Small, naughty, and energetic, the Morkie Poo inherited its best traits from its parents. The designer dog is most commonly called a Morkie, but some people refer to them as the Morkshire Terrier. Morkies fare well in tiny and single-person homes, so if you live in an apartment and you’re looking to get a puppy, the Morkie might be right for you.
Ready to shop for your new Morkie Poo? Prepare for lots of snuggling as Morkies are attention-seeking dogs. If you are interested in the Morkie Poodle mix, here’s all there is to know about them.
Prefer to watch a video? We made a video all about the new Morkie Poo dog breed! Watch it below:
Before scrolling down this Morkie Poo guide, check out these similar Poodle mixes: Cavapoo Dog Breed Guide and Cockapoo Dog Breed Guide.
What is a Morkie Poo?
The Morkie Poodle breed, also known as the Morkie Poo, has a sweet and lovable nature. These designer dogs are offspring of the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Poodle. Their inherent energy and dynamic nature are no surprise, given that their parents possess those qualities.
Morkie Poos have a relatively small size compared to other designer breeds. These dogs are easy to take on friendly visits and vacations thanks to their small stature. They tend to shy away from unfamiliar faces initially, but they quickly warm up to strangers and get along smashingly with others with just a little bit of time. Morkie Poos enjoy snuggling their humans, and your dog will likely be the one to initiate the cuddles! They make excellent companions to their families.
History
Breeders of designer dogs started crossing the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese during the late 1990s. Although the Morkie Poo existed naturally for years in North America, it wasn’t until the 90s that breeders began producing them intentionally. The goal was to produce dogs that are affectionate, friendly, and low-shedding. With the increase in the demand for Morkies, breeders have continued to produce these adorable designer dogs.
Unfortunately, some Morkie Poos have ended up in rescue homes and shelters, even with their designer dog status. If you feel this breed is a good fit for you, explore your area shelters and rescues! It helps to check local shelters and search for Morkie rescues, and you can also check with breed-specific Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese rescues. Sometimes, these non-profits take in designer dogs and find the best forever home for them.
Find a Doodle Rescue: Doodle Rescues in California.
Size
The Morkie Poodle has not been around for very long. As a result, there are only a few standards in terms of size. But, because of their Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese genetics, (two small breeds), the Morkie is expected to be small as well. Most Morkies grow to be as tall as four to eight inches and weigh about seven to thirteen pounds. However, their size varies slightly as some may be smaller or larger.
Personality
Morkie Poos are generally very social dogs. These pups love to socialize with humans and other dogs, and their personalities are bigger than their stature! That’s no surprise, given how highly energetic Morkies are. They can be stubborn, which is a trait inherited from their terrier parent. Therefore, while training them, you must be patient and persistent. The process can be challenging because of their stubbornness, but with time, they do learn. For best results, make it fun!
Morkies make excellent watchdogs. They never hesitate to let you know if they notice that something has gone wrong. If you need a dog that informs you once someone walks into your front door, the Morkie is a perfect choice. They’re affectionate dogs, and your Morkie will probably choose a family member to shadow. However, Morkies can also get along with other people in your home. They’re most suitable for small families or a one-person home because of their high demands for attention.
Similar Dog Breeds: Best Poodle Mixes and What is the Best Doodle Breed?
Health
Morkie Poos are susceptible to some of the health conditions that the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese suffer. Generally, most of these dogs are healthy, but some encounter specific health issues. Therefore, it would be best to make sure that Morkie gets frequent veterinary checkups to help maintain good health.
The Morkie Poodle can live up to ten to thirteen years, and their lifespan is similar to that of their parents. The Maltese have a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years, the Yorkshire can live up to thirteen to sixteen years, and the Poodle’s life expectancy is between twelve and fifteen years. When you bring a Morkie Poo into your home, you are committing to at least a decade of caring for the breed.
Here are some common health issues to which Morkies may be susceptible:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Collapsed trachea
- Reverse sneezing
- Hernias
- Dental disease
- Hyperglycemia
Coat Color and Grooming
Usually, the Morkie Poodle’s coat color mixes that of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese. Therefore, the dogs will vary in color, ranging from white to black, or a mix of both colors. However, a Morkie Poo’s coat can change in color with time. Therefore, dogs of this breed require proper grooming to help maintain their hair. Fun fact: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese both have hair and not fur!
These dogs are non-shedding breeds. Therefore, Morkies require frequent brushing to avoid matting of the knots or hair. If you or any of your family members suffer from allergies, a Morkie might be the perfect choice for a family dog. Nonetheless, it would be best to keep in mind that these dogs are not 100 percent hypoallergenic. Because of their parentage, however, it’s safe to assume that you’re adopting a relatively hypoallergenic dog.
