The Morkie Poo is a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese, making it a popular choice for dog owners.
This adorable pup inherits the friendly and outgoing personality of both parent breeds.
Morkie Poo's are known to be intelligent and easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times.
Their small size, weighing between 4-8 pounds, makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers.
Physical Characteristics
Morkies are small dogs, typically weighing between 5-7 pounds and measuring 7-9 inches tall.
Their coloring can vary, but they often inherit their coat colors from their Yorkshire terrier parent, which can include black, brown, white, or golden hues.
Morkies have long coats that can be clipped short, and their ears can be either pointed or floppy, depending on their parentage.
Their eyes are small and bright, with a dark color that sparkles with curiosity, and they have little black noses that are adorable.
On average, Morkies weigh between 2.5-4.5 kg (6-10 lb) and stand 20-25 cm (8-10 in) tall at the withers.
Their coats are soft and wavy, often in colors like black and white, black and tan, or apricot.
The Morkie's muzzle should have reasonable length, and their eyes are striking and dark.
Their back and neck are typically lean and sinewy, and their tail is often held in a half curl to one side.
Due to their small size, Morkies can be prone to joint problems if their limbs are not straight when viewed from the front or back.
Appearance
The Morkie's appearance can vary depending on which attributes it inherits from each parent. They can be black, brown, white, or even golden in color.
Morkies tend to be small dogs, weighing around 5-7 pounds and measuring anywhere from 7-9 inches tall. Some Morkies are even smaller, weighing around 2.5-4.5 kg (6-10 lb) and standing 20-25 cm (8-10 in) tall.
Their coats are usually long, but many owners keep them clipped short. They can have either pointed or floppy ears, depending on the parent breed.
Morkies have small, bright, dark eyes that sparkle with inquisitiveness. Their little black gumdrop noses are quite adorable.
The typical grooming style gives the face a round appearance, but Morkies should have reasonable length in their muzzle. They often have striking, dark eyes.
Their back and neck are typically lean and sinewy, and the tail is generally held in a half curl to one side.
Size
Morkie Poos are small dogs, with an average weight that ranges between 5 to 11 pounds.
Their compact size makes them easy to transport, whether it's in a purse or a dog carrier, which is a big advantage for owners who love to travel.
Morkie Poos are also less expensive to feed and require less space to exercise, which is a relief for those living in small homes.
They are more vulnerable to injuries from falls or other accidents, so it's essential to take extra precautions to keep them safe, especially during playtime with children.
Their small size means they can live longer than larger breeds, with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, giving owners plenty of time to enjoy their companionship.
Personality and Temperament
Morkies are confident, affectionate dogs who love their families. They are energetic pups with big personalities who love playtime and zooming around the yard.
Morkies tend to get their temperaments from their Maltese parent, so they are a bit calmer and more of a lapdog than Yorkies. This means they are more likely to bond with one person and can be loyal and affectionate companions.
Like both parents, Morkies are quick to alert you to unfamiliar sounds or people due to their vocal tendency. Barking is a trait you can work on training your dog to avoid when unnecessary.
Morkies are vigilant watchdogs and will raise the alarm at the sound of approaching footsteps, closing car doors, or birds chirping in the garden. This can sometimes lead to nuisance barking.
Morkies are generally sociable with other dogs, but they are easily injured, so they should only be left in the company of similarly diminutive companions. For the same reason, they are not really suitable pets for young children.
Morkies are fiercely protective of their loved ones and can be a little stubborn or aloof with strangers. They usually get along well with other pets if socialized young, but they can be pretty territorial.
Morkies have a never-ending desire for your love and will manifest this in different ways, such as following you around, cuddling with you, and peppering you with their yummy kisses!
Care and Maintenance
A Morkie Poo's grooming needs are not too demanding, but they do require regular upkeep. Brush their coats daily to prevent matting and tangling, and give them a bath every week or so.
To prevent eye irritation, tie up or pin back long hair that falls into their eyes. Morkie Poos are low shedders, but their long coats still need daily brushing. A "puppy cut" is a common grooming shortcut, keeping their coat short and easy to maintain.
