Maltese Yorkshire Terrier Mix: Morkie Breed Information & More

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

Quick Summary: The parents of the Morkie are a purebred Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) purebred. As with all mixed breeds, the Morkie’s appearance is not uniform. Maltese-Yorkie mixes are similar to other small breeds in that they don’t realize how fragile and tiny they are. They are a loyal and loving breed who strives to be your constant companion. However, they might not be the best choice if you are looking for a dog that will get you moving. They’re too small to walk long distances, and their tiny legs are not strong enough to support prolonged physical activities. Morkies also require moderate-level grooming. Due to their need for regular grooming and daily brushing, they are not considered low-maintenance. Thanks to the longevity of their Yorkshire Terrier genes, a Morkie’s life expectancy is approximately 10 to 16 years.

Have you ever seen a small dog that you thought was a real, living, breathing teddy bear? Do you remember falling in love with the dog? You probably saw a Morkie, an adorable designer breed that is a cross of a Maltese with a Yorkshire Terrier.

This toy breed is known for her love and devotion. The Maltese Yorkie mix hybrid breed originated in the United States and has gained popularity over the past 20 years.

It’s not surprising that it’s so popular. She is undoubtedly one of the most affectionate and dedicated small-breed dogs. She’s the perfect companion for those who want a little shadow to follow them around and nap in their lap or even idolize them.

Parent Breeds: History and Background

A designer can be created by crossing two purebred dogs. The parents of the Morkie are a purebred Maltese dog and a Yorkshire Terrier. “Designer” means “by design,” and this is definitely the case with the Morkie. Breeders wanted the perfect lap dog, so she was deliberately produced.

Designer dogs offer many health benefits, as well as endless possibilities for unique and adorable breeds. It is important to understand the traits of her parent breeds to know what to expect from a designer puppy. They have been bred over generations to have predictable temperaments and appearances.

Let’s take a look at the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier in order to get a better understanding of Morkies!

The Maltese: An Overview

Maltese are described by the American Kennel Club as gentle, playful, and charming. She is classified within the “toy group” of dogs by the AKC and usually weighs under 7 pounds and stands between 7-9 inches in height.

Her origins begin in the Mediterranean, with many believing her breed name was derived from the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. Her general life expectancy is between 12-15 years. She is characterized as an affectionate breed with a long, white coat.

The Yorkie: An Overview

The Yorkshire Terrier, nicknamed Yorkie, emerged during the 1800s in Yorkshire, England, and has been a popular companion dog ever since. The American Kennel Club describes her as affectionate, sprightly, and tomboyish. She has a black, tan, and grey coat and weighs around 7 pounds.

She, too, is classified in the “toy group” of dogs by the AKC and has a life expectancy of 11-15 years. This tiny dog is intelligent, brave, and sometimes domineering. This breed comes in size even smaller than the toy, often referred to as the teacup Yorkie.

Maltese-Yorkie Mix: The Morkie

The Morkie is a playful, loyal, and affectionate dog. This mixed-breed dog is gentle, sweet, and full of life. This adorable little dog is great for families with children and multi-pet households. They are a small breed, but they can be very affectionate.

Let’s take a look at the many elements that make this adorable mixed-breed pup.

Appearance and Size

As with all mixed breeds, the Morkie’s appearance is not uniform. Some Morkies have dominant Yorkshire genes, while others are more similar to Maltese. She may have pointed ears like a Yorkie or bend her ears like a Maltese.

This breed is known for its round face and dark eyes. She is delicate and easily injured due to her fine jaw, muzzle, and bone structure.

This tiny breed caps at around 8 pounds. One breed that can be smaller is the “teacup Yorkie,” while others can become larger if fed more. A healthy Morkie typically weighs between 4-15 pounds and stands 6-11 inches tall.

Her small stature makes her very vulnerable. It is important to exercise caution when handling this miniature dog breed.

Coat and Colors

The most common coat colors for a Morkie include black, brown, and tan. There are many combinations that can be used to make a Morkie’s coat color. Her long, soft and wavy coat gives her the distinctive “teddy bear-like” appearance.

