Dachshunds Terrier Mix

Are you in the hunt for an active, devoted, and smart Dachshund crossbreed? Take the Dachshund Terrier Mix and your thirst is quenched!

A Dachshund Terrier Mix (also known as Terrier Dachshund Mix) is a crossbreed dog that results from a Dachshund and a Yorkshire Terrier. This small dog has a big heart that is loyal and kind, but claims a lot of attention.

This mixed breed doggie is adorable and makes an incredible family dog if welcomed with both arms. If you have ever heard dog enthusiasts mention the name ‘Dorkie’ they are referring to the dachshund terrier mix. That is a name derived from Doxie (Dachshund’s nickname) and Yorkie (without ‘yo’).

In this article, we shall review this adorable dog crossbreed to understand them better. We shall look at their parents, temperament, history, dietary needs, exercise, training, grooming and shedding.

But before that…

Quick Statistics of the Dachshund Terrier mix

• Size: Small dog breed
• Type: Mix
• Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
• Height: 5 to 9 inches
• Weight: 5 lbs. to 12 lbs.
• Average puppy price (USD): $600 to $800
• Colours: Black, Black & Tan, Grey, Golden, and White
• Litter size: 2 to 5 pups
• Temperament: Loving, Jolly, Kind, Smart, and Playful

That is an overview, let us dive deeper and see.

Parents

The Dachshund Terrier Mix parents include the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Dachshund: Also known as the sausage dog or wiener dog, the Dachshund features a long-backed body, tiny legs, and huge personality. They come in two sizes: standard and miniature, and are available in three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.

Developed during the mid-1800s, this dog breed is intelligent and alert making them excellent watchdogs, and is a notorious barker. However, Dachshunds are independent and brave and have been recognized in the AKC (American Kennel Network) since 1895. Unlike many breeds, they are moderate shedders.

Dachshunds weigh 16 lbs. to 32 lbs. and are 8-inches to 9-inches high at the shoulder with a life expectation of 12 to 15 years. Doxies are generally healthy particularly if bred by responsible breeders and are prone to hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), patella luxation, eye issues, and obesity.

Yorkshire Terrier:

Also known as Yorkies, the Yorkshire Terrier features a floor-length, glossy coat of steel blue and a gorgeous golden tan. While looks might be deceiving, not for this terrier! It is reputable for being stubborn, energetic, fearless, and at times bossy.

Like the Dachshunds, Yorkies were bred during the mid-1800s and make an ideal family pet as a lapdog. However, they can be yappy which your neighbours might dislike and they have a high tendency to bark especially when suspicious. They have been recognized in the AKC (American Kennel Club) since 1951.

Yorkies weigh 4 lbs. to 6 lbs. and are 8-inches to 9-inches high at the shoulder with a life expectation of 12 to 15 years. Like Doxies, Yorkies are generally healthy especially if bred by scrupulous breeders and are susceptible to cataracts, keratitis sicca, and portosystemic shunt conditions. 

Disclaimer: Dog breeders have been breeding multi-generation crosses which mean that not all designer crossbreed dogs are being bred from 50% purebred on both sides. 

Temperament

The most suitable way to know a dachshund terrier mix temperament is by reviewing the personalities of their parents simultaneously.

On the one hand, Dachshunds are famous for their eagerness, life enthusiasm, and protection of their owners and territories. That protectionism can cause social problems if not correctly trained. They are also very energetic and require lots of exercise mentally and physically.

Terriers, on the other hand, are everything a Dachshund is in personality in addition to mischievous natures.

If you combine these temperaments, therefore, you get the most energetic canine friend who will require lots of exercise to keep fit. 

History

Both Dachshund Terrier mix parents (Dachshunds & Yorkshire Terriers) breeding dates back to the mid-1800s. Yorkies originated in England while Dachshunds have their roots in Germany. Both dog breeds were bred for hunting prey in burrows and tunnels.

From what I see, the Dachshund Terrier mix breeding has been around for approx. 20 years now. 

Dietary Needs

Before we talk about the Dachshund Terrier mix dietary needs, it is worth mentioning that Dachshunds are susceptible to obesity. Although they should be frequently fed, you should watch the calorie count in their food.

Like any other dog, your Dachshund Terrier mix should be fed with a nutritious diet that is high in proteins for lean, robust muscles to support his weight and movement. The food should also be low in fat content, rich in vitamins & minerals, probiotics and antioxidants. These ingredients help in digestive health and immune health while preventing obesity.

Dorkies mostly resemble their Dachshund parent’s coat: short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired with black, white, tan, and brown colours. As such, their diet should contain enough omega fatty acids to support a healthy skin and lustrous coat.

Exercise

Do not be fooled by the tiny stature of the Dorkie and think that they do not require lots of exercise. As we have seen above, their parents are energetic and active which makes them have plenty of energy to expend.

As such, you will need to walk your Dachshund Terrier mix and involve him in socialization throughout the day. Remember, the mix is not meant to stroll for extended periods, at least for 15 – 30 minutes three times per day. That should be enough exercise for your Dorkie.

Training

The Dachshunds Terrier mix is cute and appealing to the eye, they are known to be self-reliant and stubborn at times. These traits make training complex but you can involve reward-based training using healthy and preferred treats to make the experience easy for both parties.

Because the mix is prone to IVDD, you should not let them jump high or on high surfaces to avoid spine injuries. They are also high-pitched barkers which can be irritating and also love digging. That demands for extensive training from the pup stage and regular training to curb these unwanted behaviours.

Grooming and Shedding

Due to their furry coats, Dachshunds Terrier mix has demanding grooming needs that require daily brushing, hand stripping, and straightening outlines. You should also bathe him at least one every three weeks.

The Dachshund Terrier mix, like other dogs, sheds naturally so as to allow new hair to grow and replace the old. The best thing with this is that the mix is not a notorious shredder.

Wrap-Up

While Dorkies might be mischievous and stubborn at times, they make excellent family pets but in homes with big kids. You must ensure they get enough exercise.