The 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:
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
Unfortunately, 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.
In 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….
I love my adorable morkie but her toilet habits are a lot of hit and miss still when she goes for bm she starts on mat and dribbles the rest round the home. Her chewing is a problem she especially likes wood and doesn’t mind if your sat on chair that’s being nibbled. When can I expect some improvement having said she is only 13 weeks
Hey Jann! You’ll need a bit more patience with these annoying habits… expect her to be much better by around 6 months. Small dogs grow a lot faster physically but they’re still puppies until a year old. Try a special chew stick that you give her when she starts chewing wood – a firm no when she starts on the wood, then immediately give the special chew stick. When she’s done put it away for the next no-wood session 🙂
Best of luck with your morkie!
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My Morkie was about 6 mo. old when we got him. I am his 2nd owner. Because we have outside kitties, he loves to go out, so we hardly ever have a wet accident inside. BM’s are a different story. LOL I am disabled and cannot go outside very often, so a lot of that is caused by me.
He is the most loving and protective dog I’ve ever had. He barks at everything – even my husband, if he approaches me on the side of the bed- instead of just coming to bed. When anyone tries to hug me, he has a hissy, jumping all over me, trying to get them to stop. He wants no one around “Momma”. He even goes to the restroom with me and scratches to get in if I’ve locked him out.
I couldn’t ask for a more loyal companion and would highly recommend a Morkie to anyone- especially older owners. Because of his size, he might not be the best choice for families with young children.
Sure do love mine and wouldn’t trade him for any other dog.
Thanks a lot for sharing… you’re absolutely right, they are THE BEST!! (But not necessarily for young children) Mine does the same, dropping little ‘cigar butts’ in the house, but I don’t mind that much because it’s easy to pick one up with a Kleenex then flush.
Best regards,
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Totally agree, my Morkie is a 3 year old female called Poppy. We’ve had a lot of heartbreak recently ,but she just makes us all smile, laugh and she’s amazing with my 10 yr old and my 3 grandchildren all under 5 years, she’s so affectionate and always happy to see all the family, although she is a barker but she’s not as bad as she used to be ,and yes … She does follow me everywhere incl the bathroom ,but we forgive her,she loves nothing more than getting a cuddle and then curl up on your lap n sleep,she’s brought 100% love to us all and I wouldn’t change or trade her for anything.
They are the best`! Thanks for sharing Margaret!
I have had a Morkie now for 2 months.. She is amazing she was house broke in a week she only had 4 slip ups in the house and this was more my fault not paying attention to her she is now 15 weeks old and she will go sit by the door and wait for you to let he out.. I never did the pee pad cause I didn’t want to have to break another habit. our morkie is only 2 lb now at 115 weeks and she is a great family pet my son loves her he is only 2 but I have taught him to never pick her up just due to he may drop her and she will get hurt due to her size… so far no health issues and one of the best toy breeds I have owned … would highly recommend these dogs to families with children they are every playful and loving .. I have had Chihuahuas n a Pomerania and by far the morkie is my FAV <3
Hey Britt, thanks for sharing this happy story! Yes, they are THE BEST!
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I have had my Morkie 3 months now. I was told not to allow him to go outside to potty @ first as he had only received his first series of f shots. So he had puppy pads @ 4 locations but refused to use for a BM. We continue to have what I feel are more than normal numbers of accidents.
Also, I can’t believe the constant biting that he does, too hard @ times. We try the “no bite”, hold his mouth shut, say no, but then use kind words after that, and just try pushing him away and ignoring him. None of this has decreased his biting. I try saying to myself and to my husband that he is just a puppy, but…???
I am attempting to follow the guide of a trainer and am beginning to think that perhaps I should just start as if we are @ Day 1. Maybe I have spoiled him in some ways and been too hard on him in others by expecting too much and then get frustrated.
I had a female Maltese mix who came to me as a rescue. She was such a “breeze” to potty train and had few if any accidents when left while we were @ work. She was as young as our little Buddy, knowing this by her size. I suppose I am expecting him to be like her, and no 2 puppies are the same.
Well, if you have any suggestions, I would appreciate them. Thanks for listening!
Hi Mary Kay – first let’s look at the biting. You’re on the right track, except when your Morkie does something that you don’t want him to do, I understand that the best response is to say NO firmly – once only, and then walk away from where your dog is…. and by the way, never include his name when you’re doing the firm NO. If you can’t physically leave his presence, be sure to stop all eye contact, and act as if he absolutely not there. Biting, like lots of behaviour issues, is really about getting your attention. I believe if you continue to do this consistently, it will cure the problem. Holding his jaw shut may seem like a game to him especially if it’s followed by kind words. So in this case, firm NO, completely ignore then eventually back to normal. There’s no praise in this case of discipline, because you’re looking for a “Stop the Behaviour” change – not, “replace this behaviour with that.”
As far as the potty training it may well be a good idea to go back to square one. Starting by crating your pup at night then taking him to the puppy pad first thing in the morning and getting him to stay there until he does his thing. Once he has – plenty of praise. Keep him in closer quarters than usual, and watch for when he’s fussing around like he might need to go. Again, take him to the pee pad, and wait, then offer tons of praise. The key is – keep an eye on him and keep him in a much smaller area than usual.
I know, it’s tedious, but Morkies are smart little dogs and he’ll catch on sooner than later.
Also, wondering if you are using any other housebreaking solutions, such as encouraging him to go outside? The #1 mistake we make in potty training our dogs, is changing the rules. He will be mixed up – should I go on the puppy pad, or outside? Or maybe anywhere. More on that in an older post of mine here: http://aboutmorkies.com/2014/11/17/the-1-mistake-we-make-potty-training/
Good luck – hope this works for you, and keep in touch
Best regards,
Deb, AboutMorkies writer
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No housebreaking problems with my Morkie. She does however bark a lot. Great dog and companion!