Morkie
The Morkie is a small and affectionate crossbreed that combines the intelligence of the Maltese and the playfulness of the Yorkshire Terrier.


Morkie Breed overview
Morkies are a small, affectionate breed that make great companions for people living in apartments or smaller homes. They are loyal and devoted to their owners and have a moderate energy level that makes them adaptable to a variety of different living situations. They require regular exercise and stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors, and they may struggle with being left alone for extended periods of time. Morkies are generally healthy, but they may be prone to weight gain and certain health issues related to dental, eye, and respiratory health. With early socialization and positive reinforcement, Morkies can make great pets for households of all sizes and experience levels.
What To Expect When Caring For a Morkie
Training
Morkies are very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
Positive reinforcement techniques work best for teaching these dogs new tricks.
Early socialization and training can prevent unwanted behavior such as excessive barking or aggressiveness.
Nutrition
Morkies should be fed a high-quality diet, appropriate for their age and size.
Since they are prone to dental issues, feeding dry kibble can assist in keeping their teeth clean.
Pet parents should avoid over-feeding and give treats in moderation.
Health
Morkies are generally healthy and can live up to 15 years and more, with proper care.
They don’t shed a lot which makes them a great option for people who suffer from allergies.
Pet parents need to be aware of patella and eye problems in this breed and keep an eye out for any concerning symptoms.
Exercise
As a small dog breed, Morkies require a moderate amount of exercise to keep them in shape.
A daily walk around the neighborhood or indoor playtime should suffice.
They also enjoy playing fetch and other games indoors or in a small yard.
Grooming
Morkies are a low shedding breed that require regular grooming to maintain their long, silky coat.
This breed should be brushed almost daily to avoid matting.
Morkies need regular trips to the groomer to keep their nails trimmed and their coat looking neat.
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Morkie Traits & Characteristics
Morkies can weigh between 4 to 8 pounds and can grow up to 8-9 inches in height.
They have a long, silky coat that can come in a variety of colors including black, white, brown, and a mix of these colors.
Their ears are often floppy and have a signature silky texture.
Morkies are known for their tiny paws, which only add to their adorable appearance.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Morkies are a very affectionate breed that love spending time with their human family. They crave attention and often love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners. This breed is loyal and devoted and will quickly become attached to its family members.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Morkies generally do well around children, but they may not be the best fit for families with young kids. This breed is small and delicate and can be easily injured during rough play. They also have a moderate energy level, so children who are looking for a high-energy playmate may be disappointed.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Morkies have a friendly and outgoing personality, but they may be cautious around other dogs. They can sometimes become territorial and may become aggressive towards other dogs or animals that they feel are a threat to them or their owners. Early socialization and training can help to mitigate these tendencies.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Morkies are friendly and social with people once they get to know them. However, they may be reserved or shy around strangers, especially when they are not familiar with their surroundings. Early socialization can help to prevent this tendency from becoming a problem.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Morkies are playful and energetic, but they also have a calm and affectionate side. They enjoy snuggling with their owners, but they also love to play and run around. This breed is a great choice for people who want a dog that is active but also enjoys quiet moments.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Morkies are alert and vigilant, but they are not overly reactive. They are able to adapt to new situations fairly quickly and will alert their owners if they sense that something is amiss. However, they are not typically used as guard dogs or for other high-intensity tasks.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Morkies are a highly adaptable breed that can thrive in a variety of different living situations. They are happy in apartments or small homes, but they also do well in larger homes with yards. They are able to adapt to changes in routine or schedule with relative ease.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Morkies are a great breed for people who suffer from allergies or who don't want to deal with a lot of shedding. They have a silky, non-shedding coat that is easy to maintain and doesn't require a lot of grooming. However, they will need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats in good condition.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Morkies have hair that grows continuously, so they require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition. They will need to be brushed and trimmed every few weeks to prevent matting and tangling. They also have sensitive skin, so it's important to choose grooming products that are gentle and non-irritating.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Morkies are a breed that is known for being dry-mouthed and they do not drool excessively.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Morkies are a small breed that typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand around 6-8 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a great choice for people who are looking for a small, lap-sized dog.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Morkies have a moderate energy level and enjoy a mix of playtime and down-time. They love to go for walks and play outside, but they also enjoy curling up next to their owners for a nap. Owners should ensure they have enough exercise and stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Morkies have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise to maintain their physical health and prevent destructive behaviors. Owners should make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for playtime and walks, as well as access to toys and puzzles that will keep them engaged.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Morkies are not typically used as working dogs, but they can excel at activities like obedience or agility if they are properly trained and given plenty of positive reinforcement. They may also enjoy participating in the occasional fun activity like playing fetch or chasing a toy.