Facts & Origin
Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel in one
The Docker is a still rather rare designer hybrid breed that is the result of crossing a Dachshund (Dachshund) with a Cocker Spaniel (English Cocker Spaniel or American Cocker Spaniel). The aim of this cross was to combine the affectionate, courageous character of the Dachshund with the friendly, playful nature of the Cocker Spaniel - in a compact, family-friendly dog with a charming appearance.
The exact origin of this cross is not clearly documented, but like many so-called designer dogs, the Docker was probably deliberately bred as part of the growing interest in hybrid breeds in the USA or Great Britain. The aim was to create a dog that was less hunting-oriented than the pure Dachshund, but more playful and family-oriented than the Cocker Spaniel.
Criticism of the Docker
As with many mixed-breed dogs, there is also criticism of the Docker - particularly because it is not recognized as an official breed and there are therefore no standardized specifications for temperament, health or appearance. This means that puppies from one litter can differ greatly from one another - not only in appearance, but also in behavior.
Another point of criticism concerns the potentially difficult combination of two hunting dog breeds. Both the Dachshund and the Cocker Spaniel were originally bred for hunting, which can lead to the Docker also having a pronounced hunting instinct, stubbornness or stubbornness - characteristics that do not always match the idea of an uncomplicated family dog.
In addition, as with all hybrid breeds, there is a risk that health problems in both parents will be passed on if the dog is not bred properly with appropriate preventative examinations.
Suitability of the Docker
Despite potential challenges, the Docker can be an affectionate, friendly and cheerful companion dog if well socialized and lovingly trained. It is well suited to active people or families who enjoy spending time with their dog and providing it with clear structures.
The Docker is generally very people-oriented, loves to be with its caregivers and is often playful, curious and eager to learn. Depending on their disposition, however, they can also be headstrong or stubborn, which requires consistent but patient leadership.
Ideal for:
Families with some dog experience
Couples or individuals who want to spend a lot of time with their dog
People who enjoy going for walks, having little adventures or playful training
Households with children (if the dog has been well socialized)
The Docker is less suitable for people who are looking for a dog that is easy to train, needs little attention or stays on its own, as it prefers to be with you all the time.
| Alternate Name | Dachshund-Cocker-Spaniel mix, Cocker-Doxie |
| Origin | Germany - England |
| Life expectancy | 10 - 17 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance - high-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Cocker Spaniel mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Possible character traits of the Docker
The Docker is usually a lively, clever and affectionate dog with a strong bond to its humans. The mix of Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel typically combines courage, curiosity and playfulness, but also has a good portion of self-will.
Many Dachshunds are very social, get on well with children and - with early socialization - also with other dogs. They like to be everywhere and show a high degree of learning ability. At the same time, the Docker can be stubborn or independent due to its Dachshund nature, especially if it thinks it knows better - consistent training with positive reinforcement is therefore very important.
A certain vigilance is also typical: Dockers often report when someone approaches the house without being overly aggressive. With sufficient mental exercise and close family contact, he will develop into a loyal, lively and charming everyday companion.
Usage
Health and breeding information
Possible diseases of the Docker
As the Docker is a hybrid dog, health problems can occur in both parent breeds. Although genetic diversity can reduce some risks, it does not guarantee robustness - responsible breeding with health tests is therefore crucial.
Possible diseases in the Docker:
Intervertebral disc problems (dachshund paralysis) due to the elongated back
Ear infections, especially with long drooping ears (typical for Cocker Spaniels)
Eye diseases, e.g. cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Skin problems or allergies
Patellar luxation (displaced kneecap), more common in small to medium-sized dogs
Heart problems, especially with a genetic predisposition
A balanced diet, weight control, regular exercise (without stairs or jumping too high), as well as good ear and coat care can prevent many complaints or make them recognizable at an early stage.
This is what a Docker can look like
The appearance of the Docker can vary greatly - depending on the characteristics it inherits from its parents. As a rule, they are somewhere between Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels and are usually small to medium-sized, with a shoulder height of around 25 to 38 cm and a weight of between 8 and 15 kg.
Typical is a compact, muscular build, often somewhat elongated, like the Dachshund. The leg length can vary: Some Dockers have the short, strong legs of the Dachshund, others rather the longer, more elegant legs of the Cocker.
The coat structure and external appearance strongly depend on which type of Dachshund has been bred:
If a short-haired dachshund is crossed in, the result is often a smooth, low-maintenance coat type with shorter hair.
Long-haired d achshunds usually have a softer, longer and slightly wavy coat, especially on the ears, chest and legs.
If a rough-haired dachshund is crossed, the coat can be denser, wirier and bristlier - with a rustic expression.
The ears are almost always long and drooping, sometimes heavily feathered, and the facial expression is friendly, curious and lively. The coat colors are varied: from single-colored (black, brown, red) to multi-colored (tricolor, pied, with markings) to rare color variations such as merle or silver.
Overall, the Docker is a small, expressive dog with a lot of charm, whose appearance is as individual as its character - characterized by the exciting mixture of two very different but lovable breeds.
| Fur length | short - medium |
| Fur | rough-haired - wavy |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | short - fanned out |
| Anatomy | strong, dainty |
| Size ♀ | 17 - 41 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 7 - 15 kg |
| Size ♂ | 17 - 43 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 7 - 16 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Known Diseases
Dachshund Paralysis
By dachshund paralysis (discopathy) veterinarians mean paralysis of the limbs in dogs.
Overweight
Often, unfortunately, the dogs very much under excess weight. But the dogs themselves are never to blame!
Disc problems
Herniated disc in dogs (discopathy). Herniated discs or dachshund paralysis cause dogs severe pain.
Epilepsy
Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a slowly progressive death of the retina in dogs.
FAQ
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A Docker is a cross between two popular dog breeds, the Dachshund and the Cocker Spaniel. These two breeds were mixed together to create a new breed of dog that should have the best characteristics of both parents.
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A mix of Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel can look different depending on which parent breed they are more similar to. However, most mixed breeds have the small, compact body of a Dachshund and the long floppy ears of a Cocker Spaniel. They may also have the characteristic markings of both breeds.
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A Dachshund-Cocker-Spaniel mix is likely to inherit the best character traits of both parents. This means that they are likely to be friendly, affectionate and intelligent dogs that make excellent companions. They can also be very active and therefore need plenty of exercise.
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The amount of exercise they need will probably vary depending on their individual character. A daily walk should be planned to keep them happy and healthy.
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A Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel mix has an average life expectancy of 12-14 years. This is slightly shorter than the lifespan of both parents, but still longer than the average lifespan of most mixed-breed dogs.
