Docker dogs are very loyal and protective mixed breed dogs that come from two popular and loved parent breeds who are highly amazing in their own way.
These crossbred dogs are known for their good temperament, which makes them ideal for any size of family that would be able to provide a home for one of the most affectionate and loyal dogs.
With great coats and great looks, these dogs are known for their small to medium-sized build and cute looks as well.
Do you wanna bring a cute Docker pup home? Keep reading to know all about them!
About The Breed
The Docker is a loving and affectionate dog that is always eager to please its pet parents.
These dogs are great companions, and they enjoy living in a family that also likes good-looking dogs with enough energy to keep them going.
These dogs’ temperament is very loving and affectionate, making them desirable for families who prefer dogs like this.
These stable dogs don’t pose any behavioral issues for pet parents and are desirable crossbred dogs to have.
Docker Dog Breed History
The Docker is said to have existed naturally over a few years; however, it is important to remember that these dogs are designer breeds, and designer breeders started intentionally mixing the Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund in North America in the late 90s to breed this dog.
Initially, these dogs were bred as dogs to hunt, but later they became protective and loyal family dogs.
Since they were bred to hunt, they are also known to protect by perceiving threats. Being lovable, however, is one of the stalwart traits of this dog.
Docker Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Docker |
| Other Name | Doxie Spaniel |
| Dog Breed Type | Crossbreed |
| Origin | North America |
| Parent Breeds | Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel |
| Height | 9-15 inches |
| Weight | 20-30 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Coat Type | Soft and silky |
| Common Colors | Red, black, brown or tan |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate Grooming Needs |
| Hypoallergenic | Rehular shedding that could be seasonal |
| Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, protective, eager to please parents |
| Apartment Living | Can adapt to apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Hip Dysplasia, Allergy, Diabetes, Urinary Track Issues, Hypothyroidism, Intervertebral Disc Disease |
| Overall Health | Good |
| Intelligence Level | Quite Intelligent |
| Trainability | Trainable |
| Energy Level | Moderate to high energy levels |
| Activity | Moderate exercise |
| Litter Size | 6-8 puppies |
What To Know
• Docker dogs are small in size, typically weighing between 15 to 30 pounds. They have a compact and sturdy build, making them ideal companions for small living spaces.
• These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are loyal to their owners and get along well with children and other pets, making them great family pets.
• Docker dogs have a distinctive short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Their coat comes in various colors, including black, brown, and white, with unique patterns and markings.
• While they are small, Docker dogs are energetic and require regular exercise. Daily walks and playtime in a fenced yard are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Docker dog breed is renowned for its remarkable adaptability, making it an ideal choice for various living environments.
Their ability to adjust to different situations is a key trait that sets them apart. Whether you reside in a bustling city apartment or a quiet countryside home, Docker dogs effortlessly blend in.
Their manageable size allows them to thrive in small spaces without feeling cramped, yet they also appreciate larger yards for play.
Moreover, Docker dogs adapt well to diverse climates, thanks to their versatile coats.
These dogs are equally content as indoor couch companions or as outdoor adventure buddies, showcasing their remarkable adaptability that suits a wide range of lifestyles.
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Good For Novice Owners
Sensitivity Level
Tolerates Being Alone
Tolerates Cold Weather
Tolerates Hot Weather
Friendliness
The Docker dog breed is renowned for its exceptional friendliness. These dogs are like your instant best friend.
They have an affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their owners and happily greeting newcomers with wagging tails and a warm demeanor.
Their friendly disposition extends to children and other pets, making them excellent family pets.
Docker dogs thrive on social interaction and love being in the company of their human companions.
Their welcoming and sociable attitude makes them a delightful addition to any household, spreading joy and love wherever they go.
All About Friendliness
Affectionate With Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
The Docker is known to be energetic and loving. These dogs are loyal and affectionate mostly.
They seem to be motivated by a tactical prey drive since their parent breeds are of hunter ancestry as well.
These dogs would enjoy large spaces where they can run around and chase small birds or animals.
These dogs are also pretty vocal about how they are feeling. They could bark quite a bit. This can be attributed to their genetics since their parents are barkers as well.
