What do a Docker and a Spaniel Doxie have in common?
They are both names for the beautiful Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix.
This mix can be mildly affectionate, fiercely loving, or a tiny terror, as all small dogs can be.
Let’s take a look at what sets a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix apart from the crowd.
Where Does the Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Come From?
Cocker Spaniels have been around since the 1800s, with the split between English and American breeds made official in 1945.
This parent breed is known for being a working dog that was originally used in hunting woodcocks, a type of game bird.
On the other side of the family tree, Dachshunds hail from the 1500s in Germany.
Another working dog, Dachshunds were bred to hunt small ground animals, primarily badgers.
The First Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Dogs
The first Docker was born in the United States in 1999.
The looks and temperament of Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix dogs are far less predictable than the individual parent breeds.
On the other hand, crossbreeding to make hybrids like the Docker can have a positive effect on their health.
To find out more about debate surrounding mixed breed dogs, visit us here.
The important thing to remember is that either option will bring its own challenges and benefits to you and your new pup’s life.
Fun Facts About the Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix
- This mix tends to be more of a wildcard than some.
- These puppies don’t always show which side of their family they will take after as adults.
- It’s always a process of discovery as you raise a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix!
- Some traits can be relied upon, such as a constant drive for play and a very social temperament.
- As a newer mix, these dogs almost demand a second look. They are great conversation starters!
Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Appearance
A little dog, the Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix generally ranges from about nine to 13 inches in height.
They weigh on average around 25 pounds.
Anecdotally, the general shape of these dogs typically skews toward the Dachshund side of the family.
They are commonly long-bodied, deep-chested, and short-legged.
Apart from such general trends, almost all other physical details are up to chance.
Since Dockers can inherit physical attributes of either parent, it is possible for them to look very much like a Cocker Spaniel, or not at all.
Eyes and noses are a little more predictable. Noses are black and eyes are either brown or hazel.
Their coats are usually medium length and thick.
Black, brown, white, cream and variations of these colors are all possible.
Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Temperament
The temperament of the Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix depends on multiple factors.
As with any dog, quality training and attention from a loving owner can make the difference between a well-adjusted dog or a problem pet.
Cocker Spaniels are bird hunters; Dachshunds are badger hunters.
Regardless of which parent this mix takes after, the dog will be a hunter with a strong work ethic and prey drive.
They will need lots of exercise and play to burn off energy, and training to learn acceptable behavior.
Are Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Dogs Aggressive?
Both Cocker Spaniels and Dachshunds crop up regularly in canine aggression studies, but the findings are far from conclusive.
This 2008 study at the University of Pennsylvania found that Dachshunds (alongside Chihuahuas) were the breed of dog most likely to behave aggressively towards humans and other dogs.
That study contradicts this 1996 Danish study, which found that Dachshunds were among the breeds least likely to show aggression.
The same Danish study, and this earlier Anglo-American study, found that Cocker Spaniels are prone to aggression towards familiar and unfamiliar humans.
But a UK study in 2014 found that the gun dog group (which includes Cocker Spaniels) is the least aggressive towards strangers.
So the answer for Dockers is far from clear cut.
But we do also know from the latter study that attending puppy classes significantly reduces the risk of puppies growing up into aggressive dogs.
The Importance of Socialization for Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Dogs
To raise a confident, well-mannered Docker, socialization is more important for this extroverted breed.
Introduce your Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix puppy to a wide variety of people and places while they’re young.
This reduces the risk of them reacting fearfully and aggressively to new situations when they grow up.
With care and attention, this mix can be one of the most loving and devoted mixes around.
Training Your Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix
In general, this mix is eager to please and readily trainable.
However, this can vary dramatically even within the same litter of pups.
The training and exercising of any breed or mix is a complicated subject.
Basic guidelines remain the same for all, but you wouldn’t train a Husky in the same way as, say, a Pomeranian!
Choosing the Right Training Technique for Your Docker
These dogs want to please and obey you.
They just have to be shown how to channel their natural energy in a positive way.
