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Morkie Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Morkie so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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Morkie dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the Morkie have?
Morkshire Terrier
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed

Morkie Size and Weight

Size
Is a Morkie small, medium or large dog?

How big do Morkie get?

What is the average size of a Morkie?

Small
Weight
How much does the Morkie weigh? How much should a Morkie weight? What is the normal weight of a Morkie? How much does a full-grown Morkie weight?
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Morkie?
10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Morkie? Morkie height:
5-9 inches (13-23 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Morkie?
7 inches (18 cm)

Morkie Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Morkie puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Morkie in the United States? How much money is a Morkie?

Where to buy a Morkie with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Morkie, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Morkie for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Morkie gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Morkie? How many Morkie are there in the world?
Average: The Morkie is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Morkie Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Morkie? Is the Morkie breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Morkie dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Morkie is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Morkie dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Morkie?
Morkie dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Morkie good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Morkie dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Morkie dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Morkie dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Morkie Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Morkie have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulFunnyEnergeticLovable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Morkie sensitivity:
Morkie dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Morkie a good family dog?
Average to High: Morkie dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Morkshire Terrier need? Morkie social needs:
Morkie dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Morkie to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Morkie roam?
Morkie dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Morkie have high prey drive?
Morkie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Morkie Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Morkie is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Morkie dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Morkshire Terrier bark?
A lot: Morkie is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Morkie good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Morkie in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Morkie indoors.

Morkie Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Morkie dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Morkie be left alone? How long can you leave a Morkie alone?
Morkie dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Morkie Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Morkie has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Morkie? How much bite force does a Morkie have? How strong is a Morkie bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Morkie bite force: Weak. The Morkie bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Morkie measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Morkie may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Morkie being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Morkie bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Morkie puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Morkie can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Morkie bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Morkshire Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Morkie? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Morkie has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Morkie do?
Morkie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Morkie dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Morkie Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Morkie dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Morkies are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Morkie breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Morkie breed? Most common health risks of Morkie:
Collapsed TracheaDental ProblemsHerniaReverse SneezingGlaucoma
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Morkie breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Morkie see the vet?
Rare
The Morkie should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Morkie dogs live? How old can a Morkie be? What is the age limit of the Morkie? How many years can the oldest Morkie live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Morkie?

How long is the lifespan of a Morkie?

10-14 years
The average lifespan of Morkie: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Morkie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Morkie Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Morkie have? What is the activity level of the Morkie?
Morkie dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Morkie need? How much exercise do Morkie dogs require per day?

Do Morkie dogs need a lot of exercises?

Morkie dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Morkie breed need?
Morkie dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Morkie Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Morkie need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Morkie breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Morkie? How much food should I feed my Morkie?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Morkie risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Morkie's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Morkie weight regularly.

Morkie Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Morkie have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FluffySoftLuxurious Long
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Morkie coats?
Black White BrownCombination of the listed colors.
Grooming
How to groom the Morkie and how often? How often should I take my Morkie to the groomer?
Average: The Morkie requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Morkie, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Morkie dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Morkshire Terrier? Do Morkie dogs shed a lot?
Morkie dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Morkie dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Morkie need a bath? How often should you give a Morkie a bath? Can I bathe my Morkie every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Morkie breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Morkie dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Morkie has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Morkie drool?
The Morkie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Morkie could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Morkie.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Morkie Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Morkie dogs get along with other pets? Are Morkie dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Morkie dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Morkie temperament with other people:
Morkie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Morkie dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Morkie temperament with children:
Morkie dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Morkie dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Morkie breed live with a cat?
Morkie dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Morkie good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Morkie dogs get along with other dogs?
Morkie dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Morkie is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Morkie breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Morkie breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Morkie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Morkie dogs good office canines? Do Morkie dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
Yes
Morkie is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Morkie dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Morkshire Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Morkie dogs good for elderly owners?
Morkies are commonly okay with elderly people.

Morkie As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Morkie be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Morkie is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Morkie be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Morkie be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Morkie is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Morkie be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Morkie is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Morkie be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Morkie is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Morkie be a boat dog?

Not really

Morkie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Morkie be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Morkie is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Morkie dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Morkie Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Morkie pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Morkie breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Morkie: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Morkie have in a litter? How many puppies can the Morkie breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Morkie have? How many puppies can a Morkie give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Morkie Recognition

AKC Group
Is Morkie recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Morkie recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Morkie breed?
Not recognized by any clubs.

Morkie Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Morkie dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Morkie dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Morkies are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Hypoallergenic: Morkie dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Shedding Level: Morkie dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Morkie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Morkie has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Morkie dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Office Friendly: Morkie is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
  • Good For First Time Owners: Morkie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Morkie's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Morkie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Morkie dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Morkie dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Morkie dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.

Morkie History

The Morkie, also called the Morkshire Terrier, is a toy-sized hybrid dog breed, that was created in North America, possibly around the early 21st century. The tendency of creating new hybrid breeds started towards the middle of the 20th century, in North America and in Canada, with cross-breeding purebred dogs with each other, in order to create new, designer breeds. These hybrid dogs instantly became popular and sought after, for the reason that they often inherited the best and most desirable qualities and traits of the parent breeds, so they suited better to their owner’s needs. Unfortunately, this popularity does not mean, that we are certain about every detail of these hybrid breed’s ancestry, and the intention which led the breeder to develop these dogs.

The Morkie is a result of cross-breeding the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier with each other. Previously, breeders have also created the Maltipoo, which was an instant success, thus they knew that there is more demand and a big market for Maltese hybrids. However, unlike many other designers breeds the Morkie does not contain any Poodle DNA. Breeders wanted to develop a new dog breed that is affectionate, friendly, playful, and toy-sized like the Yorkshire Terrier, but which also has a low-shedding type of coat, which can be appealing to owners who suffer from allergies. The result was that most of the Morkie specimens have the sweetness and fluff of the Maltese and the coloring and verve of the Yorkshire Terrier.

The Morkie became more popular around the United Kingdom and in Ireland over the last decades, and this hybrid breed is really well-known around other regions of the world. Even though that both of the Morkie’s parent breeds have long and detailed histories, verified breed standards, and multiple kennel club recognitions, resembling most of the hybrid breeds, the Morkie is not recognized, nor registered with any of the major kennel clubs and organizations. Nevertheless, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, Inc., and the International Designer Canine Registry does register this new breed. Breeders are not working on stabilizing and homogenizing the Morkie, firstly in order to be able to write up a breed standard, and later to have the Morkie accepted as a distinct breed.

All in all, the Morkie is a toy-sized, energetic companion who is loved by families, mostly in Europe. The dogs are thought to be excellent alarming dogs, for the reason that they are very vocal about unfamiliar people and situations. Morkies have been seen out and about with many celebrities including Steven Tyler and even with Miley Cyrus.

Rate The Morkie Breed

Morkie Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • danil

    Nov 1, 2020, 3:29:10 PM:

    they are the most loyal.