Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st December 2023
Morkie
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st December 2023
Loved for its sweet disposition and charming appearance, the Morkie is a hybrid of a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. This adorable dog is famed for its long, fluffy coat, beady eyes, and button nose. Its color depends on its Terrier ancestry, ranging from black, brown, golden, or white. The Morkies available as pets are usually direct crosses between a Maltese and a Terrier, a Morkie with one of the parent stock, or a mix of two Morkies.
Due to its low shedding, breeders often recommend it for those sensitive to dog hair. However, it is not hypoallergenic, and people with severe allergies must still be cautious before bringing one home.
Morkie Pictures
Quick Information
| Other names | Morkshire Terrier |
| Coat | Long and silky |
| Color | Black, brown, blue, white, golden, silver, black and tan, bicolor, yellow, and fawn |
| Breed type | Crossbred |
| Group | Toy |
| Life expectancy | 10 – 16 years |
| Size | Small |
| Height | 4 – 8 inches |
| Weight | 7 – 13 pounds |
| Litter Size | 2 – 5 puppies |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Affectionate, friendly, playful, intelligent, and eager |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | High |
| Climate compatibility | Low; they cannot tolerate extreme temperatures due to their small size |
| Apartment compatibility | High |
| Do they shed | They are low-shedders |
| Are they hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | Moderate; can be headstrong |
| How much do they cost | $800 – $3,000 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | American Canine Hybrid Club, International Designer Canine Registry |
| Country | USA |
History and Origin
This breed likely originated in North America in the 1980s and ’90s as a “designer” cross meant to appeal to the masses. Despite probably existing earlier in nature as an accidental offspring, it first gained traction by the late nineties, with demand increasing due to its amicable nature, cute looks, and smooth coat. However, as a mixed type, kennel clubs such as the AKC and UKC do not recognize it. Alternatively, owners can register it at clubs designated for such hybrids as the International Designer Canine Registry and the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Temperament and Personality
Contrary to their diminutive frame, Morkies possess a huge personality. Their cuddly and loving nature might make them look like little toys. Still, these Terrier crosses are just as spunky, fearless, and attention-loving as their parent line. Incredibly attached to their master, they are content to be wherever they are and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. Thus, they generally do better in single-pet homes. Their tiny size and medium energy make them excellent apartment pets, perfect for new owners. They make brilliant watchdogs, alerting with loud barks the moment a stranger is detected. However, this tendency to be yappy can quickly become troublesome for neighbors, so proper training is vital.
Despite their bright temperament and playfulness, it is essential to note that they are very fragile. One must be especially careful around younger kids, who might accidentally injure them while playing. Thus, avoiding getting one for households with toddlers and young children is better. Ensure you don’t step on them by mistake, and check sofas and beds before sitting or lying down.
Care
Exercise
They have medium energy levels, doing fine with indoor exercise and mental stimulation without an outdoor space. At least thirty to sixty minutes of exercise daily in short walks is necessary to help keep them calm and prevent overexertion. Along with providing mental workouts and playtime, this is essential to avoid destructive behavior caused by boredom. Games like tug-of-war and fetch are great options. Those with a more Terrier-like character are talented at dog sports such as agility, scent work, and obedience.
Grooming
These dogs may not shed much but require daily vigorous brushing to prevent tangles and mats in their long, silky hair. A good alternative is to get them professionally groomed in a puppy cut to make their coat manageable. It is best to get this done every few months as their hair grows constantly. Excess fringe over the eyes can be fastened with hair clips for a pleasant look. Bath them every couple weeks or whenever they are dirty, check their ears for dirt and infections, and trim their nails as needed. Being prone to tooth problems, you must practice proper dental hygiene with regular brushing.
Health Problems
As hybrids, they can inherit issues from both lines, such as patellar luxation, periodontal disease, portosystemic liver shunts, tracheal collapse, congenital heart disease, hernias, glaucoma, reverse sneezing, and hypoglycemia. Periodic check-ups and buying from reputed breeders can help avoid many of these concerns.
Feeding
Their diet should be fixed, considering a small, toy breed with medium to high energy levels. Due to their high metabolism, you should feed your pet small meals multiple times daily. These periodic feeds prevent low blood sugar, especially in puppies. Also, ensure their kibble is high-quality and small enough to be chewed and digested fully. Avoid giving table scraps and fatty foods as they tend to gain weight. Lastly, provide plenty of clean and fresh water for hydration.
Training
Morkies inherited their stubbornness from their Terrier blood. This trait can make training difficult initially, especially for first-time owners. However, you can turn your pup into a well-behaved and obedient companion with determination and perseverance.
Socialization: Early socialization is crucial to help them adjust to other people and animals. Also, providing a distraction through toys and correct training is necessary to prevent separation anxiety. Otherwise, they will never learn to cope with being left alone, even for short periods. Consistent, positive, and reward-based methods are the best way to develop a firm bond and build trust.
Obedience: These intelligent dogs love learning new tricks and games. Toilet training can be a slow process, requiring patience and persistence. You can control their barking tendency by eliminating triggers using a white noise machine, physically removing them from a triggering situation, and refusing to give in to their demands whenever they become vocal.
Leash: Train them to walk outside in a harness with a lead and teach a recall. You must use a harness instead of a collar to avoid the risk of a trachea collapse.
Interesting Facts
- New-born puppies are tiny, weighing just around 0.3 pounds.
- Some celebrities owning one are Miley Cyrus, Drake, and Steven Tyler.
FAQs
Typically, they sleep for around ten to twelve hours daily. Some take longer naps, while others prefer shorter rests.
Their slight frame and sleek coat allow them to be good swimmers. However, one should be careful of issues like chills, arthritis, and rheumatism, which may be due to exertion.
As their name suggests, Morkie Poos are a mix of the Maltese, Yorkie, and Poodle breeds. They may have a long muzzle courtesy of their Poodle DNA, unlike the Morkie. Also, they are eager to please and less stubborn, making them easier to train.
The Yorkie, or Yorkshire Terrier, is a purebred, forming one of the Morkie’s parent lines. It is slightly smaller and longer lived. Also, it has fewer colors, only coming in tan/gold and blue/black variations.
Despite having a common parent, there are some significant differences. The Maltipoo, a Maltese and Poodle cross, is comparatively larger and has a curlier coat from its Poodle heritage.
