7 Things You Need to Know About the Morkie (Maltese Yorkie mix)

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Maltese Yorkie Mix is a cross of purebred Maltese and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Morkie, or Morkshire Terrier. Morkies are relatively small dogs at about 6 to 8 inches tall, weighing around 4 to 8 pounds, while Teacup Morkies are tinnier. Morkies average lifespan is between 10 to 13 years.

Warning! One look at this fluffy little fellow will have your heart melting and your fingers tapping the keyboard to find one.

However, before you rob your piggy bank, you will want to be prepared for what lies ahead with this canine companion. But don’t worry, in this post I’ve gathered up the important info on the Morkie, along with some tips and adorable pics.

Check it out!

1. So Adorable, You’ll Want to Snuggle One Up!

Since the Morkie is a crossbreed, you are not guaranteed the exact looks you would if it were a purebred. However, as pointed in the first paragraph the average full-grown Yorkie Maltese mix usually measures in at around 6 to 8 inches at the shoulder and from 4 to 8 pounds. Teacup Morkies, on the other paw, are on the smaller side of that average.

The coat of the Maltese Yorkie is a beautiful blend of its genetics, being soft and slightly longer. They can be solid black, white, tan, or a combination of all three.

What about grooming?

The Morkie will need to be brushed several times a week to prevent the hair from tangling or developing mats. You will also want to bathe your canine companion once-a-month with a high-quality doggy shampoo and conditioner.

This YouTube video shows how you can use grooming tools to give your Morkie a haircut. Note; not all dogs are going to be as calm and compliant as this little fella. If you want your Maltese Yorkie mix hair trimmed, it’s best to have a professional dog groomer do the job, at least until your pup gets used to the clippers, combs, scissors, and procedure.

2. They are Happy-Go-Lucky, But a Bit Barky

Pet parents all agree that the Morkie temperament can be described as happy-go-lucky. It loves to run, play and fetch toys, despite its tiny size. It does like children, but due to its delicate nature, older kids are recommended. This social pup even does well with cats and other small dogs. However, be wary when your Yorkie Maltese is around larger breeds as it’s tiny body can be easily injured.

If you don’t want a noisy dog, you may want to consider another breed. This little guy can bark up a storm, especially when left alone for long periods-of-time. This separation anxiety is best controlled by having a person home most of the time or one that can bring the dog with them wherever they go.

What about training?

Being half Terrier, the Morkie does tend to have a stubborn side. But that doesn’t mean he’s untrainable, in fact, it is quite the opposite. With plenty of praise, patience, and some delicious treats, your Morkie can be a “good student.”

3. Morkie Medical Concerns

As with any dog, there can be health issues involved. Since this dog is a Maltese Yorkie mix breeders know that they are susceptible to the following conditions;

• Eye, ear, and oral issues
• Collapsed trachea – when the rings of the trachea are weakened and collapse in on itself
• Reverse sneezing – air is pulled rapidly into the nose
• Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar
• Portosystemic shunt – a liver problem where there is an abnormal connection between the portal vein (or one of its branches) and another vein.
• Patella Luxation – slipped knee joint.

Regular veterinarian checkups and a good diet can help catch these conditions before they become a problem.

4. Exercise or Destruction, You Decide

Even though the Morkie is considered a Toy breed, it will still need a certain amount of exercise and play each day. It is recommended to take your pup on a brisk walk around the block or for playtime at a park. If you choose a dog park to exercise your Yorkie Maltese, be aware of the other dogs, as a bite or jump on your little guy takes only a moment for a serious injury to occur.

Left without exercise and companionship, the Morkie tends to get destructive.

How much damage could a little dog do?

You will be surprised.

Pet parents have reported their Morkies ripping up sofa cushions, urinating and defecating all over the home, scratching at doors until their paws bleed and barking incessantly. Be sure someone is home to keep your pooch out of trouble. If you can’t be at home to exercise your Morkie every day, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker.

5. Despite Their Small Size, They Can Eat

The Morkie might be little, but man, can he eat.

You will want to feed your dog a high-quality kibble. This will provide your pup with the required nutrients for growth, health and a beautiful coat, as well as protect its teeth from plaque and tartar buildup.

Be sure to find the appropriate kibble size. A smaller food made specifically for toy breeds will prevent a choking hazard and allow your Yorkie Maltese the ability to chew and swallow her food properly.

Also since this “breed” is prone to weight gains, you won’t want the food to contain too many carbohydrates. Once your pooch has packed on those extra pounds, it puts her at risk of other Morkie health issues such as slipped knees and even hypoglycemia (diabetes).

Since the Morkie is part Yorkie, you will also want to consider tummy issues (which is a common problem in the Yorkshire breed). Foods that contain less artificial dyes and preservatives are your wisest choice.

6. Morkie Puppies, What Could Be Cuter?

There’s no doubt that the Morkie is a real cutie-pie, but there are some precautions you will want to take.

First of all, if your Morkie is a Teacup, you will have to be extra careful. Hugging it too hard or rolling over onto it in bed can cause injury or even death.

Second, early socialization of your puppy is key to having a happy dog versus a shy and frightened one. Many breeders and pet experts recommend puppy kindergarten or puppy training classes. These are controlled environments where your Morkie can learn from other dogs, go over some basic training and maybe even make some lifelong doggy friends.

Since the Yorkie Maltese is a hybrid finding a puppy may be more difficult. You can check with your local animal rescue and leave your name at the front desk in case one were to come in or use a search on the internet. Petfinder is an excellent place to start as you can narrow down your options to include the distance you want to travel.

7. There are Plenty of Fun Facts About the Morkie

We’re not finished yet with this adorable hybrid. Here are some fun facts about the Morkie that you will want to know:

1. Maltese Yorkies are super-tiny at birth weighing in at around 4 to 5 ounces
2. As mentioned above the average lifespan of this breed is from 10 to 13 years-old
3. The Morkie hybrid was founded in America for a lapdog
4. This dog can live in apartments quite nicely.
5. This little dog is perfect for seniors and would even make a good therapy pooch
6. Since this dog is so small, the litter size can range from only two puppies up to five puppies.
7. Yorkie Maltese enthusiasts hope to make someday them a true breed in the eyes of the American Kennel Club (AKC).
8. Morkies bond quickly to their family members and want to be a part of the day-to-day happenings.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Conclusion

Is the Morkie right for you? Carefully consider all of our information from its temperament to grooming requirements, to exercise and to training.

I think the Maltese Yorkie mix is a delightful blend of adorableness, a great personality and a coat that is relatively easy to manage. Yes, it does tend to have a stubborn side, but that only makes pet parenting a Morkie all that more fun.

If you have a Morkie, please feel free to share your thoughts and information in the comment section.

More info:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Maltipoo (AKA Maltese Poodle Mix)