Docker Dog Breed Facts & Information

Say hello to the Docker, a mix of the Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel breeds. Typically, people describe these dogs as having the feisty, independent spirit of a Dachshund and the cheerful, affectionate nature of a Cocker Spaniel.

“I have found Dockers are the most loving, friendly, playful, and loyal little souls when in an environment they can thrive in,” says Lisa Emerson, a Docker breeder and owner of Freyadore Cumbria. 

While these charming pups haven’t officially been accepted onto the American Kennel Club’s breed registry, they’ve certainly captured the hearts of many!

Read on to learn all about Dockers.

Breed Characteristics

Appearance 

As a mixed breed, Dockers inherit a unique blend of traits from their parents, so Dockers can look very different from dog to dog!

For example, one dog may have a Dachshund’s elongated body and short legs, topped with a Cocker Spaniel’s expressive face and floppy ears. Another may not have much of an elongated body at all.

Some Dockers might be compact and low to the ground, with a very Dachshund-like build. Others might showcase their Cocker Spaniel heritage with a taller, more leggy frame.

A Docker’s size can also vary widely, depending on which parent breed dominates their DNA. According to Emerson, Dockers will grow no bigger than a working Cocker Spaniel, and they won’t be any smaller than a Miniature Dachshund.

Docker coats are just as diverse. Emerson notes that, depending on the coat type of both parents, the Docker may have shorter, wired, longer, or double-coated hair types. 

As for colors, their coats come in classic Dachshund shades of red, black, and tan, as well as more vibrant Cocker Spaniel shades of gold, silver, and black. Some Dockers may even have bicolor or tricolor coats.

Dockers can look quite quirky, especially as there’s no breed standard to guide their appearance. 

Origin And History

Unlike their purebred counterparts, Dockers don’t have a grand, centuries-old lineage. Their history is much more recent. Dockers were created as a combination of two other breeds, and they fall into a category popularly known as “designer dogs.”

Dachshunds were originally bred as badger hunters, explains Skyllar Cummings, Dachshund breeder and co-owner of Blessed Doxies Kennel. Their long, low bodies and short legs were perfectly suited for squeezing into badger burrows. Dachshunds are meant to have short, sturdy legs, so the badger could not swipe out and break their legs,” Cummings says.

The Cocker Spaniel, on the other hand, was originally bred in England to flush out game birds. Their eager personality makes them beloved hunting dogs, even today. 

As more people began adopting mixed-breed dogs, the Docker became a popular choice. Now, several breeders raise Dockers. 

Personality And Lifestyle

Dockers can inherit personality traits from either of their parent breeds. 

Cummings describes Dachshunds as being great family pets. “They are great with children and love to be surrounded by the love and attention a family can give.”

Cocker Spaniels are people-pleasers and tend to be very family-oriented. They were bred to work alongside humans all day long, so they tend to be very devoted, with an affectionate and playful nature.

So far, Emerson’s first litter of Dockers are shaping up as ideal family pets. She says the 5-month-old puppies get along fantastically with children and are well-adjusted and socialized with other dogs and people.

She says that since they come from working lines, they’re very intelligent and eager to please.

Ideal Environment

Dockers tend to be quite active, so they make good companions for people who enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking or playing fetch. With their playful nature, they do very well with children who are respectful of animals.

If you want a dog who wants to sit around and cuddle all day, the Docker may not be the best fit. They’re smart as well as active, and they need mental stimulation to stay happy and occupied. Providing them with puzzle toys is a great way to keep them entertained and prevent boredom.

Since Dockers are smaller dogs, many people consider them good apartment dogs. However, a small apartment may bore them, since they need plenty of regular exercise and mental stimulation. This doesn’t mean Dockers can’t thrive in apartments, but they will definitely need daily walks, playtime, and training sessions.

Good outlets for their boundless energy include brisk walks, a game of fetch, or a trip to the dog park!

Training

Like all dogs, Dockers need training.

Emerson says Dockers are very intelligent and eager to please, and they’re also very fond of training that involves treats! These traits mean they’re very receptive to positive reinforcement training.

Research also highlights reward-based dog training as the best approach. Dogs who receive rewards-based training are more likely to obey commands the first time.

On top of training, early socialization is also important. A lack of socialization can lead to behavioral problems in adult dogs.

Grooming Needs

Grooming a Docker can be a bit of a wild card, as it depends largely on what coat they inherit. 

Cummings explains that Dachshunds have three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Each requires different levels of grooming. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are the easiest to maintain, while longhaired and wirehaired varieties need more attention.

Some Dockers inherit a double coat from their Cocker Spaniel parent, which can also complicate the grooming process.