Let’s quickly look at the different colors of Morkie Poos:
- White Morkie Poodle: We all love the regal look of a white dog. This color is among the most popular Morkie Poo colors you will ever come across. White Morkies have a vulnerable and adorable appearance.
- Black Morkie Poodle: If your Morkie’s parents are black, there’s a high chance that your puppy will be black too. The silky black color matches the Morkie’s beautiful eyes.
- Brown Morkie Poodle: These designer dogs can also come in brown coats. It’s another standard color of the hybrid. Their coats can be colored in several shades of brown and are beautiful.
- Tan Morkie Poodle: Tan Morkie Poos are adorable because they look like teddy bears. This color makes the mixed-breed look gentle and fluffy. They are the type of dogs you would want to snuggle with while watching a movie.
- White and Tan Morkie Poodle: The white and tan Morkie Poo is beautiful and is one of the most popular varieties of the breed. It has a beautiful two-colored coat, which makes it look soft but edgy.
- Tri-Color Morkie Poodle: Another standard variety of this breed is the tri-color Morkie Poo. They are often a mix of white, brown, and black. These dogs may not be as soft as their single-colored counterparts, but they are very endearing and loveable.
Care
Morkies require frequent veterinary checkups just like every other dog. These visits make it easy to detect health problems early and prevent worsening of conditions. While your dog is healthy, ask your vet to help you build a care routine to maintain your dog’s excellent health.
Since Morkies have high energy levels and tend to be stubborn, it’s necessary to keep the mischief in check! An excellent way to do this is to ensure that your dog gets at least a 30-minute walk every day. That way, you will be able to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Make sure you include short walks and active play sessions in your dog’s daily exercise routine. Their small size means they only require a little exercise, so don’t overdo it! Overworking your pup can lead to injury.
We’ve already discussed how grooming is important to Morkie Poo health. Haircuts are critical, but ear cleaning and nail trimming is important, too! It’s important to check your Morkie’s ears every day for pests and debris and clean them up according to your vet’s instructions. Additionally, ensure that you trim their nails regularly. Your Morkie’s should not click loudly against the floor when he’s walking.
Because of his size, your Morkie is a little fragile, so handle with care! It’s best to use a harness rather than a collar when going on a walk with your dog, as this can help you prevent tracheal collapse.
Finally, small breeds are susceptible to dental problems, so brush your Morkie’s teeth every day. You can consult your veterinarian for instructions on how best to brush your dog’s teeth.
Dog Care Guides: How Long Should Dog Nails Be and How Long Does Dog Grooming Take?
Feeding
The Morkie Poo requires a diet specially formulated for a highly energetic toy to small dog breeds. However, it’s advisable that you stick to a regular feeding routine as this breed can quickly gain weight if you overfeed them. Don’t leave their food lying around all day in your home., portion it out instead. You should also consider restricting the number of treats you give him.
In the canine world, dietary requirements change as dogs grow from puppyhood to adulthood. When they transition into their senior years, their nutritional needs also change. Always consult your vet for recommendations on how best to feed your Morkie. You should know that there are variations among individual dogs. They may include energy, weight, and health. Your veterinarian can help you make specific recommendations for your dog.
Morkie Poo Food Recommendations: Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods and Best Dog Food with Vitamins and Minerals.
Is the Morkie Poo Good with Children and Other Pets?
Morkie Poodles are small-sized dogs that make them prone to injuries when they are around overly excited kids. They are better off in the hands of older children or adults who can play gently. They can be great companions to kids who have learned how to play with and handle tiny dogs properly. Morkies have no trouble getting along with other animals as long as you introduce them calmly and slowly to those animals.
The best way to make sure your pup gets along with others is early socialization. Introduce children and other pets to your puppy while he’s young, taking care that he’s handled properly. Overall, the Morkie Poo gets along best with older children and with other animals, but will tolerate younger children if necessary.
Conclusion For “Morkie Poo Information, Facts, Images”
Morkies are small-sized mixed breed dogs produced by crossing the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs can be a great companion to those with allergy concerns. But, you should know that while they don’t shed much, they are not 100 percent hypoallergenic – no dog is!
Morkie Poos are sweet little family dogs that crave human companionship. Their endearing personalities are easy to fall in love with, but you’ll have to see for yourself! Use the information in our guide to determine whether the Morkie Poo designer breed is right for you.
For more Morkie Poo-related guides, you can check out:
- Best Mini Doodle Breeds
- Best Dog Bed For Separation Anxiety
To see the Morkie Poo dogs live in action, watch our video called “Morkie Poo Breed Guide” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.