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Morkies are not typically used for hunting, as they are a small breed that is generally kept as a companion dog.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Morkies have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance. They enjoy playing and going for walks, but they can also be happy just relaxing and snuggling with their owners. They may not be the best fit for people who are looking for a dog with a lot of vigor and energy.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Morkies are a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 10-13 years. Some health issues that they may be prone to include dental problems, eye problems, and respiratory issues. Owners should make sure to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and dental cleanings.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Morkies can be prone to weight gain, so owners should monitor their food intake and provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. They are a breed that enjoys treats, so it's important to make sure that treats are given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Morkies are not particularly cold-tolerant, and they may require extra protection or a coat during the winter months, especially if they live in areas with harsh winters. Owners should be careful not to let their Morkies stay outside for extended periods of time in cold weather.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Morkies may struggle with extremely hot weather conditions, especially if they have a lot of hair. They should be provided with plenty of fresh water and shade during hot weather, and owners may need to take extra care to keep them cool and comfortable.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Morkies are an excellent choice for apartment living. They are small and don't require a large amount of space to be happy. They also have a moderate energy level and can easily adjust to a smaller living environment. However, they still require regular exercise and stimulation
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Morkies can have a tendency to wander if they are not properly supervised or contained. They are small dogs and can easily slip through small openings or escape from yards that are not secure. They should be kept on a leash or behind a securely fenced area to prevent wandering or getting lost.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Morkies can be sensitive to criticism or punishment, so it's important to use positive reinforcement techniques when training. They may become anxious or fearful if they are subjected to harsh training methods or if they are not given enough attention or affection.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Morkies may struggle with being left alone for long periods of time. They are a breed that craves attention and may become anxious or destructive if they are left alone for extended periods. Owners should make sure to provide plenty of love and attention, as well as access to toys and puzzles.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Morkies are a relatively quiet breed that do not bark excessively. They may bark to alert their owners of potential dangers, but they are not prone to barking just for the sake of barking. However, they should be trained to prevent any excessive barking behaviors.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Morkies are intelligent and curious dogs that enjoy learning and exploring new things. They generally do well with toys or puzzles that challenge their minds and keep them engaged. They may get bored with repetitive tasks so variety of mental stimulation is important.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Morkies can be a great choice for novice dog owners. They are a small breed and are generally easy to care for. However, they may require some extra patience and persistence when it comes to training, and they may not be the best choice for households with very young children.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Morkies can be a bit stubborn at times, so they may require a little bit of extra patience and persistence when it comes to training. However, with positive reinforcement and consistency, they can be trained to follow basic commands and perform simple tricks.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Morkies are a very affectionate breed that love spending time with their human family. They crave attention and often love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners. This breed is loyal and devoted and will quickly become attached to its family members.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Morkies generally do well around children, but they may not be the best fit for families with young kids. This breed is small and delicate and can be easily injured during rough play. They also have a moderate energy level, so children who are looking for a high-energy playmate may be disappointed.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Morkies have a friendly and outgoing personality, but they may be cautious around other dogs. They can sometimes become territorial and may become aggressive towards other dogs or animals that they feel are a threat to them or their owners. Early socialization and training can help to mitigate these tendencies.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Morkies are friendly and social with people once they get to know them. However, they may be reserved or shy around strangers, especially when they are not familiar with their surroundings. Early socialization can help to prevent this tendency from becoming a problem.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Morkies are playful and energetic, but they also have a calm and affectionate side. They enjoy snuggling with their owners, but they also love to play and run around. This breed is a great choice for people who want a dog that is active but also enjoys quiet moments.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Morkies are alert and vigilant, but they are not overly reactive. They are able to adapt to new situations fairly quickly and will alert their owners if they sense that something is amiss. However, they are not typically used as guard dogs or for other high-intensity tasks.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Morkies are a highly adaptable breed that can thrive in a variety of different living situations. They are happy in apartments or small homes, but they also do well in larger homes with yards. They are able to adapt to changes in routine or schedule with relative ease.