Teacup Morkie dogs are a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, making them a popular breed for those who want a small, affectionate companion.
They typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand about 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder.
These tiny dogs are known for their big eyes and sweet temperaments, making them a joy to be around.
Teacup Morkies are prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and dental problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they are generally low-maintenance pets.
So, What Is?
So, what is a Teacup Morkie? It's a small and charming crossbreed dog that's a mix between a purebred teacup Maltese and a purebred teacup Yorkshire Terrier.
They're exceptionally small, often weighing between 2 to 5 pounds when fully grown.
Their tiny stature is what earns them the "teacup" nickname.
For another approach, see: Purebred Maltipoo
History and Origins
The Teacup Morkie has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean island of Malta, where the Maltese breed originated.
The Maltese breed was cherished by ancient civilizations and even appeared in Greek and Roman artwork, showcasing their elegant white coats and playful personalities.
Fast forward to modern times, the Teacup Morkie was born in the 90s as a result of the "designer breed" trend, where popular breeds were mixed to create new hybrids, like the Goldendoodle.
The "teacup" classification, however, is not officially recognized by major kennel clubs, as it refers more to size than to a specific breed.
Teacup dogs, including the Teacup Morkie, are usually the result of selectively breeding smaller-sized individuals within a breed.
Physical Characteristics
Teacup Morkies have a soft and silky coat, similar to the Maltese, and can come in a variety of colors including white, black, tan, chocolate, silver, apricot, lemon, cream, blonde, and brown, among others.
Their coat is often darker on their points, such as their ears and backs, giving them a unique and adorable appearance.
Teacup Morkies are exceptionally small, usually weighing between 2 to 5 pounds (0.9 to 2.3 kilograms) when fully grown.
Their big, expressive eyes are a hallmark of the breed, making them a beloved companion for many dog owners.
Here are some of the possible colors a Teacup Morkie can come in:
- White
- Black
- Tan
- Chocolate
- Silver
- Apricot
- Lemon
- Cream
- Blonde
- Brown
- Black and white
- Black and brown or apricot
- Part-colored or tricolored
About
A Teacup Morkie is exceptionally small, usually weighing between 2 to 5 pounds (0.9 to 2.3 kilograms). This tiny size is what sets them apart from their standard counterparts.
Standard Morkies, on the other hand, tend to be slightly larger, weighing around 4 to 8 pounds (1.8 to 3.6 kilograms).
Broaden your view: Standard Pomeranian Dog
What Does It Look Like?
The Teacup Morkie's physical appearance is a big part of its charm. They have a soft and silky coat that's similar to the Maltese.
Teacup Morkies come in a variety of colors, including white, black, tan, chocolate, silver, apricot, lemon, cream, blonde, brown, black and white, black and brown or apricot, and part-colored or tricolored.
Their coat is often darker on their points, such as their ears and backs. These adorable dogs are known for their big, expressive eyes.
Intriguing read: Full Grown Apricot Cavachon
Size Chart & Growth
Teacup Morkies are a delightful addition to any family, but it's essential to understand their size chart and growth patterns to ensure you're prepared for their unique needs.
Teacup Morkies usually weigh between 2 to 5 pounds when fully grown, making them one of the smallest dog breeds.
Their growth rate is relatively fast, especially in the first 3.5 months, when they reach half their adult weight. After that, their growth will slow down, and they'll plateau at their full adult weight between 7.5 and 11 months old.
To get an estimate of your Teacup Morkie's adult weight, you can use a simple formula designed for toy-sized breeds.
Here's a table to give you a better idea of their growth patterns:
Keep in mind that every dog is unique, and their growth rate may vary depending on their individual characteristics and genetics.
Intelligence & Personality
Teacup Morkies have a delightful temperament that's full of charm and love. They're affectionate, loyal, and devoted companions.
These dogs are known for being playful and adventurous, and they thrive on human companionship. They enjoy being part of family activities and are highly intuitive and sensitive.
Teacup Morkies can be shy or wary of strangers and prone to separation anxiety. They may bark if left alone and are sometimes challenging to potty train due to their tiny bladders.
Despite these potential challenges, Teacup Morkies are generally intelligent dogs. They can be quick learners and enjoy mental stimulation, making them responsive to training.
Their eagerness to please and intelligence make them great emotional support dogs.
Care and Maintenance
Teacup Morkie dogs full grown require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.
Their small size means they need to be handled with care to avoid injury.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their coat, especially around the ears and tail.
