Yorkie Mixed With Wiener Dog: The Complete Dachshund-Yorkie Mix Guide

If you've been searching for a yorkie mixed with wiener dog, you've stumbled onto one of the more charming designer crosses in the small-dog world. Commonly called the Dorkie (Dachshund + Yorkshire Terrier), this mix pairs the bold, sausage-shaped silhouette of the Dachshund with the silky, confident flair of the Yorkie. The result is a compact companion dog that tends to weigh between 5 and 15 pounds and carries a personality well beyond its size.

But designer mixes are inherently variable. Unlike purebred dogs governed by written breed standards, a Dorkie can inherit any combination of traits from either parent — and littermates may look and behave quite differently from one another. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, what to watch for health-wise, and how to decide if this mix is the right fit for your household.

What Two Breeds Make Up the Yorkie Mixed With Wiener Dog?

The Dorkie is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between two AKC-recognized purebreds:

Most Dorkies on the market come from crossing a standard or miniature Dachshund with a Yorkshire Terrier. The choice of Dachshund size significantly affects the resulting puppy's build. When a miniature Dachshund is used, the offspring tend to stay in the 5–10 lb range. With a standard Dachshund parent, puppies may reach 12–15 lb (5.4–6.8 kg) or slightly more.

Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, and Beyond

Because the Dorkie is still a relatively niche designer cross, the vast majority of puppies you'll encounter are F1 generation. This means each puppy is a genuine genetic roll of the dice. One littermate might inherit the Yorkie's silky floor-length coat and compact frame, while another gets the Dachshund's smooth short coat and elongated body. Reputable breeders of F1 crosses will be transparent about this variability rather than promising uniform outcomes.

How Big Will a Yorkie Mixed With Wiener Dog Get?

Size prediction for designer mixes requires looking at both parent breeds and the specific pairing. Here's the realistic range:

Size Category	Weight	Height at Shoulder	Body Length
Smallest (Yorkie + Mini Dachshund)	5–8 lb (2.3–3.6 kg)	5–7 in (13–18 cm)	12–15 in (30–38 cm)
Mid-range (most common)	8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg)	6–9 in (15–23 cm)	14–18 in (36–46 cm)
Largest (Yorkie + Standard Dachshund)	12–15 lb (5.4–6.8 kg)	8–10 in (20–25 cm)	16–20 in (41–51 cm)

The Dachshund's characteristic elongation — technically called a chondrodysplastic body type with shortened legs — often shows up in Dorkies to some degree. Expect a body that's noticeably longer than it is tall, though rarely as extreme as a purebred Dachshund. Leg length is one of the most variable traits: some Dorkies have surprisingly proportionate legs (Yorkie-influenced), while others sit quite low to the ground.

Practical tip: Ask the breeder for the exact weight and height of both parents. A rough formula for estimating adult weight of a small-breed mix is to double the puppy's weight at 12–14 weeks, though this has a margin of error of roughly ±15%.

Coat Types, Colors, and Shedding: What to Expect

Coat inheritance is where Dorkie variability becomes most visible. Here are the three primary coat outcomes:

Silky long coat (Yorkie-dominant): Fine, straight to slightly wavy hair that grows continuously and requires regular brushing and trimming. This coat type tends to shed minimally but mats easily if neglected. Colors typically include blue-and-tan, black-and-tan, or parti-color patterns.

Smooth short coat (Dachshund-dominant): Dense, short, glossy hair that lies flat against the body. Sheds moderately year-round with seasonal increases. Easier to maintain but offers less cold-weather insulation. Common colors include red, black-and-tan, chocolate, or dapple (merle).

Wire or wavy coat (mixed expression): A textured, medium-length coat with some wiry or wavy qualities. Moderate shedding. May require hand-stripping or clipping every 8–12 weeks. This is the least predictable coat type and can vary even within a single litter.

Temperament: Best-Case Scenarios and Potential Challenges

Both parent breeds are known for big personalities packed into small bodies, and the Dorkie typically follows suit. That said, temperament in mixed breeds spans a spectrum rather than landing on a single point.

Best-case temperament profile: The well-socialized Dorkie is alert, affectionate with family, playful without being hyperactive, and reasonably adaptable to apartment or house living. They tend to bond closely with one or two people and enjoy being nearby — on the couch, at your feet, or curled in your lap. Many Dorkies inherit the Yorkie's lively spark and the Dachshund's entertaining stubbornness in a way that owners find endearing.

