Dorkie Puppies

Some breeds sneak up on you — quietly charming, full of unexpected personality — and the Dorkie is one of them. A hybrid between the clever Dachshund and the tenacious Yorkshire Terrier, the Dorkie isn’t just another lapdog. They’re full of quirks, fiercely loyal, and often smarter than they let on.

Over the past decade, dogs like the Dorkie have become a common sight in urban spaces — especially in pet-forward cities like Sydney where we are based with our dachshund Harvey. You’ll often see them weaving confidently between legs at The Grounds of Alexandria, or keeping pace along the coastal path from the famous walk of Coogee to Bondi. But what makes the Dorkie stand out is their blend of two strong-willed personalities — and how beautifully they can settle into a home that’s both relaxed and rhythm-driven.

As with any crossbreed, understanding their traits means understanding their lineage. Dachshunds, with their stubborn streak and love of burrowing, pair curiously well with Yorkies, known for their confidence and low-shedding coats. The result? A companion that’s affectionate, alert, and likely to outwit you if given the chance.

According to Vetstreet, Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers — their tenacity runs deep. Meanwhile, Yorkies, as noted by the American Kennel Club, were once rat hunters in Victorian England’s textile mills. Both breeds are small but mighty — and so is their hybrid.

So, what should you expect if you’re thinking about welcoming a Dorkie into your life? Let’s begin with a snapshot of their most notable traits.

Whether you’re adopting from a shelter or buying from a breeder, the early decisions you make can shape your Dorkie’s quality of life — and yours. Health, temperament, and early socialization all start long before you bring them home. So, how can you ensure you’re choosing a healthy, well-adjusted Dorkie puppy?

A reputable breeder will be transparent about the puppy’s parents, environment, and health history. Look for:

• Health clearances for both dachshund and Yorkshire terrier parent breeds (e.g., for patellar luxation, eye issues, and IVDD risk)
   
• Clean, spacious environments where puppies have exposure to people and basic social interaction
   
• Willingness to answer questions and provide ongoing support
   

Adoption is also a meaningful route. Rescues occasionally receive Dorkie puppies or young adults, especially in regions where backyard breeding is common. Sites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet allow you to filter by breed and region.

Watch how the puppies interact with each other. Healthy Dorkie puppies should be alert, curious, and willing to engage, though some shyness is expected. Avoid puppies that seem excessively withdrawn or overly dominant. The mother’s temperament is also telling — her behavior often reflects what the puppies may inherit.

Here’s a simple at-a-glance list you can reference during your first meeting:

If you notice persistent scratching, coughing, or sluggish behavior, these could be signs of underlying issues — even in an otherwise clean setting.

Prepare a few focused questions to ask the breeder or shelter staff. For example:

• “Can I meet both of the puppy’s parents?”
  
  
• “What vaccinations and deworming have been done so far?”
  
  
• “Have the puppies been exposed to common household sounds or other pets?”
  
  
• “Are there any known health issues in the lineage?”
  
  

A good breeder or foster coordinator won’t just tolerate these questions — they’ll welcome them.

The first eight weeks of a Dorkie puppy’s life are a whirlwind of growth, development, and learning. While most of this early journey happens with their breeder or foster, understanding what takes place during this time can help you better assess a puppy’s readiness — and set you up to continue their care with confidence.

By the time a Dorkie puppy is 8 weeks old, they should be weaned from their mother, able to eat solid food, and have started early play with littermates. This social interaction teaches them bite inhibition, communication cues, and basic confidence.

Some breeders may try to rehome puppies at 6 weeks — but this is too early. Research, including guidance from the American Veterinary Medical Association, shows that puppies separated from their littermates too soon may develop behavioral issues, like aggression or fear-based reactivity. The extra two weeks make a difference in social maturity and stress resilience.

