Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Morkie depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared. But with both parents being affectionate dogs, who bond closely to their owners, the little Morkie will usually inherit these loveable qualities.

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. Because of their small stomachs, they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

While this is a surprisingly active small dog, the Morkie will be happy with half an hour to an hour’s walking each day, as long as they have plenty of games and owner interaction.

The Morkie would suit an owner or a family with older sensible children and may have a smaller property. They are a fun companion who doesn’t need a great deal of exercise, but will still enjoy joining in all the family’s activities. They do not like to be left alone and so would need an owner who is either at home most of the time or can take their dog with them wherever they go.

History and origins

• Like many of the designer crossbreeds, the Morkie originated in the United States in a quest to find a small companion dog that would fit into any family’s lifestyle no matter how small their home and garden.
• The two breeds that go into the formation of the Morkie are the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Health and common issues

One aim with crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within one or other of the breeds. This dilution or elimination is only likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, all parents should be health tested prior to breeding: Maltese: there are no required health tests but eye testing should be considered. Like many small breeds, they can be prone to luxating patellas. Yorkshire Terriers: this is a fairly healthy long-lived breeds but like many small dogs can have issues with luxating patella and there are other health issues that require owners to ensure they get puppies form a reputable source.

Potential issues

Separation related behaviour problems are very common in the Morkie. The Morkie can be a bit of a barker - especially if bored or if left alone. Like many toy breeds, toilet training can be slow and so owners need to be patient and consistent.

Space requirements

This is a small dog who can live in a flat or a smaller property, as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.

Training morkies

The Morkie is far cleverer than many people think and they will enjoy learning dog tricks and games. They should be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called. While this may look like a cute fluffy dog, the Morkie can be surprisingly game when out and can chase squirrels and even the neighbour’s cat! This is a breed that needs early and ongoing dog socialisation so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.

Family friendly dog breeds

The Morkie makes a fun family companion but as they are small and rather delicate, they suit families with older, sensible children.

Did you know?

Morkies are really tiny at birth, weighing usually a little less than 140 grams.