Half Yorkie Half Maltese Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

These adorable dogs are a popular crossbreed, known as a Maltipoo or a Yorktese. They're a mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese.

Their small size is a result of their parent breeds, which typically weigh between 4-8 pounds. They're a perfect companion for apartment dwellers or those who want a low-maintenance pet.

Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them a great addition to families with children. They're also known to be gentle and patient, which is a result of their Maltese heritage.

Their grooming needs are moderate, requiring regular brushing and occasional bathing to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Morkie Characteristics are quite impressive. They typically stand between 7 to 10 inches at the shoulder.

Their weight can vary, ranging from 7 to 13 pounds.

Morkies have a relatively long lifespan, living between 10 to 14 years.

Here's a quick summary of their physical characteristics:

Morkies are small, compact dogs with a delicate, yet sturdy build, weighing between 7 to 13 pounds.

Their physical traits are a blend of their Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese parents, giving them a cute, toy-like appearance. They often have a rounded head with expressive, dark eyes that give them a lively and alert look, along with a small black nose.

Some Morkies have a rounded head, while others may have a more pointed head shape, but they all have that adorable, alert look in their eyes.

Morkies can vary in their ear shape, sometimes standing erect like a Yorkie’s, or flopping over like a Maltese’s. Their ears can also be a combination of both, making them all the more charming.

Their coat color can range from black and tan, to pure white or cream, and even golden or tan, often influenced by their parent breeds. Some Morkies may have a solid black coat, while others may have a tri-color mix of black, tan, and white.

Here are some common coat colors and textures found in Morkies:

Their coat length can vary, ranging from long and flowing, to medium-length, and even short, depending on their individual characteristics.

Morkies have small, bright, dark eyes that sparkle with inquisitiveness, and little black gumdrop noses. They're adorable – and they know it.

Morkies are known for their lively and affectionate personalities, inheriting traits from their Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese parents.

They are highly energetic and love to play, often displaying a fearless attitude despite their small size. This means they need daily opportunities to move their energetic bodies and challenge their impressive wits.

Morkies thrive on human interaction and don't like to be left alone for long periods, as they can develop separation anxiety. This makes them ideal companions for families and individuals who can provide them with attention and affection.

They are intelligent and eager to please, though they can sometimes show a bit of a stubborn streak, especially if they inherit more of the Yorkie's independent nature. With proper training and socialization, Morkies are adaptable and can get along well with children, other pets, and people.

Morkies are confident and affectionate dogs who love their families, but their size does warrant extra caution when it comes to young children and other pets. They may look like mere toys to toddlers or like a squeaky toy to larger dogs.

They are a very loving breed, tending to be dogs that like to receive and give affection.

Morkies come in a stunning array of coat colors, making each one unique and adorable. Their colors are influenced by their parent breeds, with common colors including black and tan, often inherited from the Yorkie side.

Some Morkies are pure white or cream, reflecting their Maltese heritage. This is a lovely trait that adds to their charm. Their coat color can also change over time, with darker shades often lightening as they grow older.

Black and tan Morkies have a beautiful body color with tan markings on the face, legs, and chest. This is a classic look that many people love. Golden or tan coats are also seen, sometimes blending with other shades.

Tri-color Morkies can feature a black, tan, and white mix, which is always a treat to see. This mix of colors creates a unique and striking appearance. Some Morkies develop gray or silver tones as they age, a trait associated with the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

Here are some common coat colors found in Morkies:

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for Morkies to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

Morkies need regular grooming, including brushing, frequent trims, ear and eye cleaning, and regular nail and dental care. Due to their non-shedding coat, they require more maintenance than some breeds.

Brushing a Morkie's fur daily can prevent matting and tangles, and a bath every week or so will keep their fur shiny and odor-free. You will also need to clip their nails when you hear them clicking on the floor.

Morkies have a reputation for being a low-shedding breed, but their long, silky locks are prone to matting and need to be brushed daily. You can also consider giving them a short haircut that's easier to manage.

To prevent ear infections, check your Morkie's ears weekly for signs of dirt, wax buildup, or moisture. Clean their ears with a veterinary-approved ear cleaner and a cotton ball or pad.

Expand your knowledge: Do Maltese Dogs Have Hair or Fur

Morkies need moderate amounts of exercise, such as a short walk every day. They also need mental stimulation, such as playtime with toys or dog sports like obedience or agility.

To prevent separation anxiety, start training your Morkie in small increments, such as 30 seconds out of sight, then a minute, and gradually work your way up. Consistency is key when training a Morkie with barking tendencies.

Here's a summary of Morkie grooming needs:

Trimming your Morkie's nails every 4-6 weeks, depending on their activity level, can help prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Use a dog nail clipper or a grinder, and be careful not to cut too far down to avoid hitting the quick.

Training and socialization are crucial for half Yorkie, half Maltese dogs, also known as Morkies. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are essential due to their intelligence and potential stubbornness.

Consistency is key in training a Morkie. Use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion, and keep training sessions short and fun. Morkies can lose interest if sessions are too long or repetitive.

Morkies are intelligent dogs and respond well to positive reinforcement. Use praise, treats, and affection to reward desired behavior. Consistent positive training will help build the human-animal bond.