Ask if the puppy has had exposure to:

• Household noises (vacuum, TV, doorbell)
  
  
• Different textures (carpet, tiles, grass)
  
  
• Gentle human handling (being picked up, touched on paws and ears)
  
  

These tiny experiences in the first few weeks can shape how adaptable your Dorkie will be in later life.

Training a Dorkie puppy is as much about patience and consistency as it is about understanding their quirky blend of independence and loyalty. With roots in two intelligent but strong-willed breeds, Dorkies respond best to firm guidance delivered with warmth.

Start with these essentials from the moment your Dorkie puppy arrives home:

• Name recognition: Use their name consistently and reward them when they respond.
   
• Crate training: Helps with toilet training and provides a secure “den.”
   
• Toilet training: Take them outside every 2 hours, after meals, and upon waking.
   
• Basic commands: Begin with sit, stay, come, and leave it — all positively reinforced.
   

The American Kennel Club recommends starting training as early as 8 weeks for small breeds like Dorkies.

Dorkies can show signs of separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches. To help:

• Use positive crate associations (treats, toys).
   
• Practice short departures that increase over time.
   
• Avoid dramatic exits or entrances.
   

Barking can also become habitual — especially if not addressed early. Use calm redirection and reward silence, not noise.

While Dorkies are often confident with family, they need structured exposure to:

• Other dogs (especially larger breeds)
   
• Children and unexpected sounds
   
• Car rides, grooming tools, and leashes
   

A well-socialized Dorkie tends to be less reactive and easier to manage during vet visits or outings.

Dorkies can inherit a variety of coat types depending on which parent breed dominates — some have the silky straight coat of a Yorkshire Terrier, others the dense, short coat of a Dachshund. Either way, regular grooming is essential not just for appearance, but for health and comfort.

Most Dorkies fall into one of three coat categories:

Your Dorkie’s grooming needs will depend heavily on this coat texture. If you’re unsure, a professional groomer can assess and recommend a routine.

A monthly bath is usually sufficient, but that can change based on:

• Outdoor activity (e.g. mud or beach walks)
  
  
• Skin sensitivities or allergies
  
  
• General odor
  
  

Always use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo — human products can disrupt their pH balance and lead to itching or dryness.

• Nails: Trim every 3–4 weeks to avoid discomfort or splaying. If you hear clicking on the floor, they’re too long.
  
  
• Ears: Clean weekly using a vet-approved solution — especially important for floppy-eared dogs like Dorkies.
  
  
• Teeth: Brush 2–3x per week using canine toothpaste to reduce tartar and prevent dental disease (common in small breeds).
  
  

If your Dorkie has inherited the Yorkie-style coat, you may want to book a professional grooming appointment every 6–8 weeks. A full groom usually includes:

• Wash and blow-dry
  
  
• Sanitary trim
  
  
• Nail clipping
  
  
• Ear cleaning
  
  
• Coat shaping (especially around the face)
  
  

A good groomer will also check for skin issues, ticks, or signs of irritation.

Getting nutrition right in the early months of your Dorkie’s life helps lay the foundation for long-term health, energy, and immune resilience. Because Dorkies are a small-breed mix, they have specific dietary needs that differ from larger breeds or working dogs.

Dorkie puppies require a high-quality, small-breed puppy food that supports:

• Rapid early growth
  
  
• Brain and eye development (thanks to DHA)
  
  
• A strong immune system
  
  
• Healthy bones and joints (watch calcium-to-phosphorus ratio)
  
  

Look for brands with real meat as the first ingredient and no artificial fillers or by-products. Trusted sources like the American Kennel Club recommend avoiding grain-free unless your vet advises it due to medical reasons.

Always refer to the brand’s feeding guide and adjust based on your Dorkie’s weight, metabolism, and vet guidance.

Puppies love to scavenge — and unfortunately, not everything that smells good is safe:

• No onions, garlic, chocolate, or grapes (even in small amounts)
  
  
• No bones from cooked meat — they can splinter and cause internal injuries
  
  
• Minimal table scraps — too much fat or sodium can upset sensitive stomachs
  
  

Make sure your Dorkie has constant access to clean, fresh water, especially if you’re feeding dry kibble. Dehydration can sneak up quickly in small dogs and impact digestion and energy levels.

