Docker Dog Breed

The Docker, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; though the Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel mix has probably existed naturally for a long time, the parent breeds were probably first interbred for commercial purposes during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. The ideal Docker environment is as a pet for families willing to give their dogs a lot of attention.

A few Cocker Spaniel-Dachshund mix facts: they're small-sized, averaging 12 inches at the shoulders in height and 25 pounds in weight; their coat length and texture will vary depending on the coat type of the Dachshund parent (and the coats will shed moderately); and they're prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

For potential owners, here are some Docker benefits (and some Docker problems as well):

Much of the Docker info splashed across the Web describes these hybrids as sweet, playful, and at times stubborn--and though no official Dockers Wiki page exists (not for the dog breed, at least), other sites agree these little dogs will be great companions for singles, seniors, apartment dwellers, and basically anyone who can spend a lot of time with their dogs.

Docker 101: while pleasant and affectionate, these hybrids usually inherit some not-so-appealing traits from their parent breeds. Like the Dachshund, they can be stubborn, and they tend to do a lot of digging like their Doxie relatives. And Dockers will inherit the high prey drives and frequent barking tendencies from both parents. All this means your Docker will need obedience training and socialization, starting during puppyhood if possible, to help minimize these undesirable habits.

Another bit of Cocker Spaniel-Dachshund mix info concerns their energy levels. While they definitely enjoy playing and running, Docker dogs aren't especially energetic or strong. Still, they'll need daily exercise sessions--outdoors, if possible--to serve as outlets for the energy they do have.

No detailed accounts of Dockers' history is available. In all likelihood, a Dachshund mixed with Cocker Spaniel has naturally occurred in numerous places for many years--but no breeder or breed club has claimed this hybrid's creation.

Here's a brief look at the histories of the parent breeds:

Dachshund: Originally developed centuries ago in Germany to hunt badgers (in German, dachs means badger and hund means dog), the short-legged Dachshund was prized for its ability to hunt both above and below ground. Early Dachshunds had short, smooth coats, but over time, breeders created a wire-haired variation (for hunting in thick brush) and a long-haired variant (for cold-weather hunting). During the 1800s these dogs became popular as pets, particularly in England, and Dachshunds eventually made their way to the U.S., where the American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1885. As of 2020, the Dachshund ranks 12th on the AKC's list of 196 recognized breeds.

Cocker Spaniel: This breed was originally part of a group of spaniel "types" that were separated by function rather than genetics. In England, some spaniels became known as "cockers" for their ability to hunt woodcocks. During the 19th century these dogs began being exported to the U.S., and by the turn of the 20th century breeders had refined the Cocker Spaniel into separate English and American types; the American Cocker Spaniel is what most people think of as simply a "Cocker Spaniel." Currently, the breed is 30th out of 196 AKC-registered breeds.

At first glance, the Doxie-Cocker mix has a "soft" or "gentle" appearance much like its parent breeds.

Specifically what does a Docker look like? The head is the shape of a soft, narrow wedge, and the ears are large and low-hanging (and sometimes covered with thick hair like that of the Cocker Spaniel). Docker eyes are almond-shaped and brown, and its muzzle is fairly long. The chest is wide but shallow, the legs are short (but feet big), and the body is usually long and cylindrical like the Doxie's. As for the tail, Docker dogs have a long, thick, slightly curved one.

Dockers' coats can vary depending on the coat length and texture of the Dachshund parent--but a Docker's coat is most often short to medium in length, soft, and slightly wavy.

Within the Dockers' breeds, there isn't too much variety in physical features. Individual Dockers might vary a bit in ear, leg, or tail length, but these differences are naturally occurring and don't specify a breed sub-type.

Dockers' coats can have some variation depending on the coat of the Doxie parent. A long-haired Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel mix, for example, can happen if its Dachshund parent is also long-haired. Most often, though, these hybrids' coats are short to medium in length.

Size is usually consistent too--but breeders might use selective breeding techniques to develop a Miniature Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel mix. By breeding progressively smaller dogs, the breeders can create Miniature Dockers or Mini Docker dogs as small as eight inches and 12 pounds--but again, these little dogs don't represent a breed sub-type.

Friendly, intelligent, loyal, playful, and at times stubborn, the Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel mix temperament is one of affection and fun. These hybrids can get along with most anyone or anything; they'll usually take cues from their owners on how to treat strange people and animals--but they might inherit the Doxie's territoriality, so they'll be suspicious of strangers if that's the case. Dockers will usually get along with other pets too, but their high prey drives mean they'll chase cats and other small animals. In any case, it's best if these dogs grow up alongside any other household pets.

In regards to training: Dockers are smart, and can learn things quickly--but since the Cocker Spaniel-Dachshund mix personality often includes some stubbornness, a few repetitions might be necessary when teaching them tasks, tricks, and commands. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Another of the good Docker traits is these hybrids' watchdog abilities. They're alert and loyal, and will usually bark to alert their people if they perceive unknown sights or sounds.

A Docker, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, some Dockers may suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, allergies, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Dockers with longer backs like the Dachshund are more prone to back issues, particularly Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Docker is 12-14 years.

Some random facts about Docker uses, along with other interesting details:

• Dockers can be good hunting dogs: Since they're the offspring of two hunting breeds, a properly trained Docker is adept at hunting birds, vermin, and other small game.
• Dockers are prone to obesity: Their moderate energy levels and compact builds make Dockers prime candidates for becoming overweight. Owners will need to moderate their dogs' food consumption and avoid feeding them table scraps to minimize this problem.
• They can be prone to back problems: Dockers that have longer bodies like the Dachshund often have back issues because of the extra pressure that's exerted on their long spines.
• Dockers can make excellent therapy dogs: If a Docker inherits the sweet disposition of the Cocker Spaniel, the dog will be great in nursing homes and other assisted living facilities.