The Dorkie is a crossbreed of the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier. Also known as the Dorkie Terrier, this hybrid comes from the United States, initially bred in 1990. First developed as a family companion dog, this breed is laid-back, gentle, and easy to train. To learn more about Dorkie puppies, keep reading.
Where to get Dorkie Puppies
You can begin your search for this pup by calling your local animal shelter or breed rescue organization. They might have Dorkie puppies, adults, or seniors available for adoption.
Most of these dogs have been at these places for a long time, waiting for the right family to come along. So, you can adopt and not shop while still getting a new furry friend. Plus, you’ll provide them with a forever, loving home.
On the other hand, if you have your heart set on getting a puppy and want to know where the dog came from, you can go through a reputable breeder. Since this breed is a designer dog, you won’t go through the American Kennel Club since they don’t recognize this breed. You’ll need to find ethical breeders on your own. Hexe…
Luckily, you’ll be able to tell a good breeder from the rest because they’ll do the following:
- Health screen and genetically test the parents before breeding to ensure it’s healthy and safe to do so (then get the puppies tested)
- Have health documents and family tree history available for you to bring home upon adoption
- Allow the parents and the litter to live in their home as part of the family without the use of kennels (aside from crate training)
- Socialize and train the puppies as early as possible
- Ensure the puppies are up to date with all of their vaccinations
In addition, a good breeder will want to meet with you in person to get to know you so you can meet them, the parents, and the litter before deciding on adoption. Also, they’ll be open and honest with you. For instance, they’ll answer all of your questions about the breeder, the breed, the dogs and litter, the breeding process, and the adoption process.
So, if you find a breeder that doesn’t do the above, then you’ll want to avoid working with them. For instance, they might be a backyard breeder or a puppy mill, and they don’t breed the dogs in healthy or safe conditions. Also, they’re more interested in making a profit rather than finding the puppies good homes.
The Cost
The average coat of Dorkie puppies is about $700. However, the price can vary depending on a few factors, such as the time of year, the breeder’s location, the breed’s popularity, or the number of puppies in the litter.
Appearance
Dorkie puppies will grow to be small dogs, with males slightly bigger than females. For example, males can grow to be about eight to ten inches tall and weigh between seven and 12 pounds. On the other hand, females can grow to be about five to eight inches tall and weigh between five and ten pounds.
When it comes to their appearance, this mixed breed can inherit its looks from either parent’s breed. However, they often have a medium to long coat that can come in the following coat colors and markings:
- Blue
- Brown
- Black
- Red
Temperament
If you’re looking for a fun, cuddly lapdog, then this crossbreed might be suitable for your family. Dorkies are loyal and affectionate with their family members. Also, they’re great around young children, other dogs, and meeting new people.
However, they’ll need to be supervised around others to see how they react at first. Then, they’ll need early socialization and training. This doggo is easy to train but can be lazy at times and not train for a day. If needed, you can hire a professional dog trainer to help you out as needed.
Finally, this dog breed has low energy levels. So they’ll do well living in an apartment or a bigger house with a fenced-in yard. Irina…
Dorkie Puppies – Veterinary Needs
As with all dogs, you’ll want to bring this pup to the vet at least once a year for their annual checkup. However, during their first year as a puppy, be sure to bring them to the vet more often. Then, you’ll be able to keep track of their growth and development. Also, you can keep them up to date with their shots and boosters.
For example, this dog breed is prone to inheriting many health issues from its parents. As a result, they can get the following health conditions:
- Cataracts
- Deafness
- Hydrocephalus
- Entropion
- Color Dilution Alopecia
- Corneal Dystrophy
- Acanthosis Nigricans
- Patellar Luxation
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Tracheal Collapse
- Portosystemic Shunt
This mixed breed has an average lifespan of about ten to 13 years with proper care.
Diet
With your vet’s approval, you can provide high-quality kibble or canned wet food from a commercial dog food brand or homemade dog food. However, you also want to ensure that it’s appropriate for their breed size, age, weight, and metabolism.
Grooming
Luckily, you won’t need to worry about too much grooming with this pup. Instead, you can bring them to a professional grooming salon as needed or bathe them at home as needed.
They don’t shed too much, but their coat can get matted or tangled. So, you’ll want to brush their coat at least three to four times per week to keep it looking nice.
In addition, remember to keep up with cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and trimming their nails regularly.
Dorkie Puppies – Photos