Morkie Poos are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A short walk every day is sufficient for their moderate exercise needs.
Morkie Poos are prone to separation anxiety, so it's essential to prepare them for time apart from their owners. Start training them early to tolerate small periods of time away from you, and gradually increase the duration.
To prevent barking, use a white noise machine to block out triggers, gently remove the dog from the area, and avoid giving in to their demands. Regular grooming, exercise, and training can help prevent barking and other behavioral issues.
To keep your Morkie Poo happy and healthy, provide a safe environment, regular grooming, exercise, and training. Brush their coat daily, trim their nails, and clean their ears and eyes regularly. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups can prevent dental problems, and a healthy diet can prevent allergies and hip dysplasia.
Here are some essential care and maintenance tasks to perform regularly:
- Brush their coat daily
- Give them a bath every week or so
- Trim their nails as necessary
- Clean their ears and eyes regularly
- Provide regular dental cleanings and check-ups
- Feed a healthy and balanced diet
- Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
Pet Care Considerations
Morkies require regular grooming, including daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coats.
To prevent separation anxiety, it's essential to train your Morkie in small increments, starting with short periods of time away from you and gradually increasing the duration.
Morkies need moderate amounts of exercise, such as a short walk every day, and plenty of playtime indoors to keep them happy and healthy.
They are generally good with children and other pets, but it's crucial to supervise interactions to prevent accidental injuries.
To keep your Morkie's coat healthy, it's recommended to brush their coat regularly and take them to a professional groomer every few months for a trim.
Here are some essential pet care considerations to keep in mind:
Remember, with proper care and attention, your Morkie can thrive and become a beloved member of your family.
What to Feed
When feeding your Morkie, remember that there's no one-size-fits-all recommendation. You'll need to work with your veterinarian to develop a feeding plan that's tailored to your pup's age, weight, and health.
Even small variations in your Morkie's size can impact their nutritional needs. Small teeth need small kibble, so be sure to choose a kibble that's the right size for your pup.
For another approach, see: Yorkie Poo Size
Health
A Morkie Poo's lifespan is relatively long, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years. This is thanks to the theory of hybrid vigor, which suggests that mixed-breed dogs are less prone to inherited genetic disorders.
Both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier can be prone to luxating patella, a condition that can be treated with surgery. This is something to be aware of when bringing a Morkie Poo into your family.
The Morkie Poo's parents should have been bile tested for liver shunt, a congenital condition that affects the liver's function and can lead to toxins building up in the body. This is especially important if your puppy is the runt of the litter.
Small dogs like the Morkie Poo are prone to dental issues, so brushing their teeth daily with a doggy toothpaste is essential to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
To ensure your Morkie Poo's genetic health, work with a reputable breeder who screens the parents for common genetic disorders. This includes testing for liver shunt and other conditions.
Here are some red flags to watch out for when looking for a Morkie Poo breeder:
- Are selling multiple variations of hybrid breeds
- Are pushy or try to create a sense of urgency
- Don't have verifiable health certificates for their dogs
- Won't let you meet the parent dogs, or who send puppies home too young, or offer to ship you a puppy
Training and Behavior
Morkie Poo training is a breeze, thanks to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They thrive on positive reinforcement, so be sure to reward good behavior with treats and praise.
Socialization is key, especially during the critical development period from birth to 16 weeks old. This is when they learn to interact with humans and other animals, so talk to your breeder about their approach.
Morkie Poo's can get strong-willed, but consistent positive training can help build the human-animal bond. Consistently using rewards instead of punishment will keep them happy and motivated.
Their 7-pound frame may be small, but their barking can be loud, so addressing this issue is crucial, especially if you live in an apartment. With patience and persistence, you can teach your Morkie Poo to be a well-behaved companion.
Exercise Level
Exercise Level is a crucial aspect of a Morkie Poo's life. They don't require strenuous exercise.
In fact, a quick walk or some playtime in the yard will suffice to meet their exercise needs. This makes them a great fit for owners who live in apartments.
Morkie Poos are social animals and need daily playtime to stay happy and healthy. Without enough playtime, they can become depressed.
