The Maltese mix with Yorkie, also known as the Morkie, is a crossbreed between a purebred Maltese and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. This results in a tiny, adorable companion that inherits the finest characteristics of both parents.
Both the Maltese and the Yorkie are small dog breeds that stand 7 to 9 inches tall. Despite their small size, these dogs have very big personalities. The apple does not fall far from the tree so, their offspring is playful, energetic, and affectionate, all the good traits of a perfect companion dog.
The Maltese Yorkie cross is a perfect choice for families with older kids and a companion dog for seniors or retirees. Their small size and sweet temperament are the characteristics that make the Morkie so popular.
During a 2020 study on dog breed ancestry, Darwin’s Ark sequenced more than 2,000 dogs in its database. The researchers found that both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier are among the most popular dog breeds seen in pet dog ancestry. It is one of the things that make their cross popular.
People who own hybrids, says the International Wolf Center, often find that their canine buddies’ behavior makes it a challenge to care for them. There is a diversity of genetic composition even within one litter of hybrid pups. This leads to a wide range of appearances and behavior patterns among all hybrids. This, in turn, makes their behavior fickle and harder to predict.
So, before you commit to owning a mixed dog breed, like the Maltese mix with Yorkie, take time to understand this cross.
Our article today comprehensively talks about the Morkie. Everything you need to know, such as temperament, appearance, how to care for a Morkie, price, and more. We got you covered.
Table of Contents
What is a Maltese and Yorkie Mix called?
Dog breeders need to come up with a unique name that identifies a designer or hybrid dog. Often, they mix both parent names so you can easily tell what type of hybrid the cross is.
For instance, a Maltese mixed with a Yorkie is commonly known as the Morkie. Other names for this mixed breed include a Morkshire Terrier and Yorktese.
Morkies are designer dogs not purebreds like their parents. For this reason, major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and Kennel Club UK (UKC) do not recognize them as a breed.
The Morkie is accepted by registries such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Why mix with Yorkie?
The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie is loved for its big personality despite its small size. The breed was bred as a companion dog and is able to thrive in a range of environments. This, particularly, makes it an awesome house dog even for individuals or families living in the city. If you have a family with older kids, Yorkies are good pets for you.
Yorkies were originally bred for hunting purposes which explains why they are fearless and bold. These little dogs have a spunky personality that earned them the moniker “the tomboy toy”. Yorkies are smart, affectionate, confident, and courageous which makes them great watchdogs.
Yorkshire Terriers are the type of dogs that demand a lot of attention. When you mix a Yorkie with a Sausage Dog, you get a small dog that is small in size but not in personality. A Doxie also helps balance the snappy nature of the Yorkie since they have a calmer disposition.
Morkie Puppies
Maltese Yorkie mix puppies are tiny pooches with high energy levels for their small size. Normally, Morkies are born into litters of approx. 3 to 4 pups although others might have only two. These small furballs are playful and will shower their owners with loads of affection.
Their popularity means that they are easy to find since most breeders are specializing in creating the cross. That being said, however, it is good to keep in mind that developing such mixes is not easy. As such, expect the puppies to be costlier than most hybrids out there.
A well-bred and healthy Morkie puppy will cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000 when buying from a reliable and dependable breeder. Some can even be pricier.
Full Grown Maltese Yorkie Mix
A fully grown Maltese mixed with Yorkie has the adorable appearance it had as a puppy. These fur babies are sweet-tempered, loving, and energetic, and very good at reading emotions. For this reason, Morkies make excellent companion dogs for the elderly and retirees.
Morkies are tiny dogs that account for their small size in personality. Like their parents, they do not grow above 8 inches in height and weigh 13 lbs. at most. Due to their small size, these pooches can be easily injured, especially in homes with young kids that do not know how to handle them. They are good companion dogs for families with big children.
These affectionate lap dogs are low-shedders, so they have low-maintenance needs and are also small eaters. They are nothing but the perfect companions for the right people.
Morkie Pictures Full Grown
Check out these pictures of full-grown Maltese Yorkie crosses below:
Maltese Yorkie Mix Black
A black Maltese Yorkie mix is one of the most common colors for this mix in addition to white and brown.
