Morkie

Like many of the designer crossbreeds, the Morkie originated in the United States in a quest to find a small companion dog that would fit into any family’s lifestyle no matter how small their home and garden.

The two breeds that go into the formation of the Morkie are the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Maltese

Country of Origin: Malta

The Maltese is one of the earliest small companion dog breeds. The earliest records are from the early 1800s where they became known as lapdogs of the nobility, frequently appearing in paintings of the time. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries they became increasingly popular both in Malta and wider afield, and thanks to both their appearance and their temperament they quickly found fans around the world. Their first appearance as a show dog was recorded in in England in 1859.

Yorkshire Terrier

Country of Origin: England and Scotland

There is still some mystery surrounding the origin of the Yorkshire Terries, but it is believed that Scottish weavers brought a small terrier with them during a period of immigration from Scotland to Yorkshire and Lancashire during the 1850s. These 'Broken-Haired Scotch Terriers,' interbred with local small terriers to provide a working dog who quickly become popular as a very effective vermin-killer for factory and mining. The added bonus was its size, small enough that could be carried in their owner’s pocket.

Further breeds were used to perfect this Northern ratter including possibly the Manchester Terrier, the Maltese, the Skye Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont terrier, and the now extinct Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers. Shown as the Scotch Terrier in 1861, the dog later became known as the Yorkshire Terrier and was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1886.

While the breed was a working ratter, the Yorkshire Terrier soon became popular with wealthy ladies as a companion and this popularity lead to selective breeding to make them even smaller. Interestingly, while the dog got smaller, their coat length stayed virtually the same - hence the long coats that can still be seen on show dogs.

The Morkie can have any combination of the two breeds in their appearance, behaviour and temperament.

The Morkie would suit an owner or a family with older sensible children and may have a smaller property. They are a fun companion who doesn’t need a great deal of exercise, but will still enjoy joining in all the family’s activities. They do not like to be left alone and so would need an owner who is either at home most of the time or can take their dog with them wherever they go.

While this is a surprisingly active small dog, the Morkie will be happy with half an hour to an hour’s walking each day, as long as they have plenty of games and owner interaction.

Separation related behaviour problems are very common in the Morkie.

The Morkie can be a bit of a barker - especially if bored or if left alone.

Like many toy breeds, toilet training can be slow and so owners need to be patient and consistent.

This is a small dog who can live in a flat or a smaller property, as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. Because of their small stomachs, they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Morkie coats are likely to be long, silky and can mat. They are unlikely to shed much, but they will require daily coat care. Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Morkie’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops.

Dog ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears which can cause infections or sore ears.

The Morkie is far cleverer than many people think and they will enjoy learning dog tricks and games. They should be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called.

While this may look like a cute fluffy dog, the Morkie can be surprisingly game when out and can chase squirrels and even the neighbour’s cat! This is a breed that needs early and ongoing dog socialisation so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.

The Morkie makes a fun family companion but as they are small and rather delicate, they suit families with older, sensible children.