The Morkie, the unique and wonderful crossbreed of Maltese Yorkshire

Welcome to the fascinating world of Morkies, the charming crossbreed of Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier.

These small dogs are a bundle of joy, energy, and affection, making them ideal companions for those seeking a small-sized four-legged friend with a big personality.

In this blog post, we'll explore the unique characteristics of this mixed breed, from its adorable appearance to its lively nature.

Whether you're a dog lover looking for your next furry companion or just curious to learn more about these enchanting little furballs, you're in the right place to discover everything there is to know about Morkies.

Get ready to fall in love with these tiny puppies who steal hearts with their irresistible charm and unparalleled sweetness.

General Characteristics

The Morkie is a small-sized dog, just like its parents. It has long, silky hair and can inherit the colors of both breeds.

It has a cunning look and is very sweet, but it can be a real diva when it needs to get what it wants.

Be careful not to be fooled by its sweet appearance and pocket-sized dimensions, or you might end up being the one who obeys, and it becomes the master!

Dimensions

The approximate dimensions of a Morkie are generally as follows:

Weight: Morkies usually weigh between 2 and 5 kg. However, some can be slightly heavier, especially if one of the parents is larger.

Height: The height at the withers (the highest part of the back, located between the shoulder blades) of an adult Morkie generally varies between 15 and 25 cm.

It's important to note that, as a crossbreed, the exact size can vary greatly depending on the specific genetics of each dog.

Physical Appearance

The Maltese-Yorkshire Terrier crossbreed boasts a fascinating physical appearance that blends traits from both parent breeds.

Head: A Morkie's head is typically small and proportionate to its body. These dogs have a muzzle that can range from short to moderately long, with dark, expressive eyes often reflecting curiosity and liveliness. Their ears can be erect or semi-erect, depending on the genetics inherited from their parents.

Body Structure: Morkies have a compact and well-proportioned body. They are neither too skinny nor too robust, maintaining a balance between the light structure of the Maltese and the slightly sturdier build of the Yorkshire Terrier. Their back is straight, and the tail is usually carried high.

Limbs: Morkies have small but proportionately sized limbs. Their paws are typically small and round, with sturdy nails. They have well-muscled legs, supporting their playful and active nature.

Coat: The Morkie's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's generally long and can vary from smooth to slightly wavy. The texture of the fur tends to be silky, inheriting the softness of the Maltese and the hair quality of the Yorkshire Terrier. Coat colors can include shades of white, black, brown, and grey, often seen in combinations.

Character

The Maltese Yorkshire Terrier crossbreed is known for its lively and affectionate character, yet Morkies are also energetic, self-confident dogs that often seek attention.

They are known for their playful nature and attachment to their owners. They can be stubborn at times but are also very intelligent and eager to please.

Thanks to their small size, Morkies adapt well to apartment living. They are quite active indoors and don't require large spaces to be happy. However, like all dogs, they benefit from regular walks and playtime.

Morkies can get along with children, especially if they have been socialized from a young age.

However, due to their small size, it's best to supervise interactions with very young children.

They can be wary of strangers and other animals, but early socialization can help mitigate this behavior.

Morkies are intelligent and can be trained with relative ease, especially if training is consistent and based on positive reinforcement.

They can have a stubborn streak, so patience and consistency are key for these little divas to accept the owner's authority.

Morkies are believed to have a moderate energy level but can be quite active, especially as puppies.

They need daily exercise, such as short walks and play sessions, to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Generally, Morkies are not aggressive dogs. However, like any dog, their behavior can depend on factors like genetics, environment, and socialization.

These dogs may have a tendency to chase small animals due to their predatory instinct, so it's important to keep them leashed during walks.

They are not known for being bite-prone in the true sense, but like their Yorkshire parent, if annoyed beyond tolerance, they can send some warning signals.

In conclusion, Morkies are affectionate and joyful companions that adapt well to various home environments.

Their friendly nature and manageable size make them a popular choice for many families.

Health Issues

Like all dogs, Morkies can be prone to various health conditions, some of which may be hereditary.

Here's a list of some common diseases that can affect this breed:

Dental Problems: Like many small dogs, Morkies can be prone to dental issues such as tartar, cavities, and gum disease.

Patellar Luxation: Common in small dogs, this condition occurs when the kneecap is not properly aligned, causing lameness or discomfort.

Hypoglycemia: Morkies, especially when they are puppies, can be prone to low blood sugar levels.

Eye Diseases: They can be prone to eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Tracheal Collapse: This condition, where the trachea weakens or collapses, can cause breathing difficulties and chronic cough.

Allergies: Morkies may suffer from allergies, both environmental and food-related, which can cause itching and other skin issues.

Ear Problems: Due to their hairy and floppy ears, Morkies can be prone to ear infections.

Portosystemic Shunt: An abnormal connection between the portal cardiovascular system and systemic circulation. Venous blood from abdominal organs that should enter the liver through the portal vein (to be cleaned) is instead returned to the circulatory system bypassing it.

Hip Dysplasia: Though more common in large dogs, Morkies can develop this condition where the hip joint does not form properly.

Heart Problems: They can be prone to various heart diseases, such as mitral valve disease.

Diet

The diet of a Morkie, as with any dog, is a fundamental aspect to ensure their health and well-being.