Sleep isn’t just a luxury for puppies — it’s essential for healthy brain development, physical growth, and emotional regulation. And Dorkies, with their mix of playful dachshund and loyal Yorkie energy, need plenty of it.

Young Dorkie puppies will spend most of the day in short bursts of play, potty, and sleep — it’s completely normal and necessary.

• Irritability or biting when handled
  
  
• Trouble focusing during training
  
  
• Zoomies that turn into meltdowns
  
  
• Falling asleep mid-play or during meals
  
  

Sleep-deprived puppies often mimic behaviors we might mistake for bad manners, but it’s usually a signal they’re overtired. Having a consistent nap routine and quiet crate space helps.

Dorkies sleep best when they feel safe. A few simple strategies:

• Use a crate or enclosed pen with soft bedding
  
  
• Keep noise and foot traffic low during nap times
  
  
• Stick to regular routines for bedtime and morning wake-ups
  
  

Consistency is calming. Like toddlers, puppies thrive when they know what to expect.

Training a Dorkie puppy is equal parts reward and patience. With their dachshund determination and Yorkie alertness, these little ones respond best to consistency, calm leadership, and positive reinforcement. Let’s walk through what works — and what often doesn’t.

Yes — but with nuance. Dorkies are smart and emotionally attuned, but their independence can lead to selective listening. Compared to more docile breeds, they may take a few extra repetitions (and treats) to get the message.

Here’s what helps:

• Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes)
  Overload leads to tuning out. Frequent, playful micro-sessions work best.
   
• Use high-value treats
  Dorkies often respond better to real chicken or freeze-dried liver than kibble.
   
• Praise consistently
  They love verbal affirmation — especially when it’s warm and calm.
   

Potty training requires predictability above all. A few key strategies:

Tip: Use a designated spot outdoors. This helps them associate scent with the correct location.

• Punishing accidents:
  It delays learning. Interrupt gently if caught in the act, and move them outside.
  
  
• Inconsistent routine:
  Dorkies rely heavily on structure. Skipping cues (like crate to outside transitions) causes confusion.
  
  
• Overstimulating during training:
  These pups can become hyper quickly — calm focus works better than animated commands.
  
  

Crate training isn’t about confinement — it’s about creating security. When introduced gradually, the crate becomes your Dorkie’s safe place. This is especially helpful for:

• Teaching boundaries
  
  
• Managing separation anxiety
  
  
• Encouraging independent sleep
  
  

Make sure it’s placed in a quiet part of the house, not used for punishment, and always stocked with soft bedding and a familiar scent.

Grooming your Dorkie puppy is about more than appearance — it sets the foundation for health, bonding, and long-term care habits. Whether your pup inherits a silky Yorkie coat or a short-haired dachshund texture, early grooming matters.

Dorkies typically fall into one of three coat categories:

Most Dorkie puppies develop their true adult coat between 6 and 12 months, so you may notice a change in texture or length during that time. Gentle brushing early on helps them adjust.

• Brushing
  Start with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt. Aim for a short session 2–3 times per week, especially for long-haired Dorkies to prevent mats around the ears and behind the legs.
   
• Bathing
  Dorkie puppies don’t need frequent baths — once every 3–4 weeks is ideal unless they’ve rolled in something outdoors. Use a gentle, puppy-formulated shampoo and avoid over-washing, which can dry out their skin.
   

• Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks. Puppies benefit from early exposure, even if only a tip is clipped.
   
• Ears: Check weekly for debris or signs of infection, especially if your Dorkie has floppy ears.
   
• Eyes: A damp cloth can gently clean away any crust or discharge, common in small breeds.
   

