Golden Morkie Family Pets: Size, Diet, and Insurance

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Posted Oct 21, 2024

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The Golden Morkie is a beloved family pet, known for its friendly and affectionate nature. They typically weigh between 7-10 pounds and stand about 8-10 inches tall.

Their small size makes them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces. With proper care, Golden Morkies can live up to 12-15 years.

As they are a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, their diet should be high in protein and low in fat to maintain their small size. Feeding them 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food twice a day is a good starting point.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure their overall health and detect any potential issues early on.

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Temperament & Intelligence

The Morkie is an affectionate dog that loves to spend time with family members and often forms strong bonds with them.

They thrive on interaction and will constantly seek out your affection, so they won’t like to spend time alone. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, even for beginners.

Their eager-to-please attitude and expert problem-solving skills make them a joy to be around.

Temperament & Intelligence

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The Morkie's temperament is a joy to behold. They are affectionate dogs that love to spend time with family members and form strong bonds with them.

Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, even for beginners. They are eager-to-please and quick learners.

Morkies are expert problem solvers and thrive on interaction. They won't like to spend time alone and will constantly seek out your affection.

Their warm and approachable demeanor makes them a great fit for families with children. They are happy-go-lucky dogs that form a quick bond with their family.

The Morkie's caring and responsive personality is truly a treasure. They are sure to win your heart and lap in no time.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great breed for first-time dog owners. They are a pleasure to have around and will keep you entertained with their antics.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Great Pyrenees Mixed with Golden Retriever

Rufus

Rufus is a 2 1/2 year old golden Morkie who was very easy to train, showing that Morkies can be quite intelligent and responsive to training.

His mum is a Maltese, and his dad is a Yorkie, which is an interesting combination that can result in a dog with a strong sense of loyalty, like Rufus.

Rufus has heaps of spunk and personality, demonstrating that Morkies can be lively and engaging companions.

Care & Grooming

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To keep your golden Morkie's fur looking its best, regular brushing is a must, even if they don't shed much.

You'll need to brush their fur daily to prevent knots and tangles, and a bath every few weeks with a high-quality dog-specific shampoo will keep their fur shiny and odor-free.

Their nails will need to be clipped when you hear them clicking on the floor, as indoor dogs don't wear them down enough, and overgrowth can lead to discomfort and injury.

Brushing their teeth as frequently as possible with a dog-specific toothpaste is crucial to guard against dental disease, and check their ears regularly for signs of wax buildup or infection.

For feeding, a twelve-hour, two times a day schedule is recommended, with two cups of food per serving, and high-nutrient and protein-rich food is essential for their growth, especially as a puppy.

Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of your dog's overall care. You'll need to brush their fur regularly to keep it looking neat and prevent knots and tangles.

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Brushing their fur will also help prevent matting, which can be painful for your dog. A bath every several weeks with a high-quality dog-specific shampoo will keep their fur shiny and odor-free.

You'll need to clip their nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, as indoor dogs often don't wear them down enough. Overgrowth can lead to discomfort and injury, so it's crucial to keep an eye on their nail length.

Regular ear checks are also important to catch any signs of wax buildup or infection early on. Keep their ears clean and dry to prevent any issues.

Care

When it comes to feeding your Morkie, it's essential to establish a regular schedule to ensure they're getting the nutrients they need. Morkies should be fed twice a day, with each meal consisting of two cups of high-nutrient food.

Their diet should be rich in protein, especially during puppyhood, to support their physical and mental growth. You can expect to feed your Morkie a total of four cups of food per day, but this may vary depending on their size, metabolism, and activity level.

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To keep your Morkie's coat looking neat and shiny, regular grooming is a must. Brushing their fur daily can help prevent matting, and a monthly bath with a high-quality dog-specific shampoo will keep them smelling fresh.

Here's a quick rundown of Morkie grooming essentials:

  • Brush their fur daily
  • Bathe every month or so
  • Trim nails monthly
  • Brush teeth daily

By following these simple care and grooming tips, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy and healthy Morkie.

They're Technically Hypoallergenic

Morkies don't shed much, but it's essential to note that no dog is completely hypoallergenic. They inherit their low-shedding trait from their parent breeds, the Maltese and the Poodle.

Regular grooming is crucial for Morkies to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Their coat requires daily brushing to prevent these issues.

Their hypoallergenic status is largely due to their low-shedding nature, making them a good choice for people with allergies. However, it's still important to spend time with a Morkie before committing to ownership to gauge your reaction to their presence.