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese have hair rather than fur – this makes them low-shedders. The Morkie is no exception. Her hair is extremely fine and sheds very little. Some claim that this breed is hypoallergenic. Although she may be a better choice for mild allergies, her light shedding means she cannot be considered completely hypoallergenic.

Temperament and Personality Traits

A Morkie will stand firm and can be stubborn without leadership. However, this trait doesn’t always make her the best listener. She is a happy, outgoing dog who gets along well with animals. She is playful and spunky but also forms strong attachments with her owners.

Morkies are similar to other small breeds in that they don’t realize how fragile and tiny they are. Most are confident, brave, and sometimes even fearless. Watching a small but powerful pup is sometimes endearing, and we often laugh at her inadequacy. But Morkie owners need to be aware of their pet’s impulsiveness so that they don’t get in trouble with larger dogs.

When she is at home with her family, a Morkie will go to any place her owner makes her happy, be it snoozing on the lap of their owner or moving from one room to another. Some may consider her needy, but she is just very affectionate.

The Morkie is a companion dog and demands constant attention. She can also be a vigilant watchdog and may react to noises too much. You can expect some barking from this breed, which is well-known for being vocal.

Training and Socialization

As mentioned above, a Morkie can be difficult to train because she is typically strong-willed, a trait she inherited from her Yorkshire Terrier side. This stubbornness can be difficult to overcome, and it takes patience and dedication.

Do not let the small stature of a Morkie fool you into believing that she will do what you ask. Like all dogs, she needs to be trained and disciplined by someone she trusts. Overindulging her can lead to a temperamental pup.

She is extremely intelligent and can quickly grasp training exercises. Her intelligence and ability to learn new commands and clever tricks have allowed her to be very impressive. Maltese can be difficult to housebreak, so a Morkie might be the same.

Morkies are very close to their families. It’s important to socialize her as soon as she can so that she can accept dogs and people outside her family. She can be suspicious of canine and human strangers, and her propensity to bark may increase.

Always use positive reinforcement even if she is showcasing her uncooperative side. A Morkie is not a good choice for you if you lose your temper. If you treat her harshly, she can become disobedient and sulky. However, positive reinforcement works even with the most difficult dogs. It can strengthen your relationship with your Morkie and help you build trust and respect.

Exercise and Living Requirements

Largely because of her size, Morkies can adapt to any space and work well in both apartments and homes. Because she loves to snuggle up with her owner, she doesn’t need much space to roam. A Morkie is a great choice if you have a small apartment and still want to own a dog.

The Morkie might not be the best choice if you are looking for a dog that will get you moving. She is too small to walk long distances, and her tiny legs are not strong enough to support prolonged physical activity.

However, exercise is important. Short walks between 5-30 minutes are key to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and reducing her risk of obesity, both common health concerns for this breed. You may have to carry her home if she is pushed too hard.

She may not be your next hiking companion, but she is a playful hybrid who enjoys playing around in the house. This is another way to keep her engaged and entertained. If your Morkie is having behavior issues, it may be because she has too much energy. Proper exercise and stimulation can dramatically reduce many naughty behaviors.

Grooming Requirements

Morkies require moderate-level grooming. Due to her need for regular grooming and daily brushing, she is not considered a low-maintenance breed. She must be brushed every day to prevent her fine hair from matting, and a haircut is recommended every 6 to 10 weeks.

Her teeth should  be brushed once a week, as good dental hygiene is essential for this breed’s overall health. To reduce anxiety and fear, you can start this routine when your Morkie is only a few weeks old. Pay attention to her eyes, as debris and discharge can build up there and must be cleaned.

Nutritional Guide

Morkies are small but have big personalities. While some dogs are able to monitor their weight and avoid overeating, a Morkie will eat whatever is offered and, if permitted, will eat every meal. Because of this, feeding her a properly balanced Morkie dog food is essential to maintain a healthy weight as she can easily become obese if not carefully monitored.

