Morkie (Maltese-Yorkshire Terrier Mix)
Designer Breed / Mixed Breed (Recognized by ACHC, DBR, DDKC) · United States and United Kingdom — developed intentionally as a designer crossbreed in the late 20th century (approx. 1990s) · Toy
Also known as: Yorktese, Malkie
Breed Group
Designer Breed / Mixed Breed (Recognized by ACHC, DBR, DDKC)
Size
Toy
Height
7 to 10 inches at the shoulder
Weight
4 to 12 pounds
Life Expectancy
10 to 15 years
Origin
United States and United Kingdom — developed intentionally as a designer crossbreed in the late 20th century (approx. 1990s)
Energy Level
Moderate — enjoys play sessions and daily walks, but easily satisfies exercise needs indoors
Trainability
Moderate to Challenging — intelligent but can be stubborn and possess a strong independent streak, requiring consistent, positive reinforcement
Description
The Morkie is a delightful designer crossbreed resulting from the pairing of a purebred Maltese and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. Combining the affectionate nature of the Maltese with the spirited spunk of the Yorkie, these little dogs possess huge personalities in tiny packages. They typically feature expressive dark eyes, cute button noses, and soft, silky coats that come in a lovely array of dark and silvery tones. Highly devoted to their human families, Morkies thrive on human companionship and make wonderful lapdogs for apartments and small living spaces.
Key Features
Compact toy size, expressive dark eyes, folded or semi-erect ears, a pronounced beard and mustache typical of terrier mixes, and a soft, hypoallergenic single coat
Coat Type
Single, soft, straight, and silky coat with very low shedding, making it relatively hypoallergenic
Coat Colors
Black, silver, gray, tan, white, brown, or a combination of these colors, often with a frosted or grizzled appearance as they age
Temperament
Affectionate, playful, confident, loyal, and energetic, though they can sometimes exhibit small dog syndrome or stubbornness if not properly socialized
Good with Children
Fair to Good — best suited for older, gentle children due to their tiny size and fragility
Good with Other Dogs
Good — generally gets along well with other dogs and household pets when properly socialized from an early age
Grooming Needs
High — requires daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, regular bathing, professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, and routine eye and ear cleaning
Exercise Requirements
Low to Moderate — short daily walks and indoor interactive games are plenty to keep this tiny companion happy and healthy
Health Considerations
Prone to dental issues, collapsing trachea, reverse sneezing, patellar luxation, and eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy or tear staining
Living Conditions
Exceptionly well-suited for apartment living, urban environments, and homes without large yards. They are indoor dogs that are sensitive to extreme cold and heat.
History & Origin
The Morkie is part of the designer dog boom that began in North America in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when breeders sought to combine the best traits of purebred dogs—specifically creating low-shedding companion animals with charming personalities. While not recognized by major traditional kennel clubs like the AKC, they are registered with various designer breed registries.
Interesting Facts
Morkies are sometimes called 'velcro dogs' because of their intense desire to stick close to their owners' sides. Despite their tiny size, they are remarkably brave and often act as though they are much larger guard dogs.
Similar Breeds
Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Maltese-Poodle mix (Maltipoo)