Morkies 101

Crossbred group

Blend the big-dog attitude of the Yorkie with the sweet playfulness of the Maltese and you’ve got a Morkie, a smart, sweet-natured dog. They’re a good fit with small-space living but just as comfortable in suburban settings.

The Morkie is a particularly good fit with empty-nesters and singles. They are friendly and outgoing with strangers, typically get along well other dogs, and are compatible with small family pets. They can be fragile because of their size, so they need families who’ll keep them protected.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Morkies

Smart, spunky and playful

Their silky coats tangle easily and are typically kept clipped for ease of maintenance. The Morkie may be more readily tolerated by those with allergies. Their favorite activity is being with their people, whether on daily walks or comfy couches.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
6 to 8 inches tall
Group Size Toy
Lifespan
11 to 15 years
020
Weight
6 to 8 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Morkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Skin allergies

Senior Morkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

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Luxated patella

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Valvular heart disease

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Dental disease

Morkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

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Gastritis

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Ear infection

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Trauma

Young adult Morkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

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Luxated patella

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Gastritis

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Toxicity

Mature adult Morkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Skin allergies

Senior Morkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

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Luxated patella

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Valvular heart disease

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Dental disease

Morkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

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Gastritis

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Ear infection

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Trauma

Young adult Morkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

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Luxated patella

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Gastritis

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Toxicity

2-Morkie standing up GettyImages-1437818898

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3-Fun fact-Morkie GettyImages-1428668238

The Morkie is one of the few popular crossbreds created without the influence of the Poodle. This cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier is a fun little dog with the sweet nature of the Maltese and the spunk of the Yorkie. Both breeds bring a silky coat to the mix, and most people keep these playful dogs kept clipped to prevent tangling.

Morkie coat care and colors

Both the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier have long, silky coats, so it’s no surprise the Morkie does, too. Because such coats tangle easily, even with daily combing and brushing, most Morkies are kept clipped short. While that makes home coat care easier, it does make for cold dogs on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater on hand for warmth as needed. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Morkie exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

While it’s easy to simply carry a Morkie, it’s better for them to get those little legs moving. Regular walks needn’t be long and should be supplemented with indoor play and games.

Class clown

Trainability

Both of the breeds that make up the Morkie are smart and learn quickly. The Yorkie adds some independence to the mix. Reward good manners with praise and tiny treats.

Morkie fun facts

Top girl names for Morkies

100%

of Morkies are female

0%

of Morkies are male

Top boy names for Morkies

Nationwide loves Morkies of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

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Other breeds like Morkies

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