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Docker Prices Australia

Dr Dilber Hussain
Reviewed by:
Dr. Dilber Hussain
Veterinarian

Would you like to bring a dog into your home that has a playful nature, loving temperament and fantastic looks? Meet the Docker – a mix of the loveable Dachshund and lively Cocker Spaniel! These dogs make excellent breeds for families, and because of their small stature, they don’t take up too much space in your home. But, as with all other breeds, you need to do some research before deciding this is the right dog for you, and one of the most important aspects of this is the financial responsibility involved with owning one. That’s what we’re here to help you with, and below, you’ll find all the information you need about the full costs of Docker ownership, from the initial purchase price to the ongoing costs you’ll need to budget for every month.

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How Much Does a Docker Cost in Australia?

First things first – let’s look at the cost of actually buying a Docker. This will vary depending on where you shop. For instance, buying a Docker puppy from a registered breeder will set you back between $2,500 and $4,000, while adopting a puppy or an older dog from a shelter will come with lower fees averaging around $400 – $700.

You might also see lower-priced Dockers for sale online, but these are to be avoided! In most cases, these puppies will be sold by unregistered breeders, who might not follow responsible breeding practices or prioritise the health of the puppies, potentially leading to issues later in life. To cover yourself and make sure your puppy is as healthy as possible, only ever buy through a registered breeder or a rescue shelter.

Average Price of a Docker When Buying Through a Registered DockerBreeder in Australia

Should you choose to go with a registered breeder, you’ll pay an average of $2,500 – $4,000 for a Docker puppy. Several things will determine the final price tag within this range, including the lineage and coat colour, and we’ll dive deeper into these in just a moment. But, to give you a quick example, a Docker puppy with a long coat is likely to cost more than a short-coated Docker, simply because there is more demand for them.

Average Price of a Docker When Buying Through an Adoption Shelter in Australia

For many people, adoption is the best route, and it also comes with a big price reduction. You can expect to pay between $400 and $700 when adopting a Docker in Australia, and this price also covers things like vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing, potentially saving you even more money on essential vet care in the first year. However, adoption isn’t without its complications, and not only will you need to be assessed as suitable owners by the shelter, but you may need to exercise some patience in finding a Docker in the first place. Like all breeds, there’s never a guarantee you’ll find a Docker in your local shelter, so more research and waiting will be needed compared to buying from a registered breeder.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Docker

No matter which buying option you choose, as you can see, there’s quite a wide average price range when it comes to Dockers. But what actually determines the final price tag? Here’s what you need to know:

Lineage

Dockers are a mixed breed, and this means they aren’t recognised by Dogs Australia. Now, while this means they’re generally cheaper compared to purebred dogs that are recognised, their lineage will still play a role in pricing, and puppies from health-tested parents with strong genetic backgrounds will always cost more. This is particularly true if one or both of their parents have done well in dog shows and have traits and characteristics considered desirable within the breed standards.

Size

Something else a Docker will inherit from its parents is its size, and this will also affect the price. In particular, puppies with a miniature Dachshund parent tend to be more in demand because they are smaller, which means they’re priced at the higher end of the $2,500 – $4,000 range. Those with a stronger Cocker Spaniel gene pool, on the other hand, are usually larger and, since there is less demand, sit at the lower end of the price range.

Coat

Dockers also come in a variety of coat types, including short, wavy, and long-haired, and this is another inherited trait that will affect the price of the puppies. Long-haired and wavier-coated Dockers are usually priced higher because they are less common than their short-coated counterparts, which makes them more desirable (despite the fact they’ll need more grooming – something to keep in mind when deciding which is best for your home and budget!) The colour of their coat will also affect the cost, and rarer colours like merle or solid black will command a higher price.

Breeder Reputation

Then there’s the breeder’s reputation, which is one of the things that will influence the cost of your Docker quite heavily. If a breeder has been very selective about their parent dogs, carried out several health checks, and made sure the puppies are raised in a well-socialised environment, you can expect to pay more toward the $4,500 mark. The reason for this is simple – these things all cost the breeder money, and they’ll need to make back these costs in the price of the puppies while still trying to make a profit. Now, while this means a higher upfront cost, it also means you could save money on vet care moving forward, as you’ve got health guarantees your puppy isn’t likely to inherit any issues from either parent.

