Tiny and adorable, Morkie puppies could be the perfect fit for almost anyone. They’re smart, affectionate, easy to train, love to cuddle, but also very active and could go for a run with you as well as accompany you for a cup of coffee on your favorite patio. Considering getting one of these beautiful little designer breed dogs? Here is the Morkie Dogs 101!
What is a Morkie?
Originated in the United States / Canada in the 1990’s, The Morkie is an adorable crossbreed, or a ‘designer breed’ between Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier. Also referred to as Yorktese, or Morky (Misspell).
50% Maltese
50% Morkie
Is Morkie the right dog for me?
Morkies are great for almost anyone! They are good lap dogs, but they love to play and stay active. They will be a good fit for:
Adults
Seniors
Kids
Families
Morkies do require lots of attention and can be needy. For that reason it’s best if they are not left alone for long periods of time.
Looks & Types of Morkies
Being a relatively new breed, Morkies don’t yet have a ‘final’ look. They can look more like their Maltese side, or more like their Yorkie side. Their coat can range between black, white and tan – or anything in between.
Temperament
Morkies are soft and calm dogs, and also tend to be energetic, bold and smart. However, they can be needy, and suffer from separation anxiety. They can also be very stubborn. Morkies are also very intelligent dogs, and are great students if you’re willing to train them. Morkies can also suffer from small dog syndrome, as Morkies tend to remain small and ’puppy-like’ throughout their lives.
Do Morkies bark?
Yes. Yorkshire Terriers are barkers, and Morkies being half Yorkie will bark as well. Due to their habit to bark when someone comes near, they can actually be good guard dogs, despite of their size. But with a little training they can to stop barking on command.
Are Morkies easy to train?
Yes. They are very intelligent dogs, and can be taught many tricks and commands. However, their Maltese side might make it a little more difficult to housebreak them. Morkies need to be exposed to other people and animals when they are little, or else they can get very suspicious when meeting other dogs / people throughout their lives.
What’s the size of a Morkie?
Morkie dogs are very small dogs. Just 5 ounces at birth, they can grow to weigh between 4-8 pounds, and be 6’’-11’’ inches tall. They will fit perfectly in a carry-on carrier if you are a frequent flyer.
Morkie health issues
Morkies are usually healthy dogs. As puppies they can suffer from low blood sugar. Morkies might also suffer from health issues that are common with Yorkshire-Terries and Maltese dogs:
Tracheal Collapse
Cataracts Medial
Patellar Luxation
Hydrocephalus
Kidney Failure
Glaucoma
Can I be allergic to a Morkie dog?
Morkies are hypoallergenic dogs, good news for people with allergies. Also, they don’t shed their coat at all, leaving your couches and carpets relatively fur free.
Nutrition & Diet
Morkies are very small dogs, but they LOVE to eat. So it is important to watch their diet carefully. Extra attention is necessary when developing their diets as puppies, and ensure they don’t consume any dog-toxic foods like chocolate or onions. Since their stomach is so small, even a small amount of those foods can be fatal.
Indoor & Outdoor
Morkies love both. They can spend the day cuddling on the sofa, or running around outside. They do need to get regular exercise though, and love being active. Although very furry, Morkies tend to not like cold weather, and will prefer to stay inside on very cold days.
How much does a Morkie cost?
Morkies are not a cheap breed. Being a newer designer breed Morkies are rare, and you usually won’t find them at your local rescue shelter. Also, there aren’t that many breeders, which keeps the price high, anywhere from $1000-$3000, and a lot more for a teacup.
Coat & Grooming
The Morkie has a coat that differs between white / black / tan to any blend in between. Their coat is super soft, and grows quite long. Make sure to thoroughly brush your Morkie at least once a week so it doesn’t get tangles, some Morkies might require more frequent brushing. Also, it’s recommended to wash them with high quality shampoo & conditioner at least once a month.
Bottom Line
The Morkie, or Maltese-Yorkshire Terrier mix is one of the most popular small dogs around. They are tiny, adorable, ideal for traveling, friendly, affectionate, funny, intelligent, loyal and beautiful little dogs. So if you are thinking of getting a dog, the Morkie can definitely be a great choice to fit many owner’s lifestyles.
I loved your website it really helped me learn so much more about a Morkie puppy. I was thinking about getting one. Now I know for sure the Morkie puppy is just right for me. If you are looking to get a Morkie or any other dog I would go on his site to learn about more. Thanks again!
Thanks for helping out, wonderful info .
I just got a morki puppy as a gift. She is very lovable and in 2 days already alerts me to go outside for potty. This info has been wonderful
I have a 3yr. Old Morkie that my fiancé and I just purchased. I am the principal caretaker, I feed and take the dog out. My fiancé has a rather gruff voice and now the dog has bonded with me and is growling and snapping at my fiancé. This is very upsetting to him!! Is there anyway that we can correct this behavior in our dog? I love him so much and I feel like my partner is angry and not happy with the dog and I believe that the dog can sense his feelings towards him. I don’t know what I should do in order to help the dog and my fiancé to get along better together. Can you give me any advice please? Thank you
I can help! Your dog needs a little training and will come around. Please email me at duluthduke00@yahoo.com put Morkie in subject heading. Interview a few trainers to help you. Inexpensive compared to your boyfriends feelings.