This makes them good protectors. If they perceive a threat of any form, they make sure they bark and are heard.
Training them from a young age to respond to certain sayings can help keep their barking at bay and train them to amplify the quality of their life as well.
If left alone for long periods, these dogs tend to get self-destructive and become anxious, thus ensuring you keep them engaged.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Docker dogs are exceptionally friendly with children, making them wonderful family pets.
Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them patient companions for kids of all ages.
These dogs thrive on human interaction and enjoy playing games with children, whether it’s a game of fetch or simply cuddling up for a nap.
They have a natural protective instinct, so parents can feel confident knowing Docker dogs will watch over their little ones.
With their loving temperament and adaptability, Docker dogs are a great choice for families seeking a child-friendly canine companion.
Amicable to Other Pets
Docker dogs are incredibly amicable when it comes to interacting with other pets.
Their friendly and social nature extends to furry companions, making them an excellent choice for multi-pet households.
Whether it’s a fellow canine or a feline friend, Docker dogs tend to get along well. Their playful disposition and adaptability help them form bonds with various animals.
Proper socialization from an early age is key, but with the right introductions and guidance, Docker dogs can be harmonious and loving members of a diverse pet family.
Barking Tendencies
Docker dogs are known for their unique barking tendencies. Despite their small size, they have a strong protective instinct, which can make them quite vocal.
They tend to bark to alert their owners to any potential threats or unfamiliar situations. Early socialization and training can help curb excessive barking.
However, Docker dogs’ alertness also makes them excellent watchdogs, as they’ll bark to let you know when someone’s at the door or if something unusual is happening around them.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Staying alone with a Docker dog breed can be a pleasant experience due to their independent yet affectionate nature.
These small dogs adapt well to solo living situations. They’re not overly demanding and are content with some alone time.
However, it’s crucial to ensure they have toys and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Docker dogs are known for their loyalty, so they’ll eagerly greet you upon your return, making them a delightful choice for those who work or live alone.
Pros And Cons Of The Docker Dog Breed
Pros
- Energetic and Playful Companionship.
- Low Maintenance Grooming Needs.
- Friendly and Social Temperament.
- Adapts Well to Various Environments.
- Ideal for Active Families.
Cons
- Requires Regular Exercise and Stimulation.
- Prone to Separation Anxiety.
- May Be Too Energetic for Some.
- Potential for Excessive Barking.
- Can Be Stubborn in Training.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
Both genders of this crossbreed have the same behavior. Female dogs tend to be slightly smaller in size than male dogs of this mixed breed, and this is the only difference between them.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Docker dog breed boasts a distinctive and charming appearance. These small to medium-sized dogs have a well-proportioned body with a sturdy and compact build.
Their head is slightly rounded, with expressive, almond-shaped eyes that come in various colors, giving them an alert and friendly expression.
Docker dogs have a short and smooth coat that is easy to maintain. Coat colors can vary widely, including black, brown, white, or a combination of these shades.
Some may have unique markings or patterns, adding to their individuality.
Their ears are floppy and set high, while their tail is often docked, giving them a neat appearance.
Overall, Docker dogs present an endearing and approachable look, perfect for those seeking a loving and attractive canine companion.
Coat Color
The Docker has a mixed coat from its parent breeds, the Dachshund and the Cocker Spaniel. The coat colors are also a mix of their parents.
They can be red, black, brown, or tan. They usually tend to have a solid color coat, but at times there could be a secondary color mixed in as well.
Grooming needs are normal for this crossbreed; a factor to take care of is their oral hygiene since this seems to be an area that has to be looked at closely for this particular crossbreed. Thus make sure you brush your teeth regularly or as directed by your veterinarian.
Shedding
The Docker has a short and silky coat; thus, they don’t shed too much, but there is some shedding that can be controlled by regular brushing.
Size
Since the Docker is a new mixed breed, there is no breed standard for their size.
Thus since the Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund are small to medium, so are the mixed breed.
They can be around 20 to 30 pounds in weight and be about 10-15 inches at the shoulder.
