Female Morkie dogs are a delightful and affectionate breed, known for their playful personalities and adorable looks.
They typically weigh between 8-13 pounds and stand between 6-9 inches tall, making them a great companion for apartment dwellers or those who want a small but lively pet.
Female Morkies are often described as gentle and friendly, with a strong affection for their human family members.
Their short, dense coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and they come in a variety of colors including black, white, and tan.
Physical Characteristics
Female Morkies are small dogs, generally weighing around 5–7 pounds and measuring anywhere from 7–9 inches tall.
Their coloring can be black, brown, white, or even golden, which they tend to get from their Yorkshire terrier parent.
Morkies have long coats, although many owners prefer to keep them clipped short.
Their ears can be either pointed like a Yorkie or floppy like a Maltese.
Female Morkies have small, bright, dark eyes that sparkle with inquisitiveness.
Their little black gumdrop noses are irresistibly adorable.
Temperament Intelligence
Female Morkies are known to be affectionate dogs that love to spend time with family members and often form strong bonds with them. They thrive on interaction and will constantly seek out your affection, so they won’t like to spend time alone.
They are expert problem solvers and quick learners, making them easy to train, even for beginners. This high intelligence and eager-to-please attitude make them plenty of fun to be around.
Female Morkies tend to have a favorite person to whom they cling more than the others in the household, so be prepared to be their go-to person. They really love to just have one person that they're attached to.
Their small size means they don't make good guard dogs, but they are good watchdogs because they will alert their family members to any new person or new sight that they encounter. They might yap at bigger dogs, often wanting to play with them.
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Female Morkies can suffer from "small dog syndrome", which means they think they're big and will yap at most things. They will be very loyal and loving, often shadowing their owner at all times of day and night.
To avoid unnecessary barking, it's essential to work on training your Morkie from the moment you bring your puppy home. With plenty of praise, patience, and some delicious treats, your Morkie can be a “good student” and learn to bark less.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your female Morkie looking and feeling her best, daily grooming is a must. Brush her coat daily to prevent matting and remove debris.
A weekly bath will keep her fur shiny and odor-free. You'll also need to clip her nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, as indoor dogs don't wear them down enough.
Morkies are low-shedding dogs, but this means their hair needs more frequent grooming. Expect to brush her hair every day to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
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Daily teeth brushing is essential to prevent dental problems, especially in small breeds. Start brushing her teeth when she's a young puppy to get into a routine and teach her that it's nothing to be afraid of.
Regular ear checks and nail trims will also keep her comfortable and healthy.
Living Needs
Morkies can thrive in apartments as long as their separation anxiety and barking tendencies are managed.
They don't need a yard to get the exercise they need, but they do require space indoors to play and plenty of toys for mental stimulation.
Morkies can get along with children, especially during playtime, but small children should be taught how to treat dogs gently.
They generally get along with other dogs, but always supervise playtime with new canine friends.
Morkies are small and can be accidentally injured by overzealous roughhousing.
Active seniors who can take them on walks are wonderful Morkie owners, as Morkies love all-day attention and tend to bond to a primary caregiver.
College students with flexible schedules who can come home in the middle of the day could also make a great Morkie owner.
You'll want to set aside 30-60 minutes each day to play with your Morkie to keep them healthy and happy.
Going for short walks, playing fetch, and doing indoor interactive games will help them stay more active.
A 30-minute walk each day should be enough to keep your Morkie healthy, and they also love to play a few rounds of fetch or other games around the house each day.
They also like running, so if you have a fenced yard, your Morkie can tire themselves out sprinting back and forth.
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Grooming
Morkies have silky hair that requires daily brushing to avoid knots and tangles, and they rarely shed.
To keep their coat looking neat, you'll need to brush their fur regularly, ideally every day, to prevent knots and tangles. A bath every several weeks with a high-quality dog-specific shampoo will also help keep the fur shiny and odor-free.
You'll also need to clip their nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, as indoor dogs don't usually wear them down enough, and overgrowth can lead to discomfort and injury. Check their ears regularly for signs of wax buildup or infection, and keep them clean and dry.
To prevent dental problems, gently brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week, or daily if they let you. This will help get into a routine and teach your dog that tooth brushing is nothing to be afraid of.
Morkies have hair that grows quickly, so you'll need to trim it every 6 to 8 weeks to keep them looking neat and prevent eye irritation. If you're keeping their hair long, you may need to tie it up or pin it back to avoid eye irritation.
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Health and Wellness
As a Morkie owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your furry friend. With a lifespan of 12-15 years, Morkies are generally a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain conditions.
Morkies are at risk of developing luxating patella, also known as slipped knee, which can be treated with surgery. They're also more prone to liver shunt, a congenital condition where the liver doesn't function properly, so it's crucial to have your puppy's parents tested for this condition.
Regular veterinary visits and a healthy diet are key to preventing health issues in Morkies. Brushing your Morkie's teeth daily with a doggy toothpaste can also help prevent dental problems.
Morkies are more prone to certain conditions due to their tiny size and breeding. These conditions include collapsing trachea, glaucoma, and hypoglycemia. Be on the lookout for signs of these conditions and get them treated as soon as possible.
