The Brown Morkie is a cross between a Morkie (Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier) and a Corgi, which is why it's also known as a Morki Corgi.
This adorable breed is a relatively new addition to the world of hybrid dogs, but it's quickly gaining popularity.
The Brown Morkie's short stature and stocky build make it a perfect companion for apartment dwellers, as it requires minimal exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Its small size also means it's relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
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Physical Characteristics
A brown Morkie is a beautiful sight to behold. Their weight typically ranges from 5-7 pounds.
Morkies are small dogs, generally measuring between 7-9 inches tall. Their coats can be a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, and golden.
Brown Morkies tend to get their coloring from their Yorkshire terrier parent, and their coats can be long or clipped short. Their ears can be either pointed or floppy, adding to their adorable charm.
Their small, bright, dark eyes sparkle with inquisitiveness, and their little black gumdrop noses are irresistible.
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Appearance
Morkies are small dogs, typically weighing around 5-7 pounds and measuring 7-9 inches tall.
Their coloring can vary, but they often get their coloring from their Yorkshire terrier parent, which can be black, brown, white, or even golden.
Morkies have long coats, although many owners keep them clipped short, and their ears can be either pointed like a Yorkie or floppy like a Maltese.
Their small, bright, dark eyes sparkle with inquisitiveness, and they have little black gumdrop noses.
Morkies have a silky coat of medium to long hair, which makes them a good option for allergy sufferers.
Their coats are often hypoallergenic, thanks to their Maltese parent, and they can change color as they age, sometimes turning grey-silver.
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Highlights
The Morkie is a small dog with a big personality. They typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand about 6-10 inches tall.
Their coats are silky and smooth, and they come in a variety of colors including black, white, and tan. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring regular brushing but no excessive bathing.
Their bright and playful nature makes them great with children, but it's essential to supervise interactions between small dogs and kids to prevent any accidental harm.
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Temperament & Intelligence
Brown Morkies are known to inherit their calm temperament from their Maltese parent, but they can also be quick to alert you to unfamiliar sounds or people due to their Yorkshire terrier heritage. This vocal tendency can be worked on with training.
Morkies are energetic pups with big personalities, loving playtime and zooming around the yard. They have a tenacious, athletic streak from their Yorkshire terrier side and a tendency for loyalty and affection from their Maltese side.
Their loyalty and affection often lead to a strong bond with one family member, which can be a challenge for families with multiple children or for people living independently. Morkies will often choose one person to be their favorite and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Morkies are intelligent and confident dogs, but they can be stubborn at times due to their terrier parentage. They respond well to treat-based training programs and are generally happy to please their owners.
Here are some key characteristics of Morkie temperament and intelligence:
- Intelligent and confident
- Stubborn at times
- Respond well to treat-based training
- Need regular walks and play sessions to prevent destructive behavior
- High maintenance, requiring plenty of attention and affection
Care
Brown Morkies are adorable, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coats. Daily brushing is a must, and you should bathe them every week or so.
Their long hair can easily fall into their eyes, so it's essential to tie it up or pin it back to avoid eye irritation. Bonus points if you use an extra-cute hair accessory!
Brown Morkies are active dogs and need stimulation, so take them on one or two daily walks, play tug of war, or play fetch with them. Morkies with a Yorkshire terrier-leaning personality may also enjoy dog sports like obedience or agility.
To prepare for separation anxiety, start training your Brown Morkie in small increments, teaching them that short periods of time away from you are okay. Begin with 30 seconds out of sight, then gradually work your way up to longer periods.
Consistency is key when training a Brown Morkie with barking tendencies. If they bark to get something, don't give in, or they'll keep doing it forever.
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Health and Wellness
A brown Morkie's lifespan is impressive, ranging from 10 to 16 years. With proper care, they can live a long and happy life.
As a small toy breed, Morkies are prone to dental issues. Brushing their teeth daily with a doggy toothpaste can help prevent these problems.
Their parent breeds, Maltese and Yorkshire terrier, can be prone to luxating patella, or slip knee. Be on the lookout for symptoms, which can be treated with surgery.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in Morkies:
- Collapsed trachea, which can be treated with surgery
- Reverse sneezing, caused by minor irritation of the throat
- Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can be a sign of various health concerns
- Patella luxation, or kneecap dislocation, which requires surgery
Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or detect these issues early on.
Diet and Nutrition
The Morkie's sensitive stomach requires high-quality kibble, preferably tailored for toy or small breeds.
Feeding your Morkie 2-3 meals throughout the day is a good rule of thumb, but it's essential to check with your vet to verify the best schedule for your dog.
Free feeding is not recommended for Morkies due to their tendency to put on extra weight, which can exacerbate medical concerns.
Small kibble is best for Morkies due to their small size and potential dental issues.
Wet foods should be avoided for Morkies, as they can be difficult to digest and may lead to further health problems.
Health
Morkies have a relatively long lifespan, around 12–15 years, due to hybrid vigor, which means they're less likely to inherit recessive genetic disorders from their purebred parents.
Their lifespan can be influenced by the health of their parents, so it's essential to work with reputable breeders who screen their dogs for common genetic disorders.
You should be wary of breeders who sell multiple variations of hybrid breeds, are pushy or try to create a sense of urgency, don't have verifiable health certificates for their dogs, or won't let you meet the parent dogs.
Morkies can be prone to luxating patella, or slip knee, which can be treated with surgery, and liver shunt, a congenital condition where the liver doesn't function properly and toxins build up.