Your puppy’s first grooming experiences shape their lifelong response. Make it calm, positive, and predictable:

• Use treats as part of the grooming session
   
• Pair grooming with quiet time — not play or excitement
   
• Touch their paws, ears, and face regularly to reduce sensitivity

Taking your Dorkie puppy to the vet shouldn’t be reactive — it’s a rhythm you build from the moment they come home. Early and consistent veterinary care is one of the most impactful things you can do to support their health and longevity.

Book your puppy’s first appointment within 3–5 days of bringing them home. Even if they’ve had an initial check from a breeder or shelter, your vet will:

• Conduct a full physical exam
  
  
• Check for congenital issues like hernias, luxating patella, or heart murmurs
  
  
• Establish a baseline weight and record vital signs
  
  
• Begin your puppy’s personalized vaccination schedule
  
  

This visit is also your chance to ask about diet, worming, behavior, and any quirks you’ve noticed so far. Bring a list — no question is too small when it comes to your dog’s early health.

The standard schedule looks like this, though your vet may adapt it based on lifestyle and location:

Each round builds your Dorkie’s immunity over time — skipping one can leave them vulnerable. You may also want to discuss parasite prevention at this stage.

Small breeds like Dorkies are especially sensitive to infestations, and even indoor dogs aren’t immune.

• Worming: Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months
  
  
• Fleas & ticks: Monthly treatments from 8–10 weeks of age
  
  
• Heartworm: Preventative starts as early as 12 weeks and continues for life
  
  

Ask your vet to recommend products safe for puppies. Some breeds, especially those with a dachshund lineage, can react poorly to ivermectin-based treatments — so breed-specific knowledge matters.

Getting your Dorkie comfortable with exams, injections, and handling starts at home. Gently touch and hold their paws, ears, and mouth regularly. Bring treats to vet visits, and schedule occasional “happy visits” — trips where nothing happens except praise and cuddles. Over time, this builds a positive association with care, not fear.

The first night is rarely perfect — and that’s okay. Your Dorkie puppy is leaving behind familiar scents, sounds, and their littermates. Naturally, they’ll need reassurance and routine as they settle into their new life.

Set up a designated sleep area before your puppy arrives. A crate with a soft bed and a lightweight blanket often works best. It mimics the den-like comfort they’re instinctively drawn to. Keep it:

• Away from loud noises or foot traffic
  
  
• Close to your bedroom (at least for the first few nights)
  
  
• Consistent — don’t keep moving their bed around
  
  

If they’ve come with a toy or towel from the breeder or shelter, include it. That familiar scent can be deeply calming.

It’s common for puppies to cry at night during the first week or two. This isn’t misbehavior — it’s a sign of emotional transition.

Tips to ease the adjustment:

• Sit nearby during the first few nights if needed
  
  
• Use a ticking clock or white noise machine
  
  
• Try a puppy-safe heating pad under the bedding for warmth
  
  
• Resist the urge to bring them into your bed (unless that’s your long-term plan)
  
  

Consistency is key. Respond gently, but avoid creating habits you won’t want to keep.

A young Dorkie won’t make it through the night without a toilet break — expect one or two wake-ups for the first few weeks. Use the same quiet tone and area each time. No playing, no snacks — just straight out and straight back to bed.

Over time, your Dorkie will settle into a longer stretch of sleep — most are sleeping through the night by 12–14 weeks.

Raising a Dorkie puppy is incredibly rewarding — but like all small breeds, they come with quirks that can catch first-time owners off guard. Here’s what to avoid, especially during those critical early months:

Dorkies may be tiny, but they carry themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog. This can lead to issues like barking at strangers, lunging on leash, or resource guarding — especially if not gently managed early on.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), many small breeds develop what’s commonly called small dog syndrome — a set of behavioral issues tied more to inconsistent training than size.

The fix? Treat them like a big dog in a small body. That means boundaries, positive reinforcement, and regular training — not just cuddles.

Because they’re so small, it’s easy to go overboard with food and treats — especially when they stare up at you with those big eyes. But obesity is a serious concern for Dorkies, particularly because of their dachshund lineage.

