Marvelous Morkie Dogs: 18 Small But Mighty Facts

Introducing the Morkie — a charming mix of Maltese grace and Yorkshire Terrier spunk. These adorable companions aren't just "designer dogs"; they're the perfect blend of elegance and spirited charm, crafted for lap-loving antics and genuine companionship. Forget the fancy titles — when you have a lively, fluffy dynamo by your side, bringing joy and cuddles, it's like having a walking happiness package. That said, Morkies can be prone to certain health issues and have been the focus of many unscrupulous breeders, so get the facts before you add one to your home. 

Morkies may be pocket-sized, but watch out, they've got a dose of mighty in their pint-sized frames! Beneath those sweet and affectionate vibes, a dash of terrier spunk is ready to spice things up. Think of them as the compact superheroes of the dog world. Yet, beware — without an outlet for their energy and smarts, these little rascals might turn into the bark brigade, champions of mischief, and anxiety aficionados. So, grab your pup's cape, channel that boundless enthusiasm, and let the adventure begin.

The Morkie pup is born on the mini side, tipping the scales at a mere four to five ounces. Once grown, these little nuggets blossom into full-grown Morkie magic, tipping the scales from a playful four pounds to a not-so-heavy seven pounds. because of their size, these dogs can be fragile, so be sure to play carefully, especially around small children.

Morkie litters are generally small due to the size of the parent breeds, averaging two to five pups.

When it comes to Morkie health, think of them like a mixtape from their folks. To prep for potential issues, it's good to know what health quirks might be in the cards. Yorkie-style, you might encounter slipping kneecaps, a collapsing trachea, liver shunt vibes, or retinal dysplasia. On the Maltese side of things, watch out for retinal atrophy, more liver shunt business, plus a dash of hydrocephalus and respiratory quirks. Talk to your rescue or breeder and make sure any Morkie you're considering has been screened.

Their adorable ears can be upright, drop-eared, or a delightful mix, adding to the charm of these tiny companions.

Morkie puppies may undergo a natural color transformation as they grow, following the Yorkie parent's tendency to turn a shiny gunmetal gray and gold upon reaching maturity.

These charming pups showcase a spectrum of colors, including white, brown, and shades of black and tan. The hues on darker puppies may lighten with maturity, a trait inherited from their Yorkie parent.

Morkie pups usually take after their Yorkie parent in color, while white fur Morkies lean towards the Maltese side. The Maltese coat has a cotton-like texture that tends to mat, while the Yorkie has a silkier coat. 

Morkies bring a friendly, playful vibe with their active and energetic spirit, making them ideal companions for families with older kids, adults, and seniors who can appreciate their pint-sized charm.

Beneath their cuddly exterior lies a bit of terrier spunk, so gentle, patient, positive training is the key to unlocking their well-behaved side.

These pint-sized pals are top-notch "alert" dogs. Need a heads-up? Just listen for the Morkie bark — they've got something important to share!

"Parti Morkies" boast a distinctive multicolored coat that incorporates white in at least one spot, adding an extra flair to their already adorable appearance.

Morkies thrive on human connection, so if you're ready for a furry friend that's part playful companion and part adorable shadow, these little ones might steal your heart!

Regardless of coat type, daily brushing, bathing, and trimming are essential to keep these furballs looking their best. For that extra dash of glamour, Morkies should be bathed once or twice a month, and their eye area should be cleaned daily to prevent tear stains, ensuring they always shine bright.

Morkies, with their parents' low-shedding traits, are less likely to be big shedders, earning them the label "hypoallergenic" due to their silky hair and reduced allergen potential. While no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, Morkies are known to be less likely to cause issues for allergy sufferers compared to other breeds, thanks to their minimal shedding and silky hair.

Morkie pups may be small and delicate, so treat them like the precious little fluffballs they are. While spirited, they prefer the company of older kids who can handle their tiny awesomeness gently.

Unfortunately, the popularity of this mixed breed means that many backyard breeders and puppy mills have started offering these tiny dogs for sale. Check out my favorite Guide on Finding a Responsible Breeder for a lot of great tips on identifying reputable breeders, but no matter what you do, make sure to get copies of any prospective puppy's parent's health screens. Morkies can inherit some serious, and even deadly, conditions from their parents. A reputable breeder will be sure to screen the parents for any of these conditions prior to allowing puppies to be conceived. 

Prices may range from $850 to $3,700, but don't necessarily indicate whether a breeder is reputable or not. Make sure to do your research to avoid getting an unhealthy dog from a tragic breeding facility.

Of course, adopting a morkie is always a great choice! If you're on the adoption train, check out sites like Petfinder and Adopt a Pet. Since Morkies are unofficial cross-breeds, search under Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese — you might find your perfect Morkie listed as a Maltese X or Yorkshire Terrier X!

With the maltese and yorkie characteristics, it's no wonder that morkies have become such a favorite. Their portability and sweet personalities make them compatible with a variety of lifestyles, but it's important to remember that tiny can also mean fragile and popular can mean the quest to get a healthy morkie might take a while. I'm always a fan of becoming a doggy foster parent for a local shelter or breed rescue. This can help give you the most information about your prospective pup before you officially adopt — and you'd be helping a morkie in need find a home. Truly a win-win!