If you’re looking for an energetic, loyal and intelligent dachshund crossbreed, then an adorable dachshund terrier mix may be just for you!
This mix is a stunning looking dog which offers an abundance of fun to those who welcome this dog into their life. By most people, it is simply called Dorkie.
This article takes a closer look at this unique mix, considering its physical appearance alongside its personality and activity requirements.
It also discusses life expectancy and any potential health issues of a dachshund terrier mix.
Finally, it looks at whether the dachshund terrier mix is a suitable dog for your family.
What Is a Dachshund Terrier Mix?
A dachshund terrier mix is simply a cross of a dachshund with a terrier.
There a lot of varieties within this crossbreed, as it exists a few terrier types, as well as few different dachshund varieties. However, some dachshund terrier mixes are much more common than others.
The most popular dachshund terrier mix you’ll come across is the Dorkie. Becoming a very common crossbreed in recent years, Dorkie is a dachshund mixed with a Yorkshire terrier.
Also, there is one mix called a Jackshund. This is a dachshund mixed with a Jack Russell terrier.
Other favorite dachshund terriers mixes include those with Cairn Terriers, White Terriers, Silky Terriers, and Fox Terriers.
Dachshund Terrier Mix Physical Appearance
When it comes to describing the physical appearance of a dachshund terrier mix, it isn’t an easy task. This is simply because there are several types of terriers mixed with dachshunds and therefore their appearance will vary considerably.
Furthermore, the type of coat of this crossbreed will also vary greatly. It will mostly resemble the fur of the puppy’s parents.
Most often, you’ll find that dachshund terrier mix will usually have the coat type that is prominent in the dachshund breed.
There are typically three types of dachshund coat varieties: a short-haired, long-haired, and a wire-haired coat.
In terms of colouring, you can expect to find black, brown, tan, and white dachshund terrier crosses, as well as any combination of these colours.
When considering the size of the dachshund terrier mix, once again, this will depend on the particular dachshund or terrier variety that they’re mixed with.
However, as a general rule, these mixes are not big dogs as both parental breeds are quite small in size.
Furthermore, the Dorkie will have a more elongated body because of the dachshund parent body structure.
In addition to this, you will most likely see a different ear shape in this specific mix. Whereas in a dachshund the ears generally tend to flop down, in this mix, it’s more likely you’ll find them standing erect, similar to that of most terrier-type dogs.
Dorkie Personality and Temperament
The best way to understand the temperament of the dachshund terrier mix is by looking at both dachshund and terrier personality at the same time.
From the dachshund parent
Dachshund personality and temperament is easy to discern. No matter what type of Weiner dog variety, dachshunds are renowned for their enthusiasm, tremendous zest for life, and generally being the goofball of the family!
They’re also well-known for being protective of their owner and other family members.
At times, this protectiveness can lead to many behavioural problems, especially when not properly managed. However, if this behaviour is corrected at an early stage, the dachshund will become the most loving and thoughtful four-legged companion.
Keep in mind that dachshund energy levels know no bounds – so they’ll need wearing out throughout the day both physically and mentally!
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
From the terrier parent
When looking at the overall terrier personality and temperament, it shows many similarities to a dachshund.
Terriers are fearful dogs, who were also well known for their history of hunting. They are the most vivacious dogs of the canine world, and nothing stops them from being naughty and have fun!
Similar to dachshunds in their zest for life, terriers of all types have an abundance of energy. They also have mischievous natures, and a charming, cheerful disposition.
Therefore, when combined, this mix is perhaps one of the most lively and energetic dogs you will ever meet! It will certainly keep you amused for many hours of the day!
Dachshund Terrier Mix Health Problems
When considering potential health issues of dachshund terrier mix, the best practice is to look at the health problems of both parental breeds.
The most significant genetic health problem in dachshunds is the back issues such as Intervertebral Disk Disease or IVDD. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your dog doesn’t attempt to climb to high surfaces.
This refers to areas such as stairs, steps, or furniture. The jumps cause pressure on the spine, which increases the risk of spinal injuries.
From the other side, Jack Russell terriers are prone to eye problems such as lens luxation. Another type of terriers, Yorkshire terriers, for example, are likely to experience digestive issues.
This by no way means that your Dorkie is automatically going to suffer from one of these problems. However, it’s certainly worth understanding health issues that dachshund terrier cross can encounter.
Dachshund Terrier Mix Lifespan
Provided that your dachshund terrier mix remains in good health, you can expect your Dorkie to live as long as up to 16 years.
Dachshunds typically have a life span of 12 to 16 years, whereas the lifespan of a terrier is in the region of 10 to 15 years.
Dachshund Terrier Mix Exercise and Activity Requirements
Some people mistakenly assume that, because of the smaller physique of a dachshund terrier mix, it doesn’t require much exercise. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth!
Due to the high level of the vigor of both dachshund and terrier, this mix has a lot of energy to burn off!
Therefore, your Dorkie will need a substantial amount of time spent walking and interacting with other dogs throughout the day.
Though the dachshund terrier mix will not be able to cope with long walks, it can easily endure shorter strolls several times a day.
Thus, 15 to 30-minute walks, perhaps two to three times a day would be most suitable for this mix.
Is Dorkie a Right Dog For You?
