The Morkie is a small companion dog created by crossing a Maltese with a Yorkshire Terrier. Sometimes called a Maltese Yorkie mix, this pint-sized pup combines two popular toy breeds known for their affectionate personalities, silky coats, and devotion to their families.
Though increasingly popular, Morkies are mixed-breed dogs and are not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Because there is no established breed standard, the appearance, temperament, and other characteristics of a Morkie dog can vary considerably. Some resemble Yorkshire Terriers more closely, while others inherit more traits from the Maltese.
If you're considering bringing a Morkie into your family, understanding both parent breeds can give you a better idea of what to expect.
History and Origin
The Morkie does not have the extensive documented history of its parent breeds. Like many so-called designer dogs, the Maltese Yorkie mix became increasingly popular as people sought small companion dogs combining characteristics of established breeds.
The Maltese is an ancient breed with a history stretching back thousands of years. Small Maltese-like dogs appear in the art and literature of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, where they were prized as companions. Over the centuries, these tiny dogs became especially popular among wealthy and aristocratic families. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Maltese in 1888.
The Yorkshire Terrier has more recent origins. The breed was developed in England during the 19th century, particularly in Yorkshire and surrounding areas. Small terriers were originally valued for controlling rats and other vermin, but their attractive coats and lively personalities eventually helped transform them into fashionable companion dogs.
The Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1885 and remains a popular toy breed today.
By crossing these two breeds, breeders hoped to produce a small, affectionate companion with characteristics of both. However, there is no guarantee that a Morkie will inherit a particular combination of traits.
Morkie Appearance and Size
Because the Morkie is a mixed-breed dog, appearance can vary considerably from one individual to another. Even Morkie puppies from the same litter may grow up to look quite different.
Most Morkies are very small dogs with compact bodies and expressive faces. Adults commonly stand around 6 to 10 inches tall and may weigh approximately 4 to 8 pounds, although some dogs may fall outside this range depending on their parents.
The coat is typically soft and relatively long and may be straight, silky, or slightly wavy. Coat colors can include black, tan, brown, white, cream, or combinations of these colors. Puppies may also experience changes in coat color as they mature.
A Morkie's ears may stand upright like those of a Yorkshire Terrier or fold downward like those of a Maltese. Their small size, dark eyes, and prominent facial hair often give them an alert, expressive appearance.
Morkie Personality and Temperament
A Morkie dog may inherit personality traits from either side of the family. Fortunately, both parent breeds are known for packing plenty of personality into a small package.
Yorkshire Terriers tend to be confident, alert, and energetic. Despite their size, many Yorkies have classic terrier traits and aren't afraid to investigate their surroundings or sound the alarm when someone approaches the house.
Maltese are typically affectionate, playful, and strongly attached to their human companions. They can be lively and fearless despite their small stature.
As a result, many Morkies are energetic, loving dogs that enjoy being close to their families. They may happily curl up in someone's lap one minute and race around the house with a favorite toy the next.
Some Morkies can also be vocal, particularly when excited or when they notice unfamiliar people or noises. Early socialization and consistent positive-reinforcement training can help Morkie puppies learn appropriate behaviors.
Living With a Morkie
The Morkie's small size can make this dog well suited to many different living situations, including apartments, condos, and smaller homes. A large yard generally isn't necessary as long as the dog receives appropriate daily activity and mental stimulation.
Morkies typically enjoy spending considerable time with their families. Depending on the individual dog, being left alone for long periods may be difficult, particularly if they have become accustomed to constant companionship.
Despite their small stature, Morkies still need exercise. Short walks, indoor games, training sessions, and playtime can help provide physical and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys and other interactive activities can also give these intelligent little dogs something productive to do.
Because a Maltese Yorkie mix can be extremely small and somewhat fragile, interactions with children should be supervised. Young children may accidentally injure a tiny dog through rough play, dropping, or stepping on them. Morkies may be better suited to families with older children who understand how to interact gently with small pets.
Training and Socialization
Don't let their size fool you. Morkies can be clever dogs with strong opinions.
