In a word, the answer is YES! Morkies and generally healthier than most breeds and can live longer!
This Morkie pup has a long life ahead of him.
Although there are dozens and dozens of factors at play when it comes to predicting the length of your dog’s life, a recent study indicates that MIXED BREED dogs like the Morkie, are among the Top 10 Healthiest Dog Breeds.
Writer Jessica Remitz of PetMD.com writes that mixed breeds benefit from a lower degree of inbreeding. Plus, they have a lower likelihood of developing one of the common inherited diseases that shorten dogs’ lives. That’s good news for Morkies and their owners.
According to Ms. Remitz, some of these genetically-bases killers include:
- heart disease – there are two main types, congenital heart defects that the dog may have at birth and acquired heart disease from ‘wear and tear’
- musculoskeletal problems – muscle and joint problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis
- allergic skin disease – these problems are very common
The autoimmune skin disease “Pemphigus foliates” and resultant skin eruptions on this poor dog’s belly.
among dogs, and may be the result of a food allergy, nutritional deficiency or overactivity of immune responses. That last one – autoimmune disease – is very hard on animals (and people!)
- hyperthyroidism – relatively rare, this occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, which can lead to very serious metabolic problems such as a very high heart rate, diarrhea, excessive thirst and frequent urination.
So how long WILL my Morkie live?
Generally, small dogs live longer. Now we know mixed breeds tend to live longer. Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese dogs are renowned for long lives. So in an ideal world, your Morkie could easily live to 14, 15 and even 16 years of age.
Learn more about the care of YOUR Morkie in The Morkie Mega Guide … your mega guide to raising a happy, healthy Morkie. This downloadable e-book is packed with 300+ pages of helpful information, charts, pictures and checklists.
I have a four-year-old Morkie who I just absolutely adore and love. She recently, in the last four days has been at the animal hospital with an auto immune disease. Three weeks ago having her check up with 100% positive findings. Healthy as can be. Yet at the same time she had her rabies vaccination. In reading about rabies vaccinations in small dogs it can cause auto immune disease. I share this because had I known…! She has had three blood transfusions and in the hospital for five days. Still not out of the woods, she is still in there and hoping and praying her red blood cell count stays high enough to bring her home.
Tracie, I am SO sorry to hear this. I’m hoping this was a 3 year rabies shot. Since it’s the law, there’s only so much we can do, but here are some suggestions for reducing the risk next time: http://www.aboutmorkies.com/2016/12/28/wow-65-ways-rabies-vaccinations-harm-dogs/
And also this earlier http://www.aboutmorkies.com/2015/06/16/10-questions-to-ask-before-vaccinating/
I’m going to email you separately, a link to download my vaccination book for small dogs – Thanks for writing and again, I’m sorry to hear about your Morkie’s problems, Sincerely, Deb@MorkieNation.com
I have a morkie. turned a year old nov 1st. aiden started running a fever a week before his birthday. fevers get as high as 106. we still haven’t found out what immune disorder he has. my heart is broken. don’t know how much he can take
Sharon, I’m so sorry to hear about Aiden… very sad. Hope you find the answer soon, but it’s even harder in these extraordinary times. Best wishes,
deb@morkienation.com
My little love bug morkie named Jax is 2 years old and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him. He’s as perfect as any lil puppy could be. Definitely not for anyone on a strict budget because he does seem to need various appointments to vet for allergies or/and other issues but I would not trade him for the world.
Joie, sounds like your Morkie found the perfect home!
I have a “giant” morkie he is about 10 kg
Love him to pieces, say they hate being alone but they give so much love. They are super loyal to their owners.
I have a fourteen year old morkie! Although she has slowed down, she is in great health! I plan on her making it at least another 5years!
I am looking for a small dog that will not shed much. Need to be affordable, I am a eldry person looking for company
Try getting a morkie, they don’t shed much. Are very loving and protective. No need for a big yard or frequent walks. I have a morkie and a maltese. Both very lovable companion dogs. They do love attention and get very anxious when left alone, especially my morkie.
They are definitely the sweetest – the Morkie and the Maltese… the Yorkie is sweet too but with a bit of spice mixed in… mischievous! But very, very smart.
I am torn between getting a Morkie and a Maltese. We have always wanted a Maltese but recently came across adorable Morkie puppies and now we aren’t sure which direction to go. You said you have both. What are the main differences between their personalities? Do you have any input that might help us reach a decision? Thanks!
Hi Alexis…. to me, the Morkie has some of the ‘edges sanded off’ compared to a Yorkie. What I mean by that is, Yorkies CAN be quite aggressive for example, but Maltese are just love bugs. In fact, they may be too passive for many people. So the Morkie tends somewhere in the middle which is just right for most owners. Both the Maltese and the Morkie are very loving, loyal dogs. Whereas a Yorkie is a little more independent.
Maltese typically aren’t really smart (hurts to say) but since the Yorkie is, a Morkie’s IQ probably takes a good jump thanks to the blend.
A Morkie’s coat can be very beautiful depending on the colour blend. And always unique, so that’s kind of fun.
All three dogs – Yorkie, Morkie, Maltese – are great for people with allergies or who don’t want to be sweeping up dog hair all the time. Since these three have hair, not fur, there’s no fluffy undercoat to shed all over. It takes some dedication to keep any one of them well groomed in a full coat, but it is worth it. I feel if you’re going to always keep the dog shaved down to a buzz cut, then a poodle might be better. These 3 breeds need hair to protect them against sunburn, insects and anything else that comes their way.
So… not sure if I have helped at all, because honestly they’re all delightful! Think of the Morkie as a gentler, quieter version of the Yorkie, and a more lively Maltese. Best wishes with this. Deb
Hi Kim and Wayne – really sorry you’re having trouble! I’m replying directly to you via email…. best regards, Deb@MorkieNation.com
I ordered the book online through paypal and have no idea how to download or where to find it at??