Dorkies are prone to spinal strain and joint issues if overweight — which is why maintaining a lean body condition is essential throughout puppyhood.

The ideal window for socialization is between 8 and 16 weeks. Waiting until your Dorkie has had “all their shots” may mean missing this critical stage.

Instead, follow vet-recommended protocols: start with safe, low-risk environments (family homes, quiet parks) while working on exposure to sounds, surfaces, people, and calm dogs.

Because of their Yorkie side, Dorkie puppies can remain quite high-energy even as they mature. Don’t expect them to “grow out of it” without providing outlets like walks, enrichment toys, and structured play.

Daily stimulation reduces destructive behaviors and separation issues later on.

Many new owners skip crate training because they think it’s unnecessary or “mean.” In reality, crate training — when done positively — gives your Dorkie a sense of safety and helps immensely with housebreaking, alone-time training, and sleep routines.

Bringing home a Dorkie puppy is a bit like preparing for a toddler on four legs — curious, energetic, and oddly talented at finding the one thing they shouldn’t chew. Proper puppy-proofing isn’t just about preventing mess; it’s about protecting your pup from genuine harm and setting the tone for a calm, structured environment.

Many new owners make the mistake of giving their Dorkie free rein of the house. At this stage, less is more. Confining your puppy to a playpen or a single room with safe flooring and supervision gives them space to learn routines without becoming overstimulated or overwhelmed.

This approach also supports positive crate training and reduces accidents — something we covered earlier in the Early Socialization & Training section.

While most of puppy-proofing is about safety, don’t forget enrichment. Dorkies are a smart crossbreed, and boredom can quickly lead to unwanted behaviors. Rotate chew toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive toys regularly. You might consider a snuffle mat or frozen KONGs for mental stimulation — backed by veterinarians for reducing anxiety and destructive chewing.

The first 12 months with a Dorkie are a masterclass in transformation. From teacup-sized bundles of fluff to confident, quirky little dogs with big personalities, your Dorkie will go through several noticeable stages — physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.

If your Dorkie is a long-haired or dapple variant, expect their coat to shift around the 6–10 month mark. Many owners notice changes in texture and color vibrancy — especially in dapple markings, which can appear softer or more defined over time. This transition often marks the end of the “puppy fluff” stage and the start of their adult coat.

For example, we had a reader from Sylvania Waters mention that her long-haired dapple Dorkie started with a light silver tone and gradually developed richer chocolate patches by month nine — a reminder that this mix often matures in unpredictable and beautiful ways.

During adolescence (around 6–9 months), some Dorkies may display classic “teenage” defiance: ignoring recall, increased barking, or sudden suspicion of people they previously adored. This is normal. Stay consistent with training, and lean into positive reinforcement. The reward? By 12 months, you’ll likely have a Dorkie who’s confident, affectionate, and well-integrated into your daily rhythm.

• 16 weeks: Final puppy vaccines
  
  
• 6 months: Spay/neuter discussion
  
  
• 9–12 months: Transition to adult food, annual check-up, behavior review

Looking to learn more about Dorkies? Here are other helpful reads from our breed-specific series:

• Dorkie: The Complete Breed Guide
  A detailed look at the Dorkie’s appearance, history, care needs, and what makes this crossbreed unique.
  
  
• Full Grown Dorkie: Size, Weight & Temperament
  Understand how big Dorkies get, how their personalities evolve, and what to expect as they mature.
  
  
• Dorkie for Sale & Adoption: What You Need to Know
  An honest guide to finding a Dorkie puppy — including adoption tips, breeder red flags, and pricing insights.
  
  
• Dorkie Temperament & Personality Traits
  From playful quirks to loyalty levels, this article explores what it’s really like living with a Dorkie.
  
  
• Dorkie Health & Lifespan Guide
  Stay proactive with breed-specific health tips and lifespan insights tailored to Dorkies.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.