Harsh training and overt disapproval can easily set back these intelligent pups.
“Solving” issues in these ways may only be creating problems down the road.
Our guide to the best training methods will help you start off on the right foot.
Exercise for your Dachshund Cocker Spaniel Mix
Both parents of this mix are very active dogs and their offspring will be the same way.
Introduce your Docker puppy to exercise gradually using our guide to puppy exercise requirements.
A hour of activity a day is recommended by most experienced owners.
Training, socialization, and exercise can be easily combined in day-to-day life.
With plenty of love and attention, these tasks can turn into great bonding time with the newest member of your family.
Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Health
How about the overall health and care of the Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix?
Because this is a fairly new crossbreed, the best way to learn about its health is to look at the parents, and how their genetics will impact their offspring.
Cocker Spaniel Health
Major health problems of Cocker Spaniels include:
- Patellar luxation
- Glaucoma
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
Elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, epilepsy and gastric torsion are slightly less common, but are still causes of concern.
Dachshund Health
Dachshunds are prone to:
The Happy Cat Handbook - A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!
- Eye issues, including PRA
- Obesity
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Various back problems
- Hip dysplasia
More minor issues include skin problems, a higher risk of diabetes, and kidney issues.
Intervertebral disc disease and other disorders of the spine are particularly significant problems for Dachshunds.
These painful conditions are the result of their exaggerated shape, something we as humans have deliberately pursued at their expense.
To spare Docker puppies the same fate, responsible breeders only breed from Dachshunds with a healthy length spine.
Finding a Healthy Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Puppy
Regular veterinary visits will ensure that you stay on top of your pet’s health.
Hip dysplasia and PRA are common to both parent breeds, but there are screening tests for both conditions.
Insist on buying a puppy from a breeder who screens their parent dogs for these conditions, and who can demonstrate that their Dachshund parent is free of intervertebral disc disease.
Caring for a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix
Moving on to more general health information, what should you know in everyday life about this mix?
They tend to live about 11-14 years and may have allergies.
Grooming is fairly low-maintenance; they require brushing about three times a week, depending on their coats.
As with all dogs, quality food is a must.
Feed as your vet recommends, and you are good to go!
Do Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mixes Make Good Family Dogs?
These dogs are small and have moderate energy.
They are also fairly easy to train and learn quickly.
They are likely to fit in well with active adult households.
A happy Docker needs lots of socializing, exercise, and opportunities to “work” via games or classes.
Since Cocker Spaniels and Dachshunds have mixed reputations for aggression, this might not be a suitable hybrid for households with young children or other dogs.
Likewise, the high prey drive of both parents means their crossbreed offspring might not be safe around smaller pets like cats and rabbits.
It will depend both on your family and your potential puppy or rescue dog.
Rescuing a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix
Rescuing the newest member of your family brings many benefits.
You give an animal a new start on life and bring home an exciting new member that is ready-made.
Depending on the dog in question, he may not need as much initial training or similar training as you may have given other dogs.
Though it comes with many challenges, please consider rescuing a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix if you are interested in one and can find one!
Finding a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Puppy
How do you go about finding a puppy, particularly if you are looking for a specific mix?
Even with the rise of “designer dogs,” i.e. very tailored mixes, it can be difficult to find what you want.
First of all, it is very important to avoid puppy mills and pet stores.
These places are only out to make a profit.
The best place to start is with a reputable breeder who obviously takes care of his or her dogs and cares about where the puppies are going.
Beyond that, it really depends on where you live and what options are available in that area.
A great place to start is on our own puppy search page!
Raising A Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Puppy
How do you raise and train your Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix to the best potential for both of you?
It all starts with training and practice.
This is a large topic, but you can start easily at our dog training pages today!
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
We also have resources to help you understand your dog or pup better.
Pros and Cons of Getting A Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix
There’s a lot of information in this article.
Here’s a quick sum up of what has been covered so far.
Cons:
- Requires a lot of time investment in providing opportunities to work and exercise
- May be prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and intervertebral disc disease.