Have your fiancé take a larger part in the caretaking of your Morkie. Especially feeding and giving treats. It’s true what they say about loving the hand that feeds them! See if he’s willing to soften his voice when talking to your pup. That’s the best advice I can give you. Hope it helps. 😃
Your boyfriend sounds like he needs to grow up. My husband use to say “a dog is only as smart as its’ owner.” Dogs, just like you stated, know when they are loved or when they are teased. Maybe you should keep the dog and sell the boyfriend. I’m just kidding. Your boyfriend needs to get with the program. Maybe send him and the pup to training classes together. Your dog needs to know that he can trust both of you. Sometimes boyfriends can feel threatened by an animal as well as a firstborn child. Try asking him to do the feeding and walking for a few weeks and see if this helps some. When it gets down to it, your boyfriend is going to have to extend himself to the dog, because if he doesn’t the dog will never bond with him. Good Luck!
We were given a Morkie. She is adorable, fun, and smart. However, she is also aggressive towards our other dog, a cairn terrier rescue mix with a sweet disposition. She does not seem to be as easily trained as the others mentioned here. She went through puppy class twice before passing and we still can’t seem to get her to stop barking. She barks at every and anything.
Thank you for this information,it was what I was looking for. I just lost my baby of 13 years with cancer. It has taken me a long while a lot of grieving. My granddaughter found this 6 week old Morkie and I fell in love with her,she is so tiny,I don’t think she weights a pound,but is a little ball of fire and fun. She just turned 9 weeks old. She is learning to sit,and potty pad train. They are a sweet breed,. Mine was yorkie and pappillon mix. I will always love him and miss him so much,but little katielou is easing the pain. I really think this little dog will by all means brighten your life.
MY MORKIE SHEDS AND I DON’T LIKE IT ONE BIT!!!
We have a two year old Morkie. He is awesome. He is gentle with my daughter and a little rougher with me and likes a good tussle. He is 11 pounds and has been for about six months. He is not a finicky eater, but we give him high quality food and no table scraps except what he is able to get to before us. He is extremely quick. He doesn’t chew, he can be left alone for about 8 hours if necessary, (extremely rare) and is completely house trained, although that was a struggle I am glad we are past. I highly recommend this breed to any family.
I was just given a 2 yr old Morkie. I’ve had her for 1 1/2 days and she hasn’t bark at all, not even when I left her on her bed for the night
Hi just wanted to see if you could add some information to your Morkie 101. The American Morkshire Terrier Club (AMTC) is the first official breed club with a registry for the Morkshire Terrier aka Morkie, established in 2019 in the United States. Though this club & registry is established for the Morkie they do register the Maltese, Biewer and Yorkshire Terrier as these are the purebred ancestors for the Morkie.
Thanks!
Kayla
AMTC
I have a 1 year old Morkie for sell due to my work schedule I can’t give her the attention or I would keep her for myself she is house trained kid friendly and gets along with other dog.If interested please email me thank you
Do you still have her and what’s her weight? Does she get along well with other animals? When was the last time she’s seen a vet?
What state do you live in?
My Morkie is about 12 lbs…
What happened….lol
I’ve a Morkie. Her name is Ivy and she actually was a rescue. We got her at 11 months old. She’s now 7 and was not difficult to train however you must maintain training. They don’t forget but will challenge your authority. Great dogs as a breed but we certainly didn’t pay a high cost financial wise. Ok. A bit still as a rescue but I fell in love with her instantly.
I have a 3 month old Morkie puppy. If I take her outside every 30-40 minutes we have no accidents. If I am delayed at all, she will have an accident and doesn’t seem to be picking up alerting me. Any suggestions??
I WANT A MORKIE SO BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sometimes my Morkie acts like she doesn’t feel good and no energy like she’s bombed out could there be something wrong with her
Are Morkie ears always down or do some arc up?
Although the Yorkie and Maltese are both toy dogs, it’s still unpredictable what your Morkie puppy would look like. Your Maltese-Yorkie mix’s appearance will always depend on the attributes that your pup will inherit from each parent.
Hello, by chance does anybody have a recommendation for a breeder? I’m in the U.S., Northern California specifically. Thanks in advance, Macey
ATender1s puppy’s in Maine. There are ways to get your pup.
Very useful info
I am looking for a Morkie. I am an elderly lady who lives alone. I raised 6 children. I have so much love inside of me. I recently lost my son. I saw my neighbor who just got one from upstate N.Y. My heart melted. I would like a male dog I can afford a thousand dollar’s. I live on Long Island in a 2 bedroom home. I have many grandchildren but I need a friend and this just might do it for me. A little guy to play with talk to and love.
I am looking for another Morkie as my last Morkie and love of my life Coco has recently passed. I am devastated. I have had to Purebred Yorkies in the past but I loved my Morkie so much. The place where I purchased my Morkie is no longer in business as the breeders have retired. I live in Massachusetts and would like to know of any reputable breeders in my area or even if they are not in my local vicinity . Can someone help me out please?
Hi I have a morkie,
Chance are 5 weeks old ,he very playful ,is it normal for him to play bite at your sock or feets any advice
I have 10 rescue dogs at home and I am loving it!
My Morkie is at 16 lbs now! He is NOT fat, just a BIG Morkie. The breeder even reduced the price because she saw that even as a baby pup he was bigger than his siblings. He is 1 1/2 yrs. now, completely potty trained, and very smart! TOO SMART! He can manipulate anyone! Just letting others know that they CAN get beyond the typical range of size and still be a bona-fide Morkie. I even had his DNA tested, to be sure!