See how much you know about the Morkie or Morkie dog

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Half Yorkshire Terrier and half Maltese dog, Morkies are a delightful mixed breed or designer dog.

morkie in field with yellow flowers

Both parent dogs have hair, not fur, so they trigger fewer allergies.  They are about the same size – 4 to 7 pounds and about 8 to 10 inches high at the shoulders.

They are both in the “Toy Dog” class, even though the Yorkie is a terrier. Like their parents, the Morkie is a loyal, affectionate and fun-loving companion.

maltese-dog-picture- 4

One of the Morkie parents, the Maltese.

One of the oldest breeds, Maltese are prized for their beautiful white coats and loving nature.

First bred more than 3,000 years ago, Maltese dogs were lapdogs or companions. They had no other purpose or job to do.  That explains their deeply engrained people-pleasing nature.  Originally a symbol of wealth, Maltese were prized by aristocrats and royalty.

 

 

 

In contrast, the Yorkshire Terrier breed is less than 200 years old.  They’re glamorous companions to the stars today, but Yorkies started as lowly factory workers in northern England. Their job? Catch rats and mice in fabric mills and coal mines. But Yorkies soon caught the eye of upper-class British ladies and were eventually downsized to the lapdogs we enjoy today.

Yorkshire Terrier - Yorkies are spirited dogs

The other Morkie parent, the Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkies still have the feisty, energetic nature of a working dog. They’re a big dog in a small body and they do like to bark. But they’re smart and love games. Like Maltese, they are loving and loyal.

Combining the two to create a Morkie

Morkies are beautiful, friendly and affectionate dogs.

Part of their appeal is the fact each one is a little different from the other. They can be any combination of the black and tan Yorkshire Terrier color and the pure white Maltese. This combo can result in apricot, white, brown and most common black and tan, which in later life changes to a silver-grayish color.

When it comes to temperament, you can never be sure which parent the Morkie will resemble.

A Morkie isn’t simply 50% Yorkie and 50% Maltese; how the two breeds combine is different every time.  The ideal Morkie combines the best of both breeds. On the plus side, you never know what you’ll get.  On the negative side, you never know what you’ll get!

That means your little Morkie will be unique and a one-of-a-kind pet with the advantages of both Yorkie and Maltese.

Read more on this page: What’s a Morkie?

ABOUT MORKIES