Height: 9 – 15 inches
Weight: 20 – 30 pounds
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Colors: Brown, white, black, cream, tan
Suitable for: Active individuals, families with older children, apartments, fenced yards
Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, driven
The Spaniel Doxie results from crossbreeding a Cocker Spaniel and a Dachshund (known as a Doxie). While most refer to them as a Spaniel Doxie, they are sometimes called a Docker. This delightful breed is favored for their small to medium size and high energy stemming from hunting background on both sides of their genetics. Due to the randomization of genetics in puppies, Spaniel Doxies may lean towards resembling either parent. For the most part, the body shape of short legs and thetap runs long, barrelled body of the Dachshund is seen. Both Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels come in various colors and patterns, so the Doxie pup can have all sorts of mottled color variations depending on their genetics.
Spaniel Doxie Puppies – Before You Welcome One Into Your Family…
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A post shared by Tracy Pequeno Papamechail (@tapruns)
Energy: Trainability: Health: Lifespan: Sociability:
3 Little-Known Facts About Spaniel Doxie
- They love to work. The Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund were initially bred to hunt and retrieve birds and badgers, respectively. After centuries of working alongside humans for a purpose, this work ethic runs deep in their genetics, and both breeds love to stay active and perform a purpose. A Spaniel Doxie will display these same traits and find pleasure in providing a service and working for a purpose. They will prove themselves to be valued members of your family pack.
- They pack a punch. While they are only little dogs, they make up for their short stature with oodles of bravery and determination. These strong personalities can make them challenging to train and prone to aggression, but once you channel this energy with training, they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.
- They make excellent watchdogs. These strong personalities also make them great watchdogs and alert systems for the home. They are fiercely loyal and will look out for their family members and home territory and quickly alert you if they find anything amiss. The trick is teaching them not to bark at every passing car while not discouraging their guard behavior. The parent breeds of Spaniel Doxie: Left – Cocker spaniel (andrescarlofotografia); Right – Dachshund (Masarik, Shutterstock)
Temperament & Intelligence of the Spaniel Doxie Spaniel Doxie has a temperament that matches those looking for close companionship. They love to be active in the day, going on hikes and adventures but are also happy to spend the day pottering around the house with you. Their loyal streak will have them escorting you to the bathroom and guarding you while you sleep. They make great company for those who live or work alone but also are happy to live in a larger “pack” or family with kids and other pets. Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪 The Spaniel Doxie loves their family and will show you a lot of loyalty and love. For this reason, they are best not left alone for long periods and would suit a home with other pets (of which they get along with), or large families with people home often. This feisty dog can enjoy children in the home for their energy and playfulness, but exercise caution around young children. Spaniel Doxies do not like their boundaries interfered with, and young children may not be able to read their body language, resulting in aggression. If introducing a Spaniel Doxie to young kids, then it is best to do so when they are puppies as they are more adaptable.
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A post shared by Roxy (@roxysausage)
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? The same goes for introduction to other pets. An older Spaniel Doxie may have difficulty sharing its space and family with other dogs, but they can get on well with proper socialization. Puppies will easily adapt to homes with many different pets, and this breed is known to get along with cats, granted they learn each other’s boundaries.
