Morkie Breed Guide

Small, everyday dog breeds like Morkies make wonderful family pets because they’re smart and easy to train. But what you may not know is that most of them also enjoy playing fetch, running around the park with their best friend (you!), or sitting on your lap while you watch TV. Ready to bring home a Morkie? Here is everything you need to know about the breed! We recommend your read our Best Dog Food For Morkies guide to learn about their nutritional needs and keeping them healthy!

What is a Morkie?

Originated in the United States and Canada in the 1990s, this crossbreed or “designer breed” is a cross between Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers. It is also sometimes called Yorktese, or Morky (misspelled).

Should I Get A Morkie?

This dog has been bred for generations to be the perfect family pet. They are loving and playful but also get along well with other animals or kids who need a busy best friend.

• Adults
• Seniors
• Kids
• Families

Morkies require lots of attention and time. For this reason, it is best to not leave them alone for long periods of time.

Different Types of Morkies

A relatively new breed, Morkies don’t have a final look yet. Some are more like Maltese and others more like Yorkies, leading to variation in coats ranging from black, white and tan – among other colors between the two breeds.

Morkie Temperament

Morkies are both intelligent and sweet. They can be stubborn, needy, and suffer from separation anxiety; yet with the right training they also have many admirable qualities. They can be great family dogs as they are loving and affectionate and they are also great with kids and older family members.

Do Morkie Bark A Lot?

Yes. Yorkshire Terriers are barkers and Morkies can be too, due to their protective instincts. It is important to train your Morkie from a young age to not bark unless it is necessary. Many dog parents will talk about how morkies are known to bark more often compared to other small breeds such as shiba inu, schnoodle, or even cavapoochons.

Is It Hard To Train Morkies?

A morkie’s intelligence can be a blessing and a curse. If you don’t socialize them when they’re young, their Maltese side may make it difficult to train them as adults. Overall, Morkies can be considered to be easy to train because of how smart they are but it is important that you start training them from an early age so they don’t develop any bad habits.

How Big Do Morkies Get?

The Morkie is a small dog with a height of 6’-11’’ inches. They weigh only 5 ounces when born and can grow to be 4-8 pounds, fitting in most carry-on carriers for frequent flyers. Morkies may vary in weight based on the parents of the dog.

Potential Health Issues For Morkies

• Yorkie and Maltese mixed dogs can suffer from low blood sugar as they age. Morkies can also have health issues caused by their parent breeds, most commonly:
• Tracheal Collapse
• Cataracts
• Medial Patellar Luxation
• Hydrocephalus
• Kidney Failure
• Glaucoma

Overall, Morkies are considered to be healthy breeds but all dogs have potential health issues as they get older based on their genetics and nutrition.

Are Morkies Hypoallergenic?

Morkies are a hypoallergenic breed of dog with no shedding process to worry about. This makes them a great breed for those with dog allergies or for those who would like to keep their home and furniture clean.

Are Morkies Indoor or Outdoor Dogs?

Morkies love both couch time and outside time. They need regular exercise, but are not very keen on cold weather unless it’s warm out. Morkies are considered to be indoor dogs but will enjoy playing outside if the weather is nice.

How Much Do Morkies Cost?

Prices for Morkies can range from $1000 to $3000 depending on the size of the puppy and breeder. Since Morkies are hypoallergenic, they are typically more expensive compared to other breeds of dogs.

Morkie Coat & Fur Grooming

The Morkie coat can vary between white, black, and tan to any blend in between. Their coat is extremely soft—make sure you brush your dog at least once a week so it doesn’t tangle. It is recommended that you wash them with high quality shampoo and conditioner at least once per month to keep their fur clean and healthy.