Costs of Essentials for Your Docker

That’s just the initial purchase price covered. Before you bring your Docker home, you’ll need to make sure you’ve picked up some essential supplies, including:

  • Dog crate: $120 – $200 for a comfortable crate that can be used as a training tool and that provides your Docker with their own safe space.
  • Dog bed: $80 – $160 for a comfortable, chew-proof bed with orthopaedic support that will take some pressure off their joints.
  • Dog harness/lead: $35 – $50 for a well-fitted harness that helps prevent strain on the neck compared to a collar and a retractable lead that gives your Docker a little freedom without compromising your control.
  • Feeding bowl: $20 – $50 for a shallow bowl that will allow you Docker to eat comfortably without straining to reach the bottom.
  • Dog toothbrush: $20 – $50 for a brush and enzymatic toothpaste that will prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
  • Dog car harness: $50 – $80 for a crash-tested harness that will keep your Docker properly secured throughout trips in the car.
  • Puppy treats: $20 – $40 per month for natural training treats and some small chews they can take to their crate or bed for downtime.
  • Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 to teach your Docker where to go to the toilet during the early stages of house training.
  • Dog shampoo & conditioner: $30 – $60 for a gentle formula best suited to your Docker’s coat type.
  • Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $40 – $80 for a full grooming kit to keep your Docker’s coat and nails in good condition.

Docker Maintenace Costs

You’re also going to need to pay some ongoing maintenance costs throughout the year to keep your Docker happy and healthy, and each of these comes with its own price tag. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for:

How Much Does it Cost to Feed a Docker?

Dockers might be small, weighing just 9kg – 11kg when fully grown, but they have big appetites! You’ll need to feed your Docker between 120g – 280g of food every day, and this means a potential monthly spend of $60 – $300, based on these diets:

  • Cost per day on a dry kibble diet: $2 – $5 for a high-protein mix designed to cover the nutritional needs of smaller breeds.
  • Cost per day on a wet food diet: $3 – $8 for premium canned or fresh-prepared wet food made with real meat and vegetables.
  • Cost per day on a raw food diet: $5 – $10 for a balanced diet of raw meat, organs, bones, and vegetables.

One thing to keep in mind here is that the actual daily cost will depend on several factors, including your dog’s age, health, size, the brand you choose, and the ingredients it contains. We highly recommend consulting your veterinarian before deciding which diet is best for your Docker.

How Much Will Veterinary Care Typically Cost for a Docker?

The next thing you need to think about is vet care. This isn’t only needed when your Docker falls ill (something that you never really want to even think about), but year-round to stop illness from taking hold. Here’s what you’ll likely pay across several routine preventative procedures:

Cost of Routine Preventative Care:

  • Annual vet checkups: $90 – $150 per visit to monitor your Docker’s overall health, including weight checks and identifying early signs of illness.
  • Vaccinations: $120 – $200 each year for core and optional vaccines that protect against several canine diseases, including distemper, canine hepatitis, and parvovirus.
  • Worming and parasite treatment: $15 – $50 per month to keep your Docker parasite-free, including fleas, ticks, and various nasty worms.
  • Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 every few years to thoroughly clean plaque buildup under general anesthesia.
  • Pet insurance: $40 – $90 per month, depending on coverage, which will help cover unexpected medical costs.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Docker’s Grooming?

Regardless of what kind of coat your Docker has, they’ll also need regular grooming to keep them looking their best and to prevent tangles and matting. A little of this can be done at home, but you’ll also need to budget for occasional trips to a professional grooming salon, which could cost:

  • Hydrobath prices: $40 – $70 per session for a deep cleaning bath with a coat-suitable shampoo and conditioner.
  • Full groom prices: $80 – $150 for a bath, blow-dry, trim, ear cleaning, and nail trimming every 6-8 weeks.
  • Face, feet, and tail groom prices: $30 – $50 for touch-ups on these problem areas to keep them neat and clean in between the 6-8 week full grooms.

Docker Training Costs

Another cost to think about is training. Dockers are highly intelligent and eager to please, but without training, the stubborn streak they inherit from the Dachshund side of the family can kick in! So, proper training is essential, and this could cost you:

  • Basic obedience training: $180 – $300 for a multi-week group training class that covers different commands, proper lead walking, and recall.
  • Puppy training class prices: $150 – $250 for a 6-week course that helps puppies gain confidence around other dogs and humans and learn some basic commands.
  • Specialised training prices: $100 – $200 per session for one-on-one training designed to tackle specific behaviour problems, including separation anxiety or excessive barking – two things that Dockers are prone to developing without proper training.

Understanding the Full Costs of Owning a Docker

Dockers might be small in size, but it takes a large amount of money to keep them happy and healthy! And, when you consider a Docker’s average lifespan is 12 – 15 years, you’ll need to be 100% confident that you’re able to foot the bill for a long time. So, consider it carefully, and if you are sure you’ve got what it takes, you won’t just be getting a pet – you’ll be gaining a new best friend that your whole family will adore.

Learn more about: Docker Dog Breed Information

Other helpful information

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