Positive-reinforcement training using treats, praise, toys, and play is generally a good approach. Keeping training sessions short and engaging can be particularly helpful with energetic Morkie puppies.
House training may require patience and consistency. Small dogs have small bladders and may need frequent opportunities to eliminate, especially when they're puppies. Maintaining a predictable schedule and rewarding appropriate bathroom habits can help.
Socialization is also important. Safely introducing puppies to different people, environments, sounds, surfaces, and appropriately vaccinated dogs can help them become more comfortable with new experiences as they mature.
Morkie Grooming and Special Care
The Morkie's coat can require significant maintenance, especially when kept long. Brushing several times a week—or even daily for longer coats—can help prevent tangles and mats.
Some pet parents choose to keep their Morkie's coat trimmed short to make grooming easier. Professional grooming may be necessary depending on coat length and texture.
Hair around the eyes should also be monitored and kept clean to prevent the accumulation of tears and debris. Because both Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers can develop dental problems, good oral hygiene is particularly important. Regular tooth brushing and routine veterinary dental evaluations can help protect a Morkie's teeth and gums.
Morkies may shed relatively little compared with some dogs, but no dog is completely hypoallergenic. People with dog allergies should spend time around an individual dog before bringing them home to see whether they experience a reaction.
Feeding a Morkie
Because Morkies are small, they don't need large quantities of food. However, they still need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age and life stage.
Portion control is important because even a small amount of excess weight can represent a significant percentage of a tiny dog's ideal body weight. Treats should also be included when considering a dog's total daily calorie intake.
Very young toy-breed puppies may be vulnerable to low blood sugar, particularly if they aren't eating adequately. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate feeding schedule for a Morkie puppy based on their age, size, health, and individual needs.
Common Diseases and Disorders
A mixed-breed dog can potentially inherit health problems associated with either parent breed. While many Morkies live long, healthy lives, prospective pet parents should be familiar with conditions seen in Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers.
Potential health concerns include:
- Medial patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap moves out of its normal position.
- Urolithiasis, which involves the formation of stones within the urinary tract.
- Tracheal collapse, a weakening of the cartilage supporting the windpipe that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties.
- Cataracts, which affect the transparency of the eye's lens and may interfere with vision.
- Portosystemic shunt, an abnormality in blood flow that allows blood to bypass the liver.
- Hydrocephalus, which involves an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.
- White shaker syndrome, a condition that can cause generalized tremors.
- Chronic valvular heart disease, which involves degeneration of one or more heart valves.
- Glaucoma, an eye condition involving increased pressure within the eye that can cause pain and potentially lead to vision loss.
- Dental disease, which can be especially important to monitor in small and toy-breed dogs.
Regular veterinary examinations can help identify health problems early. Anyone purchasing a Morkie puppy from a breeder should also ask about the health history and recommended health testing of both parent dogs.
Choosing Morkie Puppies
When looking at Morkie puppies, avoid choosing a dog based solely on size, color, or appearance. Health, temperament, socialization, and responsible breeding practices are much more important.
A responsible breeder should be willing to provide information about both parent dogs, discuss relevant health testing, allow you to see where puppies are raised, and answer questions about veterinary care and socialization.
Be cautious of breeders advertising unusually tiny dogs using terms such as "teacup Morkie." Extremely small size can come with additional health concerns, and "teacup" is not an officially recognized breed designation.
Morkies and similar Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier mixes may also be available through shelters and rescue organizations. Adoption can be another option for finding the right dog for your household.
Morkie Life Span
The average life span of a Morkie is approximately 12 to 15 years, though individual dogs may live longer or shorter lives depending on genetics, preventive veterinary care, nutrition, lifestyle, and overall health.
With their small size, lively personality, and affectionate nature, Morkies can make devoted companions for pet parents prepared for their grooming, training, and social needs.
Before bringing home a Maltese Yorkie mix, make sure you're prepared for a dog that may be tiny in stature but big in personality.
Read PetPlace's breed profiles on the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese to learn more about the Morkie's parent breeds.