Their exercise needs can even be met inside their homes, which is a bonus for those with limited outdoor space.
Behavior
Morkies can thrive in various settings, including apartments, if socialized early and trained properly.
They're happiest when with their humans, which means they can get bored, stressed, and anxious when left alone for long periods, leading to unwanted behaviors like barking and house-soiling.
Morkies have a 7-pound frame, but their barking can be disproportionate to their size due to their confidence, vigilance, and family attachment.
Expand your knowledge: When Does a Morkie Stop Growing
Training is essential to address this issue, especially if you live in an apartment.
Morkies are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly with positive reinforcement, but they can also be stubborn and strong-willed.
Consistent positive training using rewards instead of punishment is the best way to teach your Morkie while building the human-animal bond.
You can use treats, play, toys, and other things your Morkie enjoys as rewards, but remember to factor them into their daily calorie count.
Socialization training is crucial in puppyhood to help your Morkie accept and welcome attention from other people and dogs.
Addressing separation anxiety early on can prevent it from becoming a problem later in life, and allowing your Morkie to spend short periods alone can help them become accustomed to it.
History and Suitability
The Morkie Poo is a relatively new breed, dating back to the 1990s when breeders started experimenting with crosses between Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Miniature Poodles. This was done to create a small, hypoallergenic dog with the best qualities of all three breeds.
The goal of these breeders was to combine the Maltese's friendly personality and hypoallergenic coat with the Yorkshire Terrier's feistiness and intelligence, and add the Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. The result was a unique and desirable breed.
The Morkie Poo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a separate breed, but it is recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and other breed registries.
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The History of
The Morkie Poo is a relatively new breed, originating in the 1990s when breeders started experimenting with crossing Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Miniature Poodles.
The goal of these breeders was to create a small, hypoallergenic dog with the best qualities of all three breeds. They aimed to combine the friendly personality and hypoallergenic coat of the Maltese with the feistiness and intelligence of the Yorkshire Terrier and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.
The Morkie Poo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a separate breed, as it is a hybrid dog.
Recommended read: Shih Tzu Con Yorkshire
Dog's Suitability for Children and Pets
The Morkie Poo is generally good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families with multiple pets.
They are social dogs that enjoy being around people and other pets, but it's essential to supervise interactions between children and pets to prevent accidental injuries.
Morkie Poos are small dogs and can be vulnerable to accidental injuries from rough play or mishandling, so close supervision is crucial.
Introducing your Morkie Poo to other pets should be done slowly and carefully, as they may need time to adjust to a new pet in the home.
Supervising interactions and providing positive reinforcement can help your Morkie Poo form positive associations with other animals.
Overall, the Morkie Poo is a breed that is full of personality, charm, and vitality, making them a beloved member of families around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a morkiepoo cost?
A Morkiepoo's price typically ranges from $1500 to $2500, varying by location and breeder. If you're considering bringing one home, learn more about this adorable hybrid breed.
Is a morkiepoo hypoallergenic?
Morkies are considered low-allergen dogs, but not entirely hypoallergenic. They may be a good fit for those with allergies, but it's essential to spend time with one before committing to ownership
Do Morkie poos bark a lot?
Yes, Morkie Poos are prone to excessive barking, especially when left alone for long periods. This can be a concern for owners who live in apartments or have noise restrictions.
What is the lifespan of a Morkie poo?
A Morkie Poo's average lifespan is 10 to 15 years, allowing for a long and loving companionship. However, their small size requires extra care to prevent injuries and ensure their safety.
What is a Morkie Poodle?
A Morkie Poodle is a crossbreed between a Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Poodle, resulting in a unique and lovable companion. This adorable mix inherits characteristics from its parent breeds, making each Morkie Poodle one-of-a-kind.
Sources
- Stella (instagram.com)
- Little Leo (instagram.com)
- Meet the Morkie Poo: The Best Companion for City Living (tryfi.com)
- Morkie Dog Breed Health and Care (petmd.com)
- Morkie Breed Information, Characteristics & Heath Problems (dogzone.com)
- Morkie Poo: A Puppy You'll Forever Love (petlandflorida.com)
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