Dachshund Cocker Spaniel Mix: The Dorky Docker

Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix — Say Hello to One of the World’s Most Sociable Pups!

The Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix, or the Docker, in short (but why not Daniel?), has only existed since 1999 but has already garnered the attention of animal lovers around the globe. This charming cross is an adoptable pet that can live in almost any environment so long as its owner is always by their side. Overall, these pups are great pets for families and thrive when surrounded by people. Fortunately, they are not among the top 10 world’s most expensive dog breeds to own. All of the above makes them one of the best dog breeds to adopt! Read on to learn the ins and outs of this lovely breed!

3 Traits That Might Put You Off a Dachshund Spaniel Mix

Before we get down to brass tacks about this cross, here are some of the characteristics that you may find hard to deal with but that you should know upfront:

1. Dockers need your company. These puppies don’t do well when left alone at home for extended periods. They are prone to anxiety disorders and behavioral issues if they feel neglected by their owners. If your lifestyle requires you to leave home often, this breed is not the right choice for you.
2. They are quite hard to train. This characteristic means Dockers are far from being the ideal first pets. They have a stubborn streak and will be hard to housebreak. If you’re not ready for that, it’s best you look for another Doxie cross.
3. They may not be accepting of other pets or small children. Due to their ancestry, Dachshund Cocker Spaniels may prove aggressive towards your other pets or your toddlers. If you’re willing to take that risk, know that they’ll need constant supervision and persistent training.

3 Traits That Will Make You Instantly Fall for a Cocker Dachshund Mix

Although these pups are not without flaws, overall, they are splendid pets. Here are some of the characteristics that Dachshund Cocker Spaniel mix breed has that will make you fall madly in love with them:

1. A Docker will be your best buddy. They absolutely love their owners and are super protective of them. Cocker Spaniel breeds develop strong bonds and get particularly attached to their humans, which is, in part, the reason why they may develop separation anxiety if you neglect them.
2. They spread joy wherever they appear. Dockers are exceptionally lively and playful and love being surrounded by people. They are bona fide snuggle bugs and will cuddle up to anyone they like. If you adopt this breed, you better get used to your visitors spending more time giggling with your pooch than talking with you! They’ll love your pooch so much that they may even get you one of these Dachshund gifts.
3. They are the perfect house pets. Owing to their size and maintenance requirements, these pups are great at adapting to small apartments. You don’t have to worry about not having a yard as long as you take them out regularly. They also love lounging around and don’t bark as much as other Dachshund mixes.

Photo credit: Hepper.com

The Appearance of the Dachshund Spaniel Cross

We know that puppy cuteness can’t really be measured, but dare we say that these fuzzy cuties are among the most adorable breeds we ever saw! Their gaze is warm and friendly, and we swear they always seem to have a smile on their faces! And talk about those long, droopy ears!

You will know this breed by their slightly elongated bodies, short legs, and soft coat, the length, and color of which depend on the parents. Their size does too, but, on average, they are 12 inches tall and weigh around 25 pounds. That makes them both the perfect lap dogs and excellent jogging buddies.

Here is an overview of the most relevant characteristics of the Docker cross.

• Weight
  20–30 pounds, on average
• Height
  9–15 inches at the shoulders
• Size
  Small to medium dog
• Coat type
  Short to medium length; smooth to wiry hair
• Coat color
  Red, black, brown, tan, white, cream, gold; usually solid color, bi-colored in rare instances
• Shedding
  Low to moderate, usually in the fall and spring
• Eyes
  Hazel, brown
• Nose
  Black
• Ears
  Floppy
• Temperament
  Lively, intelligent, stubborn, curious, loyal
• Life expectancy
  11–14 years
• Hypoallergenic
  No
• Kid-friendly
  No
• New owner friendly
  Yes
• Breed recognition
  Cocker Spaniel: recognized in 1946 by the AKC
  Dachshund: recognized in 1885 by the AKC
  The Docker mix hasn’t officially been recognized as a breed yet.

Take a look at more Cocker Spaniel mixes and how to care for them. And if your pooch takes after the Doxie parent, familiarize yourself with these Dachshund facts.

Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Grooming Requirements

The time and effort you’ll need to devote to keeping your Docker pup neat and tidy depend on the parent breeds.

If their Dachshund parent is of the long-haired variety, your pooch will need more frequent grooming than one whose parent is a short-haired Doxie. Long hair is more prone to matting and will require daily brushing. You may even consider trimming their fur to make grooming easier. Here are some of the best grooming scissors.

Apart from tending to your dog’s coat, you’ll need to clean their ears regularly. Check for signs of redness, mites, and wax and dirt buildup to hinder ear infections.

Make sure to clip your dog’s nails as needed and clean their teeth a couple of times a week. Here are the top 10 best dog dental chews that can help keep your pup’s teeth strong and healthy.

The Temperament of the Dachshund Cocker Spaniel Mix

When it comes to the personality of the Cocker Dachshunds, there are three dominant traits that most of these puppies have.

1. They love to play with you
2. They are quite strong-willed
3. They can get snappy

They Love to Play With You

Dockers are incredibly sociable and enjoy playing with people, and they also love to cuddle. They are lively and have tons of energy, so you won’t have a dull moment living with this vivacious breed. This jovial pup will always find something to amuse you with but will also be somewhat demanding at times, as they need an outlet for all that energy. You’ll have to walk them regularly and spend time playing with them every day to keep them busy.

They Are Quite Strong-Willed

While some owners boast about their dogs’ independent nature, others may find this rather problematic. This cross likes to live life on their own terms, which can make them harder to train than most other breeds. This trait is tightly linked to intelligence — in case that is the consolation you need to accept it.

They Can Get Snappy

Dachshund breeds are unlikely to put up with any behavior that doesn’t suit them. Your Docker can respond aggressively to your children or other pets poking them around, so make sure you keep an eye on them when they are together.

Dachshund Cocker Mix Training and Housebreaking

Dockers are Wiener mixed breeds, so you can expect these puppies to be quite stubborn. Their lively but also independent nature might prove a challenge during potty training. Training a Doxie in any shape or form requires persistence and patience. Abide to our puppy training tips and learn which mistakes to avoid when training your pooch, and you’ll master it without an issue.

It might be a good idea to use puppy pads or cage training methods to get this little trickster to cooperate. Another excellent way to get this opinionated cub to do your bidding is to apply a reward and punishment system while training. Here are our best dog treat brands (and also worst dog treat brands) to help with that.

Another thing to do as early as possible is to socialize your pup. They can be quite hostile to strangers and other dogs and cats, too. Arm yourself up with a lot of patience, and your intelligent pooch will learn to be welcoming to other humans and pets in due time.

Dachshund Cocker Spaniel Mix Puppies and Families

Dachshund Cocker Spaniel mix dogs are fantastic family pets because of their friendliness and playfulness. They love being involved in all of your family’s activities and will lift up your spirits with their joyful demeanor.

Before you start looking for a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix for adoption, there are some things you need to keep in mind if you have little children in your family. While these pups will fit in well in most households, you should be aware that they are not too patient with small kids. Doxie breeds have a rather short fuse and may snap back at toddlers fussing with their ears, tails, or long hair.

Keep in mind that if you plan on introducing another pet into your family, you should do it while your Docker is still young and can learn to accept other animals and share space, food, and treats with them. Do it any later than that, and you risk having sworn enemies in your household!

The Health Issues Common in Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Puppies

Dockers are cross-breed dogs, so they can inherit specific health issues from their parent breeds. Although they are generally healthy and live long lives, some pups may suffer from certain chronic problems or develop a condition with age or due to improper keeping. If you are thinking about giving a Dachshund Cocker a home, you should learn the basics about their health to be able to recognize symptoms early on — noticing seizures can be pretty tricky — and care for your dog properly and keep them healthy.