Health & Wellness

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As a Morkie owner, it's essential to prioritize your furry friend's health and wellness. A Morkie's lifespan is approximately 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

To ensure your Morkie stays healthy, it's crucial to feed them high-quality dog food with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

Morkies are prone to certain health issues, including luxating patella, portosystemic shunt, dental problems, collapsing trachea, hernias, heart disease, glaucoma, reverse sneezing, and hypoglycemia. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect these issues early on.

Early visits to the veterinarian will eliminate common illnesses when detected on time. Do this and maintain a healthy diet, and your Morkie will remain healthy for years.

To minimize the risk of these health issues, make sure the parents of your Morkie have undergone all recommended genetic testing for their breeds if you choose to get a Morkie through a breeder.

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Here are some common health issues that can affect Morkies:

  • Luxating patella (a type of knee problem)
  • Portosystemic shunt (blood flow problems affecting the liver)
  • Dental problems
  • Collapsing trachea
  • Hernias
  • Heart disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Reverse sneezing
  • Hypoglycemia

Because of their small size, Morkies can be fragile and easily injured in dangerous home environments or without supervision. It's essential to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your Morkie to thrive.

Diet and Nutrition

Morkies are prone to weight gain if they're fed too much and not kept on a regular eating schedule.

Feed your Morkie high-quality dog food with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient.

Limit treats to no more than 10% of their total daily calories to keep their weight under control.

Adult Morkies thrive on a high-quality, nutritionally complete and balanced adult dog food.

Puppies need more calories per day than adults, and their needs vary with their activity level and other factors.

Divide the total amount of food for the day into at least two meals for adults and three to four meals for puppies.

Your Morkie should be able to see their waist and feel their ribs without having to press too hard.

Morkies require 300 to 500 calories as puppies and 200 to 300 calories per day as adults.

Consider reading: Maltipoo Older Dogs

Exercise & Training

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Exercise is a must for your golden Morkie! They need 30-60 minutes of playtime each day to stay healthy and happy. You can break it up into several sessions, and going for short walks, playing fetch, and even doing indoor interactive games will help them stay more active.

Adjust the activity level based on the age and health of your pet. For example, if your Morkie is still a puppy, they'll need more frequent and shorter play sessions. As they grow older, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of their exercise routine.

Morkies are intelligent and eager-to-please, making them a joy to train. They thrive on interaction and will try harder to learn if you hold short scheduled sessions consistently each day, preferably right after playtime when they've had a chance to burn off extra energy and will find it easier to stay focused.

Exercise

Exercise is a must for your Morkie's overall health and happiness. Set aside 30–60 minutes each day to play with your Morkie.

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You can break up the time into several sessions to keep them engaged. Going for short walks is a great way to get your Morkie moving.

Playing fetch is another fun way to get your Morkie active. Indoor interactive games can also be a great option, especially on rainy days.

Adjust the activity level based on the age and health of your pet. This will help ensure they don't get too tired or overexert themselves.

Training

The Morkie is a breeze to train, thanks to their eager-to-please attitude. They'll try harder than many other dogs to figure out what you want from them and give it to you.

To get the most out of training, start when your Morkie is still a puppy. Consistency is key, so hold short scheduled sessions each day, preferably right after playtime when they've had a chance to burn off extra energy and will find it easier to stay focused.

Morkies are expert problem solvers and quick learners, making them a joy to train.

Family & Compatibility

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The Morkie is a wonderful family dog that enjoys being around people and can thrive in any home. They're easy to teach new tricks and can form strong bonds with their family members.

Their friendly nature often makes them good companions for other pets, but it's essential to supervise them when playing with larger dogs to prevent injury. They can be vulnerable to injury due to their small size.

Morkies are meant to be companion dogs, developed to be with people, and they'll constantly seek out your affection.

Suitability of Dogs for Families

The Morkie is a wonderful family dog, as they enjoy being around people and are surprisingly protective of the people and things that they care for.

They thrive on interaction and will constantly seek out your affection, so they won’t like to spend time alone. Their high intelligence and eager-to-please attitude make them easy to train, even for beginners.

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However, their tiny size makes them vulnerable to injury, especially from children too young to know how to handle a dog properly. This is why it's essential to supervise interactions between Morkies and young children.

Morkies can get along well with cats and other dogs, especially if they spend time with other animals as puppies. Their friendly nature often makes them good companions for other pets.

But, their strong prey drive may cause them to chase after animals smaller than them, especially mice. And, their small size can leave them vulnerable to injury when playing with larger dogs, so supervision is crucial.

Overall, Morkies can make excellent family pets, but it's essential to consider their needs and limitations to ensure a harmonious household.

Dogs - Peanut

Peanut, a Golden Morkie, is a loving guy who doesn't bark a lot and licks almost everyone who pets him.

