How long does a Dorkie live?

A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Dachshund (12–16 years) and the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years).

Is a Dorkie easy to train?

Trainability is very low to moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Dorkie

Also searched as Dachshund Yorkie Mix

The Dorkie is a cross between a Dachshund and a Yorkshire Terrier. Most grow into toy-sized dogs of 6–9 lb and live 12–16 years.

Dachshund, a purebred dog — DachshundPhoto: Ellen Levy Finch, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Yorkshire Terrier, a purebred dog — Yorkshire TerrierPhoto: Gandalfelrojo2, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight6–9 lbcan be 4–11 lb

Height6–7 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–16 years

SizeToy-sized

How big does a Dorkie get?

Miniature Dachshund8–11 lb

The mix6–9 lb

Yorkshire Terrier4–7 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Dorkie dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 6–7 inches at the shoulder, against 5–6 in for the Miniature Dachshund and 7–8 in for the Yorkshire Terrier.

Size figures assume a Miniature Dachshund parent, the size closest to the Yorkshire Terrier. A different dachshund size moves the whole range.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Low

Yorkshire Terrier has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Very low to moderate

The Dachshund rates moderate and the Yorkshire Terrier very low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to very high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Dachshund is usually described as friendly, curious, spunky. The Yorkshire Terrier as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Dachshund vs Yorkie vs the mix

Trait	Miniature Dachshund	Dorkie	Yorkshire Terrier
Weight	8–11 lb	6–9 lb	4–7 lb
Height	5–6 in	6–7 in	7–8 in
Lifespan	12–16 yr	12–16 yr	11–15 yr
Shedding	low	low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Hound	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Dorkie

How big does a Dorkie get?: Most grow to 6–9 pounds and 6–7 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–11 pounds.
How long does a Dorkie live?: A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Dachshund (12–16 years) and the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years).
Does a Dorkie shed?: Shedding is low. Yorkshire Terrier has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Dorkie easy to train?: Trainability is very low to moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Dachshund mixes

Other Yorkie mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.