Challenging scenarios to be aware of:

• Vocalization: Both breeds tend to bark — Yorkies at perceived intruders, Dachshunds at novel sounds and scents. A Dorkie may develop persistent barking habits without early training using positive reinforcement techniques.
• Stubbornness in training: The Dachshund's independent hunting heritage can make recall and off-leash reliability difficult. This isn't defiance — it's a breed trait rooted in centuries of working autonomously underground.
• Potential dog-aggression or wariness: Yorkies can be scrappy with unfamiliar dogs, and Dachshunds were bred to confront aggressive prey. Early and ongoing socialization is essential, particularly during the 3–14 week critical socialization window.
• Separation distress: Both breeds can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Dorkies generally do best in households where someone is home for much of the day or where a structured alone-time training protocol is followed.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

One of the most persistent myths in the designer dog world is that mixed-breed dogs are automatically healthier than purebreds due to hybrid vigor (heterosis). Here's what the science actually says: while crossbreeding can reduce the risk of recessive genetic disorders that are concentrated within a single breed's gene pool, it does not eliminate health risks. A Dorkie can inherit conditions from either parent breed, and some structural issues may even be compounded by the combination of two very different body types.

According to data compiled by the Merck Veterinary Manual, here are the health conditions Dorkie owners should monitor:

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence/Risk	What to Watch For
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Dachshund (very high risk — up to 25% of Dachshunds affected)	Moderate to high if elongated body is inherited	Back pain, reluctance to jump, dragging rear legs, sudden paralysis
Patellar Luxation	Both breeds	Moderate — common in small breeds	Skipping gait, intermittent hind-leg lameness
Tracheal Collapse	Yorkie (high prevalence)	Moderate	Honking cough, exercise intolerance, worsening in heat/humidity
Dental Disease	Both (small mouths = crowded teeth)	Very high — most small dogs have significant dental disease by age 3	Bad breath, red gums, reluctance to eat hard food
Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)	Yorkie	Low but serious	Stunted growth, disorientation after eating, seizures in puppies
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Dachshund (miniature lines)	Low	Night blindness progressing to total vision loss

Preventive care essentials for Dorkies:

• Annual veterinary wellness exams with dental assessment
• Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia as recommended (typically every 1–2 years for small breeds)
• Ask your breeder whether both parent dogs were screened: OFA patella evaluations, ophthalmologist exams, and — for the Dachshund parent — Lafora disease DNA testing (relevant in miniature wirehaired lines)
• Maintain a body condition score (BCS) of 4–5 on the 9-point scale

Grooming and Daily Care Requirements

Your Dorkie's grooming needs depend entirely on which coat type they inherit. Here's a practical breakdown:

Long/silky coat (Yorkie-type):

• Brush daily with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent tangles and mats
• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks for a trimmed "puppy cut" (expect to pay $45–$75 per session depending on your area)
• Bathe every 2–3 weeks using a mild, dog-specific shampoo
• Pay special attention to ear hair — long-eared Dorkies with hairy ear canals are prone to ear infections

Smooth/short coat (Dachshund-type):

• Brush 2–3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush to manage shedding
• Bathe only as needed (every 4–8 weeks) to avoid drying out the skin
• Minimal professional grooming needed — occasional nail trims and ear cleaning suffice

Regardless of coat type, all Dorkies need:

• Nail trims every 2–3 weeks (long nails alter gait and put stress on the spine)
• Ear cleaning weekly with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser, especially if ears are floppy
• Daily tooth brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste — this is non-negotiable for small breeds prone to periodontal disease. A dental care routine started in puppyhood prevents costly extractions later.
• Anal gland checks — small breeds often need manual expression; your groomer or vet can handle this

Exercise, Training, and Mental Stimulation

Despite their small size, Dorkies are not couch ornaments. Both parent breeds were working dogs — the Yorkie hunted rats in mills and the Dachshund pursued badgers underground — and that drive persists in the mix.

