patience. It took 2 years for her to warm up to me. I used food to help with the situation

    • Amy says:

      Have your husband give the dog treats whenever he enters the room. Make sure the treats you use are something a) the dog likes and b) are reserved only for this purpose and never given by anyone else.

    • Patricia Norwood says:

      I’m having same issue with mine. She is two. Loves women but does not like men. She will be okay one minute and then try eat him the next. I’m praying she will get better.

  29. Julie Aller says:

    The puppy on the tile is mine. How’d you get the pic? Cracked me up! Her name is Emma. We are proud.

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