Things to Know When Owning a Spaniel Doxie: Food & Diet Requirements 🦴 The diet requirements for a Spaniel Doxie are reasonably straightforward. They require a balanced and complete dog food formula. For a vibrant coat and to reduce any risk of allergies, you may opt for grain-free and high-protein foods. As a small breed, they may be prone to becoming overweight if overfed and under-exercised. Follow the portion size recommendations on your pet food instructions and maintain a regular feeding schedule. Exercise 🐕 Despite being small, the Spaniel Doxie has a lot of energy. Initially bred for hunting, not companionship, they need to get plenty of exercise. We recommend 30 – 60 minutes of activity outside of the home every day, in addition to some play sessions in the home and time outside in the yard if you have one. A Spaniel Doxie will also adore going for an adventure beyond the usual walk around the block. Hiking and beach trips are much appreciated as they benefit from the mental stimulation of new sights and smells. Without adequate exercise, this breeds behavior can become disruptive as pent-up energy is displayed in destructive or disobedience streaks. While a Spaniel Doxie will enjoy a yard, it must be very secure as an under-exercised dog may be prone to escaping and running off in search of stimulation.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tracy Pequeno Papamechail (@tapruns)
Training 🎾 Since they love to work, learn, and explore, they benefit from new experiences and frequent training. Their independent and stubborn nature can make them challenging to train and are best suited to experienced owners. This is not vital; if you are patient and consistent, you will see results. Despite the challenges, a well-trained Spaniel Doxie can be extremely impressive, striving to please and perform. Grooming ✂️ The coat of a Spaniel Doxie will vary on the parent they tend to resemble more. Dachshunds often have shorter and coarser coats, while Cocker Spaniels have soft wavy hair. A Spaniel Doxie’s coat may go either way, depending on their genetics. If you want a longer coat, then a puppy bred from a long-haired Dachshund will most likely have a wavy coat. The short coat will need less grooming than a long one, barely needed a brush, and only needing a wash if smelly. The downside is that a shorter coat dog is more prone to extreme colds, and a doggy jacket may be required for cold climates. Spaniel Doxies with long, soft, and wavy coats may need more grooming. At a minimum, they should be brushed a couple of times a week and more frequently when shedding. They may also require a professional trim to stay clean and tidy.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Otis the Dachshund (@otis_theminidachshund)
Health and Conditions 🏥 As a hybrid dog, Spaniel Doxies benefit from the increased immunity from varied genetics, also known as “hybrid vigor.” In saying this, both the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund have a handful of conditions they are more prone to. These health concerns may be passed on to their offspring. To help you ensure you are getting a healthy dog, request proof of health clearance of the puppy’s parents. Ethical breeders should not intentionally breed dogs that they know have genetic disorders. More common health conditions include those that are common in both breeds. Patellar luxation is one of these and is the result of a displaced knee cap. IVDD is also common due to the long spine of the Dachshund. These musco-skeletal issues are best mitigated by reducing the impact on your Spaniel Doxies joints. Exercise should be plentiful but not extreme as long periods of impact can contribute to these conditions. This is particularly important for growing puppies, and they are more vulnerable to injuries that can cause development issues and lifelong management. Epilepsy is also more common in these breeds than in many other pet breeds. Epilepsy is genetic, so proper health screening of the puppy’s parents can reduce this risk. Epilepsy may also occur randomly in any Spaniel Doxie of any age. Minor Conditions
Allergies
Obesity
Hypothyroidism
Serious Conditions
IVDD (intervertebral disk disease)
Patellar luxation
Hip dysplasia
Epilepsy
Male vs Female On average female Spaniel Doxies tend to be smaller than males. This size difference is usually slight and doesn’t make a difference in how they need to be cared for. Due to being a mixed breed from two breeds with prominent personalities, your puppy’s personality will hinder more on their genetic mix than their sex. To ensure you get a well-mannered and adjusted puppy, you may want to meet and interact with the parents as temperament is heredity. Personalities will differ, and sex will not affect it much, but many Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund owners report that females tend to be more stubborn and independent. While alternatively, males are more relaxed and easier to train.
Final Thoughts Both breeds that make up the Spaniel Doxie are well known to be active and loving family members, so regardless of whether they take more after their Cocker Spaniel or Dachshund parent, you can be assured of their good nature. Provide your Spaniel Doxie with affection, adventure, and security, and they will loyally offer you the same, making well-rounded additions to many types of families.
