Small, naughty, and energetic, the Morkie Poo inherited its best traits from its parents. The designer dog is popularly called Morkie, but some people also refer to them as the Morkshire Terrier. Morkies fare well in tiny and single-person homes. If you live in an apartment and you’re looking to get a puppy, the Morkie might be right for you. However, you must be ready for lots of snuggling as Morkies are attention-seeking dogs. If you are interested in the Morkie Poodle mix, here’s all there is to know about them.
The Morkie Poodle breed, also known as the Morkie Poo, has a sweet and loveable nature. They are offspring of the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and Poodle. Their inherent energy and dynamic nature are no surprise, given that their parents possess those qualities. Morkie Poos have a relatively small size compared to other designer dogs. These dogs are easy to take on friendly visits and vacations, thanks to their small stature. They tend to shy away from unfamiliar faces initially, but they quickly warm up to them and get along smoothly with time. Morkie Poos enjoys snuggling their humans. They make excellent companions to their families. Expect a lot of snuggling even when you don’t initiate it.
Morkie Poo: What Makes This Tri-Breed an Ideal Family Dog?
History
Breeders of designer dogs started crossing the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese during the late 1990s. Although the Morkie Poo existed naturally for years during that period in North America, they had to start breeding them intentionally. The goal was to produce dogs that are affectionate, friendly, and low-shedding. With the increase in the demand for Morkies, breeders have continued to produce these adorable designer dogs.
Morkie Poo – Breed Guide & Answers to Common Questions
Unfortunately, some Morkie Poos have ended up in rescue homes and shelters, even with their designer dog status. If you feel this breed is a good fit for you, ensure to adopt one from a trusted breeder. It would help to check local shelters and search for Morkie rescues. You can also check with breed-specific Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese rescues. Sometimes, they take in designer dogs and find the best forever home for them.
Personality
Too many owners and lovers of the breed, Morkie Poos, are loving “fluffballs” that have a deep affection for their owners. These dogs love to socialize with humans and other dogs. They have a personality that is bigger than their stature. That’s no surprise, given how highly energetic Morkies are. They can be stubborn, which is a trait inherited from their Terrier parent. Therefore, while training them, you must be patient and persistent. The process can be challenging because of their stubbornness, but with time, they learn.
Morkies make excellent watchdogs. They never hesitate to let you know once they notice that something has gone wrong. If you need a dog that informs you once someone walks into your front door, the Morkie is a perfect choice. They are very affectionate and will likely stick around one of your family members the most. However, Morkies can also get along with other people in your home. But, they are most suitable for small families or a one-person home because of their high demands for attention.
Size
The Morkie Poodle has not been around for so long. As a result, there are only a few standards in terms of size. But, judging from their Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese parents, which are small breeds, the Morkie is expected to be small as well. Most Morkies grow to become as tall as four to eight inches and weigh about seven to thirteen pounds. However, their size varies slightly as some may be smaller or larger.
Coat Color and Grooming
Usually, the Morkie Poodle’s coat color mixes that of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese. Therefore, they can differ in color, ranging from white to black, or a mix of both colors. However, a Morkie Poo’s coat can change in color with time. Therefore, they require proper grooming to help maintain their hair. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese both have hair and not fur.
These dogs are, however, non-shedding breeds. Therefore, Morkies require frequent brushing to avoid matting of the knots or hair. If you or any of your family members suffer from allergies, a Morkie might be the perfect choice for a family dog. Nonetheless, it would be best to keep in mind that these dogs are not hypoallergenic.
Let’s quickly look at the different colors of Morkie Poos available out there:
Brown Morkie Poodle: These designer dogs can also come in brown coats. It’s another standard color of the hybrid. Their coats can be colored in several shades of brown and are beautiful.
Black Morkie Poodle: If the parents of your Morkie are black, there’s a high chance that they will be black too. The silky black color matches Morkie’s beautiful eyes.
White Morkie Poodle: We all love that regal look that comes with a white dog. This color is among the most popular Morkie Poo colors you will ever come across. White Morkies have a vulnerable and adorable appearance.
White and Tan Morkie Poodle: The white and tan Morkie Poo is beautiful and one of the most popular varieties of this breed. It has a beautiful two-colored coat, which makes it look soft but edgy.
Tan Morkie Poodle: Tan Morkie Poos are adorable because they look like teddy bears. This color makes the mixed-breed look gentle and fluffy. They are the type of dogs you would want to snuggle with while watching a movie.
Tri-Color Morkie Poodle: Another standard variety of this breed is the tri-color Morkie Poo. They are often a mix of white, brown, and black. These dogs may not be as soft as their single-colored counterparts, but they are very endearing and loveable.
Health
Morkie Poos are susceptible to some of the health conditions that the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese encounter. Generally, most of these dogs are healthy. But some encounter specific health issues. Therefore, it would be best to make sure that Morkie gets frequent veterinary checkups to help maintain good health. The Morkie Poodle can live up to ten to thirteen years. Their lifespan is similar to that of their parents. The Maltese have a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years; the Yorkshire can live up to thirteen to sixteen years, while for the Poodle, it is twelve to fifteen years. When you bring a Morkie Poo into your home, you are committing to a decade of caring for the breed.
