Spaniel-Doxie (Cocker Spaniel & Dachshund Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

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 backgrounds on both sides of their genetics.

Breed Overview

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 the 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 Characteristics

Spaniel Doxie Puppies

Since the Spaniel Doxie is relatively new to the scene, there is no accurate baseline to claim whether this pup is affordable or expensive. Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund have average prices. While the Spaniel Doxie has come from intentional crossbreeding, they also crop up as natural mutts from random breeding. These mutts may go for a lot cheaper than intentionally bred Dockers.

Due to being a crossbreed, this type of dog is also more likely to appear in shelters, so keep your eye out in local shelters to give an older dog another chance at a new life.

These dogs would be equally happy in a house or an apartment. If you have a yard, just make sure it’s fenced-in. You don’t want to overlook this affectionate and loyal pup.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Spaniel Doxie

The Spaniel Doxie has a temperament that matches those looking for close companionship. They love to be active during 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 (that they get along with) or large families with people at 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’s best to do so when they are puppies, as they are more adaptable.

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 to 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 breed’s 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 they are best suited to experienced owners. This is not vital; as long as 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, 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 needing 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.

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’re 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 from 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. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is also common due to the long spine of the Dachshund.

These musculoskeletal 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.

Male vs Female

On average, female Spaniel Doxies tend to be a little bit 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.

3 Little-Known Facts About the 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.

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 a well-rounded addition to many types of families.

See also: 

• Bloodhound Names (Male & Female)
• How Big Does a Bloodhound Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart