The Maltese and Yorkshire terrier dog breeds were crossed to create the mixed breed dog known as the Morkie. These puppies, which are little, active, and incredibly goofy, got some of the best traits from both of their parents. Although it is occasionally named the Morkshire Terrier, this crossbreed is most commonly known as the Morkie.
In this ultimate guide to Morkie, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
What is a Morkie?
The Maltese and Yorkshire terrier dog breeds were crossed to create the mixed breed dog known as the Morkie. These puppies, which are little, active, and incredibly goofy, got some of the best traits from both of their parents.
Although it is occasionally named the Morkshire Terrier, this crossbreed is most commonly known as the Morkie. These mixed-breed dogs are still available at shelters and breed-specific rescues despite their sad status as a designer breed. Keep in mind to adopt when looking for pets! Shop not!
Origin and History of Morkie
The Morkie mixed breed of dog may have developed spontaneously over time, but in the late 1990s, most likely in North America, designer breeders began purposefully breeding Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers together. Breeders aimed to combine the two parent breeds to produce a low-shedding lapdog that was sociable and affectionate. As demand for the lovely puppies grew, they kept breeding Morkies.
Despite being developed as a designer breed, some members of the Morkie breed have ended up in shelters or under the care of rescue organizations. If you determine that this breed is the one for you, think about adoption.
Check with your local animal shelters, search for Morkie rescues, or contact breed-specific Maltese or Yorkshire terrier rescues; these organizations occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs and place them in loving homes.
Appearance and Size
Morkies typically inherit their coloring from their father Yorkshire terrier. They can be any color—black, brown, white, or even golden. Their ears can be either pointed like a Yorkie or floppy like a Maltese, and they typically have long coats, though many Morkie owners keep their dogs’ hair short.
There aren’t many size guidelines for the Morkie because it’s a young breed. That being said, you may anticipate Morkies to be on the smaller side as a result of their Maltese and Yorkshire terrier parentage.
Most Morkies weigh between seven and thirteen pounds and stand four to eight inches tall at the shoulder. Nevertheless, some could be bigger or smaller.
Coat and Grooming Needs
The coats and colors of Morkies are frequently a combination of those of their Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier parents. Their coats might be black, brown, white, or any combination of these colors. The color of a Morkie puppy’s coat can alter over time, as many Morkie admirers are aware.
Given that they have hair rather than fur, the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier are both regarded as non-shedding breeds. They will require routine brushing to avoid hair matting or tangles. For allergy sufferers, they might be an excellent option because they don’t shed a lot. It’s crucial to remember that they are not regarded as hypoallergenic, though.
Personality and Temperament
Morkies are large people wrapped up in little packages. They may appear to be cute little toys, but don’t be deceived by their size or fluffiness; they are as joyful and energetic as they are kind and affectionate. Morkies possess a lot of energy and fearless spunk because to their terrier ancestry.
Numerous Morkie admirers describe the breed as affectionate “fluffballs” that adore their humans and engage in social interactions with both people and puppies. The Morkie, despite its diminutive size, has a tremendous personality and the enthusiasm to match.
Because of the Terrier gene, Morkies have a tendency to be a little headstrong. A Morkie can be trained, but it may be a little difficult, with time and effort.
The Morkie is an excellent watchdog as well. They will let you know if they hear or see anything strange. The Morkie can be a suitable choice for you if you’re looking for a watchdog that will alert you as soon as someone knocks on the door.
Despite being able to get along with other members of the household, they also frequently gravitate towards one particular family member. Given their high level of attention requirements, morkies might be better suited to a one-person household or smaller households.
Training and Exercise Needs
Training dogs can be challenging because of their obstinate nature. When it comes to training, this small dog can be tough-minded. The best way to get around this is to reward good behaviour with lots of praise and food.
We refer to this as positive reinforcement. Punishment is probably not going to help with their training.
You should constantly be mindful of little dog syndrome when dealing with any small dog.
When a little dog receives therapy that you wouldn’t offer to a larger dog, behavioural problems can result. Jumping up, acting as a guard, and excessive barking are a few of these. Only let your puppy do activities that you’d let bigger dogs do to prevent them from developing these problems.
It is crucial to socialize them as early as possible. In order to prevent children from feeling apprehensive, you should introduce them to a variety of people. Playing with other dogs is a great way for dogs to socialize.
Despite their tendency towards stubbornness, they are a smart breed. They will want attention, practice, and activities all day long to keep their minds active. These canines benefit greatly from playing puzzle games since they keep them engaged and busy.
The little Morkie requires little exercise. They are content to walk for 20 to 30 minutes each day. These small canines really benefit less from excessive activity. When strolling them, it is advised to keep them on a leash.
Some parks include designated, enclosed sections for little dogs that are solely open to small breeds. Your dog would benefit much from this in terms of socialisation and exercise. Additionally, you should plan playdates with other people who own little dogs.
They LOVE playing fetch and chasing balls.
Morkie Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Morkie puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Morkie puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Morkie puppy. Ask if there are any Morkie pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for Morkie
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Morkie:
- As soon as you bring your Morkie home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Morkie getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Morkie can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
The Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese breeds, as well as the Morkie, are prone to some of the same health issues. While the majority are normally in good condition, a few may be predisposed to certain ailments, thus it’s crucial to maintain proper care and annual veterinarian examinations.
The following are some of the more prevalent health issues that Morkies experience:
- broken trachea
- dental illness
- Hernias
- Sneezing backwards glaucoma
Choosing the Right Morkie for You
If you’re interested in getting a Morkie, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Morkie:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Morkie might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Morkie is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Morkies easy to train?
Just because Morkies are smart, people-loving dogs, that doesn’t mean they’re easy to train. These dogs are well known for having a bit of a stubborn streak — sometimes this is pretty darn cute, but other times it can be very frustrating. As a result, you’ll need a good supply of patience when training a Morkie.
Do Morkies need to be walked?
So a Morkie is also likely to have that trait where they bond to Mom and they don’t care about Dad or they don’t care about the kids.” Like any small, active dog, the Morkie doesn’t need huge amounts of space, but she does need stimulation. Take her on one or two daily walks, play tug of war, or play fetch with her.
What does a Morkie needs?
They’d do best in a home with adults or older children who know how to play gently. The Morkie is a small dog with a big dog personality. They have high energy and may be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. Morkies demand a lot of attention and may do best in a single-person or single-pet household.
Is Morkie a good dog?
Highly affectionate and sociable, Morkies are a great choice for singles, older couples and seniors, and with early socialization of Morkie puppies, they can be trained into an excellent family pet.
What health issues do Morkies have?
Most Morkies eventually die from cancer, heart issues or respiratory problems. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent any of these, living a healthy lifestyle and taking your dog to annual vet checks will go a long way to increasing his life expectancy.