- Is still a hunter according to its ancestry, so may not be suitable for households with smaller pets
Pros:
- Loves to work alongside people and be part of your “team”
- Eager to please and fairly easy to train
- Is smaller and ideal for apartment living
Similar Mixes and Breeds
If you love the idea of a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix but would like to keep your options open, consider these alternatives!
We’ve focused on Cocker Spaniel mixes to avoid the widespread health problems affecting Dachshunds.
Rescues
Are you open to a rescue Cocker Spaniel Dachshund?
One of these dogs could be just waiting for a forever home with you.
Regardless of your location and resources, your best bet is asking specific groups for Cocker Spaniels and Dachshunds.
Tell them your story, and see where it goes!
You can also target adoption centers and other rescue organizations.
Always remember that rescue dogs are rescue dogs for a reason, but this reason isn’t necessarily a reflection of the dog’s temperament.
Open up a dialogue with the shelter and learn as much as you can about your potential options.
If there’s a rescue shelter near you which specializes in Cocker Spaniels or Dachshunds, please tell us about them in the comments!
Is A Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix Right For You?
If you are looking for a striking smaller dog to love, train, and enjoy life with, a Cocker Spaniel Dachshund may be just right for you!
If you’ve already taken the plunge with a Docker puppy, please tell us all about them and how you’re getting along in the comments!
References and Resources
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
Podbersceka, A., Serpellb, J, The English Cocker Spaniel: preliminary findings on aggressive behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1996.
Rosenblatta, A., et al, Precision of spinal radiographs as a screening test for intervertebral disc calcification in Dachshunds, 2015.
Howell TJ, et al, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. 2015.
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Tara says
I’ve been doing a lot of research on this breed as I had a Docker for 10 years and want to be able to get another in the future as I have absolutely fallen in love with the mixed breed. The only problem, as you say, is that they are a very common mixed breed. We came upon our last docker rather randomly, and he was even sold as another breed that he clearly was not. My question for this blog, or anyone who has knowledge reading this, is there any reputable breeders that you know about for this specific mix. If so, would you be kind enough to leave their contact information/website url so that I can go about getting my favorite breed the best way possible. I have also looked at rescuing but come across the same trouble finding them available. I don’t plan on getting another dog right away, but do want to have a plan of action for when I have the time available for a dog. Thanks in advance!
Cassidy says
I just got my Docker last week, she’s almost 11 weeks. So far she’s such a sweet pup and loves everyone. She was obsessed with my 4 yr old nephew so that was very pleasing. You can tell already she is going to have an opinion on just about everything, she has a little attitude. She’s pretty vocal and loves to be heard when I’m not paying attention to her (working on her independence by ignoring the winning and barking) but took to sleeping in the crate pretty well and fast, now she doesn’t love it because she knows she can’t sit on me but she just goes to sleep when she’s placed in there. I’m enrolling her in puppy classes the second I can, she really seems eager to learn and wants to please us. Something interesting she’s the first dog I’ve been around that has refused multiple different treats, she was very uninterested in them. So for rewards she gets a lot of “good girls” and a lot of pets!
Tara Lafferty says
Been looking for breeders of this mix myself. Would you be willing to share where you purchased your puppy? Thanks.
Spencer says
My family rescued a docker about seven years ago from an abusive home when she was three months old. Because of this she’s always been a very shy dog and super aggressive towards strangers but she can be super sweet when she wants to.
David Sharp says
How can you say this is a “new” hybrid that only appeared in 1999? Our family dog when I was a child was a dachshund / cocker spaniel mix. Granted, she was spayed after she had a litter of puppies from an unknown neighborhood dog. This was in the ’60s… I have photos if you want to see…
Daniel says
They generally work off what Records are available to them.
The breed isnt very popular and finding the sources for them can be murkey business, the 90’s is really kind of when the breed “popped up” in wider knowledge, thats not to say that there couldn’t be examples before hand…as your testimony shows, but more thats when the breed “came to light”