Morkies are known for their affectionate nature, and as a full-grown Morkie, they make excellent family pets.
Their friendly demeanor makes them a great choice for families with children.
They are generally small in size, weighing between 8-10 pounds, making them a great option for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.
With proper care, a full-grown Morkie can live up to 12-15 years.
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Physical Characteristics
A full-grown Morkie typically weighs around 5–7 pounds and measures anywhere from 7–9 inches tall.
Their small size makes them a perfect companion for city living or for families with smaller spaces.
Morkies can be black, brown, white, or even golden in color, thanks to their Yorkshire terrier parent.
Their long coats need regular grooming to prevent matting, but many owners prefer to clip them short for easier maintenance.
Those bright, dark eyes sparkle with inquisitiveness, especially if you're holding something tasty – a trait that's hard to resist.
Their little black gumdrop noses are just one of the many adorable features that make Morkies so lovable.
They're Happy-Go-Lucky
Morkies are naturally playful dogs that love to run, play, and fetch toys, despite their small size.
Their happy-go-lucky nature makes them a great companion for fun-loving families and individuals.
They generally get along well with children, especially older kids, and even do well with cats and other small dogs.
However, be wary when your Morkie is around larger breeds as their tiny body can be easily injured.
Morkies can be a bit barky, especially when left alone for long periods-of-time, which can be a challenge for some owners.
With proper training and attention, you can teach your Morkie to be a "good student" and minimize excessive barking.
Their playful nature and high energy levels make them a wonderful companion for active families and individuals.
Care and Maintenance
Living with a full-grown Morkie requires attention to its needs and regular grooming to keep it happy and healthy.
They can thrive in apartments as long as you manage their separation anxiety and barking, and provide plenty of toys for mental stimulation.
To prevent accidental injuries, teach children how to treat dogs gently, and supervise playtime with new canine friends.
Morkies love attention and playtime, so active seniors or college students with flexible schedules can make great owners.
Regular grooming is essential, and their fluffy coat requires frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
Bathing is optional if you schedule regular professional grooming sessions, but daily wiping of the area around their eyes and weekly ear cleaning are musts.
Clip their nails at least twice a month, and brush their teeth daily if you feed them wet dog food, or every 3-4 days if you give them kibbles.
Living Needs
Morkie Poos can make great apartment dogs, as long as you manage any tendencies toward separation anxiety and barking. They don't require a yard to get the exercise they need, as long as they have space indoors to play and plenty of toys for mental stimulation.
Exercise needs are relatively low, but they still need daily playtime to stay happy and healthy. Morkie Poos are very social, so they must have your attention as much as possible.
To prevent depression and undesirable habits, set aside time each day to play with your Morkie Poo. This can be as simple as a quick walk or playtime in the yard.
Morkies can get along with children, especially during playtime, but small children should be taught how to treat dogs gently. They also generally get along with other dogs, though always supervise playtime with new canine friends.
Morkies are small and can be accidentally injured by overzealous roughhousing, so be sure to supervise playtime closely.
Grooming
The Morkie's grooming needs are a bit more involved than some other breeds. Its fluffy, long coat requires frequent brushing to prevent matting.
To keep your Morkie looking its best, brush its coat regularly. A trip to a professional groomer to have its coat trimmed can also keep it looking nice and healthy.
Bathing the Morkie is optional, but if you're grooming it yourself, a bath every month is a good rule of thumb. This will help keep its coat clean and prevent any buildup.
Cleaning the area around your Morkie's eyes is a daily task, as it's prone to tear stains. Wipe it with a moist, clean cloth every day to keep it clean.
Cleaning your Morkie's ears once a week is also important. This will help prevent any infections or other issues.
Brushing your Morkie's teeth is crucial, especially if you're feeding it wet dog food. You should brush its teeth daily to keep its teeth clean and healthy.
If you're feeding your Morkie kibbles, brush its teeth every 3-4 days instead. This will help prevent any tartar buildup.
Clipping your Morkie's nails at least twice a month is also a must. This will help keep its nails from getting too long and causing any issues.
Health and History
Morkies have a relatively long lifespan, typically living between 12-15 years. This is due to the theory of hybrid vigor, where mixed breed dogs are less likely to inherit recessive genetic disorders found in purebred lines.
It's essential to work with reputable breeders who screen the parents for common genetic disorders, such as liver shunt and luxating patella, which can be prone to in both Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers.
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.
Here are some potential health concerns to watch out for in Morkies:
- Luxating patella (or slip knee)
- Liver shunt (a congenital condition in which the liver doesn't function properly)
- Dental issues (small dogs are prone to dental issues, so brush your Morkie's teeth daily)
The history of the Morkie is a bit murky, but it's believed to have originated in the late 1990s or early 2000s as a designer dog breed.
Health
Morkies are known for their long lifespan, typically living between 12-15 years. This is a relatively long lifespan for a toy breed.
Their longevity can be attributed to hybrid vigor, a theory that mixed breed dogs are less prone to inherited genetic disorders. This is because they don't inherit as many recessive genetic disorders carried through purebred lines.
However, it's essential to work with reputable breeders who screen the parents for common genetic disorders before breeding them. This will help ensure the health of the puppies.
Some red flags to watch out for when looking for a Morkie include breeders who sell multiple variations of hybrid breeds, are pushy or try to create a sense of urgency, or don't have verifiable health certificates for their dogs.
