Morkie

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Morkie coats are likely to be long, silky and can mat. They are unlikely to shed much, but they will require daily coat care. Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Morkie’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops.

Dog ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears which can cause infections or sore ears.

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.

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