He has a tiny frame and golden hair, and his parents are a Maltese Mum and a Yorkie-Poodle dad, which may be why his hair won't grow any longer than it is now.

Peanut loves long runs in the park and is obedient with a leash.

We are still potty training our little Morkie, so wish us luck!

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Size & Characteristics

Credit: youtube.com, Grooming a cute Morkie Pup - His ears are adorable

Golden Morkies are small dogs that typically weigh between 5-7 pounds when fully grown, with some reaching a height of 7-9 inches tall.

Their small size is one of the defining characteristics of the breed, but it's worth noting that there can be variation in size depending on the individual dog. Some Morkies can weigh up to 15 pounds, but this is less common.

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect in terms of size as your Morkie grows:

This growth chart is a general guideline, and individual Morkies may grow at a slightly different rate.

Characteristics

The Morkie is a small, toy-sized dog with a big personality. They have a fairly calm temperament, but they can be prone to barking at unfamiliar people or sounds.

Morkies have big personalities and love to run around during playtime, thanks to their athletic qualities inherited from their Yorkshire Terrier parent. They're also very loyal and affectionate, thanks to their Maltese parent's gentle nature.

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Here are some key characteristics of the Morkie breed:

Morkies often pick a favorite person and become very attached to that one person, so don't be offended if your Morkie seems to favor you over others.

Size & Characteristics

Morkies are toy-sized dogs, making them a great fit for apartment living or families with small children.

Their small size is one of the many reasons why Morkies are such popular pets.

A Morkie's ears can be either floppy or pointed, depending on which parent they take after.

They have small and dark eyes that give them an inquisitive look.

Morkies have long and silky hair that requires regular grooming.

A bi-weekly bath is suggested to keep their coat and skin clean, and routine nail clipping and teeth cleaning are also a must.

Their low shedding coat is a big plus, making grooming easier and less time-consuming.

Morkies can change color as they grow into adulthood, with some coats changing from black and tan to silver, gold, or cream.

Thor

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Thor is a 14-week-old Golden Morkie. He's super energetic and smart.

His sable colored body and white face make him a unique-looking pup. His tail and the tip of his ears are black.

Thor lives with his brother Brutus, another Morkie who's 6 years old. Brutus is teaching Thor all sorts of mischief!

Thor and Brutus spend their days playing tug-of-war and napping together.

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Life Expectancy & Insurance

A Morkie's life expectancy is quite impressive, ranging from ten to fourteen years. This means you'll have plenty of time to spoil and love your furry friend.

Pet insurance is a great idea for Morkie parents, as it can help cover unexpected vet bills and give you peace of mind. Healthy Paws' dog insurance plans, for example, cover Morkies from head to toe in case of illness, emergency, or genetic condition.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a pet is a crucial factor to consider when thinking about insurance. The Morkie has a lifespan of ten to fourteen years.

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You want your furry friend to live a long and happy life, and insurance can help cover unexpected vet bills. Some pets, like the Morkie, can live up to fourteen years.

Insurance can provide peace of mind knowing you can afford to care for your pet, no matter what. The Morkie's lifespan is a good reminder to plan for the future.

By understanding your pet's life expectancy, you can make informed decisions about their care and insurance needs. Ten years is the minimum lifespan of a Morkie.

Pet Insurance for

Pet insurance is a great idea for pet parents of Morkies. Healthy Paws' dog insurance plans cover Morkies from head to toe in case your pup encounters an illness, emergency, or genetic condition.

Regardless of where you get your Morkie or how old your dog is, pet insurance can ensure that your Morkie is getting the very best care possible. This is especially important for Morkies, as they can be prone to chronic conditions and genetic issues.

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Healthy Paws' plans cover chronic conditions, cancer, x-rays, blood tests, hospitalizations, alternative treatments, prescription medications, and more. This comprehensive coverage can help alleviate financial concerns and give you peace of mind.

Pet insurance can also help you budget for your Morkie's care, so you can focus on what matters most - providing the best life for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Morkie a good pet?

A Morkie makes a great pet for active owners who want a loyal companion, as they thrive on interaction and love to be part of their owner's daily activities. They're perfect for families or individuals who enjoy playing games and training their pets.

Is Morkie better than Yorkie?

The Morkie is generally considered a calmer and slightly larger option compared to the Yorkie, making it a great choice for those seeking a more laid-back companion. However, the Yorkie's spunkier personality may be a better fit for families seeking a lively and energetic pet.

Bertha Hauck

Senior Writer

Bertha Hauck is a writer with a passion for sharing knowledge about canine companions. With a focus on Dutch Shepherds and other breeds originating in the Netherlands, Bertha's articles provide in-depth information for dog enthusiasts. Her expertise in herding dogs and FCI breeds has earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.