Meet the Parents: what makes your Morkie a Morkie?
A purebred Yorkshire Terrier + a purebred Maltese = a Morkie, also known as a Yorktese, Malky, Morky or Yorktease.
To really get to know your Morkie and why he behaves the way he does, you’ll want to learn more about their founding breeds: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese dog.
After all, your Morkie’s looks, personality and health are inherited from both breeds, and not always in equal proportions. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to decide if a Morkie is right for you.
The Maltese Dog
Maltese were bred from the beginning to be luxurious lapdogs and they thrive on that lifestyle even today.
They love human companionship and are very loyal to their owners. Maltese are lively and playful, but always gentle. Even as a Maltese ages, his energy level and playful personality remain fairly constant.
Some Maltese may occasionally be snappish with smaller children and should be supervised when playing, although socializing them at a young age will reduce this habit.
Basically, Maltese is a breed that is cuddly, playful, spirited and very kind and loving. The Maltese is very active within a house, and, preferring enclosed spaces, does very well with small yards. For this reason, the breed also fares well in apartments and townhouses, and is a prized pet of urban dwellers.
Because they’re so devoted to people, Maltese can suffer from separation anxiety. Like any small dog who is spoiled, they can also fall victim to “Small Dog Syndrome,” although less so than the more forceful Yorkshire Terrier.
The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie
Yorkies are active, bright little dogs with very big personalities. In fact, they need plenty of socialization and training to keep that ‘big personality’ on track. They’re very affectionate and loyal.
Though small, the Yorkshire Terrier is active, loves attention and is protective of his owners. The Yorkie is no lapdog!
Originally part of the Terrier family of dogs, Yorkies were developed in the 1850s in northern England, where they were first bred as working dogs to chase rats and other vermin in factories around Yorkshire. Even today, they like to have a job to do, but like most terriers, they can be stubborn and aggressive.
Today Yorkies are classified in the Toy Dogs category along with the Maltese. However they retain their original terrier character.
The Yorkshire Terrier is high-spirited, confident, feisty and very loyal and affectionate. However, Yorkshire Terriers can be very “assertive” and noisy.
To learn more about all 3 – the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese dog and the Morkie, check out the e-book “Your Playbook for Picking the Perfect Pet” 110 pages of helpful information, written by small dog expert, Deborah Gray. Just $7 and remember, your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!