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11 Facts You Should Know About the Maltese Yorkie (Morkie)
For true fans of both Yorkie and Maltese breeds, there is a purebred crossover called a Maltese Yorkie or simply a Morkie. These dogs are not only adorable and lovable but also very affectionate and energetic. There’s plenty to learn about this intricate breed, so if you’re on the fence about getting a Morkie, these facts might persuade you. Keep reading!
1.Tiny Posture
Similar to Yorkies and Maltese, Morkies are quite small. Adult Morkies typically grow up to around six to eight inches and weigh four to eight pounds. That means these dogs are perfect for apartments and smaller living spaces.
2.Average Lifespan
A Maltese Yorkie has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. For comparison, Yorkies live up to 16 years, while Maltese live up to 15 years. However, you don’t have to worry about their shorter lifespan. With proper nutrition, exercise, and mental health, Morkies can live between 15 and 17 years.
3.Regular Grooming
Due to their long and luxurious coat, Morkies require regular grooming. You should be prepared to brush them several times a week to avoid tangling and mat development. Also, you should bathe them once a month. Be sure to use dog shampoo and special conditioner to help their coat shine. Ingredients such as Lavender, Oilive and Coconut oil will make their coats look silky and smooth.
In our shop, you can find a dog shampoo that comes with conditioner in the same bottle. Check the Yorkie Shampoo and conditioner and your Morkie’s coat will also stay free of ticks and mosquitoes. In case you didn’t know, lavender is a natural tick, flea, and mosquito repellent.
READ ALSO: Top 11 Maltese Haircut Styles for a Stylish Pup
Pay special attention to the hair around the face. The fur near a Morkie’s eyes can grow long and may need trimming to prevent it from poking their eyes or causing irritation. You probably know that Maltese are known for tear stains under the eyes. A light-colored Morkie might get those too, so wiping the face regularly can help. To keep the area around their eyes clean, we recommend you to check our Tear Stain Remover.
Don’t forget the other grooming basics: nail trimming (their nails can grow fast and cause discomfort if too long), ear cleaning (check those ears weekly for wax or redness, since floppy-eared Morkies can get ear infections), and dental care.
4.Love to Bark
Typically, small dogs are known to be a bit noisy. If you can’t get used to that, maybe a Morkie isn’t the right choice for you. Morkies love to bark, especially when they crave attention or when around unfamiliar people and places. Similarly, they tend to be quite mischievous if they don’t get their way.
5.Extremely Energetic
It might sound odd that these small dogs are extremely energetic, but, believe us, they are. Interestingly, their energy doesn’t lower once they grow older, so you’ll need to take them on walks and play with them. They don’t require long walks, but frequent physical and mental stimulation is recommended. To keep your Maltese and Yorkie mix occupied, we advise you to check our collection of dog toys. Besides chew toys that are great for dental health, you’ll also find interactive toys that improve a dog’s intelligence. One of our favorite picks is the Yorkie Feeding Duck Toy. By pressing the duck’s leg, your Morkie will release dry kibble and get triggered by how it works.
This toy can be especially beneficial when you need to leave the house and keep your dog occupied.
6.Buy High-Quality Kibble
Although they’re quite tiny, Morkies love to eat. Naturally, avoid overfeeding them so as not to cause any health issues. They require high-quality kibble that contains nutrients needed for health, growth, and a beautiful coat. Besides, this type of kibble will lower the chances of tartar buildup and plaque on their teeth. When choosing dry kibble for Morkies, make sure you carefully read the label on the back. These pooches require eating protein-based diets that is low or free of grains.
Since they can be prone to allergies, make sure you avoid feeding your Morkie puppy with a dry kibble that is rich in artificial colors, flavors, and by-products.
7.Low-Shedding Dogs
If this is important to you, you’ll be happy to know that a Maltese Yorkie doesn’t shed a lot. Even though they’re long-haired, their fur doesn’t shed, so you will rarely find any hair on your sofa or carpet. That also makes them hypoallergenic dogs that are great for allergy-prone owners. Therefore, as an owner of a Morkie dog, you can groom their coat once a week. Our recommendation is to use the Self-Cleaning Yorkie Brush. It features gentle metal pins with coated tops and you’re gonna love the button on the back that will help you release the collected dead hair.
8.Delicate Nature
Similar to Yorkies and Maltese, Morkies are quite frail. They have an extremely delicate nature, which can be a problem since they are highly energetic. As they love to run and play around, they can quickly get hurt. For that reason, they’re not recommended for families with younger children. Plus, you should pay special attention to your Morkie when they’re around larger dogs.
9.Prone to Dental Disease
Maltese Yorkies are prone to dental disease due to their sensitive jaws and muzzle. Make sure you introduce healthy and regular dental hygiene like teeth brushing. Teeth-strengthening treats are also recommended, as well as regular vet check-ups. Our Gum-relief toy is a perfect choice for Morkies who are dealing with teething phase. Since it’s made of durable rubber and features pins, your pooch will get a pleasant gum massage while playing.
READ ALSO: Why Do Yorkies Bark a Lot, and How to Stop Yorkshire From Barking?
10.Emotionally Dependent
Similar to Yorkies, Morkies are entirely emotionally dependent on their owners. As we’ve mentioned, they will throw temper tantrums if they’re left alone for too long or if you’re not around. A Morkie will become extremely attached to you, so it might be best to avoid this breed if you’re not home a lot. However, they make up for it with constant cuddling and affection.
11. Morkie Puppies Can Be Expensive
If you’ve been browsing ads for morkie puppies for sale, you may have noticed that these designer dogs often come with a hefty price tag. The average cost of a Morkie puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from about $800 up to $3,000 in the U.S.
Several factors can influence the price: the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s coat color (some rare color combinations might be priced higher), the size (so-called “teacup” Morkies that stay under 4 pounds can be more expensive), and even your geographic location. In addition to the purchase price, remember to budget for initial veterinary costs (shots, spay/neuter, microchipping), supplies, and so on. Why are Morkies so pricey? Part of it is simple supply and demand – Morkies are popular and trendy, so many people are willing to pay more for them. Additionally, breeding healthy, well-socialized Maltese and Yorkie parents (and caring for a tiny Maltese-Yorkie litter) can be costly for the breeder, which factors into the price.
Owning a Maltese Yorkie Mix (Morkie): Wrapping Up
A Morkie will give you tons of love, laughter, and affection. It’s a dog that fits any home and make amazing friendship with children. If you’re looking for a pint-sized, fluffy friend who is full of personality and loyalty, the Morkie might be the perfect match. They truly have hearts bigger than their bodies.
