If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, meet the Dorky. This adorable designer mix is an intentional cross between a Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) and a Dachshund. Unlike an accidental mixed breed, the Dorky is thoughtfully bred to create a companionable, affectionate, and delightfully unique pet.

What Makes a Dorky Special?

The Dorky blends some of the best traits of both parent breeds. From the Dachshund side, you get the ultimate lap dog—one that’s happiest curled up under a blanket beside you. From the Yorkie side comes a touch of sass and playful energy.

While they enjoy bursts of activity, Dorkies are not high-exercise dogs. Most of their daily movement comes from playing and exploring around the house, which makes them an excellent choice for apartment living or smaller homes.

Size, Coat, and Grooming

One of the Dorky’s biggest appeals is its manageable size. Most weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, making them easy to handle and travel with.

Their appearance can vary depending on which parent they favor:

• Coat: Yorkies have hair rather than fur and are known for minimal shedding, while Dachshunds tend to shed more. A Dorky usually falls somewhere in between—often low-shedding, especially if the coat is longer and wavy like a Yorkie’s.
  

Grooming: A shorter, Dachshund-like coat benefits from regular baths (about once a week) to control shedding and any hound-style odor. If the coat is longer or curlier, professional grooming may be needed more frequently.

Health and Care Tips:

Keeping a Dorky healthy is fairly simple with the right care:

• Weight Management: While Dachshunds are prone to back issues due to their long bodies, Dorkies are generally less at risk. Still, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess weight is the leading cause of back problems.
  

• Feeding: Adult Dorkies typically do well with two small meals per day. Because of their size, they eat very little—often around ½ cup of food per day—making them a budget-friendly pet.
  

Chewing Needs: Like all dogs, Dorkies love to chew. Providing a variety of small chew toys with different textures and flavors helps protect your furniture and keeps them happily occupied.

Visit Petland Iowa City

Ready to meet a Dorky in person? Visit Petland Iowa City, located in the Marketplace Mall on 1851 Lower Muscatine Road.

Store Hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  

• Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  

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You can also browse available puppies, including the popular Dorky, at petlandiacity.com.

Choosing a Dorky is like ordering a custom-blended coffee—combining the bold, spirited energy of a Yorkie with the smooth, comforting charm of a Dachshund. The result? A perfectly balanced companion for your home.