They require regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and health issues.
Their small teeth need to be brushed daily to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral health.
Their diet should be well-balanced and nutritious to support their overall health and well-being.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early on.
Teacup Morkie dogs full grown are prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and dental problems, so it's essential to be aware of these potential risks.
Here's an interesting read: Morkie Health Issues
Grooming and Health
Teacup Morkie dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best. Regular brushing is a must, aiming for every 3 to 5 days a week to prevent tangles and mats.
Their human-like hair grows slower than some breeds, but it still needs regular trimming to keep it manageable. A full body groom with a cut every 12 to 16 weeks is recommended, with the option to opt for a "Puppy Cut" for a shorter, easier-to-maintain look.
To keep their skin healthy, use a gentle shampoo, such as TropiClean Shampoo, which is specifically designed for sensitive skin. Their eyes are also prone to tear stains, so gentle cleaning is essential to keep the area around the eyes clean.
Some common health issues in Teacup Morkies include allergies, skin problems, ear infections, and eye problems. Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, exercise, and a safe environment can significantly contribute to their overall well-being and reduce the chances of health issues.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Teacup Morkies:
- Allergies
- Skin problems
- Ear infections
- Eye problems such as corneal ulcers, glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Certain kinds of cancer
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
Grooming Needs
The Teacup Morkie requires regular brushing to prevent matting, and occasional professional grooming may be necessary to maintain their appearance. Their coat needs to be trimmed to a shorter puppy or teddy bear cut to make it easier to manage.
Daily brushing is a must for long-haired Morkies, but even with a shorter cut, they still need regular grooming. You can use canine shampoo for sensitive skin to protect their skin.
Pay special attention to their eyes, as they can be prone to tear stains. Gentle cleaning with appropriate products can help remove any tear stains and keep the area around the eyes clean.
Regular dental care is crucial to maintaining good oral health, including brushing and considering dental water additives. Brushing their teeth daily is a good habit to get into.
Clip their nails monthly to prevent overgrowth from their less active lifestyle. This will help keep their nails healthy and prevent any potential problems.
Related reading: Are Cocker Spaniels Good for Apartments
Health
As a responsible Morkie owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Morkies are generally a healthy breed, but like all small breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions.
One of the most common health concerns is allergies, which can cause skin problems and ear infections. Regular grooming and veterinary care can help manage these issues.
Morkies are also susceptible to eye problems, including corneal ulcers, glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive Retinal Atrophy. These conditions can be painful and affect your dog's quality of life.
In addition to these conditions, Morkies can also be prone to diabetes, hypothyroidism, and obesity. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent these issues.
Luxating Patella, or dislocating kneecap, is another potential health concern that can cause arthritis in older Morkies. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor this condition.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Morkies:
- Allergies
- Skin problems
- Ear infections
- Eye problems (corneal ulcers, glaucoma, cataracts, progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
- Luxating Patella (dislocating kneecap)
By being aware of these potential health issues and taking preventative measures, you can help keep your Morkie happy and healthy for years to come.
Diet and Nutrition
Teacup Morkies require a high-calorie diet for small breed puppies, with regular meals throughout the day to avoid hypoglycemia. They need to eat every 3 to 4 hours, and sometimes every two hours if they are very tiny.
A high-quality, small-bite dry dog food is recommended to maintain their shiny coat, protect their bones, keep their teeth clean, and be gentle on their digestive system. Royal Canin dry dog food is a good option.
Teacup Morkies should eat roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of food at every meal based on their activity level. This will help prevent low blood sugar.
A nutritional supplement, such as Nutrical, may be needed in teacup sized puppies to prevent hypoglycemia. This is especially important during the puppy stages.
As they get older, their dietary needs change, and specific health conditions like obesity, hypothyroidism, and heart or liver problems require a special diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a teacup Morkie and a Morkie?
A Teacup Morkie is a smaller version of a Morkie, weighing less than 4 pounds, while a regular Morkie weighs 4-8 pounds. The main difference is size, but both have the same adorable and loving nature.
Sources
- Morkies (amazon.com)
- The Complete Guide to Morkies (scribd.com)
- How big is a full grown Morkie? (aboutmorkies.com)
- Morkie Breed Information | Teacup & Toy Pets (texasteacups.com)
- Morkie can weigh around 4 to 13 pounds (puppyweightcalculator.com)
- Yorkie (puppyweightcalculator.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com