Also known as a Docker or a Spaniel Doxie, the cocker spaniel dachshund mix is a new and spectacular designer dog breed. This gorgeous mix between two already cute scenthound breeds is playful, social, and affectionate. It’s also wonderfully bizarre and peculiar in its tendencies.
Like most crossbreeds, the Docker is quite unpredictable in terms of temperament and even its physical characteristics. However, with two well-known and great family pets as parents, the cocker spaniel dachshund mix is always a great pet regardless of which parent he resembles more.
What Are The Key Physical Characteristics Of the Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix?
As both cocker spaniels and dachshunds are fairly small, so is the Docker dog crossbreed. These canines will usually grow only as far as 9 to 13 inches in height (23 to 33 cm) or about 25 lbs in weight (11 kg).
As both dachshunds and cocker spaniels tend to have floppy ears, so does the Docker. Both parent breeds also have elongated muzzles although the Doxies’ muzzles are usually narrower. In theory, the Docker’s muzzle should go either way but most owners share that its muzzle looks more like that of a dachshund. Keep in mind that this is a very new crossbreed – first mixed in 1999 – so we don’t have much data to go by.
As for the coats of the cocker spaniel dachshund mix, they are usually of medium length and fairly thick. However, some variation is possible when the parent Doxie was short-haired. The standard colors for the Spaniel Doxie are white, black, brown, cream, or a combination of two or three of those.
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The Unique Personality Of The Docker Dog Crossbreed
Crossbreeds will often have a very varying personality depending on which parent the mix takes more from. However, with the Docker dog, both its parents are scenthounds. Dachshunds were traditionally used to hunt badgers in Germany. Cocker Spaniels, on the other hand, were bird-hunting dogs. So, whichever parent your Docker takes more from, he’s still going to be a hound dog.
This means that Spaniel Doxies will usually have a strong prey drive and won’t get along well with smaller pets like hamsters, birds, and even small cats. However, as far as other dogs and even larger adult cats are concerned – a properly socialized Docker dog should have little trouble getting along with them.
More importantly, the cocker spaniel dachshund mix is a very social breed as far as people are concerned. This dog will almost always love being the center of attention and should have no trouble being among many people, including strangers. The only exception would be if you’ve completely neglected the pup’s socialization, in which case every breed would be antisocial.
How Smart Is This Crossbreed?
As far as intelligence is concerned, this crossbreed is up there with other hound breeds. Both cocker spaniels and dachshunds were bred to be very intelligent, trainable, and with a strong instinct for following commands and performing tasks. The only catch is that they can also be a bit stubborn. This is an intentional part of their temperament – they were meant to be relentless as they had to hunt a difficult game.
So, while the cocker spaniel dachshund mix is trainable, it does require a firm and experienced hand. Obedience training is especially important from the earliest possible age if you want a dog that will listen to you and respect your authority.
Last but not least, as both an intelligent and a very social breed, the Docker dog is prone to separation anxiety. This is very common in a lot of dogs, including most dachshund mixes. Simply put, separation anxiety means that your dog won’t tolerate being left home alone for too long or too often. That’s why this breed isn’t recommended for single people unless they work from home. If you have to work out of home five days a week, you should consider one of a few of the following:
- Make sure a family member is always home when you’re away
- Hire a dog walker or a dog sitter
- Arrange playdates with other dog owners you know
- Exhaust your Docker dog with playtime before you go to work
- Get a lot of interactive and anti-anxiety dog toys
- Get a second dog to keep your Docker company
How Much Exercise Does The Dachshund Spaniel Mix Need?
The cocker spaniel dachshund mix requires a medium amount of exercise but it needs it regularly as it’s prone to obesity. As a rule of thumb, about an hour of physically demanding exercise outdoors should be enough for this breed, coupled with some playtime indoors. Yard time isn’t strictly necessary so these dogs are suitable for apartments. If you do have a yard, be wary of your dog escaping by digging under the fence as that’s prone to happen with some scenthound breeds.
How Healthy Exactly Is A Dachshund Mixed With Cocker Spaniel?
With a good diet, plenty of exercise, and regular vet check-ups, your cocker spaniel dachshund mix should have a long and healthy life. The average lifespan seems to be between 12 and 16 years, similar to that of dachshunds. More is possible with the right care, however. Also, note that it’s crucial to only get your dogs from reputable breeders that offer health certificates. This way, you’ll be more likely to avoid any of the following issues:
- Patellar luxation
- Obesity
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
So, Is A Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix The Right Dog For You?
In short, docker dogs are excellent pets for families with kids. This is an especially suitable breed for those who love spending time inside and are only looking for a buddy for two nice walks a day. It is important to accent on the obedience training, however, if you want a dog that listens to you. You should also be careful with separation anxiety. If you intend to leave your pooch home alone for extended periods of time, this may be the wrong breed for you.
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