Just remember, that Dorkie can be a bit mischevious and stubborn sometimes, and will need a regular exercise!
If you’re after a dog which is energetic, playful, and highly intelligent, then the dachshund terrier mix may be the perfect pet for you.
Below are few general characteristics of a Dachshund Terrier Mix:
✓ They prefer to be around people most of the day. Dachshund and terrier mixes love to socialize! Both the dachshund and parental terrier breeds are very sociable.
So, you’ll need to be able to devote the right amount of your time to them. You’ll need to offer your Dorkie a great deal of your attention to keep then occupied!
✓ Because of both parental breeds’ hunting instinct, dachshund terrier cross enjoys digging, discovering, and exploring. Therefore, it’s essential you provide him with plenty of exercises to keep him active, both physically and mentally throughout the day.
✓ Both terrier and dachshund are very yappy by nature, so barking is in the Dorkie’s blood. You must train and socialise your dachshund terrier cross from the very early stages of life to avoid excessive barking.
✓ Take care of your Dorkie’s spinal cord. I know that this mix looks like a cute little teddy bear, which is why people have a tendency to pick him up and carry him around all the time.
This is not a good idea as it puts extra pressure on his spinal cord. Also, don’t encourage your pooch to climb on furniture or follow you up or down the stairs.
Don’t let your Dorkie continuously jump up and down from high surfaces, as it maximizes the risk of IVDD occurrence.
All in all, if you dispose some free time and can commit to your Dorkie’s training ,as well as ensure you spend a good deal of time with your dog, then the dachshund terrier mix might be the best choice for your family.
What is your query about?
What do you call a Jack Russel Dachshund mix?
The most popular name for the Jack Russel Dachshund mix is Daxi Jack or JackWeenie.
What is a Daxi Jack?
Daxi Jack is a popular nickname for a Dachshund Jack Russel Terrier mix.
What kind of dog is a Dorkie?
Dorkie is a popular name for a Dachshund Yorkshire Terrier mix.
How much does a Dorkie cost?
If you take a Dorkie from the breeder, it will cost you around 1000£ for a puppy. However, sometimes you can adopt this adorable mixed breed; in this case, it will cost you much less.
Do Dorkies need haircuts?
A Dorkie with longer hair will need occasional haircuts and brushing. Your Dorkie’s grooming needs will depend on the type of hair your Dachshund Yorkshire Terrier mix has.
Do Dorkies shed?
Dorkies shed very little. It is due to the fact that both parental breeds, – terrier and dachshund, are considered low-shedding breeds.
How big will a Dorkie get?
A Dorkie can grow up to 15 inches (40 cm) tall, and weigh up to 33 pounds (15 kg).
Comments
Thank you so much for this information. I just got a female dachshund/terrier mix puppy 5 days ago. She is so tiny and adorable. Black with brown markings. She is 8 weeks old. Definitely playful and loves to chew, but is still sleeping a lot at this stage. I plan on putting her in training when she gets older.
My dachshund/terrier mix is great, a lot of fun! But she hates small children which is kind of embarrassing…
We just adopted a 41/2 yr. old male dorkie, this dog is just nuts, whines when my husband leaves the house, grumbles when he gets corrected for bad behavior, and yes gets into trouble, sleeps in his bed until the lights go out, then jumps on our bed for the night, hates thunderstorms and fireworks, and spends his day running from window to window to watch the chipmunks, squirrels, woodchucks, in our yard (we live on a wooded lot) so we really have to watch him and keep him on a leash at ALL times, he was not housebroken so were still working on that, but he’s catching on pretty quick.He looks just like the picture on this article tri color, He does keep us running but we love him dearly and he’s got a fur ever home.
We have a rescue Female nurtured Jack Russell mix with Dashhound when certain people visit she wets floor as she is very nervous. She is adorable & good behaved otherwise,only out walking she pulls all the time.she is 2yrs old. Thank you.
My 41/ 2 year old pulls on the leash also, were working with him but he has a mind all his own.
Just rescued a 8 month old male. Does not bark (Has only done it 2x in almost a month) but will cry when I’m not close by. He communicates by snorting or sighing…too cute. Black short fur. Black eyes. White frosting on his paws & lower lip. Has a sliver of white on his chest with 3 black dots going down the middle of the white fur…making him appear as though he is wearing a tuxedo.
He learned his commands within minutes. Still has accidents in the house at least 1x/wk but figured it out quite fast that using mommy’s flooring as a toilet is not ok.
He is super shy yet highly playful…amusing everyone around him. Doesn’t mind cats and likes other terrier sized dogs.
This site has been very helpful! We are adopting a terrier Doxie mix today. She is 1 and we will be her third home. She is going to be so loved. She has never had a yard so she will be getting her exercise. Her name is Molly Mae she is chocolate and tan we are so excited to bring her home today!
Hi Miki, What fantastic news! We are creating a photo gallery, and we recently asked our lovely followers to share photos of their four-legged friends with us. Please e-mail us a couple of Molly Mae pictures so that we could post it in our galley!
Thank you for the information, we just got one yesterday for my daughter and I was looking for some information about the mix. we did get a female one her name is Lola and she is chocolate with a blue eye, she is so cute and to die for. I will keep my eye open for more information. One again, thank you!
Thank you for your kind words! We wish Lola a very happy life full of joy and adventures!