Morkie Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Morkie?

It's not exactly clear how long the Morkie has been around, but we know that the breed originated in the United States. Despite the fact they've become very popular over the last 20 years, they're still not officially recognised as a breed.

Back in the day, before the 1980s, what we now know as designer breeds were just thought of as cute, small dogs. However, as the Labradoodle became one of the most popular dog breeds, breeders began crossbreeding small dogs on a huge scale.

This led to an explosion of hybrid breed dogs which made it very difficult to determine the origins of each specific breed. What we do know is that one of the results was the adorable Morkie!

Who are Morkie dogs best for?

The Morkie makes a great pet for most people, but they can often be slightly wary when around young children. Their insatiable desire for attention means that they can be a little demanding at times, but it does mean that they form very close bonds with their owners.

Morkies tend to become attached to one person in the household, and they don't require a great deal of exercise. So, they can often make great companions for seniors and people who live alone.

How much grooming does a Morkie need?

Although the Morkie's coat is low-shedding, it requires very regular grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent their coat from becoming knotted and matted. It also grows very quickly, so they need to be clipped every couple of months.

The Morkie will also need to be bathed once a month using mild dog shampoo to keep its coat shiny and healthy.

Like with all other dogs, if the Morkie's claws get too long, it can become painful. So, If you can hear them clattering on the floor, then it's time to give them a trim.

Do Morkie bark much?

The Morkie does have a bit of a reputation as a yappy dog, and this is probably down to its Yorkshire Terrier genes. They tend to bark at bigger dogs or when they're bored or anxious.

Some Morkies can develop a bad habit of constantly barking to get their owner's attention. To avoid this, it's recommended that you train and socialise your puppy early, using positive reinforcement. It can also be worthwhile to enrol them in a puppy training school.

Do Morkie bite?

Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to biting, and as Morkies are a Maltese, Yorkie Mix, this can sometimes be an issue for them too. As puppies, they will engage in nipping and play-biting, but this is normal for most dogs.

As Yorkies were bred to be ratters, the Morkie has inherited some of this instinct, and this means they can often be aggressive around small children. They react badly to children that play rough with them, and this can sometimes manifest itself in biting.

To avoid this, it's best that Morkies aren't left alone with young children. They can be trained out of any early biting behaviours though. If this is done well, then the Morkie's aggressive tendencies will be left behind, and their incredibly sweet nature will shine through!

What is the temperament & personality of a Morkie?

Morkies are very attentive and loving dogs who require lots of attention. They're known to become very attached to one particular person and will tend to follow them everywhere they go.

The Morkie only requires around 30 minutes of outdoor exercise a day, but they are still very energetic dogs that enjoy playing around the house. Make sure they have lots of toys to amuse themselves with and to stop them from becoming bored.

Due to their ratter heritage, they have a high prey drive, which means that any other small animals in the house, such as hamsters, will need to be kept in the cage when your Morkie is around.

What is the weight & size of a Morkie?

The Morkie is a small breed, growing to be 23-30cm tall.

As toy breeds, they weigh between 4-6kg.

How much training does a Morkie need?

Morkies are intelligent but also pretty stubborn, so training them can require a lot of patience. Their intelligence means they are quick to learn, but they can often be reluctant to do so.

They react badly to harsh training methods, so you'll need to take a positive approach. Make sure the training sessions are fun and include lots of praise and rewards.

As with most dogs, the Morkie needs to be trained and socialised early so that it learns how to behave around other pets and children. Morkie puppies can be quite nervous and bossy, but if this is nipped in the bud, they'll develop into a well-behaved and cooperative pooch.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Morkie?

As with all mixed-breed dogs, Morkies are susceptible to certain genetic conditions that are common in their parent breeds.

Ask your breeder if they performed any health checks on the parent dogs, as this is often the best indicator of how likely your Morkie is to develop these issues. Some of the most common conditions in Morkies are:

• Dental disease

• Collapsing trachea

• Patellar luxation

• Reverse sneezing

Luckily, a lot of these diseases can be dealt with if they're identified through early screening. So, make sure to take your furry baby for regular checkups.

What is the lifespan of a Morkie?

As a small dog, the Morkie has a longer life expectancy than larger dogs. Research has shown that little dogs actually age more slowly than bigger ones, and Morkies are particularly little!

Their average lifespan is 14.5 years, but they have often been known to live up to 18 years. So, be ready for a long life of companionship with your tiny buddy.

How much should you feed a Morkie?

Despite their size, Morkies have big appetites and will happily eat whatever is in front of them. So, you need to be careful with how much you feed them. You should aim to give them 1 cup of dry food a day, split over two meals.

What is the price of a Morkie in Australia?

Morkie puppies cost between $450 - $2,500. The price varies a lot because Morkies are a designer dog breed, meaning the results of each litter are unpredictable.

The breed is still not recognised by the American Kennel Club, meaning it is slightly harder to find a reputable breeder. But, it's worth putting the effort in to find one, as this is the best guarantee that you'll end up with a happy and healthy dog.