Here are some general guidelines that can help you feed them properly and keep them healthy:

Balanced Diet: Morkies should have a well-balanced diet including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality proteins, from meat or fish, should be the main ingredient. You can choose kibble suitable for small breed dogs or opt for a homemade diet. Discover here how to manage it!
Appropriate Portions: Due to their small size, Morkies need relatively small portions of food. It's important to avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can lead to health issues. Here's how you can know how much your Morkie should eat!
Frequent Meals: Morkie puppies can benefit from frequent, small meals to prevent hypoglycemia. Adults should be fed twice a day.
Quality Food: Choosing high-quality dog food, specific for small breed dogs, can ensure they receive the nutrients they need.
Avoid Harmful Foods: Some human foods can be toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic. It's important to avoid giving these forbidden foods to your Morkie.
Fresh Water Available: Ensure that your Morkie always has access to fresh, clean water.
Monitor Weight: Due to their small size, even a small weight gain can have a significant impact on a Morkie's health. Monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly.
Snacks and Treats: Snacks can be a great way to reward your Morkie, but should be given in moderation and preferably be healthy.
Dietary Transitions: If you need to change your Morkie's diet, do it gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Use our guide to do it without errors.
Consult a Veterinarian: For a customized diet and specific advice, it's always best to consult a veterinarian, especially if your Morkie has particular dietary needs or health issues.

Grooming

Morkies require a lot of care, especially in terms of grooming, a condition to consider before deciding to adopt one.

Being a cross between a Yorkie and a Maltese, a Morkie's coat grows very long and quite fast, necessitating frequent grooming and care.

Here are some tips for properly grooming your Morkie and keeping them looking their best!

Since grooming must become part of their routine, it's important to get your Morkie used to this process from a young age.

Starting early is particularly important for grooming, as the use of hair dryers and brushes are two things that usually unsettle puppies.
Brushing should be done if not daily, at least two or three times a week. Morkies have thin and silky fur, but it easily tangles. Ensure regular brushing to prevent knots, and use a special brush for long-haired dogs.
Morkies have sensitive eyes and tend to tear up often. Try cleaning the eye area daily to prevent reddish stains, especially if they have white or light-colored fur, and make sure the fur is not sticking to the eye. A soft cloth and some warm water might suffice for basic cleaning, but you'll probably get better results with special eye wipes, or in severe cases of epiphora, you can try a canine eye stain remover.
Regarding baths, ideally, it should be done no more than once a month to not strip the dog's natural skin oils. Of course, this depends on how dirty the dog gets, but ensure you always wash them with a gentle shampoo for long-haired dogs and a detangling conditioner. You can also try a leave-in detangler to ease brushing, or use dry shampoo between washes.
As for haircuts, it's advisable to go to a groomer. If kept long, a Morkie's coat must be cut correctly so as not to hinder the dog's movements. If shortened, it should not be shaved down to the skin and should still give your furry friend a nice look. An experienced groomer will know how to give your Maltese Yorkie a show-worthy haircut. The frequency of haircuts depends on the dog; generally, a monthly trim is recommended, but it can be extended to 45/60 days if the dog's fur is not kept too long.
Don't forget nail trimming and ear cleaning. The former can be done by the groomer, or if your Morkie is very calm, you can try an electric dog nail file or clippers. For the ears, moistened finger wipes can make the task very easy, as can a good earwax dissolving cleaner for the ear canal.
And finally, the teeth! From my experience, brushing such small dogs' teeth with a toothbrush is really difficult. I've had better results with dental finger wipes, which have allowed me to reach even the innermost teeth and brush them at least a little. This operation will probably need to be completed with sedated dental scaling when necessary, but if done at least every two days, it will delay not only tooth decay but also significant expenses for your wallet!

Who It's Suitable For

Families with Older Children: Morkies generally get along well with children, especially if socialized from a young age. However, due to their small size, they are more suited to families with older children who know how to gently interact with a small dog.

Seniors or People Living Alone: These dogs are small, easy to manage, and love company, making them ideal companions for the elderly or those living alone.

First-time Owners: Morkies can be a good choice for first-time dog owners, thanks to their affectionate nature and manageable size.

Apartment Dwellers: Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, as long as they receive adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Sedentary Individuals: Morkies do not require hours of intense exercise and endless walks, making them suitable for those with limited time. However, like all dogs, they need to be taken outside every day and require daily interaction with the outside environment.

Who It's Not Suitable For

Very Busy People or Those Absent for Long Periods: Morkies require attention and do not like being left alone for long periods. They are not suitable for people with a very busy lifestyle or who are often out of the house.

People with Dog Hair Allergies: Although Morkies are often advertised as "hypoallergenic," they can still cause allergic reactions in some people, especially if coat hygiene is not rigorously maintained.

Owners Who Don't Want to Deal with Coat Maintenance: Morkies require regular coat maintenance, including frequent brushing and periodic visits to the groomer. Professional grooming has a cost, so it's a definitive no for those without this budget.

In Conclusion…

Morkies are affectionate and lively dogs that can be great companions for the right people.

It's important to assess your lifestyle and needs before deciding if a Morkie is the right dog for you.

How Much Does a Morkie Cost?

It's hard to say. This crossbreed is mostly sold by private individuals, with prices ranging between 300 and 650 Euros, but in the United States, a puppy sold in a store can reach up to $2500.

Author's Note

I invite all readers to share their experience on this topic in the comments section.

Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, and advice on education or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them best.

From the Staff at Khani.co.uk

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