Featured Image Credit: Left – Cocker spaniel (sms467, Pixabay); Right – Dachshund (congerdesign, Pixabay)
The Spaniel Doxie results from crossbreeding a Cocker Spaniel and a Dachshund (known as a Doxie). While most refer to them as a Spaniel Doxie, they are sometimes called a Docker. This delightful breed is favored for their small to medium size and high energy stemming from hunting background on both sides of their genetics.
Due to the randomization of genetics in puppies, Spaniel Doxies may lean towards resembling either parent. For the most part, the body shape of short legs and thetap runs long, barrelled body of the Dachshund is seen. Both Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels come in various colors and patterns, so the Doxie pup can have all sorts of mottled color variations depending on their genetics.
Spaniel Doxie Puppies – Before You Welcome One Into Your Family…
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tracy Pequeno Papamechail (@tapruns)
Energy: Trainability: Health: Lifespan: Sociability:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tracy Pequeno Papamechail (@tapruns)
A post shared by Tracy Pequeno Papamechail (@tapruns)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
3 Little-Known Facts About Spaniel Doxie
1. They love to work.
The Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund were initially bred to hunt and retrieve birds and badgers, respectively. After centuries of working alongside humans for a purpose, this work ethic runs deep in their genetics, and both breeds love to stay active and perform a purpose.
A Spaniel Doxie will display these same traits and find pleasure in providing a service and working for a purpose. They will prove themselves to be valued members of your family pack.
2. They pack a punch.
While they are only little dogs, they make up for their short stature with oodles of bravery and determination. These strong personalities can make them challenging to train and prone to aggression, but once you channel this energy with training, they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.
3. They make excellent watchdogs.
These strong personalities also make them great watchdogs and alert systems for the home. They are fiercely loyal and will look out for their family members and home territory and quickly alert you if they find anything amiss. The trick is teaching them not to bark at every passing car while not discouraging their guard behavior.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Spaniel Doxie
Spaniel Doxie has a temperament that matches those looking for close companionship. They love to be active in the day, going on hikes and adventures but are also happy to spend the day pottering around the house with you.
Their loyal streak will have them escorting you to the bathroom and guarding you while you sleep. They make great company for those who live or work alone but also are happy to live in a larger “pack” or family with kids and other pets.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Spaniel Doxie loves their family and will show you a lot of loyalty and love. For this reason, they are best not left alone for long periods and would suit a home with other pets (of which they get along with), or large families with people home often.
This feisty dog can enjoy children in the home for their energy and playfulness, but exercise caution around young children. Spaniel Doxies do not like their boundaries interfered with, and young children may not be able to read their body language, resulting in aggression.
If introducing a Spaniel Doxie to young kids, then it is best to do so when they are puppies as they are more adaptable.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Roxy (@roxysausage)
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The same goes for introduction to other pets. An older Spaniel Doxie may have difficulty sharing its space and family with other dogs, but they can get on well with proper socialization.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Roxy (@roxysausage)
A post shared by Roxy (@roxysausage)
Puppies will easily adapt to homes with many different pets, and this breed is known to get along with cats, granted they learn each other’s boundaries.
Things to Know When Owning a Spaniel Doxie:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The diet requirements for a Spaniel Doxie are reasonably straightforward. They require a balanced and complete dog food formula. For a vibrant coat and to reduce any risk of allergies, you may opt for grain-free and high-protein foods.
As a small breed, they may be prone to becoming overweight if overfed and under-exercised. Follow the portion size recommendations on your pet food instructions and maintain a regular feeding schedule.
Exercise 🐕
Despite being small, the Spaniel Doxie has a lot of energy. Initially bred for hunting, not companionship, they need to get plenty of exercise. We recommend 30 – 60 minutes of activity outside of the home every day, in addition to some play sessions in the home and time outside in the yard if you have one.
A Spaniel Doxie will also adore going for an adventure beyond the usual walk around the block. Hiking and beach trips are much appreciated as they benefit from the mental stimulation of new sights and smells.
