Tiny and adorable, Morkie puppies could be the perfect fit for almost anyone. They’re smart, affectionate, easy to train, love to cuddle, but also very active and could go for a run with you as well as accompany you for a cup of coffee on your favorite patio. Considering getting one of these beautiful little designer breed dogs? Here is the Morkie Dogs 101!
What is a Morkie?
Originated in the United States / Canada in the 1990’s, The Morkie is an adorable crossbreed, or a ‘designer breed’ between Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier. Also referred to as Yorktese, or Morky (Misspell).
50% Maltese
50% Morkie
Is Morkie the right dog for me?
Morkies are great for almost anyone! They are good lap dogs, but they love to play and stay active. They will be a good fit for:
Adults
Seniors
Kids
Families
Morkies do require lots of attention and can be needy. For that reason it’s best if they are not left alone for long periods of time.
Looks & Types of Morkies
Being a relatively new breed, Morkies don’t yet have a ‘final’ look. They can look more like their Maltese side, or more like their Yorkie side. Their coat can range between black, white and tan – or anything in between.
Temperament
Morkies are soft and calm dogs, and also tend to be energetic, bold and smart. However, they can be needy, and suffer from separation anxiety. They can also be very stubborn. Morkies are also very intelligent dogs, and are great students if you’re willing to train them. Morkies can also suffer from small dog syndrome, as Morkies tend to remain small and ’puppy-like’ throughout their lives.
Do Morkies bark?
Yes. Yorkshire Terriers are barkers, and Morkies being half Yorkie will bark as well. Due to their habit to bark when someone comes near, they can actually be good guard dogs, despite of their size. But with a little training they can to stop barking on command.
Are Morkies easy to train?
Yes. They are very intelligent dogs, and can be taught many tricks and commands. However, their Maltese side might make it a little more difficult to housebreak them. Morkies need to be exposed to other people and animals when they are little, or else they can get very suspicious when meeting other dogs / people throughout their lives.
What’s the size of a Morkie?
Morkie dogs are very small dogs. Just 5 ounces at birth, they can grow to weigh between 4-8 pounds, and be 6’’-11’’ inches tall. They will fit perfectly in a carry-on carrier if you are a frequent flyer.
Morkie health issues
Morkies are usually healthy dogs. As puppies they can suffer from low blood sugar. Morkies might also suffer from health issues that are common with Yorkshire-Terries and Maltese dogs:
Tracheal Collapse
Cataracts Medial
Patellar Luxation
Hydrocephalus
Kidney Failure
Glaucoma
Can I be allergic to a Morkie dog?
Morkies are hypoallergenic dogs, good news for people with allergies. Also, they don’t shed their coat at all, leaving your couches and carpets relatively fur free.
Nutrition & Diet
Morkies are very small dogs, but they LOVE to eat. So it is important to watch their diet carefully. Extra attention is necessary when developing their diets as puppies, and ensure they don’t consume any dog-toxic foods like chocolate or onions. Since their stomach is so small, even a small amount of those foods can be fatal.
Indoor & Outdoor
Morkies love both. They can spend the day cuddling on the sofa, or running around outside. They do need to get regular exercise though, and love being active. Although very furry, Morkies tend to not like cold weather, and will prefer to stay inside on very cold days.
How much does a Morkie cost?
Morkies are not a cheap breed. Being a newer designer breed Morkies are rare, and you usually won’t find them at your local rescue shelter. Also, there aren’t that many breeders, which keeps the price high, anywhere from $1000-$3000, and a lot more for a teacup.
Coat & Grooming
The Morkie has a coat that differs between white / black / tan to any blend in between. Their coat is super soft, and grows quite long. Make sure to thoroughly brush your Morkie at least once a week so it doesn’t get tangles, some Morkies might require more frequent brushing. Also, it’s recommended to wash them with high quality shampoo & conditioner at least once a month.
Bottom Line
The Morkie, or Maltese-Yorkshire Terrier mix is one of the most popular small dogs around. They are tiny, adorable, ideal for traveling, friendly, affectionate, funny, intelligent, loyal and beautiful little dogs. So if you are thinking of getting a dog, the Morkie can definitely be a great choice to fit many owner’s lifestyles.
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