In most cases, a black hybrid results from crossing two parents with similar coat colors. Interestingly, there are no black Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier dogs that are purebred. Yorkies are a combination of colors, which mostly include black. Black Maltese dogs do exist, but only as mixed breeds.
If you, therefore, see a black Yorkie Maltese mix, chances are it was not bred from two purebred parents. That being said, however, they are still small dogs with big lovable characteristics.
A summary table for the Maltese Yorkie mix
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Breed | Hybrid |
| Size | 9 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 9 to 13 lbs. |
| Grooming | Low-maintenance |
| Best Suited for: | All dog owners |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 years |
| Temperament | Smart, playful, gentle, energetic, and stubborn (at times) |
| Coat | A single, long, and soft hair (hypoallergenic coat) |
| Coat Colors | Black, white, tan, and brown |
| Energy Levels | High |
| Exercise Requirements | 30 minutes per day |
| Health | Average |
| Price | $1,000 to $2,000 |
History of the Breed
According to Darwin’s Ark, there more than 400 pure breeds of dogs and many other mixed dog breeds. Unlike purebreds, most mixed breeds, such as the Yorkie mix with Maltese, have an unknown origin.
Therefore, the no one knows their true origin because, as VCA Hospitals says, they have an unspecified parentage. There are no official records about their ancestry or how many distinctive breeds were used to develop them. As such, we assume that most of them first existed as a result of accidental breeding.
Designer dogs, such as the Morkie, are developed by mixing two purebreds on purpose to get the best qualities from both thus creating an ideal companion dog. Decent breeding when creating hybrids helps avoid undesirable recessive traits found in some purebreds. With careful and responsible breeding, breeders are also able to create a dog that is healthier than its parents.
For these crossbreeds to be listed in the kennel club to be “a breed”, the Morkie must have been bred from F2 generation crosses resulting in a multi-generational cross or F3 Gen. This is the kind of practice that is only possible with unscrupulous dog breeding, something that the creator of designer dogs says is unfortunate.
That being said, designer dogs have been around for the last 20 to 30 years and that is all we are sure of.
Parents
To know more about the Maltese Yorkie cross, let us take a look at their parents.
The Maltese – One of the ancient dog breeds, the Maltese is thought to have been developed in the Mediterranean Basin although its exact origin is complicated. These dogs were solely bred for companionship and while they may be small and gentle, the Maltese fearless. The breed is famous for its stunning white coat that gives it a noble looks. This would explain why the breed was popular among the French aristocrats in the 15th century and a royal dog in the 16th century.
While the Maltese makes a great companion dog that loves to sit on your laps and cuddle, they are not one of the smartest dogs. They are considered to have below-average dog IQ, but this does not make them dumb as they are excellent therapy dogs. You will find them in retirement homes, hospitals, and other environments that need calmness. The Maltese was recognized as a dog breed by the AKC in 1888. Read more about Maltipoo and Bulldog Maltese mix.
According to the AKC, the standard height of a Maltese is 4 to 7 inches at the shoulders with and a weight of between 10 and 15 lbs. These small furballs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years and are prone to health conditions such as reverse sneezing, collapsed trachea, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome, and progressive retinal atopy.
Ear & eye problems (read on best dog food for Maltese to prevent tear stains), bladder stones, bad breath, and leg problems are also possible health issues.
You can read more on how to care for a Maltese.
The Yorkshire Terrier – Just like their name, Yorkies hail from Yorkshire. This dog breed is believed to have been first developed by Scottish weavers. When they traveled to England, they bred different terrier breeds to create the tiny courageous Yorkie we like today. These pooches were originally bred for the purpose of hunting rats and mice until the 1950s when they joined families as lapdogs.
The Yorkshire Terrier became famous for its bravery and courage since they were bred as ratters. As companion dogs, they are quite easy to transport, have minimal exercise needs, and their small size makes them excellent choices for urban dwellers. Yorkies are also minimal shedders since they do not have an undercoat.
Yorkies are admired for their cute looks, boldness, loud affection, and loyalty. In terms of dog IQ, Yorkies are an above-average intelligent dog breed. These pooches have the ability to recognize human emotions and communicate efficiently. The Yorkshire was acknowledged dog breed by the AKC in 1885.
