Yorkie and Maltese mix dogs, often referred to as Morkies and Maltese Yorkies, are a hybrid between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. They are small dogs with a lot of personalities and are truly unique.
In this post, we will discuss, All Essentials You Need To Know About Morkie: Yorkie And Maltese Mix.
Let’s begin.
Morkies can range from 4 to 12 pounds and come in various colors, including black, white, tan, and even sable. They have very thick, soft, and double coats, meaning they have an outer coat and an undercoat. Their coats require frequent brushing and grooming to prevent matting. They are intelligent, loyal, and loving.
They are very affectionate and enjoy being around people. Additionally, they can be independent but are also very social and love human interaction. They are an excellent fit for families and usually get along with children and other pets.
Morkies are a high-energy breed and need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. They need daily walks and plenty of playtimes. They are also very intelligent and can learn many tricks.
Overall, Morkies are a great breed for both active and older people. They are affectionate and make excellent companions. They can be a great addition to any home with proper training and socialization.
History Of The Morkie – Maltese Yorkie Mix
The Morkie is a relatively new breed and is still not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
Morkies have become increasingly popular over the years and have even been featured in many TV shows and movies. People love them for their small size, lively personality, and loving nature.
Breed Origin
The Morkie, or Maltese Yorkie, came about in the early 1990s when breeders began to crossbreed Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese. The aim was to create a smaller, more active, and more loving dog.
Characteristics
Morkies are small energy bombs that love to play around you all the time. Let’s have a look at all the characteristics of Morkies:
Appearance
Keep in mind that because the Morkie is a hybrid breed, there is always the possibility that its size and look will vary. However, the Morkie typically weighs between 4 and 12 pounds and stands between 6 and 9 inches tall. They have long, bushy tails and small, pointed ears.
Coat Color
The Morkie has a thick, soft double coat that can come in various colors, such as black, white, tan, and sable.
Their coat can also have various patterns, including solid color, brindle, merle, and spotted. Generally, the color of the coat is a mix of black and white, as well as other colors.
Coat Texture
The coat of Morkie can be wavy or straight, and its texture can vary from long and silky to short and wiry.
The Morkie’s coat is thick, luxurious, and beautiful. They can maintain their unique and beautiful look with proper grooming and care.
Temperament
The Morkie is a very playful, alert, and enthusiastic dog. They are incredibly affectionate and love being around people. They are very intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
Morkies are also known for their mischievous streak, so they must be kept on a tight leash and given plenty of attention. They can also be stubborn and independent sometimes, so they need an experienced owner who can provide gentle yet firm guidance.
Activity Level
The Morkie is a relatively active dog breed. They are very energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Generally, a Morkie needs at least one hour of exercise daily to stay healthy and active.
Morkies love to explore and be active outdoors, so they do well in larger yards or dog parks. They also love to take walks, go jogging, and play fetch. Morkies also have a penchant for agility and obedience training, making excellent companions for people who enjoy active hobbies.
Lifespan
The Morkie is a relatively long-living breed, with an average lifespan of 12-16 years. Some Morkies have been known to live even longer, up to 18 or 19 years. This is quite a great life expectancy, considering the breed’s size and stature. The average lifespan of a Morkie is between 12 and 14 years of age.
With proper nutrition and regular checkups, Morkies can lead healthy and long lives. As with all dogs, keeping up with traditional veterinary care is essential to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy.
Known Health Issues
The Morkie is a relatively healthy breed; however, they can be prone to certain health issues. The most common health issues seen in Morkies include patellar luxation, dental problems, and allergies.
- Patellar luxation is a hereditary condition where the kneecap can become dislocated from its socket. This can cause lameness, pain, and difficulty walking.
- Dental problems are common in Morkies, as their teeth can become misaligned and require regular brushing and cleaning.
- Allergies are a common issue for Morkies, as their delicate skin can be sensitive to certain foods and environmental factors.
Less common health issues can include eye disease, heart disease, and hypoglycemia.
The Morkie is a relatively healthy breed but prone to specific health issues. Regular veterinary care is essential to ensure your pet lives a healthy and happy life.
Daily Life
Morkies are active and energetic dogs that love to stay busy. The typical day for a Morkie starts with a good walk or some other type of exercise. Morkies love to explore and will happily spend hours sniffing around and playing with toys. Giving your Morkie plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day is essential.
Morkies enjoy spending time with their family and are very affectionate and loyal. They make great lapdogs and love to snuggle up with their owners. Socialization is also essential for Morkies, as they can be prone to separation anxiety if they are left alone too often.
Food And Diet
Morkies should be fed a high-quality diet consisting of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. They should also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Morkies are small dogs and need small, frequent meals throughout the day. As a general rule of thumb, a Morkie should consume between 1/4 and 1/2 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals.
You should also monitor your Morkie’s weight and adjust their meals accordingly. If your Morkie is overweight, reduce their food intake slightly and increase their exercise, and vice versa.
A healthy diet is essential for a Morkie’s well-being. Make sure to feed your Morkie high-quality food, keep their meals small and frequent, and monitor their weight.
Intellectual Stimulation
Intellectual stimulation is just as crucial for Morkies as physical exercise. Mental stimulation keeps them sharp and active and helps them stay healthy and happy.
Morkies can get bored quickly, so it’s essential to keep them busy with exciting activities. Puzzles and games, like hide and seek and fetch, are great for keeping their minds sharp. You can also teach your Morkie tricks and commands or provide them with interactive toys, like treat-dispensing puzzles.
