Morkies, also known as Yorktese, are an adorable combination of the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese breeds. They are small dogs that typically weigh in at 5-12 pounds and reach heights of 6-10 inches.

These loyal companions can be expected to live between 12-15 healthy years. Morkies have a very distinctive coat with long thin hair in colors such as black and tan, black, brown, tan, and white being most common.

They are considered low shedders making them a hypoallergenic option for those who worry about dealing with allergies.

As one of the more popular designer breeds available today, Morkies provide lots of love and furry companionship in an easily transportable size.

Morkie Generations

The Morkie is a crossbreed of a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, and understanding the generations, which are referred to as F1, F1b, and F2, can help you decide which type of Morkie is best for your lifestyle.

F1 Generation 

A first-generation (F1) Morkie is a purebred Maltese crossed with a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. This generation typically has the most obvious physical characteristics from both parents, with an overall size that falls somewhere between that of the two purebreds.

F1b Generation 

An F1b Morkie is produced when an F1 generation dog is bred back to one of its parent breeds. In this case, an F1 Maltese/Yorkie mix would be bred back to either a Yorkie or a Maltese.

F2 Generation 

An F2 generation is created by breeding two different F1 puppies together or by breeding an F1 with an F2 pup. These pups are more unpredictable in terms of size, temperament, and shedding tendencies than earlier generations since they don’t carry any predominant traits from either parent breed.

History 

The Morkie breed has a relatively short but significant history as a member of the popular designer dog family. Originating in North America in the 1990s, these spunky pups are a highly sought-after hybrid of Maltese and Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) breeds.

These two small dogs have been selectively paired to create one incredibly affectionate little animal – which doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows them!

Not only do Morkies make fantastic companions since they are typically very loyal and social pets, but also their small stature makes them great for people without a lot of space, and their intelligence makes them easy to train!

Appearance

Most Morkies have long ears, big eyes, and short muzzles, giving them an adorable, teddy-bear-like appearance. 

Coat

The Morkie coat is a truly unique and luxurious coat that is sure to keep its owners feeling cozy and content. With its single layer of fur, it’s hypoallergenic and a low shedder, which is essential for allergy sufferers.

It comes in various colors, including black and tan, black, brown, tan, and white. Additionally, the fur is long and silky, making this breed perfect for those looking for a pup with an extra fluffy coat.

Size

This small designer dog has an average size ranging from 5-12 pounds in weight to 6-10 inches in height. This makes them ideal for those living in small apartments or for those that want to travel with their fur baby.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Morkie is quite good, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years. In addition, this dog breed benefits from their hybrid vigor, which helps them live longer than their purebred parents.

While genetics and diet both play a significant role in the health and longevity of any pet, the hybrid nature of this breed may give them an edge over their purebred peers.

Environment

The Morkie is a popular choice for those living in apartments because they do not need a huge yard and instead tolerate much better to small spaces. To ensure their wellbeing and health, however, it is essential that owners ensure their pup gets enough exercise and stimulation, both physical and mental.

Regarding other apartment dwellers, the Morkie breed can be prone to excessive barking, which may eventually become an issue unless the pet is trained properly; teaching bark-stopping commands at an early age can prove very helpful in this regard.

Proper socializing is also important as this will help make sure your pup feels comfortable around children, strangers, and other animals; getting them used to all kinds of noises from the surrounding environment is highly recommended.

Temperament

The Morkie breed is known for its energetic and affectionate personality, making it an excellent lapdog for those wanting companionship. They love to play and are very attached to their owners, so they won’t leave you alone!

Not only are they cuddly, but they also make excellent watchdogs due to their alertness and attentiveness. However, they tend to be quite noisy, which may not suit those looking for a quiet pet.

Despite their loudness, the Morkie makes an excellent family choice with its loyalty and intelligence.

Grooming

Just like any other breed, there are some specific grooming needs that you must meet to ensure your Morkie stays happy and healthy. Let’s look at what these needs are. 

Brushing

Brushing your Morkie every day to prevent matting in its coat is necessary. Use a slicker brush or pin brush with short pins to do this. Make sure to go slowly and gently through its fur to avoid irritating the skin.

