Morkie Dog Breed

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 20 - 25cm M | 20 - 25cm F

Weight: 3 - 5kg M | 3 - 5kg F

Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 Years

Introduction

The Morkie is also known as Malkie, Malki, Maltiyork, Yorkiemalt, and Yorktese. He is a hybrid designer dog that was created in the United States. His parent breeds are the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier.

The Morkie is loved by many dog enthusiasts because of his perky and friendly nature. Extremely affectionate and loving lapdog, the Morkie thrives in the company of his human family. Because he is family-oriented, he needs a companion to stay with him throughout the day.

The Morkie inherited his parent breed’s low shedding coat. This makes him hypoallergenic and a perfect pet for dog lovers with allergies. Although he is a playful dog, the Morkie only needs moderate exercise and mental stimulation. This mixed breed is yet to be recognised by the Kennel Club.

History

Where did Morkies originate from?

The Morkie is a hybrid designer dog that originated from the United States. He is created through crossing a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. In the last 20 years, the Morkie has become a favourite of many dog enthusiasts worldwide. This mixed breed’s history is unclear but looking at his parent breeds will help us understand more about the Morkie.

The Maltese got its name from the Romans. He was named after the island of Malta where he originated. He has a very loving and gentle nature which became useful in comforting the sick.

Back then, people believed that the Maltese possessed healing powers. When the breed reached the other parts of Europe, he quickly became the aristocrats’ favourite because of their regal and elegant looks.

The Yorkshire Terrier’s roots can be traced in Yorkshire, England. Breeders purposefully developed the breed as a skilled ratter. He became a common companion in mines where many vermin needed to be exterminated.

Aside from that, he is also adept at burrowing underground for foxes and badgers. In 1861, the Yorkshire Terrier made its very first appearance in England during a bench show.

Today, both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier are valued family companions. They have also become great foundations of the Morkie breed. Do you want a Morkie to be your new family pet? Find the perfect match for you here.

Appearance and Grooming

Appearance

What does Morkie look like?

The Morkie is a small designer dog that typically weighs 2.5 to 4.5 kg and measures 20 to 25 cm tall. The appearance of the breed may vary depending on which parent gene each offspring inherits.

The Malkie has a square-shaped body and a well-balanced back. His tail is half-curled. He has a short snout and a black nose. His eyebrows and moustache are conspicuous. He has dark brown eyes. His ears can either stand erect or drooping.

The Malkie’s coat is long and silky and it comes in several colours including black, brown, tan, white, and the signature black and tan combo of the Yorkshire Terrier. Since the Morkie is a low-shedding dog, he is considered a hypoallergenic dog. He is a great option for dog owners suffering from dander allergies.

When do Morkies stop growing?

Small dog breeds like the Malki often stop growing when they are 12 to 15 months old. They will reach their full weight by 18 months. To know if your Morkie has fully matured, compare his weight and height to an adult Malki. A full-grown Malki weighs 2.5 to 4.5 kg and stands 20 to 25 cm tall.

Grooming

Do Morkies shed?

The Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier are both low-shedding breeds and the Morkie inherited this trait. This saves you from cleaning up too much loose hair around your home. Although the Morkie is low-maintenance in terms of grooming, regular brushing is still required to keep the coat tangle-free and mat-free.

Trimming is also needed once his coat becomes too long. Visiting a professional groomer will make this task easier for you.

Bathing should be done when it's required. Over frequent washing must be avoided as it strips his coat and skin of its healthy oils. As a result, it dries out the skin and fur and causes skin problems.

How should Morkies be groomed?

Morkies with upright ears need to have their ears cleaned at least once a month. Those that have droopy ears need weekly ear cleaning. This is because dirt and bacteria quickly accumulate in this type of ear.

Always watch out for signs of ear problems including putrid smell, swelling, and redness. These are red flags that indicate an ear infection.

Do not let your Maltiyorl's nail overgrow. It can lead to splitting or cracking which can be extremely painful. So make sure to trim his nails weekly.

Periodontal disease is a prevalent health problem in dogs. The Morkie is more susceptible to developing this condition than other breeds. Therefore, it is highly important to brush his teeth daily. If this proves to be a very challenging task, twice or three times a week of toothbrushing will suffice.

Temperament and Intelligence

Temperament

Are Morkies good family dogs?

The Morkie’s playful and friendly nature makes him a wonderful family companion. He loves interacting with people and receiving their love and attention. As an adorable lapdog, he enjoys spending time relaxing with his family and won’t say no to kisses, cuddles, and pets. A well-socialised Morkie puppy will grow into a people and animal-loving dog.

Morkie’s gentle nature makes him a great playmate for children. But it is emphasised that their interactions should be supervised by adults. This is to prevent accidents and injuries to the dog and the children. Although the Morkie is a small dog, he can still knock down smaller children due to excitement.

Due to his small stature, the Maltiyork may easily get injured if treated roughly. With that said, children need to learn how to gently handle the Maltiyork. It is important that they understand why they should not pull the ears or tail of their furry friend.

