Morkie

The Morkie is a lively mix of Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier—small, affectionate, and great for apartment living.

Breed Group
Hybrid
Activity Level
Moderate
Size Category
Small
Coat Type
Long
Coat Texture
Silky
Activity Level
Moderate
Trainability
Moderate
Shedding Level
Low
Family Friendly
With Older Kids
Apartment Friendly
Yes
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Breed Type
Designer

Breed History

Morkies became popular in the early 2000s as companion dogs, blending the Maltese’s affectionate nature with the Yorkie’s spunky personality.

Physical Characteristics

Tiny dogs with silky, flowing coats and expressive eyes.

  • Weight: 7–13 lb
  • Height: 7–9 in
  • Coat type: Long, silky single coat
  • Coat colors: Black/tan, gold, cream, parti
  • Distinctive traits: Fine build, large eyes, silky hair

Grooming

High-maintenance coat requires regular care.

  • Brushing daily
  • Bathing every 2–4 weeks
  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
  • Dental and tear-stain care routine

Exercise Needs

Small but energetic—needs daily play and walks.

  • Daily exercise: 20–30 minutes
  • Activities: indoor play, short walks
  • Best in apartments or condos

Training Tips

Smart but sometimes stubborn; consistency needed.

  • Trainability: Moderate
  • Focus on potty training and barking control
  • Use treats and praise—gentle reinforcement
  • Socialize early to reduce separation anxiety

Nutrition & Diet

Small dogs need calorie-dense nutrition.

  • Food type: small-breed kibble or fresh
  • Quantity: 0.5–1 cup/day split into 2–3 meals
  • Schedule: multiple small meals daily
  • Considerations: prone to hypoglycemia if underfed

Adoption & Breeders

Check rescues specializing in small mixes.

  • Breeders: request health checks for knees and trachea
  • Adoption: Maltese/Yorkie rescues often rehome Morkies
  • Avoid breeders offering “teacup” Morkies

Health Concerns

Delicate breed prone to some small-dog issues.

  • Dental disease
  • Collapsed trachea
  • Luxating patella
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years

Frequent Asked Questions

Are Morkies hypoallergenic? Yes, coats shed very little.

Do Morkies bark? Yes, vocal if not trained early.

How big do Morkies get? 7–13 lb and 7–9 in tall.

Are Morkies good with kids? Yes, but better with older children due to small size.

Are Morkies easy to train? Moderate—patience is required.

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