Without adequate exercise, this breeds behavior can become disruptive as pent-up energy is displayed in destructive or disobedience streaks. While a Spaniel Doxie will enjoy a yard, it must be very secure as an under-exercised dog may be prone to escaping and running off in search of stimulation.
Training 🎾
Since they love to work, learn, and explore, they benefit from new experiences and frequent training. Their independent and stubborn nature can make them challenging to train and are best suited to experienced owners. This is not vital; if you are patient and consistent, you will see results.
Despite the challenges, a well-trained Spaniel Doxie can be extremely impressive, striving to please and perform.
Grooming ✂️
The coat of a Spaniel Doxie will vary on the parent they tend to resemble more. Dachshunds often have shorter and coarser coats, while Cocker Spaniels have soft wavy hair. A Spaniel Doxie’s coat may go either way, depending on their genetics. If you want a longer coat, then a puppy bred from a long-haired Dachshund will most likely have a wavy coat.
The short coat will need less grooming than a long one, barely needed a brush, and only needing a wash if smelly. The downside is that a shorter coat dog is more prone to extreme colds, and a doggy jacket may be required for cold climates.
Spaniel Doxies with long, soft, and wavy coats may need more grooming. At a minimum, they should be brushed a couple of times a week and more frequently when shedding. They may also require a professional trim to stay clean and tidy.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Otis the Dachshund (@otis_theminidachshund)
Health and Conditions 🏥
As a hybrid dog, Spaniel Doxies benefit from the increased immunity from varied genetics, also known as “hybrid vigor.” In saying this, both the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund have a handful of conditions they are more prone to. These health concerns may be passed on to their offspring.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Otis the Dachshund (@otis_theminidachshund)
A post shared by Otis the Dachshund (@otis_theminidachshund)
To help you ensure you are getting a healthy dog, request proof of health clearance of the puppy’s parents. Ethical breeders should not intentionally breed dogs that they know have genetic disorders.
More common health conditions include those that are common in both breeds. Patellar luxation is one of these and is the result of a displaced knee cap. IVDD is also common due to the long spine of the Dachshund.
These musco-skeletal issues are best mitigated by reducing the impact on your Spaniel Doxies joints. Exercise should be plentiful but not extreme as long periods of impact can contribute to these conditions. This is particularly important for growing puppies, and they are more vulnerable to injuries that can cause development issues and lifelong management.
Epilepsy is also more common in these breeds than in many other pet breeds. Epilepsy is genetic, so proper health screening of the puppy’s parents can reduce this risk. Epilepsy may also occur randomly in any Spaniel Doxie of any age.
Minor Conditions
Allergies
Obesity
Hypothyroidism
Serious Conditions
IVDD (intervertebral disk disease)
Patellar luxation
Hip dysplasia
Epilepsy
Allergies
Obesity
Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
IVDD (intervertebral disk disease)
Patellar luxation
Hip dysplasia
Epilepsy
- IVDD (intervertebral disk disease)
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
Male vs Female
On average female Spaniel Doxies tend to be smaller than males. This size difference is usually slight and doesn’t make a difference in how they need to be cared for.
Due to being a mixed breed from two breeds with prominent personalities, your puppy’s personality will hinder more on their genetic mix than their sex. To ensure you get a well-mannered and adjusted puppy, you may want to meet and interact with the parents as temperament is heredity.
Personalities will differ, and sex will not affect it much, but many Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund owners report that females tend to be more stubborn and independent. While alternatively, males are more relaxed and easier to train.
Final Thoughts
Both breeds that make up the Spaniel Doxie are well known to be active and loving family members, so regardless of whether they take more after their Cocker Spaniel or Dachshund parent, you can be assured of their good nature.
Provide your Spaniel Doxie with affection, adventure, and security, and they will loyally offer you the same, making well-rounded additions to many types of families.
Featured Image Credit: Left – Cocker spaniel (sms467, Pixabay); Right – Dachshund (congerdesign, Pixabay)
