question mark with speech bubble iconsThe number one advice for people who want to adopt a Morkie: know what you’re getting. Morkies, like all dogs, have built-in pros and cons, which come from their purebred parents the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese.

And because a Morkie is not a recognized breed, you won’t be able to find registered, verifiable breeders.

First, do you want a puppy or a dog?

Who wouldn’t fall in love with one of these:

tiny yorkie puppy in bed

But is it the adorable puppy you want rather than the dog. Remember that within 8 or 9 months that puppy will be a full grown Morkie. He’s still adorable but not as cute as a puppy.  Don’t act on impulse and be sorry later.

Next: where to find a good quality Morkie

The Morkie isn’t recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club, so you won’t find registered breeders – generally the best way to go for a happy, healthy and cruelty-free pet.

Casual breeders will offer Morkies — but just be VERY SURE that their pups have been raised by them; you don’t want a puppy mill dog. That’s at least 10 years of heartbreak!

To find a good quality Morkie, start with local rescue groups, the humane society and the local pound. Two great websites to start are petango.com and petfinder.com  Others include petharbor.com.com and bestfriends.org

Check your LOCAL newspaper or find a Morkie breeder online. Although it’s OK to look for a Morkie online, NEVER buy one that way. When you buy a dog online, sight unseen, you’re buying from a puppy mill. Period. Visit the breeder, meet at least one of the parents and ask lots of questions.

Morkies have hereditary health problems that come with any purebred dog

vet with yorkie puppy and little girlUnfortunately, all purebred dogs have in-bred health concerns; and the Morkie is no exception. He has some of the health concerns that might affect a Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier. That doesn’t mean YOUR Morkie will get one or all of these diseases; just that they tend to be more common in either Yorkshire Terriers or Maltese.
Here are some you should know about:

  • Patellar Luxation- slipping kneecap
  • Collapsing Trachea – windpipe
  • Liver Shunts – system can carry toxins
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease or ruptured discs
  • Low blood sugar

A couple of other things that are good to know

  • Morkies can be harder to housebreak than many small breeds (it’s the Maltese side)
  • Morkies can bark a lot – they’re half terrier!
  • Morkies can be needy and can suffer from separation anxiety
  • Morkies are GREAT little companions, who are affectionate, smart and loyal

Want to know more about the differences between Yorkie, Morkie and Maltese? 

You might like my helpful ebook.


YMM-price-smallIn this 110-page e-book you’ll learn about each — the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese dog and the Morkie — and how their behavior, qualities and health concerns can affect you the owner.

If you are thinking of getting a small dog, or you already have one of these breeds — this book will teach you more about three of the most popular dogs – the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese dog and their adorable cross, the Morkie.  

Read more about this invaluable ebook, filled with tips, facts and helpful information along with full colour photos and diagrams…… OR….

ABOUT MORKIES