Welcome to our guide to the Morkie which is a cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) and a purebred Maltese Terrier. Another name for this breed is the Morkshire Terrier.
Why Choose a Morkie?
What in your opinion are the best things about the Morkie breed?
Breeder Renee Banovich of aTender1’s Puppies says: “Morkies are wonderful little dogs that adjust to any lifestyle. Very outgoing and lovable.”
Owner Teresa Smith says: “The reasons we love our Morkie, Toby does not shed or stink. He has been easy to train , he doesn’t bark, he can be around a bunch of barking dogs and he just stands there and looks at them, he comes when he is called and once I got tough he was easy to potty train on demand. Toby has never chewed up anything or tore up anything but then Toby has always been caged when we are not around and I think that helped.”
The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Morkie breed of dog.
You can also help too!
If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.
We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your Morkie you would like to email us.
Are you looking to buy a Morkie – then see our list of Morkie breeders.
What type of owners buy a Morkie?
Why do you think Morkies are special?
What are your favourite things about the Morkie?
Are you glad you choose to buy a Morkie and not another breed?
How would you describe the Morkie temperament?
What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a Morkie over other breeds?
History & Origins
What are the history and origins of the Morkie?
About The Breed
What colors of Morkie are most popular?
What does the Morkie look like?
What are the pros/cons of the Morkie breed?
What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the Morkie and other breeds?
Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?
What type of typical personality does the Morkie have?
Is it possible to describe a fairly typical Morkie?
What is the breed standard/description for the Morkie?
Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?
Are there any downsides to owning a Morkie that prospective owners should be aware of?
Is the Morkie breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?
Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the Morkie?
What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?
Is the Morkie a breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?
Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the Morkie match up to that role?
Are there myths about the Morkie – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?
We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of Morkie puppies and this is what they said:
What types of questions do you get once owners get their Morkie home?
Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?
What is the typical temperament of a Morkie, so people know what to expect from their new pet?
When fully grown how much on average does a Morkie weigh?
When the Morkie is full grown size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?
Is the Morkie ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?
Does the Morkie smell or drool a lot?
Do you have a Morkie growth chart?
What breed group does the Morkie come under?
What type of coat do they have?
Can they swim?
What does movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?
Suitability
Are there some types of people that you suggest the Morkie is not suitable for, perhaps families?
How are the Morkie with children?
Do you think Morkies are suitable for families with young children?
How does the Morkie get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new Morkie owners in terms of successful integration?
Is it better to buy one Morkie or two?
Should perspective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?
Would the Morkie be suitable as a guard dog?
Can I leave my Morkie during the day while I go to work?
Lifespan
What is the expected average lifespan of the Morkie?
In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the Morkie breed live to?
Food & Diet
Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?
Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?
How to handle the Morkie puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?
What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?
What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc
Do owners need to consider supplements for their Morkie?
How about for older dogs?
Buying – How Much Do They Cost?
How much did your Morkie cost to buy?
Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a Morkie and how much should they spend?
What advice would you offer new Morkie owners?
What types of people are buying Morkies and why?
Where can I buy Morkie rescue dogs or find Morkies for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ Morkie can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!
How much do Morkie puppies for sale cost on average?
Do I need public liability insurance or a license?
Should I choose a Morkie or a Yorkie?
Should I choose between a Morkie or a Maltipoo?
Puppy
How would you describe the Morkie puppy to potential new owners?
What types of owners are best suited to owning a Morkie?
What colors and sizes are most popular?
Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?
What can people expect when they become a new owner?
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Morkie?
As a Morkie breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Are there specific times you breed?
Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?
How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a Morkie?
When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?
Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?
We invite you to email us your Morkie pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing Morkie puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.
Do they have any nicknames or does the Morkie have popular names?
If my Morkie is pregnant what might the litter size be?
Could the Morkie be dangerous around young children?
Problem Behaviors
How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?
How do you prevent a Morkie biting?
How do you prevent a Morkie chewing?
How do you stop a Morkie jumping up?
Does the Morkie have an issue with excessive digging?
Why does my Morkie keep growling and barking?
Is there a reason my Morkie dog is often scratching excessively?
Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?
Exercise
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about Morkies and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new Morkie owners?
As a breeder of Morkies, do you prefer a collar or harness?
As an expert of the Morkie breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?
Can you offer any dog walking tips for Morkie owners?
Playtime & Tricks
What games and toys can you recommend for the Morkie?
Are there toys you suggest avoiding?
How intelligent is the Morkie compared to other dog breeds?
How much can they understand?
Grooming
Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new Dachshund owners?
How much time is involved?
What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a Morkie?
Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?
How much do Morkie shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?
How can I prevent or cure ear infections?
Do you have any tips for eye care?
Are Morkies hypoallergenic dogs?
Bathing
Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your Morkie?
Can you offer new Morkie owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?
Showing
What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing Morkies?
What started your interest in showing Morkies?
If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their Morkie – where would they begin?
Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?
How would an owner know they have a show-quality Morkie and how would they start off?
Can you give away any of your secrets?!
Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?
What do judges look for in a winner?
Breeding
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with Morkies?
What official organisations are there for the new Morkie owner and what benefits or services do they provide?
In buying a Morkie, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?
How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?
Do you think the breed is becoming more popular, less popular or staying the same do you think?
How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding Morkies out of all the breeds you could have chosen?
What do you think makes the Morkie special to you?
Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?
As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Training
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a Morkie and do you have any tips or advice for new Morkie owners?
How should new owners approach bringing a new Morkie home, any advice and tips you can give?
Should I allow my Morkie to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?
Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?
Should my Morkie sleep in a kennel or crate?
Health
Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new Morkie owners to be aware of in particular?
Thomas of Windsor Oak Farm advises: “Of all the breeds I am familiar with Morkies and all Maltese puppies are most prone to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a potentially fatal health condition that is seen in the first six months of life it seems to relate to a relative in maturity the liver. Do not consider purchasing a Maltese or a Morkie unless you have understanding of this potentially fatal condition and are able to feed the puppy multiple times a day in order to prevent this fatal health condition. Multiple feeding should last up to 4 to 6 months of age. Consult with your veterinarian prior to purchase of a Morkie puppy.”
Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?
What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?
What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your Morkie?
Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?
What type of health issues can a Morkie have and how do you deal with preventing these?
Why does my Morkie have diarrhea?
Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?
Why is my Morkie vomiting and do I go to the vets?
When should I take my Morkie for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?
How often will my Morkie be in heat?
Should I consider getting my Morkie spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?
My Morkie is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?
Do they suffer from allergies?
Why is my Morkie not eating?
How much does it cost to insure my Morkie?
What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide Morkie dog health insurance?
Old Age
What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ Morkie?
Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?
What do you feed your older Morkies?
Do you feed any supplements to your older Morkies – or anything else which helps them as they age?
Are there any health issues particular to older Morkies?
Do you have any advice for owners of older Morkies or tips you can pass on?
Here is a heartwarming video on the Morkie dog.
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