Morkie Breed Information
The Morkie, a designer dog breed that is a perfect blend of a Maltese and a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier), is a bundle of joy and affection. This tiny, fluffy ball of energy is sure to brighten up your day with its playful and loving nature.
One of the most endearing features of the Morkie is its hypoallergenic coat, which is inherited from its Maltese parent. This makes it a great choice for people with allergies or those who prefer low-shedding breeds. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, tan, and brown, and adds to their cuteness quotient.
Morkies are small and compact, weighing between 4 and 7 pounds, making them ideal for apartment living. They are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, making them perfect for first-time dog owners. They are also great for families with children, as they have a gentle and loving nature.
The Morkie dog is a loving, easy-going companion that will fit seamlessly into your life. With proper care and training, they make a wonderful addition to any family. If you're looking for a small, hypoallergenic companion that is full of love and energy, the Morkie is the perfect choice for you.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Hybrid / Yorkshire Terrier crossed with a Maltese
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Energetic, Loving, Loyal, Playful
ADULT WEIGHT
5-8 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
6-10 in
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs
Characteristics
- Pocket-sized perfection: The Morkie's small and compact size makes them the ultimate lap dog. Their portable size also makes them perfect for apartment living or for those on the go.
- Hypoallergenic dogs: The Morkie's hypoallergenic coat, inherited from both parents, makes them a dream for those with allergies or those looking for a low-shedding breed.
- The best of both worlds: As a designer breed, the Morkie is a perfect blend of a Maltese and a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier), resulting in an irresistible combination of looks and personality.
- Morkies possess a sweet nature that shines through in their playful and affectionate personalities. They are gentle and loving, making them a fantastic choice for families with children.
- Quick learners: The Morkie's high intelligence makes them easy to train and they respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
- Low maintenance: Morkies have moderate energy levels and do not require a lot of physical activity, making them the perfect companions for busy individuals or those with less active lifestyles.
- Morkies possess an adaptable nature and can adjust to different living environments and family dynamics, making them the perfect addition to any household.
Appearance
When it comes to looks, the Morkie is truly a one-of-a-kind breed. With their compact and playful stature, these little pooches are sure to turn heads wherever they go. They typically weigh between 4 to 8 pounds and stand at 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder, making them the perfect size for a sweet little lap dog.
One of the most striking aspects of the Morkie's appearance is their coat. Inheriting the hypoallergenic properties from their parents, their coat is soft, silky, and puffy. It can come in a variety of colors such as white, cream, apricot, or in some cases, black and tan, adding a touch of elegance to their already charming appearance.
Their Yorkie parent has also passed on their expressive eyes to the Morkie, which are large, dark, and almond-shaped. These eyes give the Morkie a curious and lively expression, adding to their endearing nature. The ears of a Morkie can be floppy, slightly raised, or completely erect, depending on which of the parents they take after. This adds an element of surprise and individuality to the breed, making each Morkie unique.
The Morkie also boasts a compact, well-proportioned body, a short, slightly square muzzle, and a black button nose. They also have upright tails they wear happily curled over their backs, which give them a joyful, friendly look.
Temperament
The Morkie is a delightful bundle of energy and love, boasting a temperament that is both outgoing and affectionate. Their lively personalities and boundless energy make them the perfect playmates for children and adults alike. They are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them a breeze to train and an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
These adorable little pooches are also known for their adaptability and make great companions for those living in small apartments or larger homes. They enjoy exploring and playing and are always eager to go on walks and play fetch and tug-of-war. They are also great watchdogs, fiercely loyal to their owners and protective of their families.
But the Morkie's loving nature is not limited to their family alone. They are naturally sociable and enjoy making new friends be they humans or other pets. They are known to be friendly and outgoing, always eager to meet new people and animals.
The Morkie's temperament is a perfect blend of playfulness, loyalty, and love. They are outgoing, affectionate, and intelligent, making them ideal companion pets for families, singles, and seniors alike. With a Morkie by your side, you will never have a dull moment and will be showered with love and affection.
Care
Grooming
Grooming your Morkie is an opportunity to unleash the full potential of their unique beauty and charm. These tiny, fluffy companions boast a hypoallergenic coat, inherited from their Maltese parent, that requires regular attention to keep it soft, silky, and fluffy. And while they may be small in size, the grooming needs of the Morkie are far from insignificant.
First and foremost, regular brushing is essential to keep their coat tangle-free and matting-free. A slicker brush or metal comb will work wonders to keep their coat smooth and shiny. Brush at least once a week, and more frequently during shedding season. This not only keeps their coat in tip-top shape, but it also provides valuable bonding time with your Morkie.
Ears are another crucial aspect of grooming for the Morkie. They are prone to ear infections, so keeping them clean and dry is a must. Check them regularly for any signs of redness, itching, or discharge, and clean them with a cotton ball and mild ear-cleaning solution. This will ensure that your Morkie's ears stay healthy and comfortable.
Morkies also have small teeth that need regular care, just like any other dog. Brush them regularly to maintain good oral health and give them dental sticks and chew toys to help keep their dental hygiene in check.
Finally, regular baths are essential to keep your Morkie's coat clean and shiny. Use a mild dog shampoo that is appropriate for sensitive skin and avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. This will keep your Morkie dogs looking and smelling like the fluffy bundles of joy they are.