Morkies also need social interaction, so it’s essential to introduce them to new people and places. This will help them to stay mentally stimulated and will also help them to develop proper socialization skills.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for Morkies to stay fit and healthy. They should get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which can be divided into two 15-minute sessions.
Morkies should get a mix of physical and mental exercise. Physical exercise can include walking, jogging, or playing fetch. Mental exercise can include puzzles, games, and teaching your Morkie commands and tricks.
You should also take your Morkie to the park and other social places so that they can meet new people and animals. This will help them to stay active and alert.
Family Compatibility
Morkies are excellent family dogs and generally get along well with children and other animals. They are social, friendly, and affectionate—making them the perfect companion for a family.
Morkies are small, making them ideal for families with small children. They are very gentle and can be trained to obey commands and avoid dangerous items.
Morkies also get along with other animals, such as cats and other dogs. They are very curious and tend to get along with animals they meet. It’s important to socialize your Morkie from a young age so that they can get used to other animals.
Training
Training a Morkie requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. You should start preparing your Morkie from a young age, so they can learn to obey commands.
Training sessions should be short, fun, and filled with lots of rewards. Treats, toys, and verbal praise are all great rewards for Morkies. It’s also vital to stay firm but gentle and avoid disciplining your Morkie with physical punishment.
You can also teach your Morkie simple commands, such as sit, stay, and come. Be sure to reward them when they obey these commands, so they’ll learn to do them more often.
Socializing
Socializing your Morkie is an integral part of owning one. Socialization helps them feel more comfortable in different environments and around different people and animals.
You should start socializing with your Morkie from a young age. Take them to places like parks, dog parks, and pet stores. This will help them get used to different environments and different people.
It’s also essential to introduce your Morkie to other animals. This can help them get used to different animals and make them more comfortable around them.
Grooming
Grooming your Morkie is an integral part of keeping them healthy and happy. Morkies have a thick, double-coat that needs to be brushed at least once a week to prevent tangles and matting. It’s also important to trim their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth regularly.
It’s also essential to give your Morkie regular baths. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo, and make sure to rinse them thoroughly.
FAQs
What Is A Morkie?
A Morkie is a designer breed that is a mix of a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. They are small dogs with lovable, playful, and affectionate personalities.
Morkie puppies (Yorkie and Maltese Mix puppies) have a thick double coat in various colors, including white, black, and tan. They usually weigh between 4 and 12 pounds and are around 6-9 inches tall.
Do Morkies Shed?
Yes, Morkies do shed. While they don’t shed as much as other breeds, they have a thick double coat that will shed year-round. Regular brushing and grooming can help reduce shedding and keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. It’s also essential to remove dead fur with a de-shedding tool.
Morkies are considered hypoallergenic and produce less dander than other breeds, but it’s important to remember that there is still some shedding. Therefore, those with allergies should take extra precautions, such as frequent vacuuming and brushing, to keep their home free of dander.
Do Morkies Like Cuddling?
Yes, Morkies love cuddling and being around people. They are very affectionate and loyal dogs and enjoy spending time with their family.
Morkies are small dogs, but they are also active and need regular walks and playtime. After they get their exercise, they love to cuddle up and relax with their owners. They also love being around their family and will follow them around the house or curl up on their lap.
How Much Should I Pay For A Morkie?
The amount you should pay for a Morkie will depend on a few factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, the quality of the pup, and the availability of the breed in your area. Generally, Yorkie Maltese Mix prices range between $400 to $2,200 (the same is for Teacup Yorkie and Maltese Mix).
You should also take into account the cost of ongoing care and supplies, such as food, toys, treats, and vet checkups. Additionally, you should consider the cost of grooming and boarding if you plan to be away for any length of time.
Are These Dogs Good For Families?
Yes, Morkies are good for families. They may be small, but they will always be eager to please their owners and be entertaining companions.
These dogs are very adaptable, meaning they can adjust to different environments and are often content with minimal exercise. Morkies don’t require much space, making them the perfect choice for people in smaller spaces, especially in urban areas.
All in all, Morkies are an excellent choice for families. They are smart, loyal, loving, and very easy to care for. The only downside is that they may get jealous if not given enough attention.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, Morkies get along very well with other pets. Morkies are also social animals, so they enjoy playing and interacting with other pets in the home.
Morkies are excellent for multi-pet households as they adapt and adjust to different environments. They are generally not aggressive towards other animals and don’t bark excessively.
However, it is essential to supervise playtime and make sure the other pets are not being too rough with the Morkie.
Is A Morkie A Good Dog?
Absolutely! Morkies are excellent for families looking for a small, loving, and loyal companion. They are very intelligent and eager to please and don’t require much exercise or space.
Is A Morkie Aggressive?
Generally, no. Yorkie and Maltese mix dogs are very gentle and loving creatures. Morkies typically only become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are not given enough attention. Therefore, providing a safe, secure environment and ensuring that all pets in the household get enough attention is essential.
Does A Morkie Make A Good Family Dog?
Yes! Morkies make lovely family dogs. They are small, intelligent, and easy to care for. Morkies also have a cool temperament, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
Wrapping Up: Is The Morkie For You?
The Morkie is a unique breed that combines the best of two beloved breeds. They usually weigh 4 to 12 lbs but can vary in size greatly (due to different parents). Sometimes Maltese Yorkie Mix Full Grown can weigh up to 14 pounds if proper diet and care are provided.
Morkies are also the perfect companion dog. They love people and are very loyal. They are also very intelligent and can learn many tricks.
Usually, Yorkie and Maltese Mix prices range between $400 and $2200 and have a very low maintenance cost. Finally, we can say that they are ideal pets for both active and older people and can be a great addition to any home with proper training and socialization.