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Morkies are a great breed for people who suffer from allergies or who don't want to deal with a lot of shedding. They have a silky, non-shedding coat that is easy to maintain and doesn't require a lot of grooming. However, they will need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats in good condition.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Morkies have hair that grows continuously, so they require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition. They will need to be brushed and trimmed every few weeks to prevent matting and tangling. They also have sensitive skin, so it's important to choose grooming products that are gentle and non-irritating.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Morkies are a breed that is known for being dry-mouthed and they do not drool excessively.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Morkies are a small breed that typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand around 6-8 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a great choice for people who are looking for a small, lap-sized dog.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Morkies have a moderate energy level and enjoy a mix of playtime and down-time. They love to go for walks and play outside, but they also enjoy curling up next to their owners for a nap. Owners should ensure they have enough exercise and stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Morkies have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise to maintain their physical health and prevent destructive behaviors. Owners should make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for playtime and walks, as well as access to toys and puzzles that will keep them engaged.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Morkies are not typically used as working dogs, but they can excel at activities like obedience or agility if they are properly trained and given plenty of positive reinforcement. They may also enjoy participating in the occasional fun activity like playing fetch or chasing a toy.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Morkies are not typically used for hunting, as they are a small breed that is generally kept as a companion dog.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Morkies have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance. They enjoy playing and going for walks, but they can also be happy just relaxing and snuggling with their owners. They may not be the best fit for people who are looking for a dog with a lot of vigor and energy.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Morkies are a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 10-13 years. Some health issues that they may be prone to include dental problems, eye problems, and respiratory issues. Owners should make sure to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and dental cleanings.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Morkies can be prone to weight gain, so owners should monitor their food intake and provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. They are a breed that enjoys treats, so it's important to make sure that treats are given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Morkies are not particularly cold-tolerant, and they may require extra protection or a coat during the winter months, especially if they live in areas with harsh winters. Owners should be careful not to let their Morkies stay outside for extended periods of time in cold weather.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Morkies may struggle with extremely hot weather conditions, especially if they have a lot of hair. They should be provided with plenty of fresh water and shade during hot weather, and owners may need to take extra care to keep them cool and comfortable.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Morkies are an excellent choice for apartment living. They are small and don't require a large amount of space to be happy. They also have a moderate energy level and can easily adjust to a smaller living environment. However, they still require regular exercise and stimulation
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Morkies can have a tendency to wander if they are not properly supervised or contained. They are small dogs and can easily slip through small openings or escape from yards that are not secure. They should be kept on a leash or behind a securely fenced area to prevent wandering or getting lost.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Morkies can be sensitive to criticism or punishment, so it's important to use positive reinforcement techniques when training. They may become anxious or fearful if they are subjected to harsh training methods or if they are not given enough attention or affection.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Morkies may struggle with being left alone for long periods of time. They are a breed that craves attention and may become anxious or destructive if they are left alone for extended periods. Owners should make sure to provide plenty of love and attention, as well as access to toys and puzzles.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Morkies are a relatively quiet breed that do not bark excessively. They may bark to alert their owners of potential dangers, but they are not prone to barking just for the sake of barking. However, they should be trained to prevent any excessive barking behaviors.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Morkies are intelligent and curious dogs that enjoy learning and exploring new things. They generally do well with toys or puzzles that challenge their minds and keep them engaged. They may get bored with repetitive tasks so variety of mental stimulation is important.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Morkies can be a great choice for novice dog owners. They are a small breed and are generally easy to care for. However, they may require some extra patience and persistence when it comes to training, and they may not be the best choice for households with very young children.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Morkies can be a bit stubborn at times, so they may require a little bit of extra patience and persistence when it comes to training. However, with positive reinforcement and consistency, they can be trained to follow basic commands and perform simple tricks.
Similar breeds

History of the Morkie
The Morkie breed was created by crossing a Maltese with a Yorkshire Terrier
It's believed that the designer dog was first developed in the United States in the 1990s.
Its popularity is owing to the fact that they combine the best traits of both breeds, in terms of their appearance and personality.

Morkie Puppies
Morkie puppies are tiny and require regular feeding to ensure they grow to a healthy weight.
When picking out a Morkie puppy, make sure to check his or her parentage and make sure the puppies have been raised in a clean environment.
Since it's a small breed, Morkie puppies should be handled with extra care.