Breed Characteristics:
Apartment Friendly
?How well will this breed adapt to apartment living? Is the apartment size the most important factor when it comes to proper living conditions? Is the breed suitable for apartment living?
Good For First-Time Owners
?Some dogs aren't suitable for first-time dog owners. Is this breed a good match for someone with no dog experience? Can training help them be on their best behavior with owners with no dog experience? Are they suitable to be handled by someone who is just entering the canine world?
Overall Sensitivity
?Some dogs are sensitive. Certain breeds are rough on the outside, while having the softest heart on the inside. In other words, some dogs are 'thick-skinned' while some are 'easygoing.' Is this breed prone to sensitivity?
Tolerates Being Alone
?Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can affect a dog's life quality. Is this breed prone to this condition? Can you leave him alone for hours? How destructive this breed can become when bored, neglected, or not loved enough?
Affectionate With Family
?How affectionate this breed will be around his humans? Will he welcome new family friends easily or he will choose to be shy? Some breeds can be clingy with owners, while others don't attach a lot. Will this breed act as the family's best friend?
Kid-Friendly
?Some dogs will tolerate children, while others will adore well-behaved ones. Dogs and children should always be supervised, no matter how well trained the dog might be. Will this breed act as a nanny dog or he will stay away from children?
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
?Some dog breeds cannot wait to run to the dog park and run with others. Others prefer to be with their humans, and not to be a part of a multi-pet household. Is this breed dog lover or not? How friendly this breed will be toward other dogs?
Friendly Toward Strangers
?Some dog breeds tend to be reserved toward strangers and highly suspicious. Others are fast to walk away with them easily. How welcoming this breed is toward strangers?
Drooling Level
?If you love to clean all the time drooling level in dogs is a trait that you should mind. Is this breed less likely to drool, or you will always need a towel on hand?
Easy To Groom
?Heavier shedding during the shedding season is something that every dog needs to go through. However, some dogs shed just a bit all year round. Is this breed one of them? How often should you groom this dog?
Overall Health
?What can you expect from this breed in terms of health? Are there any genetic conditions to vary about? Is obesity a major issue in this breed? By knowing more about the dog's health, you are learning how to help him live a longer and healthier life.
Prone To Obesity
?Treats are a great addition to training sessions. Dogs love sweet bites of dog treats but they should be served in moderation. Treats can lead to obesity, next to poor nutrition. Can this breed gain extra weight from treats? How prone to obesity this breed actually is?
Trainability Level
?Training some dogs is easier than others. How easy this dog will be to train? What can you expect? Some dogs are huge people pleasers and they will master commands easily, while others will try to outsmart you.
Intelligence Level
?Dogs are smart beings. We do our best to train them, but they do still end up training us to adapt to their needs. How intelligent is this breed? Will he try to outsmart you? Or he will need multiple training sessions to master basic commands?
Prey Drive
?Dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Those who were bred to hunt have natural instincts to hunt, even today. This is why many dogs, like Terriers, will chase other animals. They will also have a hard time concentrating on your commands when there is something small moving. Is this breed prone to following his prey instincts?
Barking Level
?How vocal this breed is? Can you expect neighbors to ring you often to calm your dog? Or you can sleep without worries of hearing your Fido bark? Some breeds are highly vocal, others have unusual sounds, and some are silent. Is this breed prone to barking?
Energy Level
?Low-energy dogs are happy with regular walks and indoor chill times. High-energy dogs are always ready for action. Is this breed a couch potato, energetic dog, or somewhere in between?
Exercise Needs
?Some dogs are more than happy with a slow stroll down the street. Others need hours of active time to stay happy and fit. Is this breed demanding in terms of exercise? How much exercise this breed needs to stay happy and healthy?
Playfulness Level
?Some dogs never lose that puppy spirit, not even in their senior years. Others are more serious and prefer having a job to do. Is this breed demanding in terms of playfulness? Can you expect playfulness in their senior years as well?
While looking for a small dog, if you came across Morkie then this is the perfect guide for you. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this cross-breed between the Yorkshire terrier and Maltese.
This dog is the epitome of cuteness, love, and loyalty. If you have decided to bring this dog into your home, make sure you read this article to know if this dog is the right one for you.
Taking care of a dog is a responsibility no matter how small or big it is. That’s why going through the information given below will give you an insight on this breed and its type and see if you can manage to provide a tremendous amount of love to this fluff.