It is important to attribute size to the lifestyle and genetics of the dog as well; thus, this figure could vary.
| DOG BREED GROUP | MIXED BREED DOGS |
| HEIGHT | 9-15 INCHES |
| WEIGHT | 20-30 POUNDS |
| LIFE SPAN | 12-14 YEARS |
Health
Generally, these dogs have great health conditions; however, all mixed breeds may be sensitive to some health complications that are predisposed via genetic conditions.
It is important to see the early onset of this disease and visit the veterinarian regularly so you can safeguard your dog from these problems. Look out for the following issues.
Intervertebral disc disease, diabetes, urinary tract issues, allergies, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and allergies
Along with visiting the veterinarian regularly, ensure you are enriching your Docker’s life with enough nutrition and exercise as well.
This will increase the quality of their life while keeping their health at its best.
Health And Grooming Requirements
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
The Dockers are energetic and playful; however, they are exposed to weight gain at times.
Thus to meet their moderate to high energy levels and to develop a routine that keeps them healthy, ensure that they get enough exercise and are hygienic on a daily.
There is a concern of anxiety or burnout if their exercise needs are not met; thus, ensure you care for them in that aspect.
Grooming
Grooming Docker dogs is a breeze due to their short, smooth coat. Brushing them once a week helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny.
Bathing should only be done when necessary, as their coat doesn’t get dirty easily. Remember to clean their floppy ears regularly to prevent infections.
Don’t forget dental care and nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
Docker dogs are generally low-maintenance in the grooming department, making them an excellent choice for busy pet owners.
Food And Nutrition
Dockers require a diet that will fulfill a small to medium-sized breed with moderate to high energy levels.
If they are fed a lot, they may be prone to obesity or weight gain; thus, their feeding should be regular, and they should have a diet schedule that does not compensate for this factor.
Ensure that their diet changes from pups to adults since their eating habits and metabolism tend to develop as well.
Food Cost
Food costs for a Docker dog breed can vary but typically range from $20 to $40 per month. High-quality dog food and portion control are key factors in managing costs.
Exercise And Activity Level
Dockers are very energetic dogs, and they usually like burning off their energy. They need about an hour or two of exercise every day.
This keeps them stimulated and content both mentally and physically.
Suppose they do not get enough care and exercise; these dogs fall into self-destructive habits that might otherwise worsen the quality of their life.
Keeping them content by engaging them in games that involve some hunting and a lot of running keeps this breed happy and could enhance your Docker’s life.
The Docker dog breed has a moderate activity level. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but are not overly hyper.
Their energy matches their owner’s lifestyle, making them adaptable to apartment living or homes with yards.
Regular exercise keeps them content, and they’re happy to relax with their families afterward.
Physical Requirements
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential for Playfulness
Potential for Playfulness
Trainability
Docker dogs are known for their impressive trainability. With their sharp intellect and eagerness to please, they quickly grasp commands and tricks.
Their attentive nature makes them responsive to positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise.
However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so patience and consistency in training are key. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they interact well with other animals and people.
Docker dogs thrive with a structured training routine, making them suitable for various activities, from obedience training to agility courses, showcasing their adaptability and learning prowess.
Trainability
Easy To Train:
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Conclusion
The Docker’s short coats at times make them sensitive to extreme weather conditions, and sometimes they require additional clothing when it’s cold.
The application of sunscreen to their fur and sensitive areas in the summer months keeps them well-groomed as well. This is important when it comes to this crossbreed.
Explore More Dog Breeds…?
FAQs On Docker Dog Breed…
Where do the Docker dog breeds come from?
This Docker mixed breed is from North America.
What is the best diet routine for a Docker dog?
A diet that is suitable for small to medium-sized dogs in regular intervals that will not contribute to unnecessary weight gain or obesity problems is the best for this mixed breed. Ensure their food is of high quality and enhances their energy component.
How much exercise is required for a Docker?
At least an hour of exercise is essential for Docker. This is because they are high-energy dogs, and their parent breeds are hunter-dogs with a high prey drive as well. This makes this crossbreed very interested in burning off that extra energy and staying stimulated mentally through physical stimulation. Ensure you engage them in an hour or two of exercise at least every day.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.