Here are some of the more common health issues that affect this cross:

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). If you notice that your pooch is unwilling to jump and run or is crying out painfully while attempting to do those activities, you should suspect IVDD and make an appointment with the vet. This back condition involves a slipped or ruptured spinal disc and, if left untreated, may lead to paralysis.
2. Retinal Dysplasia. Although Retinal Dysplasia doesn’t have any obvious signs and symptoms in the initial stages, it could potentially lead to blindness later on. Make sure to take your pup to regular eye exams to stay ahead of any possible complications. This condition is inborn and is very common in Cocker Spaniels, so the chances are that your Docker may inherit it.
3. Seborrhea. If your fellow scratches often and has a nasty odor, they probably suffer from Seborrheic Dermatitis. It usually manifests as a greasy or waxy substance that forms in the dog’s armpits, underbelly, ears, and around ankles and elbows. The skin can also be flaky. If you notice these signs, consult the vet for treatment options to prevent this skin condition from progressing into a serious infection.
4. Color Dilution Alopecia. Although Color Dilution Alopecia is most common in blue- and fawn-colored dogs, it can affect other varieties, too. You can recognize the syndrome by patchy thinning of the dog’s fur, or total hair loss in some areas of the skin. Dachshunds suffer from this condition and can bestow the carrier gene on their offspring. The condition is not curable, but if you take care of your dog’s skin, you will prevent any potential infections from developing.
5. Acanthosis Nigricans. Acanthosis Nigricans or Hyperpigmentation is another condition that is common in Dachshunds. It shows as a darkened, thickened, and often hairless skin patch, usually in the groin or leg area. It usually points to an underlying condition, such as allergies, hormonal abnormalities, or skin infection, and inflammation. It requires a prompt checkup by a veterinarian.
6. Separation anxiety. Certain dog breeds are more prone to developing separation anxiety than others. Cocker Spaniels are notorious for it, so you can expect your mixed-breed cub to have it, too. If you notice your pup go berzerk every time you approach the front door, or they are acting out by making a mess while you’re away from home, it’s time to get some professional advice.

How to Feed a Dachshund Mixed With a Cocker Spaniel

Dachshund Spaniel mix puppies will need premium-quality food to grow into strong and healthy adult dogs.

We suggest you start with one cup per day of protein- and vitamin-rich dry or wet food. While your pooch is still a puppy, you can try one of our best dry dog food for small dogs. Slowly increase the servings until you use about 2 cups per day for the fully grown dog.

Read more about our picks of the worst dry dog food and the best-canned dog food to give you an idea of what to include and what to avoid in your dog’s menu. Once your fellow is well past their prime, their nutrient requirements will change, and you will need to switch to different kibble. This is the best senior dry dog food Alpha Paw could find.

In case you need ideas on where to start, these are our top three suggestions:

1. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food — for a puppy
2. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Canine Digestive/Weight/ Glucose Management – Chicken — for a grown dog
3. Dr. Tim’s Dog Food All Life Stages Formula — for a senior dog

Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Activity Needs

Dockers need to exercise daily and will require a vigorous activity regime if they don’t have any health issues, particularly back problems. Regular activity will help keep conditions such as obesity and anxiety at bay. Not to mention that by making sure your pooch gets plenty of exercises, you will also hinder any behavioral problems that tend to stem from boredom.

Keep your pooch active by varying their activities, such as:

• Fetch
• Tug-of-war
• Catch
• Walks
• Light jogging

Cocker Dachshund mixes also enjoy hikes in nature, especially if they get the chance to hunt small animals, like squirrels and rabbits! Regular trips to the dog park will do wonders for socializing your pup and making them more accepting of other pets.

More Adorable Dachshund Mix Puppies!

In case you are not quite sold on the Docker cross, it may be that the Dachshund mixed with Cocker Spaniel is not the right fit for you. Make sure to check out our Dachshund breed guide and other Doxie mixed breeds. Alpha Paw has the intel on them all, so you will surely find the ideal furry friend for you! If Picasso could, why wouldn’t you?

References

1. Feature image credit: Craig Eden Pinterest
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocker_Spaniel
4. Andrade, Larissa R., Amanda M. Caceres, Anelize S. Trecenti, Claudia Valeria S. Brandão, Micaella G. Gandolfi, Evian V. Aguiar, Danilo G.a. Andrade, Alexandre S. Borges, and Jose P. Oliveira-Filho. “Allele Frequency of the C.5G>A Mutation in the PRCD Gene Responsible for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in English Cocker Spaniel Dogs.” Animals 9, no. 10 (2019): 844. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100844.