Here are some tips for training a Morkie:

Remember, Morkies can be strong-willed, but with consistent positive training, they can become well-behaved and social family members.

Morkies are known for their long lifespan of around 12-15 years, thanks to the hybrid vigor they inherit from being a mixed breed. They can be prone to certain health issues, but with proper care and attention, many of these can be mitigated.

It's essential to work with reputable breeders who screen their parent dogs for common genetic disorders before breeding. Be wary of breeders who are pushy or try to create a sense of urgency, as this can be a red flag.

To ensure your Morkie stays healthy, feed them a well-balanced diet that's tailored to their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to feed them 1/4 to 1 cup of food per day, divided into two meals, depending on their weight and the specific dog food you're using.

Consider reading: Weight of Maltese Dogs

Here's a rough guide to portion sizes for Morkies based on their weight:

Remember to brush your Morkie's teeth daily with a doggy toothpaste to prevent dental issues, and consult with your veterinarian before adding any new supplements or treats to their diet.

Morkies are generally a healthy breed with a relatively long lifespan, around 12-15 years. This is due to their mixed breed status, which can help them avoid inherited genetic disorders common in purebred lines.

Their small size makes them prone to dental problems, so it's essential to brush their teeth daily with a doggy toothpaste to keep their teeth healthy. Regular grooming also gives you a chance to inspect their skin for any signs of irritation, redness, or bumps.

Some common health issues that can affect Morkies include dental overcrowding, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, eye issues, and allergies. It's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who screens the parents for these conditions before breeding them.

If you're considering bringing a Morkie into your family, be wary of breeders who are pushy, don't have verifiable health certificates, or won't let you meet the parent dogs. These red flags can indicate that the breeder is more interested in making a profit than in the health and well-being of their dogs.

Here are some specific health issues to watch out for in Morkies:

Additionally, Morkies can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as Portacaval Shunt, Tracheal Collapse, Patent Ductus Arteriosus, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. Obesity is also a concern in Morkies, so it's essential to monitor their weight and ensure they get regular exercise.

A well-balanced diet is essential for a Morkie's health and energy levels. Feeding and nutrition require attention to their size, age, activity level, and specific health needs.

Talk to your veterinary team before adding anything new to your dog's diet, as they may recommend supplements or prescription diets to treat or prevent certain health conditions.

Morkie puppies need frequent meals (three or four a day) to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), while adult Morkies can be fed less frequently, typically two or three times a day.

Your vet can help you determine the best schedule for your dog's age and needs. The nutrition label on your dog's food bag includes a feeding guide, but for a more precise answer, ask your veterinarian.

A vet will tailor their recommendation to your dog's weight, body condition score, lifestyle, and health needs. Treats count, especially in small dogs like Morkies, so factor them into your dog's daily calories.

The portion size for a Morkie depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Overfeeding can easily lead to weight gain, so measure portions carefully.

Here are some general guidelines for portion sizes based on weight:

Always adjust portion sizes based on the specific dog food you're using, as different brands and formulas have varying calorie content.

Morkies can range in price from $900 to $5,000 or more.

Their value has increased significantly in recent years due to the popularity of "designer breeds."

If a Morkie heavily resembles one breed, its price will likely be on the higher end of the range.

My own Morkie, Otis, resembles a Yorkshire Terrier and was priced accordingly.

Rescue Morkies can be a more affordable option, with prices varying depending on the individual dog.

Kara, a rescue Morkie, is an example of a unique Morkie type, being half Maltese and half Biewer Terrier.

Broaden your view: Canaan Dog Adoption

Morkies can thrive in apartments as long as you manage their separation anxiety and barking tendencies.

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.

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.

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 mom or dad.

Morkies, being a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, have some wonderful traits that make them great companions. They are cute little dogs with a fun personality.

One of the most impressive things about Morkies is their intelligence - they are incredibly smart dogs that are very trainable. In fact, one Morkie is able to understand much of what his owners say to him, even in a multilingual household.

Morkies are also very alert of their surroundings and match their owners' energy level, making them perfect for active families. They love attention and are often described as "velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their owners.

However, Morkies can also be a bit skittish and not very brave, often preferring to hide than bark when faced with a new situation.

Their mouthiness can be a bit of a challenge, as they tend to use their mouth when they're frustrated, but it's not usually hard biting.

Morkies also get into mischief when they're tired, so it's essential to keep an eye on them and provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

They have a tendency to scratch on walls and bite baseboards, so it's crucial to provide them with plenty of chew toys and keep their living space safe.

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As a first-time owner, you might be wondering if a Morkie is the right fit for you. Stephanie would have no hesitation recommending a Morkie, and she's not alone - many owners adore their Morkies!

Morkie puppies have an irresistible charm and a playful, curious attitude. They'll spend much of the day exploring your home and constantly craving attention, so be prepared to spend quality time with them.

Hattie, a Morkie, is a great example of this - she's feisty, very talkative, and knows basic commands, but she's also stubborn and will only obey when she wants to. This might sound challenging, but with patience and consistency, you can build a strong bond with your Morkie.

Morkie puppies will naturally be friendly, but they'll need to spend plenty of time with people and other animals to feel comfortable around them as adults. This is a great opportunity to start getting them into training and grooming routines.