Brush your Morkie's teeth daily with a doggy toothpaste to prevent dental issues, which are common in small dogs.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in Morkies:
- Collapsed trachea: a condition where the trachea begins to collapse and flatten on itself, making breathing difficult
- Reverse sneezing: a gagging cough caused by minor irritation of the throat
- Hypoglycemia: low blood sugar, which can be a sign of various health concerns
- Patella luxation: a condition where the kneecap has shifted or dislocated out of place
Injuries due to their small size, such as falls or trampling, can also be a risk for Morkies.
Early detection and treatment of infections, such as dental issues, eye, and ear problems, can prevent long-term damage.
Any sign of difficulty breathing, such as reverse sneezing or tracheal collapse, warrants an urgent trip to your vet.
In rare cases, Morkies can suffer from patellar luxation or hyperglycemia, which require chronic treatment.
How Long Does a Life Last?
A Morkie's lifespan can be a great concern for many owners, but the good news is that they can live up to 16 years on average. This is because smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds.
Regular veterinary checkups are essential to ensure your Morkie's health and detect any potential genetic disorders early on. By doing so, you can provide them with the best quality of life possible.
Their average life expectancy is between 10 to 16 years, which is a significant amount of time to spend with your furry friend.
Cost and Ownership
As a potential Morkie owner, it's essential to consider the cost of caring for this adorable breed. They can cost anywhere from $1500 to up to $3000 to purchase from a reputable breeder.
You'll want to have a plan in place to cover the thousands of dollars in possible medical expenses that may arise. Health insurance is a great option to prepare for the unexpected.
Budgeting and setting up a savings account are also viable alternatives if you can't find an affordable insurance plan. It's better to be prepared and have a financial safety net.
Having a small litter size means that Morkie puppies are not as common as other breeds, which contributes to their higher purchase fee.
Puppies and Family
If you're considering bringing a brown Morkie into your family, one thing to keep in mind is that they're great with adults and older children.
However, they may be wary of young children, especially if those children have a tendency to grab or pull their ears or tails. Supervise interactions between your child and dog to ensure everyone's safety.
Morkies are also known to latch onto a single person in the household and become their shadow, so they're an excellent choice for singles or seniors who want a loyal companion.
Puppies
Puppies can be a great addition to a family, especially if you're looking for a low-maintenance pet. The Morkie breed is a popular choice for elderly dog owners and families with older children due to their playful and happy nature.
They don't require a lot of exercise, making them a great option for those who don't have a big yard. This popularity comes with a higher price tag, so be prepared to pay more for a Morkie puppy.
Finding a reputable breeder is crucial when buying a puppy. Look for breeders with a strong reputation for breeding healthy and alert dogs, and arrange to meet the breeder and the mother dog before making a decision.
Be wary of breeders who are charging below market rate, as it may be a sign that they're trying to get rid of the puppies quickly. Meeting the puppy and seeing screening certificates can give you peace of mind and ensure you're getting a healthy pup.
Rescue dogs can also make wonderful additions to families, but it's essential to meet them before adopting to assess their physical and mental health.
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Great Family Pet
The Morkie is a great family pet because they are good with children and can be integrated into homes with other dogs and cats. They are also bright and playful, which makes them a great addition to any family.
Their size is a big advantage for families with older children, as they don't require a lot of exercise. However, it's essential to supervise interactions between small children and Morkies, as kids can be grabby and may cause pain to the dog.
Morkies are generally good with people of all ages and sizes, but they may be wary of young children who haven't learned how to handle them gently. If you have very young children, it's crucial to supervise their interactions with the Morkie.
One thing to keep in mind is that Morkies can be jealous and may not like other pets getting attention, which can lead to yapping and even snapping. They are also natural ratters, so if you have small pets like guinea pigs or hamsters, you'll need to supervise their interactions.
The Morkie's playful and energetic character makes them an excellent companion to singles and seniors, who often appreciate their minimal exercise requirements.
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Pet Ownership Essentials
The Morkie is a highly desirable pup thanks to its playful and energetic character.
Before bringing a Morkie into your home, it's essential to consider its minimal exercise requirements.
The Morkie makes an exceptional companion to singles and seniors due to its adaptable nature.
Families with very small children might want to think twice before getting a Morkie, as it may not be the best fit for households with tiny tots.
A Morkie's playful and energetic character requires regular attention and interaction to keep it happy and healthy.
Final Thoughts
The brown Morkie is a delightful companion for those who live in relatively quiet houses. They have a tendency to latch on to their owners emotionally, so be prepared for a strong bond.
Their size is a significant advantage, as they have moderate exercise requirements that are tempered by their diminutive size. This makes them a great choice for families with older children.
One thing to keep in mind is that Morkies can be yappy, so if you're a light sleeper or live in a noise-restricted area, this might not be the best breed for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color are most Morkies?
Most Morkies are black and tan, but they can also come in black, brown, tan, or white. Learn more about their coat texture and variation.
How big is a Morkie full grown?
A full-grown Morkie typically reaches 9 inches in height and weighs up to 7 pounds.
Are Morkies good dogs?
Morkies make excellent pets for singles, couples, and seniors due to their affectionate and sociable nature. With proper training, they can thrive in a variety of family settings.
What two breeds are Morkies?
Morkies are a cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier breeds. This unique mix creates a variety of characteristics in terms of size, shape, color, and coat type.
Sources
- Stella (instagram.com)
- Steven Tyler (wordpress.com)
- Patella luxation (vcahospitals.com)
- Morkie (jessiespuppies.com)
- temperaments (pamsdogtraining.com)
- How to Groom a Morkie (pamsdogtraining.com)
- Morkie (Maltese & Yorkie Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits (hepper.com)
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