Quick Facts
Real name: Morkshire Terrier
Origin: United States of America
Breed type: Crossbreed
Weight: 4-6 kg ( 8-13 lb)
Height: 24-30 cm ( 9-11 in)
Color: Black, White and Brown
Coat: Soft and Wavy coat
History
Morkie is a crossbreed that emerged from the United States of America in the last 2 decades. After its emergence, the breed rapidly gained popularity in Ireland and UK. It is still unclear who gave it the name “Morkie” but most commonly the name which is used is “Morkshire Terrier”. Even though the name was popular, it wasn’t very convenient to say it in one go. So, everybody preferred the name Morkie.
Since a lot of people are allergic to pets due to reasons like shedding, Morkie was bred only because of its low-shedding coat which also gave it its signature cuteness. It is said that at first, breeding a Maltese and Yorkshire terrier wasn’t really considered because it didn’t look very promising.
But the results were actually amazing. The result of their crossbreed was a cute furry ball of stubbornness and supreme confidence. This is the reason why the breed gained so much popularity in such a small period of time. But over time, the popularity led to the emergence of ill-bred Morkies who were susceptible to health problems that were long-term.
Breed Origins
Let’s take a look at some of the traits of Morkie’s parent breeds: Yorkshire terrier and Maltese.
Yorkshire terrier: It is a small size dog with an amazing personality. It is said that a Yorkshire terrier makes for a lively but a loving companion. It is considered one of the most popular (toy) dog breeds in the United States of America. Also, the fact that it is suitable for living in an apartment makes it even more popular among dog lovers.
Maltese: A Maltese is a perfect example of class. It is more than a lap dog. It is extremely playful and lovable. It only craves lots of pampering and love from its owner. This breed can be easily distinguished from others on the basis of its long and straight white coat.
Physical Appearance
Since Morkies are crossbreed so it can’t be said that all of the Morkies look the same. Their appearance can vary.
Some Morkies look more like a Yorkshire terrier whereas some may look like a Maltese. But one thing is for sure that Morkies are a small breed. And both male and female Morkies weigh somewhere between 4lb to 5 lbs.
One can easily identify a Morkie on the basis of its low-shedding fur and a resemblance of both Yorkshire and terrier. They have hair that can grow up to several inches. That’s why frequent trimming and grooming is recommended for them.
Personality
According to the pet parents, Morkies have a very happy nature and their temperament is also very calm. Morkies love to play and run around. They can also fetch toys, no matter how small these animals may look like.
Morkies have a big personality which makes them good with kids of all ages. These dogs are also known to be good with cats and other animals as they can pretty much socialize with anyone. Due to their size, these dogs are prone to injuries.
One thing that can be a deal-breaker for many people is their barking habit. This breed is known to be a little noisy. If you can’t handle being around a noisy dog, then trust us, Morkie is not the one for you.
Sometimes, when the dog feels anxious due to a storm or because of being alone, Morkies bark. So, make sure that you give your Morkie plenty of love and attention.
Morkie as a pet
Morkie is a small and one of the most adorable pet breeds. It is an affectionate crossbreed which loves the company of people.
It can also easily get along with other pets in the house. Since it is made with the two breeds, Maltese and Yorkshire terrier, it has got that amazing personality which can make anybody fall in love with it. Morkies are very playful and love to play chase-the-ball.
Take a look at this amazing video about Morkies!
You can also keep them busy with other interactive dog toys as they are known for being smart. They are a good company for older children. But no matter how adorable, loving and affectionate Morkies might look like, they are one of the breeds that shouldn’t be left alone at home.
So if your lifestyle won’t permit you to spend enough time with your pet, better look for other breeds that don’t mind having a little “alone time”.
Grooming (Shedding)
Morkie is one of those breeds that are too close to being perfect. Since Morkies have Maltese roots and Maltese are known for their low-shedding coat. The same trait can be seen in Morkies too.
Morkies don’t shed a lot and actually have a low-shedding coat. But the problem doesn’t end here. The coat of a Morkie is very high-maintenance and required regular brushing and washing.
In fact, Morkies should be brushed every single day in order to protect their hair from knotting. They should also be groomed regularly.
A lot of people ask if they are hypoallergenic or not. The simple answer is that both the parents, Yorkshire terriers, and Maltese are known as the non-shedder breeds. These breeds don’t have fur, they have hair. Now, the fact that all animals shed to some extent makes it highly unlikely that Morkies are hypoallergenic.
