The Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy is known as the Docker. Its other popular nicknames are Spaniel Doxie and Doxie Spaniel. These puppies are a delightful breed of medium size. Since their parents are hunters, Spaniel Doxies are highly energetic and good at jumping and running.
They are always ready to go on adventures of capturing small animals and birds. Like the Cocker Spaniel, these dogs love to make their owners happy. However, they require adequate and consistent training to stay on their best behavior. Before you get a Spaniel Doxie, could you take a moment to learn about them below?
Origins of the Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix
The Cocker Spaniel
According to some sources, the Cocker Spaniel may have lived in Spain in the sixteenth century because its name suggests so. Others propose that the breed existed in England in the 1800s when it acted as a woodcock bird flusher and fetcher. Today, we have American and English Spaniels.
The Dachshund
Some historical sources reveal that Doxies may have been a cross-breed between three dogs: French Basset Hound, Pinscher, and Braque. The Dachshunds existed in Germany around the 1500s. It was a badger hunter that followed the prey into their hiding holes. Dachshunds became house pets from around the 1800s when Queen Victoria noticed them. The Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy is one of the modern varieties of the Doxie. These dogs became members of the American Kennel Club in 1885.
The Hybrid
Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix – The Dachshund and Cocker spaniel mix puppy lacks robust background data because it is a designer dog. Breeders intentionally created this dog breed by cross-breeding the Cocker Spaniel and Doxie in the nineties. The source is unknown, but it might be the United States. Although its parent dogs were originally hunters, they later became family companions. That helped popularize their offspring, the Docker, which is an unshakable man’s best friend today.
Overview of Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix
Physical Characteristics
The Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy has a medium-sized body. These puppies weigh twenty to thirty pounds. Their height is about nine to fifteen inches. They appear in these colors: black, brown, white, gold, cream, and tan. The Spaniel Doxie coat can be short or medium long with a smooth or wiry texture. Its appearance depends on the type of Dachshund used for breeding. So, if its coat is long and wired, its offspring will have thicker and longer fur.
Temperament and Personality
The Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy has a friendly temperament. These puppies make good companions for families with an active outdoor life because they love work. The dogs will take you out for hiking or hunting and won’t tire. Their other side is being protective and clingy around the house. They love to give you company as you sleep or do your chores in the house. Their gentle personality allows them to bond with bigger kids rather than small ones.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Dockers are not dogs you can lock inside the house all day due to high-energy bouts. Ensure they get thirty to sixty minutes of exercise in the yard or around the neighborhood every day. Take yours to the beach or hiking trails to follow scents and see new things and people. These actions can help stimulate their minds and calm them down. Dockers can also run away if you leave them bored in a non-secure yard.
Grooming and Care
A Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy litter has varying coats and different grooming needs. They generally have short, long, or wired coats depending on the Doxie used for mating. For instance, a long-haired puppy requires regular brushing to prevent tangling and matting. It needs occasional hair trimming. Additionally, all Doxie Spaniel puppies need regular ear cleaning to remove mites, clear rashes, and remove wax. Never ignore brushing their teeth throughout the week and trimming their nails occasionally.
Health Concerns
The health issues your Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy can have depend on the most dominant genes. If they look more like the Dachshund parent, they will be prone to urinary tract infections, diabetes, intervertebral disk disease, and epilepsy. On the other hand, puppies that resemble their Cocker Spaniel parent more might suffer from ear infections, eye diseases, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, dental issues, allergies, etc. Take the time to understand all the diseases and disorders your pet can develop. Take it to the veterinarian to examine your pet and diagnose certain health issues early.
Lifespan
Many factors contribute to a dog’s longevity, including the presence or absence of a nutritious diet and routine exercise. Moreover, these dogs are susceptible to certain diseases depending on their genes. Since a Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy has hybrid vigor, they may outlive their parents by not getting severely ill. Usually, a Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund mix puppy will live for twelve to fifteen years. It can also live much longer if you start taking good care of it at a younger age.
Train Cocker Spaniel-Dachshund Mix Puppy
- Early Socialization – A Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy requires early socialization to learn how to behave around strangers, kids, and other pets. It might inherit the stubbornness of its parents. In such a case, the Docker puppy can be harder to train even with its high intelligence. Socialization can help it behave safely around small kids but under your supervision. This is because Dockers can become aggressive if little children cross their boundaries.
- Basic Commands and Obedience – A Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy can learn basic commands easily as it is intelligent. But, their self-driven attitude can get in the way of training. Thus, you need to be consistent and thorough with your training. These Dockers can bark a lot like their parents. These basic commands can help the dogs know when to shut up.
- Handling the Doxie-Spanish Mix’s Temperament – Since Dockers are fun-loving and happy dogs that love companionship, you should reciprocate. You should not ignore their urge to play and exercise because they will lack mental stimulation. The dogs can destroy things or follow their hearts by running away without adequate mental stimulation. Give them enough attention, especially outdoor fun.
- Common Behavioral Issues – A Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy develops behavioral issues when lacking mental stimulation. One of these is destroying things around them, and some of these can be precious. They can be hard to trust around young kids or other pets. Lastly, these dogs can bark non-stop if they feel bored.
- Daily Exercise – A Spaniel Doxie requires daily exercise to burn its energy and avoid obesity. Take it for regular walks, runs, and hikes outdoors, as it will enjoy itself the most there. About thirty minutes to one hour of exercise is enough daily. Commit to this plan to help your dog live a longer, healthier life.
Conclusion
A Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy is intelligent, affectionate, and energetic. Its parents were originally hunters who went after small animals and birds. The Docker also loves to chase squirrels and birds. It has a good temperament and personality, although it can sometimes rule itself.
This pet cannot live a sedentary life, as it requires consistent mental stimulation. That is why its owners should create an exercise routine for each day. This dog is prone to some diseases that its parents are prone to getting. You should take it to the veterinarian regularly for checkups and early interventions.
FAQ
How much exercise does a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix need?
A Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy often has a high level of energy. It cannot stay without exercising its body regularly as it can become obese. Even when you are short on time, play with it for at least thirty minutes.
Are Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix puppies easy to train?
Doxie Spaniels are intelligent and relatively easy to train. When they are stubborn, you can struggle to train them effectively. However, positive reinforcement and consistency are all you need to succeed in training.
How big will a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix grow?
A Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel mix puppy often grows to a medium size. The puppy can reach up to fifteen inches tall. Its average maximum weight is thirty pounds.
Leave A Comment