Morkie

The Morkie is a hybrid dog created by mixing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Maltese. These charming little dogs bring together the playful nature of Yorkies and the sociable traits of Maltese. Because of their mixed background, every Morkie has its own distinct characteristics. Their size, coat type, and even behavior can differ based on their genetic makeup. Therefore, it's wise to learn about both parent breeds before bringing a Morkie into your family. One thing is certain, though: no matter their individual traits, all Morkies are small and loving companions, ideal for anyone looking for a snuggly pet.

Quick Info

Size

Small

Colours

Varies; can be any mixture of their Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier parents

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Height

4 to 8 inches

Type

Toy

Hypoallergenic

Weight

7 to 13 pounds

Family

Terrier

Personality

Morkies are devoted, self-reliant, and a little feisty. Despite their small size, they have a strong personality. Their friendly nature comes from both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier breeds. These dogs are lively, smart, and can be a bit headstrong, which is typical of terriers. They tend to bark a lot and will alert their owners to anything unusual. Additionally, they often crave attention and may bond closely with just one person in the home.

History

The Morkie is a fairly recent breed in the dog community, appearing in the late 1990s, probably in North America. Although there may have been some accidental mixes of Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers in the past, it was during this time that people began to intentionally breed them together. To fully appreciate the Morkie, it’s essential to learn about the backgrounds of its parent breeds.

Ideal Owner

Morkie puppies and dogs are a great choice for new pet owners. They are flexible and do best in homes where someone is usually around or can take them along when going out, as they don’t like being left by themselves.

Exercise Needs

Morkies are small dogs with a lot of energy. To keep them content and fit, short walks along with playtime and social interaction are essential. Remember that their terrier nature can make them a bit stubborn, so it's important to involve them in fun activities to help them release energy and avoid getting into trouble at home. When taking your Morkie for a walk, it's better to use a harness instead of a collar because of their small size and the risk of throat problems.

Space Requirements

Because of their small size, Morkie mixes are happy in smaller areas. They can thrive in both urban and suburban settings, as long as they get enough exercise and mental activity.

Training

Never overlook how smart a Morkie can be; these dogs pick up new things fast and love to make their owners happy by learning tricks and playing games. It's important to train them to walk nicely on a leash and in a harness. Their fun-loving nature might cause them to chase after things like squirrels or the neighbor's cat, so having a strong recall command is important too.

Grooming

While they don’t lose a lot of hair, most mixes of Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese have long, smooth fur that can easily get tangled. To keep their beautiful coats soft and free of knots, they need to be brushed and maintained regularly.

Suitability for Family Life

Morkies are wonderful, snuggly pets for families. Because they are small, they do best in homes with older, kind kids, since younger children might play a bit too roughly with them without meaning to.

Did You know?

Morkie puppies are tiny at birth, typically weighing around 0.3 pounds. If you have allergies, a Morkie could be a great choice for you. They come from parents that have coats that shed very little. Some well-known people who have owned Morkies include celebrities like Drake, Hilary Duff, and Miley Cyrus.

Similar Breeds

Need to Know

Suitable for first-time owners

Extra training required

Generally healthy breed

Enjoys short walks

Small dog

Minimal drool

Requires frequent grooming

Chatty and vocal dog