It's also crucial to be aware of potential health issues, such as luxating patella (or slip knee), which can be treated with surgery. Both the Maltese and the Yorkshire terrier are prone to this condition.
Liver shunt, a congenital condition in which the liver doesn't function properly and toxins build up, is also a concern. This condition often affects the runt of the litter, so it's essential to have the parents' bile tested.
To keep your Morkie's teeth healthy, brush them daily with a doggy toothpaste. Small dogs are prone to dental issues, so this is a vital part of their care.
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Here are some potential health concerns to be aware of:
- Luxating patella (or slip knee)
- Patella Luxation – slipped knee joint.
- Portosystemic shunt – a liver problem where there is an abnormal connection between the portal vein (or one of its branches) and another vein.
Regular veterinarian checkups and a good diet can help catch these conditions before they become a problem.
Morkie History
The Morkie's history is a bit murky, but it's believed to have originated in the late 1990s or even as early as the mid-1980s.
The Morkie was created by breeding a Maltese with a Yorkshire Terrier, resulting in a first-generation Morkie that has 50% of each breed's traits.
These first-generation Morkies are the foundation of the breed and can be bred with either a purebred Yorkie or a purebred Maltese to produce an F1b Morkie.
Breeding an F1 Morkie with a purebred Yorkie will intensify the Yorkie traits, resulting in an F1b Morkie with 75% of the Yorkie's characteristics.
The mating of two F1 Morkies will result in a second-generation Maltese Yorkie Mix, known as an F2 Morkie.
Since the Morkie's foundation breeds are the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese, it's essential to understand these breeds to determine the kind of Morkie you'll get.
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Training and Facts
Morkies are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making training a breeze with positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. They thrive on being the center of attention, but some can be stubborn, so persistence is key.
Morkies are prone to developing small dog syndrome, which means they'll bark a lot to get your attention. Early training is crucial to prevent this behavior from becoming a habit.
To train your Morkie, start as early as 8 weeks of age and use gentle yet firm techniques that avoid punishment or shouting. They respond best to rewards and can be very sensitive, so be gentle and patient.
Training
Training a Morkie Poo or Morkie requires patience and persistence due to their potential stubborn streak.
Morkies are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making them a joy to train. They thrive on positive reinforcement, so be sure to reward good behavior with treats and praise.
Start training your Morkie as early as 8 weeks of age to establish a strong foundation. This will help prevent small dog syndrome, where Morkies may develop a habit of excessive barking to get attention.
Morkies respond best to training methods that use rewards, such as yummy treats or non-food items. Avoid punishment or shouting, as this can erode the trust between you and your Morkie.
Socialization is also crucial, especially for Morkies, as they can become attached to one person and develop behavioral problems. Introduce your Morkie to different people and animals from an early age to promote sociability.
Interactive dog toys can help provide mental stimulation for your Morkie, preventing destructive behavior. By engaging your Morkie's brain, you'll keep them happy and out of trouble.
Maltese Yorkie Mix Facts
Morkies start out as very small puppies, weighing only about 4 to 5 ounces at birth.
Newborn Morkie puppies are tiny, but they grow into dogs that can weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.
A fully-grown Morkie can stand at least 6 inches tall and reach a maximum height of 15 inches.
Their small size makes them super cute, with fluffy ears, short muzzles, and big, round eyes that resemble a Teddy Bear.
Morkies can have either floppy or pointy ears, depending on which breed trait is more dominant.
Their straight, silky, and fine fur can come in different colors.
Morkie puppies can sell for as low as $1,500, although some breeders charge up to $3,000 or more due to their popularity as a designer breed.
As a low-shedding dog, Morkies are a good choice for people with allergies or asthma, but it's essential to note that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Description
Full grown Morkies are small dogs, typically standing between 7 to 9 inches tall.
Their weight ranges from 5 to 7 pounds, making them a great fit for apartment living due to their small size.
Morkies have a medium-length coat that sheds infrequently, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies.
Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, cream, fawn, gold, gray, and white.
Some Morkies may have a bicolor, black and tan, blue and tan, liver and tan, or tricolor pattern.
Morkies are highly territorial and have strong loyalty tendencies, making them great companions for families and seniors.
Their intelligence level is medium, and they require consistent, positive reinforcement training.
Morkies are active dogs and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Here's a quick rundown of their exercise needs:
Their vocal level is frequent, so be prepared for them to bark at unfamiliar people or situations.
Overall, Morkies make great pets for those who want a small, affectionate companion that's relatively low-maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a full grown Morkie?
A full-grown Morkie typically reaches 9 inches in height and weighs up to 7 pounds. This tiny size makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers and those with limited space.
What's the average lifespan of a Morkie?
A Morkie's average lifespan is 11-15 years, making it a long-lived small dog breed. With proper care, your Morkie can enjoy a happy and healthy life for many years.
Is a Morkie a good dog?
A Morkie is a lively and affectionate companion dog that thrives on interaction and play. They make great pets for active owners who want a small, energetic, and loving companion.
Which is better Morkie or Yorkie?
If you're looking for a slightly calmer and larger toy breed, a Morkie might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a spunkier and smaller companion, a Yorkie could be the perfect fit.
Is 14 old for a Morkie?
For a Morkie, 14 is actually considered middle-aged, with many living well into their teens. Average lifespan for this breed is around 14.5 years.
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