The Yorkshire Terrier has a life expectancy of 13 to 16 years but are prone to many health issues that could shorten their lifespan. They include hypoglycemia, retinal dysplasia, luxating patella, liver shunt, pancreatitis, collapsed trachea, periodontal disease, and Legg-Perthes disease.
Table comparison of Parents of Maltese Yorkie mix: Comparative features of Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier
| Feature | Maltese | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7 to 12 inches | 6 or 7 inches |
| Weight | 4 to 8 lbs. | 2 to 7 lbs. |
| Temperament | Playful, affectionate, active, docile, smart, fearless, easy-going, sweet-tempered, gentle, lively, and responsive | Intelligent, independent, courageous, bold, and confident |
| Energy | High | Moderate to High |
| Health | Average | Average |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 16 years |
| Puppy Prices | $600 to $2,000 | $800 to $1,500 |
Appearance
Telling what your mix will look like is a little tricky. However, a Yorkie Maltese mix may either take after one parent more or have exceptional traits of both parents. The best thing is to wait until they are adults.
So, how big will a Maltese Yorkie mix get?
As mentioned earlier, Maltese dogs and Yorkies are two small dog breeds.
Their offspring, therefore, is a tiny dog that stands 4 to 8 inches tall and weighs 7 to 13 lbs. when fully grown. This can vary greatly from one litter to another, with some standing up to 10 inches.
A Maltese Yorkshire Terrier cross can either inherit the bent ears of the Maltese parent or take after the Yorkie parent’s pointed ears. Often, these pups will have a rounded look when groomed.
Morkies have a very fine bone, muzzle, and jaw structure which makes them extremely fragile. Expect them to have large, dark eyes that are charming and alluring.
Coat and Coat Colors
Both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier parents are famous for their lovable coats. On the one hand, the Maltese for its adorable white fur coat is hypoallergenic. The Yorkie, on the other hand, boasts attractive long hair.
A Morkie will probably have a single, long, and soft hair with a hypoallergenic coat making it ideal for people sensitive to pet hair.
As for the colors, white, black, and brown are the most common in adult Morkies although they may change to silver gray as your dog ages.
Temperament and Characteristics
One thing you can be sure of is that whatever is lost in the Morkie’s size is accounted for in the temperament.
Like both parents, the Yorkie Maltese cross has a lot of character and great personality. Most owners of this hybrid describe their canine friends as social and very affectionate to humans. Even better, they tend to get along with other dogs very well.
Morkies are alert in nature which makes them excellent watchdogs that will let you know when they hear or see something wrong. Although Morkies are friendly, they will make special bonding with one member of the family that gives them loads of attention. For this reason, they are best suited for a one-person family, smaller families, or seniors and retirees.
Yorktese dogs do not do well when left alone for long periods or when they feel like they are not being given enough attention. It is good to know that sometimes these dogs will not realize just how small they are. They will be fearless and try to face large dogs. Keep them with small pets.
Ease of Training
The Maltese mixed with Yorkie is a very intelligent pooch that is always eager to please. This can make it easy to train and teach new commands. But if the terrier parent takes over mostly, they will tend to be stubborn making training them a challenge.
Therefore, it is good to start training early when they are still puppies and controllable. Use positive reinforcement and avoid harsh words when training. Thankfully, Morkies are energetic dogs which is good for training. Unfortunately, they can get bored easily so, keep sessions short.
As part of training, take your Maltese Yorkie cross for walks to the dog park and around the neighborhood. This will help them relate well with strangers and other pets leading to a well-behaved hybrid.
Exercise Requirements
Proper and adequate exercises will help keep your Maltese mix with Yorkie happy and fit. As such, it is crucial to come up with a routine that meets their exercise needs.
Morkies are energetic dogs. However, they are moderately active and are small dogs. So, they will not need a lot of exercise, especially due to their short legs.
Typically, taking a Morkie for a 30-minute walk per day is enough to keep them fit. It is good to incorporate ample indoor and outdoor playtime with games that will keep them amused. Play the game of fetch, flyball, and hide-and-seek, plus puzzles and interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
By so doing, you prevent Morkies from developing destructive behaviors such as aggressive chewing.
