Morkie (Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier Mix): Pictures, Breed Guide, Info, Care & More!

The Morkie is also known as the Morkshire Terrier. This adorable little dog is a mix of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese. They have characteristics of both of their parents, making for an energetic, playful, and loving pet.

Breed Overview

They are a great choice for families with older children or any other people looking for a tiny companion. They love to play but don’t have huge daily exercise requirements. If this sounds like the kind of dog that would fit into your home, keep reading to learn more!

Morkie Characteristics

Morkie Puppies

Morkie puppies are small, energetic, and affectionate, and they make great companions for families and individuals. They are known for their silky, hypoallergenic coat and their love for human attention. They are also relatively easy to train, but it is important to establish a strong and consistent training regimen from an early age to ensure good behavior and obedience.

It is also important to know the breeder you are getting your puppy from. The popularity of Morkie puppies can lead to less-reputable breeders trying to sell unhealthy dogs. You can research a breeder’s reputation and should always ask plenty of questions when you begin looking for a puppy. A good breeder will be happy to answer your questions and should be able to produce certificates indicating that the parents are healthy. You may also be able to find Morkies through Yorkshire or Maltese breed-specific rescues. Adopting is a great way to save a pet’s life!

Temperament & Intelligence of the Morkie

The Morkie is known as a sweet-tempered and playful pet. They love their people and want to be around them all the time. They do tend to have a favorite person to whom they cling more than the others in the household. It is important to know that Morkies need a lot of attention. They don’t do well when left alone or when they feel like they aren’t being doted on enough.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Morkies are good family dogs. However, they are best suited for families with older children due to their fragility. They are tiny dogs and can be injured easily by younger kids who may not know how to play gently.

Morkies love and need attention, so a family that has a lot of time to spend with them is a must. They are also well suited for a retired couple or single person who is home most of the time and will meet their demands.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Morkies tend to like everyone, so they can get along with other pets. However, larger dogs might be too much for the Morkie’s small size. Like many terriers, Morkies don’t realize how small they are and behave fearlessly. Morkies usually will do fine with another small dog or with cats, especially if they are introduced to them at a young age and are properly socialized.

Things to Know When Owning a Morkie

Morkies are adorable. Unfortunately, this means sometimes people will bring one into their home based on their cute looks without taking the time to learn about their needs. Understanding a new pet’s needs is the key to a happy, healthy, successful pet and owner relationship. Read on to learn more about the specific requirements that a Morkie will have if you bring one home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Morkies are tiny but they love to eat! This can be a problem if they are not getting enough exercise. Most veterinarians recommend food formulated for toy breeds with a high level of energy. You should keep your Morkie on a regular feeding schedule and limit treats to prevent excessive weight gain. Even a small amount of extra weight on a tiny dog like the Morkie can have adverse effects on their health.

Exercise 🐕

The Morkie has a lot of energy, but their exercise needs are not excessive. Since they are so small, a 30-minute walk each day should be enough to keep them healthy. They also love to play, so a few rounds of fetch or other games around the house each day are good outlets for their playful energy. They also like running, so if you have a fenced yard, the Morkie can tire themselves out sprinting back and forth.

Training 🎾

Morkies are intelligent but stubborn, which can make training a challenge. Their terrier roots can take some work to get through. Therefore, the earlier you begin training, the more likely it is to be effective. You may also want to invest in a professional trainer to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

One thing that is very important to know about Morkies is that they are barkers. They will bark at everything. This is great if you are looking for a dog to alert you to anyone approaching your house, but not ideal if you live in an apartment.

Grooming ✂️

Morkies have silky hair that requires daily brushing to avoid knots and tangles. The great thing about them is they rarely shed.

You should bathe your Morkie at least once a month with high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner. Their hair also grows quickly and will require trimming every 6 to 8 weeks.

They also need to have their teeth brushed daily to prevent dental problems. Nails should be trimmed and their ears should be checked for redness or infection regularly.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Morkies are prone to a few serious and minor health conditions. Regular veterinary visits and a healthy diet are essential for preventing poor health in your Morkie.

Serious Conditions:

• Collapsed Trachea — This is a progressive condition that makes it difficult for your dog to breathe. There are different levels of severity of tracheal collapse in dogs. Most can be treated with medication, though surgery may be required if your dog is extremely uncomfortable.
• Hypoglycemia — Just as in humans, this can be serious and even fatal in dogs. Hypoglycemia is caused by low blood sugar levels. The most common sign in dogs is low energy, but seizures, increased thirst, weight gain, or irregular heartbeat can also be signs.
• Portosystemic Shunt — This occurs when the vein connecting the intestines to the liver instead bypasses the liver. Surgery is needed to correct the problem.

Minor Conditions:

• Reverse Sneezing — Although it may sound scary, this is actually quite common in dogs. It occurs when the soft palate becomes irritated by dust, an allergen, or another cause. The dog will have trouble inhaling and will try to breathe in through their nose. The reverse sneezing sound is them trying to expel the irritant. It is harmless.
• Dental Problems — Morkies are prone to dental problems. This is why it is important to brush their teeth daily.

Male vs. Female

There are no apparent differences between male and female Morkies. Their size and temperament tend to be the same. It also does not appear that the sex of the dog impacts the likelihood of any health problems.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Morkie

1. They Are Tiny at Birth, Weighing Only 4–5 Ounces!

The Morkie is tiny when they are born, and they do not grow to be very large as an adult. Due to their small stature, they are somewhat fragile throughout their entire lifetime and should be gently cared for to prevent injuries.

2. Morkies May Be Good Pets for People With Allergies

The Morkie is not hypoallergenic, but they do have hair instead of fur. They do not shed much, so if you or a family member suffers from allergies, a Morkie might be a better choice for you.

3. Their Coats Can Change Color Over Time

Morkies’ coats can be black, brown, white, or a combination of these colors. It is common for their coats to change colors as they grow, so your Morkie might be one color as a puppy and a different color as an adult.

Final Thoughts

The Morkie is a wonderful companion animal. If you are looking for a tiny dog to be your constant pal, you won’t find a better choice than these dogs. They do well in families with older children or in households with attentive adults. If you can devote the time needed for grooming, playtime, and cuddling, the Morkie will reward you with their affection and loyalty.

• Related read: Teacup Morkie (Yorkshire Terrier & Maltese Mix)

Featured Image Credit by: Ursula Page, Shutterstock