Morkie Poo: The Yorkie, Maltese, Poodle Mix
What is small, fluffy, and combines three different dog breeds into one? A Morkie Poo, of course! Learn everything you want to know about Morkies including the cost for a puppy, their health issues, and temperament!
Being a combination of not just two, but three breeds propels the Morkie Poo into a designer dog league all its own. With genes from the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Miniature or Toy Poodle, this hybrid pup is a loveable addition to any family.
Today on Doggie HQ, let’s learn all about the Morkie Poo.
What Is a Morkie Poo?
As mentioned, a Morkie Poo is the result of crossbreeding three different dogs. First, you have the spunky Yorkshire Terrier. Next up is the affectionate Maltese. Thirdly, we add in some DNA from either a Miniature or Toy Poodle…and voila!
The result is a truly “tri-breed” dog.
Due to their heritage, it’s no wonder why Morkie Poos are so popular. They make wonderful pets, largely thanks to the sweet dispositions of their parents and grandparents. Historically, it’s believed that the Maltese breed came from the Mediterranean Basin, where they were kept as companion animals. Similarly, Yorkies traded their mice and rat hunting jobs for lap dog duties during the Victorian era. The Toy and Miniature Poodles are the same. Once proud hunting dogs, the Standard Poodle was bred down over generations to create a smaller, friendlier, more people-oriented dog.
Mix all three, and you get a Morkie Poo!
The Appearance of the Morkie Doodle
Being a tri-breed, predicting what a Morkie Doodle will look like is always a bit of a gamble. That’s because there is no way to guarantee how a puppy’s genetics are expressed. That being said, you can generally assume to see the following physical traits in your Morkie Poo.
Just so you know, the term doodle applies to breeds mixed with poodles.
Let’s start with size.
Owners often wonder, “How big will my Morkie Doodle be when full-grown?” The answer depends on gender. Females weigh between 4–8 lbs and will be 6–8 inches tall.
Males are slightly larger. Expect your fluffy boy to weigh in at 6–12 lbs and be 7–10 inches tall. Being on the lower end of the size spectrum, these hybrids are classified as small breed dogs. Their light weight makes them easy to pick up and carry–a definite plus for pet parents living in cities, apartments, and condos.
In terms of appearance, Morkie Doodles can be described in one word: adorable.
They will almost always have dark brown eyes. These are hidden behind scruffy eyebrows. Most dogs of this breed have tightly curled fur, though occasionally you will see a Morkie Poo with a silky coat more reminiscent of a Yorkshire Terrier. They are also know to have long hair.
Ears are short and floppy. If left natural, the tail is tight, thick, and curves upward.
Overall, these shaggy little dogs look a lot like Ewoks from Star Wars! They are fuzzy teddy bears wrapped up in a canine body.
Colors of a Morkie Poo
Additionally, Morkie Poos come in a wide range of colors. Warm and earthy hues are most likely.
Why?
It all has to do with their genetics. Since a purebred Maltese will be white, when they are crossbred with a Yorkshire Terrier or Toy Poodle (who are often darker shades of black, blue, gold, tan, and brown) the final outcome is usually a chocolatey to creamy coat.
In a litter of Morkie Poo puppies, expect to see any of the following colors:
- Tri-Color: Just as it sounds, fur will be black, brown, and white.
- Brown: This is a frequent color. However, browns can be anything from a light cocoa to a more rich and reddish sienna.
- White: White is very in demand. It’s a tad more difficult to find, and when it does occur, these dogs bear a strong resemblance to the Maltese.
- Black: The darker the Morkie Poo, the more its physical appearance takes after the Poodle and Yorkie. If a Poodle parent or grandparent was black, the probability of getting a black puppy is higher.
- Tan: Not quite white but not quite brown, tan Morkie Doodles are beautiful indeed. This color is softer and emphasizes that classic “teddy bear” look.
Personality and Temperament of the Maltese, Poodle, Terrier Mix
If you dream of a sweet natured family dog with lots of energy, the Morkie Poo could be a “paw-some” choice.
Let’s begin by talking about intelligence. Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds. They are highly intelligent. Those big brains and smart IQ gets passed on to the Morkie Doodle, making them easy to train.
Furthermore, since both the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese are lapdogs, their offspring adore human company. Nothing pleases a Morkie Poo more than snuggling up in bed together. In fact, they will follow you everywhere! They crave attention. For this reason, be careful to enroll your dog in puppy school ASAP. This hybrid breed is prone to separation anxiety, so training is a must.