Nutritional Requirements
An ideal Yorkie mix with a Maltese diet should be well formulated to meet all the dietary needs of a dog. This means that the dog food must comprise the 6 basic nutrients of a dog such as water, proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
These vital nutrients must make up your dog’s regular diet to promote proper growth and optimal health. Scientific study has shown that an adult dog’s daily regime can contain up to 50% carbs by weight, as well as 2.5 to 4.5% fiber. At least approx. 5.5% of the diet should be derived from fats and 10% from protein. High-protein diets can be beneficial for endurance exercise in dogs.
So, how much food should you feed your Maltese Yorkie mix per day?
According to PetMD, feeding your dog too little food leads to nutritional deficiencies while too much causes obesity. The dietary needs of your Maltese Yorkie mix will change slowly from their puppy stage to adulthood and senior age.
Morkies may be small but love to eat which makes them prone to weight gain and obesity which is a fatal health problem. To know how much food a Morkie should eat per day, talk to your vet.
Maltese Terrier Yorkshire Mix: Health Issues
PLOS GENETICS conducted a study on genetic diseases of purebreds and mixed breed dogs. The study found that fewer mixed-breed dogs than purebred dogs are affected by the disease-causing mutations tested. This is what makes mixed dog breeds healthier than their purebred parents.
This analysis, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), found that mixed breeds were 1.4 times more likely than purebreds to be a carrier of a recessive disease. That is better compared to 2.8 times in purebreds.
And while mixed dog breeds, such as the Maltese mixed with Yorkie as healthier, they are still susceptible to certain health problems affecting their parents.
Common serious health issues in Maltese Yorkie crosses are collapsed trachea, hypoglycemia, and portosystemic shunt. Other minor health conditions include dental issues and reverse sneezing.
Maltese x Yorkie: Life Expectancy
Based on an article on the mortality of mixed breed dogs by WebMD, these pooches have an average lifespan of 14 years, with small breeds living longer than large ones.
That being said, the Maltese mixed with Yorkshire Terrier has a life expectancy of between 10 to 14 years on average.
Good grooming, neutering, proper feeding, and a richer genetic pool have an effect on the lifespan of a dog. Make sure that your mixed breed attends all planned vet visits.
Morkie Grooming
Typically, Maltese Yorkie crosses have long hair that requires daily brushing to prevent knotting and matting. Luckily, these hybrids are rarely shed since they have hair and not fur which means there will not be a lot of work to clean hair from your furniture.
Bathing the Morkie at least once a month is recommended. And since their hair grows very fast, it should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the mix looking great and adorable. Check their ears regularly for redness and infections and clean them and trim the nails every 4 to 6 weeks.
Brush their teeth at least three times a week if not daily to give them proper dental health.
Maltese Yorkie Mix for Sale
Does the Morkie sound like a hybrid dog that you want to take home? You can simply browse Maltese Yorkie puppies for sale near me or track down a reputable breeder.
If you live here in the US, you can check from Green Field Puppies or Lancaster Puppies.
Morkie Price: How Much is a Maltese Mix with Yorkie?
Despite their popularity, Morkies are not among the cheapest breeds since breeding them is pricey as well.
Expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,000 for a well-bred Morkie puppy from a responsible dog breeder. Prices may vary significantly based on factors such as the breeder’s location, reputation, and the parent’s pedigree.
Always collect the puppy from the breeder yourself and ask to see the parents of the mix, their health records, as well as the workplace.
Where to Adopt
Every year, says Wolf.org, thousands of pet hybrids are abandoned or euthanized because people buy a pooch they were not prepared to care for. Thankfully, there are many rescue organizations and a few facilities around the country that accept unwanted doggies. They may have limited resources, but they try to keep the canines as comfy as possible. They need you to save them.
Adopting a Yorkie mix with Maltese is always better and cheaper than shopping, especially when you do not know where to find a responsible breeder.
You can start by asking workers from your local shelter whether this mixed breed is available. Alternatively, you can also check with the rescue organizations for Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers such as the American Maltese Association Rescue and the Yorkie Rescue of America among others.
FAQs
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