Docker Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

9-13kg

Height

22-38cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Docker

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Docker is one cute dog and is a mix between the Dachshund and Cockers. If you’ve never come across this dog type before, then prepare to have your heart melted. They can range from small to medium sizes and love to laze around the house with the occasional playtime here and there.

They make great house dogs, especially as they have a great mix of energy levels that work for most families or individuals who need a fairly placid dog.

What is the history & origin of the Docker?

Known by a number of names, the Docker (Doxie Spaniel and Spaniel Doxie) is a designer breed that unfortunately tends to get a bad reputation as a category of dog types.

The Docker has existed for many years, with breeders mixing the two parent breeds in the late 1990s. This likely took place in North America and gradually made its way over to other parts of the world.

While its Cocker Spaniel parents were bred as hunting dogs, the Docker couldn’t be further apart. They’re, instead, a lovable and active family member within the home. Dockers aren’t recognised by the American Kennel Club or other kennel clubs at this time, but that doesn’t stop many dog lovers from being big fan of this cross-breed.

What is a Docker Breed?

A mini docker breed is a mixed breed dog that’s been crossed between Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels. They can range from small to medium-sized dogs depending on the dominant parent gene.

The dog has inherited a good mix of both parents’ traits and enjoys being in a lounge-like a Dachshund does, whilst having the energy levels to play fetch or chase squirrels like Cockers tend to do.

Who is a Docker Best For?

They’re an adorable dog breed group that a lot of families will gravitate towards. The bigger the family is, the better because they’re a breed that often suffers from separation anxiety. They like being a part of the pack and being left out can make them act out destructively.

As a sweet-natured, medium-energy mixed dog, they have some of the best characteristics of any breed. They enjoy both the balance of playtime and lounging around for hours on end.

With that said, Dockers are best for families and any households that are in for most of the time. Anyone who has an active lifestyle or may be too busy to stay in the house at all times will likely not be a good fit for this breed.

Dockers are prone to weight gain, meaning they’ll need to be exercised, especially as they’ve inherited their high energy from their Cocker Spaniel side.

Docker Grooming & Shedding

Dockers have made their name within the designer breed category, and it’s not hard to see why. Docker coats have a beautiful mix and colours and coats depending on the parent dogs.

The main colours tend to be black, brown, tan, black or red. These tend to be solid colours, and then a secondary colour is mixed in.

Their coats are a combination of short and wiry. Depending on their influence from their parents, you could get a unique mix of these mixed dog breeds. The blend of short and wiry with a silky soft Cocker Spaniel coat is going to be quite the combination.

Brushing is made easier with this combination, and if they’ve got more Spaniel in them, they’ll more than likely need brushing daily.

With having shorter coats, they won’t enjoy extreme weather, so it’s good to be aware of what type of climate you’re living in and whether the mixed dog breed characteristics will be suitable for you.

Check ears regularly for any dirt and debris, clean teeth daily, especially with smaller dogs being prone to dental issues and trim nails when necessary. As a mixed breed, it’s important to keep on top of the grooming, so ask your vet or professional groomer for advice.

Do Dockers bark a lot?

As a Dachshund Spaniel mix, the Spaniel side would typically hunt badgers. They would use a loud bark to alert their hunter that they had the prey in hand. This means that a Docker is likely going to be a bit of a barker. However, it’s a fairly average bark tendency that’s not as bad as some other dog breeds.

What is the average weight & height of a Docker dog?

The Docker tends to come in a mix of sizes depending on the Dachshund parent or Spaniel they’ve been bred from. Most will weigh between 9 and 13kgs and range from 22 to 38cm tall.

Are Dockers easy to train?

For training, it’s good to be patient and consistent. They are relatively intelligent, but their stubbornness can sometimes make training a little challenging. However, perseverance is key! Obedience training is needed to avoid housebreaking and excessive barking.

How do Dockers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

As a loyal and affectionate dog, the personality of a Docker is one that you’ll be quick to fall in love with. Whilst they love to chill in front of the television on a Sunday morning, they’ll equally love to go chasing squirrels and birds whilst out on their daily walks.

With an influence from their Cocker Spaniel parent, you’ll likely find them to be highly alert dogs who’ll make themselves known when someone’s knocking on your windows or doors. Thankfully, these barking habits are something you can curb with a bit of training.

Does the Docker have any common health issues?

As mixed breed dogs, the Docker is still going to be influenced by some of the same health conditions that are faced by the Dachshund parent and Cocker Spaniel parents.

Whilst most will be healthy in general, here are a few issues that the Docker could face in their lifetime.

Urinary Tract Issues – This is a painful and potentially dangerous condition for a dog to have. This can lead to bladder cancer or kidney disease if not addressed immediately.
Allergies – Allergies can occur for many dogs, whether it’s a skin allergy or an inhalation allergy. For the dockers, they can be prone to such allergies, and this can be helped with the right medication.
Hip Dysplasia – The thighbone doesn’t fit snugly with the hip bone, and therefore, hip dysplasia can occur where lameness is one of the outcomes, as well as arthritis.

What is the lifespan of a Docker?

Their lifespan for mixed breed dogs is fairly substantial and is a great one for those who are looking for a long life with their dogs as opposed to a short-lived one. These dogs tend to live around 12-15 years, which is a great age for dogs on average.

Keeping them at a healthy weight is certainly going to help them live a long and healthy life with fewer health problems during their adult years.

How much does a Docker need to be fed?

When feeding a Docker, they should be on a formulated diet that can be suggested by the breeder or by your vet. These dogs can be prone to weight gain if overfed, so it’s important to get the balance just right, especially as they’re smaller dogs and therefore could be prone to more health problems in the future.

Make sure that you’re giving them food when it’s needed and not leaving food out during the day for them to snack on. A regular feeding schedule tends to work well for most dogs, including the docker dog breed.

How much can you expect to pay for a Docker in Australia?

Dockers have been bred to appeal to those who love designer dogs, and therefore, they can tend to start at a price that’s a tad more expensive than most. You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of $1,000+ for this breed.

There are plenty of Cocker Spaniel rescues where you might find Dockers available for adoption.

Doberman Pinscher FAQs

Do Docker dogs get along with cats?

Dockers do tend to get along with cats and other dogs if they’re introduced to them from an early age. If not, then it’s important to introduce them to your other pets slowly to ensure they’re not overwhelmed.

Early socialisation is always going to be the best way of getting pets used to each other. The Dachshund and cocker spaniel usually get on well with cats and other pets.

Is a Docker ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Docker is certainly one that makes a good breed for first-time dog owners. They’re popular amongst most pet owners simply for their ease of training and them being unproblematic when it comes to socialising with others. They have a cuddly and affectionate side that makes for a perfect companion, whomever it may be.

Are Dockers hypoallergenic dogs?

No, sadly, these aren’t hypoallergenic dogs, and if you’ve got pet allergies, then it’s best to seek out those that produce a lot less dander.

Can Dockers be left alone all day?

Dockers don’t necessarily enjoy being left alone for long periods of time, although they can be trained to do so. Due to their affectionate nature, it’s what can also be their downside when it comes to separation anxiety.