That said, Cummings says you can do all necessary grooming at home, even if you have a long-haired dog. That said, you may want to talk to your vet, breeder, or a professional groomer first if you aren’t sure how to groom your dog at home.

For your Docker specifically, Emerson recommends asking your breeder about their coat type so you can tailor your grooming routine to their needs. For example, if your Docker has short hair and resembles the short-haired Dachshund parent, then it’s best to use short-haired grooming practices.

Health

The biggest health concern for Dockers is intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This common issue in Dachshunds develops due to their long backs: 1 in 4 Dachshunds have some level of IVDD.

Cummings emphasizes the importance of proper conformation in preventing back issues like IVDD. Conformation refers to a dog’s skeletal structure and body proportions.

“Dachshunds have the rep of having a bad back, and anyone that owns one must be careful with them. But this boils down to the fact that the dog does not have the correct conformation!” 

Pet parents can help their dogs live long, healthy lives by choosing a breeder who prioritizes health, including good conformation, in the parent dogs. Cummings explains that she and her team have not had a dog develop IVDD in over 25 years of breeding because they refused to sacrifice conformation when breeding.

Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes blindness. This condition is recessively inherited. Choosing a quality breeder can lower the chances of your dog having this condition.

Worried about the expense of veterinary care for your dog? A good pet insurance plan can help you save some money on vet visits!

Getting A Docker

Finding just the right pup to bring home can be an exciting adventure! But getting a Docker may prove more challenging than trying to adopt a purebred dog, since they aren’t a recognized breed.  

Dedicated Docker breeders may be few and far between, but some reputable Dachshund or Cocker Spaniel breeders will have Docker puppies.

Often, a Docker from a breeder will cost around $500 to $1,000. You can find a Docker breeder by joining Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to this breed.

Important things to consider when choosing breeder:

• Health testing: Reputable breeders often conduct genetic health tests to identify potential hereditary problems. 
• Ethical breeding practices: Make sure the breeder prioritizes the welfare of their dogs. Ask to meet the mother (and father, if possible) and see where the puppies will be raised.
• Socialization: Puppies should be well-socialized from a young age. This means they should spend time with other dogs and people before they go home with you.
• Environment: Puppies should spend their time in a clean and safe environment.
• Contract: Most breeders will provide a health guarantee and contract. 

You can sometimes find these dogs at rescue organizations, too. Many mixed-breed dogs end up at shelters, but you might have to do a lot of searching before you find a Docker. Of course, you might find a completely different breed to love first! Adoption fees generally range from $50 to $350.

In the end, you may have to wait a bit longer for your Docker puppy than you would for a Dachshund or Cocker Spaniel. But if you’re set on one of these adorable dogs, you might find the wait well worth it!

Alternative Dog Breeds To Consider

While Dockers are undeniably charming, they might not make the perfect pet for every household. If you’re still considering other breeds, you might be interested in other Dachshund mixes:

• Doxiepoo: The Doxiepoo blends a Dachshund with a Poodle. They often have the elongated body of a Dachshund but with the curlier coat of a Poodle. They may shed less than other breeds.
• Dorgi: This blend of a Dachshund and Corgi may have even shorter legs than a Dachshund, due to the Corgi influence. 
• Chiweenie: This mix of a Dachshund and Chihuahua is a very small dog! They often inherit the Chihuahua’s big personality along with their tiny size.

Resources

• About English Cockers. (n.d.). https://englishcocker.org/history
• Bekoff, M. (2019). Science shows positive reward-based dog training is best. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/201901/science-shows-positive-reward-based-dog-training-is-best
• Cord1-PRA genetic testing recommended for Miniature Dachshunds. (2010). https://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/library/articles/articles/dachshundupdate0110.pdf
• Cummings, S. (2024). Personal interview.
• Dachshund breed history. (2022). https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Breed-History.pdf
• How common is IVDD? (n.d.). https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/what-is-ivdd/how-common-is-ivdd
• Emerson, L. (2024). Personal interview.
• McEvoy, V., et al. (2022). Canine socialisation: A narrative systematic review. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/21/2895
• Progressive retinal atrophy. (n.d.). https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/progressive-retinal-atrophy
• Thomas, W. B. (2021). Degenerative diseases of the spinal column and cord in animals. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/nervous-system/diseases-of-the-spinal-column-and-cord/degenerative-diseases-of-the-spinal-column-and-cord-in-animals
• Todd, Z. (2020). Positive reinforcement is more effective at training dogs than an electronic collar, study shows. https://avsab.org/positive-reinforcement-is-more-effective-at-training-dogs-than-an-electronic-collar-study-shows/