Here are some common health issues to which Morkies may be susceptible:
Collapsed trachea
Reverse sneezing
Dental disease
Hernias
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Hyperglycemia
Feeding
The Morkie Poo requires a diet specially formulated for a highly energetic toy to small dog breeds. However, it’s advisable that you stick to a regular feeding routine as this breed can quickly gain weight if you overfeed them. So don’t leave their food lying around all day in your home. You should also restrict the number of treats you give him.
In the canine world, dietary requirements change as dogs grow from puppyhood to adulthood. When they transition into their senior years, they are nutritional needs also change. Always consult your vet for recommendations on how best to feed your Morkie. You should know that there are variations among individual dogs. They may include energy, weight, and health. Your veterinarian can help you make specific recommendations for your dog.
Care
Morkies require frequent veterinary checkups just like every other dog. It’s ideal for detecting health problems early and preventing further deterioration. Veterinary professionals will help you build a care routine capable of maintaining your dog’s health. In addition, since Morkies have high energy levels and tend to be stubborn, it would help keep their behavior in check. An excellent way to do this is by ensuring that your dog gets at least a 30-minute walk every day. That way, you will be able to prevent bored and destructive behavior.
Make sure you include short walks and active play sessions in your dog’s daily exercise routine. They have a small size, which means that they only require a few amounts of exercise. However, beware not to overwork them as this can injure them. It’s important to check your Morkie’s ears every day for pests and debris and clean them up according to your vet’s instructions. Next, ensure that you trim their nails regularly. Please don’t allow them to get too long. It’s ideal for cutting their nails once or twice every month.
Finally, your Morkie’s should not click loudly against the floor when he’s walking. One important thing to consider when caring for your Morkie is that they can be very fragile. The dog is very energetic and playful, but you must handle him gently. It’s better to use a harness and not a collar when going on a walk with your dog. It will help you prevent trachea collapse and ensures that other people handle your Morkie carefully. In addition, small breeds are susceptible to dental problems, so you used to brush your Morkie’s teeth every day. You can consult your veterinarian for instructions on how best to brush your dog’s teeth.
Is the Morkie Poo Good with Children and Other Pets?
Morkie Poodles are small-sized dogs that make them vulnerable to injuries when they are around overly excited kids. They are better off in the hands of older children or adults who can play gently. They can be great companions to kids who have learned how to play with and handle tiny dogs properly. But, rough kids are better with breeds that can handle their lifestyle. Morkies have no trouble getting along with other animals as long as you introduce them calmly and slowly to those animals.
The best method of achieving that is early socialization. Therefore, it would be best to get familiar with having other pets around at an early day. However, you consider that this breed is demanding in terms of human attention. They fare well in small families where they are the only dog in the house. But, many Morkie Poodles get along with other pets in the house. It’s all about socialization, training, and luck.
Training
One of the things that people love most about Morkie Poos is their smarts.
Poodles are one of the smartest dogs in the world. So being half Poodle makes Morkie Poos really smart. This means that they can learn most tricks and commands right away.
With consistent training your pup will soon be house-trained! Just make sure to use positive reinforcement dog training. Give them a treat every time they do something right and never scold them if they do something wrong. You want their respect, not fear.
Unfortunately they can be a bit stubborn and often they just don’t want to listen. This is a trait they get from the Yorkie. Because of this you should always keep training sessions fun and interesting.
Morkie Poo Characteristics
Parents: Morkie and Poodle
Size: 6 to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 12 pounds
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Colors: Apricot, black, cream, tan, white and bi-color
Coat: Silky, curly or wavy
Feeding: 1/4 cup of kibble four times a day
Temperament: Playful, loving and full of joy
Family Friendly: Yes
Training: Keep training sessions fun and interesting
Walking: 30 minutes a day
Grooming: Daily brushing
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years on average
Health: Patella luxation, dental diseases, hypoglycemia, glaucoma and heart issues
Price: $1,000 and $1,750
Getting A Morkie Poo Puppy
Morkie Poo puppies are not as common as the Morkie or Maltipoo.
You will not find breeders or puppies registered with the American Kennel Club or on their marketplace as they are a mixed breed.
They are not even registered in any mixed breed or designer kennel clubs yet.
You can find reputable Morkie Poo breeders it will just take lots of time and research. Most breeders will probably also sell Morkie puppies.
It is really important when you are searching for your pup that you do not get it from a puppy mill or backyard breeder. These kinds of breeders sell their puppies at a cheaper price but aren’t really concerned with selling a healthy dog.
A reputable breeder will get the parents tested and can show you their medical history so you know that the puppy will be healthy. If not, your Morkie Poo could inherit diseases like glaucoma and aortic stenosis.
When you are looking into a breeder they should allow you to see the mother and puppies.
Make sure to ask them all about the parents and their medical records. A healthy pup after eight weeks should be excited to see you as they quickly warm up to people and love attention. If you see a puppy that doesn’t want to get into your arms, there might be a health problem or behavioral issue.
A Morkie Poo puppy from a reputable breeder will cost between $1,000 and $1,750. They cost just about the same as a Morkie, but are cheaper than a Maltipoo which can run up to $2,500.
Final Thoughts
Morkies are small-sized mixed breed dogs bred by crossing the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs can be a great companion to people who have allergy concerns. But, you should know that while they don’t shed much, they are not hypoallergenic. In addition, the Morkie Poo comes in many different colors of coat. Finally, they have an endearing personality, so it’s easy to fall in love with them. We’ve provided you with vital information to help you decide if the Morkie is right for you. Use it well.
