Crossbreeds
Morkie
A silky, lively lap dog that blends Maltese sweetness and Yorkie sass.
Morkies combine the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. They are tiny, affectionate and playful companions with a silky, low-shedding coat, but can be vocal and stubborn.
A Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.
Parent breeds: Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier
- Height
- 6–10 in15–25 cm
- Weight
- 4–8 lb2–4 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Toy
- Group
- Crossbreeds
- Origin
- United States
Coat: Long, silky, fine coat; low shedding. Colours: White, Tan, Black and tan, Brown, Mixed.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Morkies are loving, lively and devoted. They enjoy being carried, cuddled and included in everything.
They can be vocal, bossy and slow to house-train. Their small size makes them fragile around young children and big dogs.
Living with a Morkie
Exercise
About 20–30 minutes of short walks and indoor play daily. Carry them in crowds to avoid injury.
Grooming
Brush daily if the coat is kept long, or keep a short trim with professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Brush teeth daily.
Training
Bright but stubborn; short, positive sessions work best. House-training needs patience.
Kids & other pets
Best with adults or gentle, older children. Usually fine with other small pets.
Time alone
Prone to separation anxiety and barking; they prefer someone home most of the day.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Morkie right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Morkie matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Morkie typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps are common in toy breeds.
Dental disease
Tiny mouths are prone to tartar; brush daily.
Tracheal collapse
Weak windpipe cartilage; use a harness rather than a collar.
Hypoglycaemia
Tiny puppies can develop low blood sugar if they miss meals.
Ask a breeder for
- Both parents: patella evaluation
- Both parents: eye examination
- Liver function testing
Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier; American Maltese Association. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Morkies were developed in the United States in the late 20th century by crossing two of the most popular toy breeds.
As with other crosses, size and coat vary between litters and even siblings, though most Morkies weigh under 8 lb as adults.
Did you know?
- Morkies are sometimes called Yorktese.
- Most Morkies weigh under 8 lb as adults.
- Their coat colour can lighten or darken as they mature.
Library guides for Morkie owners
Grooming
Brushing
Morkie coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Morkie without drying out the coat.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Morkie.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Morkie breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Morkies hypoallergenic?
- No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Morkies shed very little.
- Do Morkies bark a lot?
- Many are vocal; training helps.
- Are Morkies good with kids?
- Better with older, gentle children.