In summary, grooming your Morkie is not just a chore, but an opportunity to enhance their unique beauty and charm. Regular brushing, cleaning, and bathing will keep them looking and feeling their best.
Exercise Needs
When it comes to keeping your Morkie happy and healthy, regular exercise is key. And let's be real, these pint-sized pups have a whole lot of personality packed into their tiny frames. They may be small in size, but their energy levels are sometimes off the charts.
Luckily, Morkies are incredibly adaptable, and their exercise needs can be met in a variety of ways. They're just as content going for a leisurely stroll around the block as they are running around in a big backyard. They're also great at keeping up with you on a hike or bike ride.
But it's not just physical exercise that Morkies require. They're also incredibly intelligent and crave mental stimulation. This is where training and interactive games come in. Teaching them new tricks or playing a game of hide-and-seek can provide them with the mental workout they need to stay sharp.
Morkies also have a strong desire to be close to their owners. They are truly lapdogs, and they love nothing more than to cuddle with their human. So, even if you're just lounging on the couch, spending quality time with your Morkie is a great way to bond with them and provide them with the exercise they need.
Morkies are highly adaptable, and their exercise needs can be met in a variety of ways. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a few daily walks, a hike, a game of fetch, or just lounging on the couch, as long as you're spending quality time with your Morkie, you're providing them with the exercise they need to thrive.
Health
The Morkie is a unique and adorable breed that brings joy to the lives of those who are lucky enough to own one. With their charming personalities, playful nature, and loving disposition, it's no wonder they are so popular.
While they may be small in size, they are big on personality and require proper care to ensure they stay healthy and happy. One important aspect of their care is dental hygiene. Their small mouths and crowded teeth make them susceptible to tartar build-up and tooth decay, so regular dental check-ups are a must.
Another aspect to keep in mind is their adorable little legs, which can be prone to injury if not handled with care. They are also prone to luxating patella (dislocated kneecaps) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). These conditions can be prevented with proper care and regular check-ups with a vet.
Morkies are also known for their luxurious coat, which requires regular grooming to keep them looking shiny and healthy. And while they may be small, they still have plenty of energy and require regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy.
With proper care, regular check-ups, and a healthy diet, your Morkie will be able to live a long and happy life.
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, the Morkie certainly doesn't disappoint. This beloved hybrid breed boasts an impressive lifespan that can range anywhere from 12 to 15 years, with some even living up to the ripe old age of 17.
One of the reasons for their longevity is their moderate energy level and small size, which helps them maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. However, it's also worth noting that the Morkie's hybrid status plays a big role in their robust health.
Their parent breeds, Maltese and Yorkie, have an average lifespan of 12 and 14 years respectively. However, as a hybrid breed, the Morkie tends to have a longer lifespan and is known to be a very healthy breed.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise are key to ensuring your Morkie lives a long and healthy life. And of course, preventative care such as dental cleanings and vaccinations play a vital role in maintaining the overall health of your furry companion.
With proper care and attention, your Morkie can be a loyal companion for many years to come. Their charming personalities and affectionate nature make them the perfect lifelong companion.
Training
Training a Morkie puppy is a fun and rewarding experience that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are a few things to keep in mind when training your small Morkie puppies.
- Socialization: Introduce your puppy to different places, sounds, people, pets, and environments to help them become sociable and confident. This includes taking your puppy to puppy socialization classes, going on walks in different areas surrounding your home, and inviting friends and family members over to interact with your Morkie puppy.
- Independence training: Teaching your puppy to be comfortable being alone for short periods of time is important for their overall well-being. Start by leaving your puppy alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration.
- Leash training: Teaching your puppy to walk on a leash is important for their safety and your peace of mind. Start by using a harness and a short leash and gradually increase the distance you walk. Remember to always reward good behavior.
- Basic obedience training: Teaching commands such as "sit", "stay", and "come" is important for Morkie puppies as it is for all breed puppies, big or small. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as delicious rewards and praise to encourage your puppy to do what is asked.
- Potty training: Establishing regular potty habits is crucial in the early stages of training. You can begin indoors, using potty pads, and gradually move outdoors as your puppy begins to potty in the same place every time. Take your Morkie puppies out at consistent intervals to the same designated potty area and reward them any time they go potty in the designated spot. You can use treats and praise to reinforce their good behavior.
History
The Morkie is a designer dog breed that was created by crossing a Maltese and a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier). The breed is relatively new, having originated between the 1990s and early 2000s. The idea behind crossing a purebred Maltese with a purebred Yorkie was to combine the best traits of both parents and create a small, hypoallergenic, and sweet-natured companion dog.
In the beginning, Morkies were mainly bred by breeders and hobbyists, but as word spread about this adorable new breed, their popularity began to increase. They quickly became a favorite among pet owners who appreciate the convenience of a small, hypoallergenic dog that is easy to train and adapts well to different living environments and family dynamics. Morkies are known for their playful, loving, and affectionate nature which makes them great family pets.
With the rise in popularity of designer dog breeds, the Morkie gained recognition as an official breed and today it is widely recognized by major kennel clubs and breed organizations. They are often sought after by people with allergies, those who live in apartments, or those who want a lapdog.