Which small dog is perfect for you?

Although they have plenty in common, each of these dogs has unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie.

The Yorkie is a terrier – so he’s spunky, energetic, inquisitive and bright.  And terriers tend to bark a lot … and can even be aggressive.

The Yorkie’s playful energy and curiosity make him a lively, amusing companion.  Yorkies are extremely loyal, and often playing “the big dog in a little dog’s body.”

Yorkshire Terriers are a relatively new breed, developed in the mid-1800s as ratters in Victorian England.  Once upper class ladies saw the cute Yorkshire Terrier (much larger then), the dog became a favourite of the wealthy class and the Yorkie’s popularity has never slowed down since.

The Maltese dog. (NOT a terrier, so shouldn’t be called a Maltese Terrier)

Maltese dogs, one of the oldest breeds known to mankind, were always meant to be lap-dogs… so they are gentle, very loving and loyal. They had no other job or purpose than to cuddle.

It’s believed that the famous philosopher Aristotle, had a Maltese, around the year 330 BC!

The Maltese temperament is calm, very affectionate and easy-going, although Maltese will bark when someone unknown comes to the door.

They’re fiercely protective of their owners, and take on a big-dog guard role at times.

The Morkie

The Morkie, as you’d expect, is a blend of both breeds. But how do you know if your Morkie will be “more Yorkie” or “more Maltese?”  In a nutshell, you don’t know.

Morkies come in a wide range of colour combinations – from a solid beige, to black and white; black and tan; tan and brown or tri-colour.

Their behaviour can on the gentler, Maltese side or more like the feisty Yorkie. That’s why it’s so important you understand the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese, to understand how the Morkie may behave and look.

The super-affectionate and sweet Maltese dog combines with the feisty and smart Yorkshire Terrier, to produce a MORKIE – the best of both. Like his parents, the Morkie is hypoallergenic because he has hair, not fur.

Common concerns with Yorkies and Maltese… and likely Morkies too

Unfortunately the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese share some of the same breed-specific problems or challenges.  That doesn’t mean that your dog will suffer from any of these, but just that is is a little more likely.

• Both the parent toy dogs are known to be challenging to house train or potty train.
• Both parent dogs can have hereditary health problems, including Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar; Patellar Luxation – or “floating” kneecaps where the kneecap or patella, actually slips in and out-of-place;  collapsing trachea or windpipe;  and Cushing’s disease, a serious but treatable condition.

PLUS, like most toy dogs, both Yorkies and Maltese are susceptible to getting fat – if they don’t get enough exercise and are fed empty calories. Like all dogs, Yorkies, Morkies and Maltese need a daily walk on a leash to stay healthy. Obesity in pets has hit a new high, and it shortens lives and may be one of the causes of serious illnesses like cancer.

All three dogs have tiny jaws and crammed teeth, from being bred down in size for so many generations. This often leads to poor teeth and dental disease.  This in turn can actually impact the health of major organs in the body, including the heart. Dental disease is a lot more serious in our dogs than in ourselves.

Which toy dog is right for you?

• which small dog is best for a family?
• do all three breeds get along with cats?
• is the Morkie more hardy since it’s a cross-breed?
• what are some typical health concerns to watch out for?
• how long do these dogs live?
• are they hard to housetrain or potty train?
• do these dogs shed?
• what are the pros and cons of each – Yorkie, Morkie and Maltese?
• do all three bark a lot? And many more topics.

And don’t forget – your purchase is 100% guaranteed.  If you don’t like it, simply request your money back. No hassle.  

Small dog expert and author, Deb Gray

“For more than 35 years, I’ve been an avid fan, owner and breeder of both Maltese dogs and Yorkies; I’m not a Veterinarian or a trained animal expert and have no formal education in animal care. But when you own and love more than 20 of these little guys over the years, you learn a lot.

“I strongly believe that you, as your dog’s guardian, deserve to know the unvarnished truth about pet food, snacks, vaccinations, shampoos, grooming, toys, accessories and basically anything that’s been made for petcare. Free from the biases of big pharma companies and multi-national food manufacturers. That’s what I endeavour to bring to you – in plain English.

“I’ll often present several points of view, so you the owner, can make a balanced and informed decision.

“Remember, your purchase is always 100% guaranteed satisfaction – no questions asked.”