Here are some common health concerns in Morkies:
- Collapsing trachea
- Glaucoma
- Hypoglycemia
- Dental problems
- Reverse sneezing
- Portosystemic shunt
It's essential to work with reputable breeders who screen their dogs for common genetic disorders. Be wary of breeders who are pushy, don't have verifiable health certificates, or won't let you meet the parent dogs.
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Food Diet Requirements
Your female Morkie will thrive on high-quality dog food with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient.
To prevent overfeeding, follow the portioning recommendations on the package carefully, as Morkies can easily put on weight. Limit treats to no more than 10% of their total daily calories.
A Morkie's voracious appetite means they'll happily gorge on kibble, so it's essential to feed them diligently at mealtimes. Expect to feed your dog between ¾ of a cup and one cup of good quality kibble over the course of a day.
Puppies require more protein to help their muscles develop, while senior dogs will need less protein and fewer calories. Tailor the feeding to your Morkie's age to ensure they get the right nutrients.
Morkies love to eat, but this can be a problem if they're not getting enough exercise. Keep your Morkie on a regular feeding schedule to prevent excessive weight gain.
It's crucial to choose food formulated for toy breeds with a high level of energy to meet your Morkie's needs.
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Puppies
Female Morkie puppies have an irresistible charm and a playful and curious attitude, spending much of the day exploring their home and constantly craving attention.
They will naturally be friendly but need to spend plenty of time with people and other animals to feel comfortable around them as adults, making early socialization key to having a happy dog.
Morkie puppies are small, energetic, and affectionate, making them great companions for families and individuals, but they do require gentle care due to their fragile nature.
They weigh only 4-5 ounces at birth and don't grow to be very large as adults, so it's essential to handle them carefully to prevent injuries.
Finding a good breeder is crucial, as it's a popular breed and some less-reputable breeders may try to sell unhealthy dogs, so research the breeder's reputation and ask plenty of questions.
A good breeder will be happy to answer your questions and provide certificates indicating that the parents are healthy, and you may also be able to find Morkies through Yorkshire or Maltese breed-specific rescues.
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Early training and grooming routines are also essential to establish good behavior and obedience in your Morkie puppy.
It's a good idea to visit as many locations as possible to help your puppy become comfortable around new people, animals, and environments, and to start getting them into training and grooming routines from an early age.
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Allergy-Friendly
For people with allergies, the female Morkie is a great option. They don't shed much, which is a big plus.
Their low-shedding coat means they're a good fit for households with allergy sufferers. The Morkie's hair instead of fur is another advantage.
While they're not completely hypoallergenic, they're a better choice than some other breeds. This makes them a great option for families with allergies.
Morkies are a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, and they inherit the low-shedding trait from their parents. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
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Family and Social
The female Morkie is a wonderful companion for families with older children, as they are good with adults and older kids, and will get along with people of all ages and sizes.
They are also surprisingly protective of their family, which makes them a great addition to any home. However, their tiny size makes them vulnerable to injury, especially from children who don't know how to handle a dog properly.
Female Morkies are easy to teach new tricks, and they love being around people, which means they'll thrive in a household with a lot of attention and interaction.
But it's essential to supervise interactions between children and the dog, especially if the child is too young to understand how to handle a small dog gently. This will help prevent any potential problems.
In general, female Morkies do well with other pets, especially if they're introduced to them at a young age and are properly socialized. They can get along with cats and other dogs, and even encourage them to play.
However, their strong prey drive may lead them to chase smaller animals, so it's crucial to keep an eye on them when they're playing with other pets.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Female Morkies are born super-tiny, weighing in at around 4 to 5 ounces.
Their average lifespan is from 10 to 13 years-old, which is a great thing to know if you're considering bringing one home.
The Morkie hybrid was founded in America specifically for a lapdog, making them the perfect companion.
They can thrive in apartments quite nicely, making them a great choice for city dwellers.
Female Morkies bond quickly to their family members and want to be a part of the day-to-day happenings.
Their litter size can range from only two puppies up to five puppies, which is a fun fact to know if you're planning to breed or adopt one.
Yorkie Maltese enthusiasts hope to make the Morkie a true breed in the eyes of the American Kennel Club (AKC) someday.
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Final Thoughts
The female Morkie is a wonderful companion animal. They're generally bright and lively, making them a great addition to families with older children or households with attentive adults.
Female Morkies are known to be emotionally attached to their owners, so be prepared for a loyal companion. They can be a bit yappy, so a relatively quiet house is a must.
With moderate exercise requirements, these tiny dogs are perfect for owners who enjoy short walks and playtime. They're also surprisingly easy to train, as long as you can get past their stubborn streak.
If you're willing to devote time to grooming, playtime, and cuddling, a female Morkie will reward you with affection and loyalty. They thrive on attention, so be prepared to lavish love and care on your new furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do female Morkies live?
Female Morkies typically live between 12-15 years, benefiting from hybrid vigor due to their mixed breed ancestry.
What does a full grown Morkie look like?
A full-grown Morkie is a small, compact dog weighing up to 7 pounds and standing 9 inches tall. Their tiny size makes them a perfect companion for those who want a pint-sized pup.
Sources
- Stella (instagram.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/morkie (petmd.com)
- https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/morkie/ (petguide.com)
- small dogs (homeowner.com)
- Toy breed (homeowner.com)
- Morkie (Maltese & Yorkie Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits (hepper.com)
- Dog Breeds - Morkie (Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier Mix) (petkeen.com)
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