Can Morkies be left alone?

As a lapdog, the Morkie wants nothing more than to stay close to his family so it’s not a good idea to leave him alone for long periods. Doing so may cause your Morkie to develop separation anxiety or unwanted behaviours such as incessant barking, destroying furniture, and improper elimination. Prevent this from happening by making sure someone is with your Morkie every time you are away.

Are Morkies yappy?

Having a Yorkshire Terrier in his blood, the Morkie is a yappy dog breed. This trait, combined with his alert and loyal nature makes him a good watchdog. However, if left unchecked, his barking can evolve into a noise problem.

Early training and socialisation will help develop him into a well-mannered dog. He will be able to distinguish threats from those who are not. This will prevent your dog from scaring away house guests or the mailman.

Intelligence

Are Morkies easy to train?

The Morkie is an intelligent breed but he is slightly challenging to train. Although he quickly learns new commands, his stubbornness gets in the way. Keep him motivated and obedient by being firm and consistent during training.

Patience is an important component as well. Never use punishment and rough training methods. This will only weaken the bond you share with your beloved dog. Instead, apply positive reinforcement. Encourage him to do his best by rewarding him with praises, treats, and fun games.

Nutrition and Feeding

Nutrition

What does a Morkie eat?

The Morkie needs a premium-quality dog food in his daily diet. It should specifically cater to his age, breed, energy level, and size. This will ensure that he gets the proper amount of nutrients and minerals. Consult with your vet to find the most suitable high-quality dog food for your Morkie.

Commercial dog foods may be cheap alternatives, they may lack the nutritional content your Yorktese needs to stay healthy and strong. They also contain preservatives and additives which can be harmful to his health. Freshwater should be readily available for your dog every day, especially on hotter seasons. This will keep your Yorktese well-hydrated and prevent heatstroke.

Feeding

How much should a Morkie eat?

Two to three-month-old Morkie puppies need at least ½ to 1 cup of dog food each day. Once they reach 4 to 5 months of age, feed him around 2/3 to 1 ½ cup of dog food daily. Morkie puppies age 6 to 8 months should have approximately ¾ to 1 1/3 cups of dog food every day. Their daily meals must be divided into 3 smaller portions.

Nine to eleven-month-old Yorkiemalt puppies are to be fed with the same amount of food given to adult Yorkiemalts. Full-grown Yorkiemalts need to eat 1 to 2 cups of dog food each day. Split every serving into 2 smaller meals to prevent overeating.

Health and Exercise

Health

How long do Morkies live?

Healthy Morkies have an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Some Morkies can even live up to 17 years. To ensure that your Morkie lives a long and happy life, consistently provide him with the attention and care he needs every day. Be sure to give him well-balanced meals, proper grooming, sufficient exercise, and a relaxing home environment.

Do Morkies have health problems?

In general, the Morkie is a healthy dog breed. However, similar to most dogs, he is still susceptible to a few health problems. The list shows the most common health issues in Morkies:

Collapsed trachea
Dental diseases
Glaucoma
Hernias
Reverse sneezing

Prevent these diseases from developing by completing all health checks needed for this breed. Meticulously following vet visit schedules helps a great deal in keeping diseases away. You’re not only able to closely monitor your Morkies health, but also receive tips and advice from the vet on how to continue keeping your dog fit.

Exercise

How much exercise does a Morkie need?

Whilst the Morkie is a lively breed, he only has minimal exercise needs. Around 30 minutes of exercise and mental stimulation is enough to expend his extra energy. Taking him out for a walk is a great and simple way to tire him out.

Do not forget to engage him with fun brain games such as hide-and-seek, obstacle course, and puzzle toys too. Let him run freely off lead in your backyard if it is spacious enough. Be sure to check the enclosures before doing so to prevent your Morkie from escaping.

Cost of Ownership

If you are set on owning a Morkie, you may need to pay £450 to £700 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. Part of caring for a dog is ensuring that it stays healthy and well-fed. Feeding your dog high quality food can set you back another £20-£30 a month. You would also need to factor in the initial cost of buying basic dog accessories and equipment such as bed, food bowls, lead, collar, and toys. These can amount to £150-£200 depending on the brand and quality. Grooming can be another expense if you choose to use the services of professional groomers, which is within the region of £30-£40.

You also need to be prepared when it suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. To offset some bills, it is recommended that you pay for a pet insurance, which can cost from £17 a month for a basic time-limited cover up to £40 a month for a lifetime one. The prices can vary depending on your dog’s health and age, your location, and the level of cover you opt for.

Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £800 annually. On average, the monthly cost for raising a Morkie is £100-£150. This is exclusive of the type of pet insurance policy and other expenses such as dog walking service or dog day care.

Morkie Breed Highlights

The Morkie is an affectionate lap dog that loves being with his family most of the time.
He is a low shedder that requires daily brushing due to his coat.
He gets along well with children and other pets provided that he is properly socialised.
He can be quite stubborn but responds well to firm and consistent training paired with positive reinforcement.
He has low exercise needs.

Are you sure the Morkie is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.

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