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Animal lovers who are in the market for a new dog have a lot of options these days. Every few years, a new breed of dog gains popularity. One example of this designer dog phenomenon is the lively and lovable Morkie.
Is a Maltese-Yorkie Mix Right for You?
What is a Morkie, exactly? It’s a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkie, two long-established small dog breeds that are known for being exceptionally affectionate and having a playful side that fuels their silly antics.
The Morkie dog is a sweet, amiable charmer. Typically weighing under 10 pounds and having a decidedly teddy bear quality about them, these little treasures are the perfect lapdogs for someone who loves to snuggle with their pet.
Of course, Morkies are just like any other dog and need special care and exercise to keep them happy and fit.
What is a Morkie?
Like most so-called “designer dogs”, the Morkie appears to have made its grand entrance into the dog world in the 1990s, likely in the United States. Morkie breeders have begun popping up around the country, but seeing a Morkie out and about is still fairly uncommon.
Morkies are also known by a handful of other names, including “Malkie”, “Yorktese”, and “Morkshire Terrier.” All of these refer to a dog that’s a Yorkie-Maltese crossbreed.
Morkie Appearance
No matter which term you use to describe them, the Maltese-Yorkie mix isn’t yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. This means the breed’s look can be drastically different between dogs.
One of the reasons for this is that some Morkies are first generation, meaning one of their parents was a Maltese and one was a Yorkie. Others are second (or later) generations, meaning both of their parents were Morkies. There are no official specifications for how a Morkie should look. Some favor Malteses more, whereas others favor Yorkies. Many Morkies inherit random traits from both sides.
In general, you can expect a Morkie to have wavy hair, although some have straight, silky hair like a typical Yorkie. Most Morkies need to have their pretty coats brushed every day to keep them free of tangles. Regular trims at the groomers are also necessary because these pups technically have hair instead of fur. Untrimmed hair can get dirty and tangled, which can cause bacteria to grow on the skin.
Morkies can come in any color Malteses or Yorkies come in, such as white, tan, black, blue, and gold. They can be solid colored or feature a coat that incorporates a mix of these colors.
A full-grown Morkie usually weighs somewhere between five and seven pounds, but some weigh a little less or more. If your Morkie truly only has Maltese and Yorkie lineage, it’s unlikely they’ll get much bigger than 10 pounds.
Caring for Morkie Puppies
Morkie puppies have different needs than adult dogs. You may be surprised to learn that a tiny young dog needs to consume more calories than an older dog. That’s because that little Morkie puppy is growing at an astonishing rate and needs plenty of nutrients to fuel its expanding mind and body. Keep in mind that you should still carefully monitor how much your dog eats to keep it from overeating. Additionally, a hungry and teething puppy will often look to inedible objects to chew on—shoes, remote controls, socks—so keep a close watch on them at all times.
Puppies need specially formulated dog food that’s designed for their small mouths and balanced for their nutritional needs. They typically need to eat several times a day (compared to an older dog that might eat once or twice). Morkies under eight weeks old need to eat every three hours at a minimum since small breed puppies are more at risk for hypoglycemia.
Morkie Personality and Temperament
The Morkie personality is one-of-a-kind! With lots of energy and pep in their step, a Morkie exudes playfulness and mischievousness the minute it enters the room. Both Yorkies and Malteses are known for their love of play, so be assured your little Morkie will be up for a game of fetch or running around the yard pretty much any time of day.
A Yorkie-Maltese mix is also likely to be affectionate with its family thanks to its Maltese side, and, to a degree, its Yorkie lineage as well. Don’t be surprised if your Morkie cheerfully follows you from room-to-room, day in and day out. They develop strong attachments with their owners and consider themselves to be part of the family. Almost certainly, they’ll adopt a spot on your bed or couch to keep a close eye on you and snuggle while you’re hanging out together.
Lifespan and Health of Morkies
Happily, Morkies often have long lives that range anywhere from 12 to 16 years. Smaller dogs are known for having longer lifespans than larger breeds, and these little ones are no exception.