This breed should not be given table scraps. This practice will not only increase her appetite, but it could also lead to her accidentally eating toxic foods. A Morkie’s stomach is so small that even a small amount could prove fatal.

Health Issues and Lifespan

Thanks to the longevity of her Yorkshire Terrier genes, a Morkie’s life expectancy is approximately 10-16 years. This is good news for potential Morkie owners as it puts them on the higher end of life expectancy. Even though they live longer, smaller dogs are more susceptible to health problems. Common health problems for the Morkie are mainly seen in the eyes, ears, and teeth.

Designer dogs are more healthy than their purebred parent breeds, but they still have the potential to develop inherited health conditions. It is important to know the common health issues for Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers to be aware of.

Male and large Yorkie breeds share a predisposition to many of the same health conditions. Their Morkie offspring are more at risk due to their parents’ health problems. These include tracheal collapse, cataracts, medial patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, and dental disease.

Miniaturized Morkies are more at risk than the other breeds. They are usually the offspring of a “teacup Yorkshire Terrier.” Teacup Yorkies are smaller than the breed standard. They can be more susceptible to health problems because of their small size and irresponsible breeding methods. It is discouraged to buy a miniaturized or teacup-bred dog that is smaller than the breed standard.

Morkies as Family Pets

Did you notice that adorable little bear walking along the sidewalk? This adorable little dog may be the right choice for your family. Below is a recap of what you can expect from a Morkie.

• The Morkie is a loyal and loving breed who strives to be your constant companion.
• She is very small and can easily be injured.
• Because she is so delicate, she is not suited for homes with small children.
• She gets along well with other animals and can be a great addition to a home that already has pets.
• She does not require much room and does well in homes of all sizes.
• Because of her small size, she’s great for apartment dwellers!
• Morkies can be needy and require lots of attention.
• She would not do well in a home where she is left for long periods of time. This breed can suffer from separation anxiety.
• She is very portable due to her small size.
• Thanks to the minimal shedding of her fine coat, this breed is fine for people with mild allergies.

If she seems like a good fit for you, then it’s time to look into reputable breeders or adoption organizations to find your Morkie.

Reputable Breeders and Puppy Prices

Morkie litters tend to be small and produce two to five puppies. This breed is not considered to be affordable. A well-bred Morkie can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a staggering 3,000 dollars. Factors such as breeder experience and reputation, location, parent lineage, and unique colorings can all affect the cost of a Morkie puppy.

A puppy whose Maltese parents were bred with a “teacup Yorkie” are priced higher because they are smaller than the breed standard. These tiny dogs are adorable but can pose health risks as well as ethical issues.

Adoption, as always, is a great choice for anyone who wants a Morkie but can’t afford the high breeder prices.

Adopting and Rescuing a Morkie

Many designer dog breeders can be found by doing a quick internet search. Before you contact anyone, do your research. Finding a trustworthy, reliable breeder who operates ethically and in their dogs’ best interests is important. Avoid breeders that claim their pups are small or brag about the fact that their puppies are smaller than standard.

To ensure that you are buying from a legitimate breeder, it is advisable to read reviews, ask for health certificates, meet the puppies and request to see the parent dogs. These requests should not be denied by an honest breeder. Do NOT purchase from puppy farms. These facilities are not only cruel but also often produce unhealthy dogs.

Visit your local shelters and/or local online rescue websites. People often buy Morkies as toys because they are cute and think they will be nice accessories. However, many people don’t want to take responsibility for caring for animals. Many Morkies older than their years end up in shelters. For a breed that depends so heavily on human companionship, this is a terrible and frightening experience.

Rescue of a dog can be a very rewarding experience for both the adopter and the dog. It can make a huge difference in your life. So please consider adopting!

Conclusion

The Morkie is a perfect lap dog, making her one of the most loved small dogs. She is intelligent, friendly, spunky, and adorable. She loves you unconditionally and is full of love. The Morkie is the perfect companion for you if you are looking for someone to love and adore you!