But one thing is sure that you won’t have to worry about a bunch of dog hair on your furniture and mattresses. Moreover, grooming and brushing your Morkie’s hair can become a good past-time and can actually help with bonding.
Training
A lot of people say that it is really hard to potty train a Morkie because of its Maltese roots.
Basically, a Maltese can really be taught where to pee or more precisely not pee inside the house. It can take years to a lifetime in order to train a Maltese.
But how your Morkie turns out will totally depend on you. In order to potty train your Morkie, you have to follow the rules mentioned below.
- To bring a habit into your pet’s routine, make sure that it is not confusing. In order to do that, try sticking to a single method. This way, the learning process becomes easy for the dog. If you want to train outside then make sure that you don’t let your morkie pee or poop inside and take it out frequently.
- Next step is to choose a safe spot where the dog can relieve itself. If you use the same spot every day, the dog can get used to it.
- The key is patience. If you will force your Morkie or punish or get mad at him, this will only make your dog uncomfortable and ruin the whole training. Make sure that you are very patient with your dog and treat him from time to time so that you can encourage its behavior and help him learn faster.
- Another thing you can try is, “Picking a Command”. This is the best way to help your dog learn when and where to poop. A command can be a word or a phrase that you can use whenever you take your dog out.
Morkies are a very smart breed and if you put in efforts then you can really teach him with consistency and a positive attitude. Make sure that you appreciate your pet’s efforts by providing him with enough love, affection and loads of treats.
Exercise
No matter how small and adorable this breed looks like, there’s still a need to provide them with plenty of playtime and exercise every day. In order to do that, you can take your dog out for a walk or you can take it to a park for playing.
While playing with your dog in a park, make sure that your dog is safe as its safety can become a real problem if a big dog jumps on your dog. A small scratch or a bite can cause serious injury if not taken care of.
Also, it should be noted that exercise is an important part of Morkie’s life and without it, they can become destructive. Even though their size is small, the amount of destruction they can cause is surprising.
There have been many reports from pet parents that their Morkies ripped up pillows and cushions, defecated and urinated inside the home and vigorously scratched the doors hurting their paws. That’s why it is important to give attention to your morkie for a few hours every day.
Health and Longevity
When it comes to the average lifespan of these cute dogs, they usually live for 10-13 years. Since this crossbreed is prone to some health issues, it is advised to take them to the veterinarian for a regular health check-up and also maintain a proper diet which can help in preventing any medical conditions.
Most Common Health Problems
Being a Maltese Yorkie mix, this breed shows some health problems.
One of the most common medical concerns is the eye, oral and ear issues in Morkies. It is also seen that Morkies can develop collapsed trachea over time. This happens when the ring of their trachea gets weakened and get’s collapsed on itself.
Other issues that can be noticed are reverse sneezing, low blood sugar, Portosystemic shunt and Patella Luxation (slipping of the knee joint).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morkie Hypoallergenic?
In order to answer that question, first, let us tell you that a breed like Maltese is considered as a non-shedding breed. The reason behind it is that they have a coat of hair and not fur. But the truth is, every animal sheds to some extent. That’s why they can’t be called hypoallergenic. If a person has mild allergies, then he or she might be able to tolerate a morkie but rest should keep their heads up for allergic reactions.
How Big Can Morkie Get?
Morkie is the breed that looks super cute because of having physical characteristics from both the mother and father. And since it is a mixed breed, one can’t be sure about the exact size of a fully grown morkie. But since it is a designer dog, it ranges somewhere around 6-15 inches. And when it comes to the weight, they weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds.
Can I Buy a Morkie if I’m living In an Apartment?
Morkies are pretty active dogs and are very good with family and visitors. They like to socialize. So, if you live in an apartment, then there should be no problem with your Morkie. Morkies are playful and as long as they are getting enough exercise and some playtime every day, they won’t really make a mess in your apartment. The best part is that they are easy to train which can make things a whole lot easier if training is done in the early days.
Is Morkie a Good Family Pet?
There’s no denying the fact that Morkie is actually a very cute crossbreed of Maltese and Yorkshire terrier. Its small size is what makes this breed even more adorable. Just like any other dogs, Morkies also love to play with toys. And when it comes to meeting with other pets, Morkies become very social. They are also good with children as well as adults making Morkie a perfect breed for your family.
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Author Bio: Willi Mays is a housewife as well as a great pet lover. She always wants to share her experiences about pets with others and that’s why she wrote about best apoquel alternative in her blog.
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