Of course, that Morkie life expectancy depends on several factors. A good place to start is ensuring you’re feeding your dog the correct food for its age. While they’ll need a special puppy diet when they’re young, they’ll eventually move onto an adult small-breed dog food. Since a Maltese-Yorkie mix is so tiny, they’re prone to put on weight. That means it's essential to keep treats to a minimum. Only around 10% of your Morkie’s calories should come from treats.
Another key part of increasing the Morkie lifespan is to establish a regular schedule for veterinarian visits. A Morkie puppy will need several shots in the first few months of its life and will need annual shots afterward. Additionally, you’ll need to visit the vet if you suspect your dog has any type of health issue.
Like other small dogs, Morkies are prone to developing dental issues due to their petite mouths. Dogs can get cavities and gingivitis just as humans do, and these can escalate into major infections and interfere with eating. A vet can advise you on the best dental practices for caring for your dog’s teeth as well as identify problems as they arise.
Morkies are also at risk of developing eye problems such as entropion. A dog with entropion has eyelids that roll inwards, causing the eyelashes to irritate the eyes. Corneal ulcers can eventually develop, leading to vision deterioration. Fortunately, surgery often successfully addresses this painful problem. A vet can easily diagnose this problem and suggest treatment.
The Needs of a Maltese-Yorkie Mix
Morkie dogs like to keep busy mentally and physically. This means owners should consider investing in toys that get their pup moving and thinking. Not sure how to mentally stimulate your dog? You can get creative by hiding their favorite treats around the house, or you can purchase inexpensive puzzle toys that dispense treats when the dog “solves” the puzzle, such as bouncing a ball around in a specific way until a dog biscuit pops out.
Snuffle mats are also popular options to keep boredom at bay. You can bury kibble or treats in the layers of the mat and enjoy watching your Morkie put that canine nose to the test as they sniff the food out!
Make sure to take your Morkie on occasional walks to give them the chance to get a little exercise and exposure to new smells. The breed is small enough, however, that they’ll likely get a lot of their energy out just by running around inside your home!
Choosing a Morkie for Your Family
How do you know if a Yorkie and Maltese mix is right for your household? First, you’ll want to consider your living situation. While these dogs are a natural fit for modestly sized homes, a house with a large yard out in the country with massive, working dogs might not be a good fit. A larger dog can accidentally hurt a Morkie since the breed is so fragile. Similarly, children can also inadvertently trample such a tiny dog, so this breed often does well with older children who are less rambunctious.
Be aware that Yorkies are known for being so-called “yappers,” and there’s a chance your Morkie might inherit this trait. This can become a nuisance if you live in multi-family housing such as an apartment and don’t want to risk having angry neighbors!
Pet Insurance for Your Morkie
We all want our pets to stay in perfect health throughout their lives. But let's be real—even these adorable little treasures can run into unexpected health bumps. Those tooth extractions that we talked about earlier aren’t cheap. This isn't just a quick tug; it's a full-on surgical procedure requiring anesthesia, X-rays to see what's really going on beneath the gums, and often careful drilling and stitching due to a dog's intricate tooth roots. All that specialized care can easily set you back anywhere from $500 to $4,000.
Nobody wants to face a big vet bill when their furry family member needs help. That's where good pet insurance plans really shine. They allow you to focus on getting your Morkie the very best care without fretting over your finances.
You might want to consider adding an optional wellness plan too. These are perfect for helping you budget for all those routine things, like yearly check-ups, vaccinations, and even regular dental cleanings, keeping your Morkie in tip-top shape from nose to tail.
A Morkie Might Be the Dog for You!
Morkies are right up there with Schnoodles and Beagliers when it comes to cute crossbreeds. While any dog can bring joy and companionship, the Morkie is an especially good fit for individuals and families who love playing with their pets, prefer smaller-sized dogs, and have homes that cater to the Morkie’s needs.
By tending to your Morkie’s health and ensuring they get proper nutrition and plenty of exercise, you can help your pup have a long life filled with as much playtime as possible!