But other than that, there really aren’t many downsides to Morkie Poo temperament. They can be a tad stubborn and easily become lonely. Overall, however, they make delightful pets for adults, families with children, and seniors who can handle their bouncy energy.
Morkie Poo Lifespan
Because these dogs have so much love to give, it’s natural to want as much time as possible with them in our lives.
And good news! Trending Breeds puts the life expectancy of a Morkie Poo at 10 – 15 years.
What Health Problems Do Morkies Have?
Being a long-lived breed, it’s important to provide topnotch care for your Morki Poo. High-quality food, adequate exercise (at least 45 minutes of walks/playtime), and regular vet checkups will go a long way towards preventing serious health issues from developing.
Dental care is always a concern, as it is one of the most neglected areas of all breeds. Though it may sound crazy to brush their teeth, they can get periodontal disease just like humans! If you can’t manage doing that on a daily basis, here are 9 ways to clean a dog’s teeth without brushing.
Of course, all dogs come with potential health conditions. This includes Morkies.
The biggest red flag to watch for has to do with the eyes. Pressure and fluid buildup can lead to glaucoma. If untreated, your Morkie Doodle may need medications or surgery to avoid going blind. Cataracts are also frequently found in this breed.
Pupvine shares that Morki Poos are particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia. AKA, low blood sugar.
Lastly, being so small, Morki Poos can easily be injured. For example, getting knocked over by a larger dog can damage their muscles and bones. Be very careful around a Morki Poo.
Diet and Grooming
When feeding a Morki Poo, you might be surprised by how much they eat.
Always opt for a high-quality food with minimal carbohydrate fillers, like corn. Dry kibble with low quality ingredients can lead to health problems down the road. Plus, they are hard on a dog’s digestive tract. Morkie Poos thrive on food with high meat and veggie, and low grain content. The Morkie Guide has a great list of suggested brands.
For grooming, Morkie Poos should be brushed daily. Remove any tangles and knots. Bubbly Pet recommends a bath every 15 – 30 days. Don’t forget to brush their teeth and trim nails, too.
Are Morkies Hypoallergenic?
Yes! While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, this breed is one of the best. The Maltese, Poodle, and Yorkie breeds are all hypoallergenic. So this is great news for those with allergies or who really want a low shedding dog.
How Much Does a Morkie Poo Cost?
Have you fallen totally in love with Morkie Poos?
We can’t blame you!
Before jumping in the car and zooming off to the nearest breeder, hold on a second. Have you thought about how much a Morkie Poo will cost? According to TinyWoofs, a puppy will fall between $850 – $3,700…not including veterinarian bills!
Why the heavy price tag? Well, remember how much planning goes into the breeding of these dogs. It’s not just one or two breeds, but three.
So, be prepared.
Morkie Breeders and Puppies
Here are a few breeders we found that have Morkie Poos and Yorktese. Remember to check back often if you don’t see litters available. Sometimes breeders will allow you to put your name on a waiting list to be next in line!
- Lancaster Puppies
- Greenfield Puppies
- Princess Puppies
- Premier Pups – This breeder has many different designer puppies, so not just Morkies!
- Yorkie and Morkie Boutique
Other Morkie Mix FAQs
All dogs shed a little. However, Morkies are minimal shedders. Daily brushing will keep hair and dander down.
Yes…if done correctly! Being part Poodle, a Morkie is smart. Owners who teach their Morkie puppy where to go potty and adhere to a strict bathroom break schedule will have no problems housebreaking their dog.
Well, that depends upon a person’s definition of high maintenance. Compared to the exercise needs of a German Shepherd, Morkies take far less time and energy to tucker out. Yet they do require lots of attention. A Morkie Poo hates being ignored. In this regard, they are higher maintenance when it comes to affection.
Also, if their coat takes after a Yorkshire Terrier, then yes. Yorkies make the list of 10 Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds, thanks to their long silky fur that needs daily brushing.
These pocket-sized pups reach full size around their first birthday. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the dog, the sooner it will become full grown.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has answered all your questions about Morkie Poos. This is a charming small hybrid breed filled with love and boundless energy. They are truly unique. With the intelligence and non-shedding qualities of a Poodle, plus the spunky attitude of the Yorkshire Terrier and friendly temperament of the Maltese, it’s hard to pass up on a Morkie Poo.
Why have one dog breed, when you can have the best of three?
