Morkie Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

4-6 kg

Height

23-30 cm

Lifespan

14-18 years

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About the Morkie

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you’re looking for an adorable, pint-sized pooch who needs a lot of love, the Morkie could be the perfect companion for you. They’re small in size but big in character and known for their unwavering loyalty.

As cuddly as a Maltese and as feisty as a Yorkshire Terrier, they make ideal pets for both families and people living alone.

We’ve laid out this detailed guide to give you all the key facts and information, so you can decide if the Morkie is the right match for you!

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!

What is a Morkie breed?

The Morkie is a Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier cross. They were bred to combine the appealing charm of the Maltese with the tenaciousness of the Yorkshire Terrier. Due to the diminutive size of their parent breeds, they are considered to be toy dogs. The breed is also sometimes referred to as a Yorktese or Morkshire Terrier.

Although they may look like teddy bears, these dogs are brimming with personality and very demanding of attention. Because of this, they are known for making brilliant companion dogs.

Who is a Morkie 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.

Morkie Grooming & Shedding

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 Morkies bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Morkie dog?

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

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

Are Morkies easy to train?

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.

How do Morkies behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Morkie have any common health issues?

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 does a Morkie need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Morkie FAQs

Is a Morkie ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Morkies make good pets for first-time owners, but they can be quite difficult to train due to their stubborn nature. Be prepared to be patient with them when they’re young. If you’re able to manage this period in your Morkie’s life though, you’ll end up with a new best friend.

Do Morkies suffer from separation anxiety?

The Morkie is particularly prone to separation anxiety due to their constant need for attention from their owner. They shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. They can become very stressed when home alone, so try to make sure you leave them with someone if you’re away for a long time.

Are Morkies hypoallergenic dogs?

Morkies are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs because they shed little, meaning there is a low risk of allergic reaction. However, there is no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog, and Morkies could still cause a reaction in people who are allergic.

Will a Morkie need professional grooming?

Morkies require a lot of grooming, so it’s definitely easier and less time consuming if you send them to a professional groomer. The cheaper option is to do it yourself. This means brushing your Morkie every day, bathing them once a month, and clipping them every 6 to 8 weeks.