You may also want to invest in a good detangling spray to make brushing easier on your pup. 

Bathing

Bathing is an integral part of Morkie grooming; however, it should only be done when necessary. Generally speaking, it is best to bathe your pup no more than once every 2-3 months unless absolutely necessary due to dirt or odors.

When doing so, use a high-quality shampoo specifically formulated for dogs and always rinse thoroughly. 

Nails

Nail care is essential for all breeds of dogs because long nails can be uncomfortable and even painful if left unchecked. To keep your pup’s nails trimmed properly, you will need a pair of pet nail clippers suitable for small dogs like a Morkie.

Start by trimming just the tips of their nails until you get used to the process, and then gradually trim more if needed until the nails are at a comfortable length for your pup. 

Ears

Cleaning your Morkie’s ears regularly is important because they can easily become infected if bacteria builds up inside them due to wax or debris build-up over time.

To clean their ears, use a soft cloth or cotton swab dampened with warm water and gently wipe away any dirt or wax build-up around the ear canal area, being careful not to push anything too far into their ears as this could cause damage or harm them in some way. 

Teeth

Just like human teeth, it is important that you take good care of your dog’s teeth too! For example, brushing their teeth regularly with toothpaste specifically made for pets will help prevent plaque build-up, which can lead to bad breath and other issues, such as gum disease, if left unchecked over time.

Use an appropriate size toothbrush (one designed specifically for small dogs) along with pet toothpaste and gently brush their teeth two-three times per week for best results.  

Nutrition

If you own a Morkie, you may be wondering what kind of nutrition your pup needs. A Morkie is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, so it’s important to understand both breeds when considering your pup’s diet.

Maltese terriers may be small, but they pack plenty of energy! Unfortunately, they can also have sensitive stomachs, so it’s best to feed them food designed for small-breed dogs.

Small-breed dog food is specifically formulated with the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals needed for smaller dogs.

The amount of food you give your pup depends on their age, activity level, and size. Generally speaking, adult Morkies should be fed twice daily with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality kibble per meal.

Puppies need more frequent meals throughout the day and should eat three to four times daily with 1/8 to 1/4 cup of kibble per meal. In addition to kibble, you can also add wet food or cooked meat as treats or as part of their regular diet. 

Avoid treats high in sugar or artificial sweeteners, as these can cause health problems in dogs over time. You can also make homemade treats such as banana chips lightly sprinkled with cinnamon or apple slices dipped in plain yogurt! 

Training

Training a Morkie is no small feat – it takes patience and persistence, but with an understanding of the breed’s distinct features and needs, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. Morkies make loving and loyal companions, but they bring a lot of energy into the home.

Due to their high activity levels, they require plenty of durable toys as well as daily walks to reset their minds and wear out their bodies. This breed is also known to be more vocal than other dogs when expressing themselves, making it essential for owners to understand how their pet communicates with them.

With appropriate training methods and consistent reinforcement through positive reinforcement techniques such as verbal praise or treats, Morkies can master basic commands relatively easily, leading to lifelong companionship.

Exercise

Exercise is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which also applies to your Morkie. Luckily, exercise requirements for Morkies are relatively minimal, with only 20-30 minutes of activity needed each day.

This could be a combination of playtime and walks that should generally be divided into sessions of 15 minutes or less with plenty of breaks in between. It’s important to keep in mind that all dogs, including Morkies, need varying levels of activity so pay attention to the signs your pup gives you: when they look tired, it’s time to stop!

Providing your furry friend with daily exercise will not only keep them fit, but it will also help them work off extra energy and improve their circulation for better mental health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

All in all, owning a Morkie can be a gratifying experience if you are prepared for what comes along with owning one. They are smart little dogs who love cuddles just as much as they love playing outside!

Just make sure you understand their grooming needs before bringing one home so you can provide them with the best care possible! As long as they get plenty of exercise, quality time with their owners, regular vet visits, healthy food options, and lots of love – they will undoubtedly become loyal members of your family in no time!