Exercise targets:

• 30–45 minutes of daily activity, split into 2–3 shorter walks or play sessions
• Leash walks are ideal; off-leash time should be in securely fenced areas only (Dachshund scent-drive makes recall unreliable in open spaces)
• Indoor enrichment: snuffle mats, food puzzles, and short training sessions satisfy mental stimulation needs without overloading joints
• Avoid high-impact activities like agility jumps or repetitive stair climbing, which stress the elongated spine

Training approach: Use only positive reinforcement methods — food rewards, clicker training, and praise. Both Yorkies and Dachshunds are sensitive to harsh corrections and will shut down or become defensive if trained with aversive tools. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls. Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and end on a success. Focus especially on:

• Recall (start early, practice in low-distraction environments)
• Settle/mat training (helps manage barking and hyper-vigilance)
• Handling exercises (paw touching, ear inspection, mouth opening — essential for grooming and vet visits)
• Crate training for safe alone-time and housebreaking support

Cost Breakdown: Purchase Price and Lifetime Expenses

Dorkies are not as widely bred as some designer mixes, which affects both availability and pricing.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)	Notes
Puppy from responsible breeder	$800–$2,000	Higher end includes health-tested parents, early socialization programs, and health guarantees
Adoption/rescue	$150–$400	Check breed-specific Dachshund and Yorkie rescues; Dorkies occasionally appear
First-year veterinary care	$500–$900	Includes puppy vaccines (DHPP, rabies), spay/neuter, microchip, fecal tests
Annual ongoing vet care	$400–$700	Wellness exam, vaccines, heartworm/flea prevention, dental cleaning
Grooming (if long coat)	$400–$700/year	Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
Food (high-quality small-breed formula)	$200–$350/year	Small dogs eat less but benefit from calorie-dense, AAFCO-approved diets
Pet insurance (recommended)	$300–$600/year	Particularly valuable for IVDD risk — surgical treatment can cost $3,000–$8,000
Estimated first-year total	$2,500–$5,000+	Varies by source (breeder vs. rescue) and coat-related grooming costs

When evaluating breeders, look for those who health-test both parent dogs (not just "vet-checked"), raise puppies in a home environment with early neurological stimulation, and offer a written contract that includes a take-back clause. Avoid breeders who advertise "teacup" or "mini" Dorkies at premium prices — these terms often indicate breeding from runts or dogs with health compromises.

Who Is the Dorkie Best Suited For?

The Dorkie is a poor fit for households seeking a reliably quiet dog, those wanting an off-leash adventure companion, or families with very young children who may not yet handle a fragile small dog gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dorkies good with other dogs?

They can be, especially when socialized from puppyhood. However, both parent breeds have tendencies toward same-sex dog aggression or wariness with unfamiliar dogs. Supervised introductions and controlled socialization are important. Avoid dog parks with large dogs — a 10 lb Dorkie can be seriously injured in rough play with bigger breeds.

Do Yorkie-Dachshund mixes bark a lot?

Many do. Both Yorkies and Dachshunds are vocal breeds, and the Dorkie often inherits alert-barking tendencies. This can be managed with positive reinforcement training — teaching a "quiet" cue and rewarding calm behavior — but prospective owners in apartments with noise restrictions should be prepared for this trait.

How long do Dorkies typically live?

Most Dorkies live 12–15 years, with some reaching 16 or 17 with excellent care. Small breeds generally have longer lifespans than large breeds. The most impactful factors under owner control are weight management, dental care, and spinal protection (for elongated-body individuals).

Can Dorkies be left alone during the day?

Adult Dorkies can typically handle 4–6 hours alone if properly crate-trained and exercised beforehand. Longer periods increase the risk of separation anxiety and destructive behavior. For 8+ hour workdays, arrange a midday dog walker or consider doggy daycare.

What should I feed a Dorkie?

Choose an AAFCO-approved small-breed formula with appropriately sized kibble. Feed measured portions based on your dog's ideal weight (not current weight if overweight). Most adult Dorkies need roughly ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals. Consult your veterinarian for specific caloric needs based on your dog's body condition score and activity level.

Where can I find a Dorkie for adoption?

Designer mixes like the Dorkie don't have dedicated breed rescues in most areas. Your best options are local animal shelters, small-breed rescue organizations, and Dachshund or Yorkie breed-specific rescues (which occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs). Websites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet allow you to search by breed mix.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized health, nutrition, and behavioral advice for your dog.