If you are looking for a great family dog, you might already be investigating the various designer breeds available these days. Many of them can make excellent pets, but what do owners have to say about the Morkie Poo? This adorable small-breed dog is stealing the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
Morkie Poos are a cross between a Maltese, a Yorkie, and a Poodle. They are relatively healthy dogs that are small in size and have a long lifespan. When socialized as puppies, they are great with kids and other pets. It makes sense that so many people want one of their own.
Before you decide on your next dog, here is the ultimate guide to what you can expect from a Morkie Poo.
What’s a Morkie Poo?
In the world of designer dog breeds, Morkie Poos are beginning to take the stage as friendly and irresistibly charming dogs. This breed is a cross between a Maltese, a Yorkie, and a Poodle. This gives them the compact size, beautiful fur, and intelligence of all three breeds combined. As a result, many people instantly fall in love with their tiny faces.
The Maltese has been around for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region as well as here stateside. They have a very robust immune system, making them less susceptible to certain health conditions. This is also where many Morkie Poos inherit their size.
On the other hand, both Yorkies and Poodles were bred to be sport dogs. Yorkshire Terriers (most often referred to as Yorkies) were originally bred to catch rats and other small rodents. They have a high prey drive and a need to be active.
Poodles, now known for being lap dogs, were initially bred to be water dogs. It is from these two breeds that a Morkie Poo inherits their loveable physical characteristics and their need to remain relatively active.
The intersection of the three breeds originated in the United States. They are often created by breeding a Morkie (Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier) to a Poodle. Other crosses are also possible, but this is the most common arrangement. This is still a relatively new breed. Even Morkies have only been around for twenty years or so.
Morkie Poo Size
This breed is known for being relatively small, so you shouldn’t be shocked if they stay small enough to tuck into your purse or a small dog carrier. Males tend to be larger than females, so keep that in mind if having a smaller dog is essential to you.
An adult Morkie Poo typically weighs between four and twelve pounds. Males are usually on the higher end, from six to twelve pounds. Meanwhile, females are more in the range of four to eight pounds.
Height is also an important consideration that varies based on gender. Males are generally taller at seven to ten inches, while females tend to be closer to six to eight inches.
Because you are crossing three different breeds, it can be hard to predict exactly what size your Morkie Poo will be. They could take primarily after any of the three breeds. However, all three are relatively small dogs, so the difference should be pretty minimal, and most dogs will end up near these average sizes.
Are They Hypoallergenic? Do They Shed A Lot?
The reason many people love designer dog breeds is that they are often hypoallergenic. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic because of the proteins in their saliva, certain breeds can indeed be better for those who suffer from allergies.
Fortunately, Morkie Poos fall into this category of mostly hypoallergenic breeds.
All three breeds that comprise this designer dog have hair that closely resembles that of a human. They are relatively non-shedding, which means that less dander and saliva will be present in the air of your home. As a result, they are great for allergy sufferers who want a canine companion but are worried about how their sinuses may react.
You can help minimize shedding that occurs around the house by brushing them regularly. Their fur can become easily tangled, so this is a great habit to get into regardless. By brushing loose hair out of their fur regularly and controlled, you can minimize your allergies even further.
What Do Morkie Poos Look Like? Available Colors?
Even though their coats are bound to be as close to hypoallergenic as possible, your Morkie Poo can have some variation in their coat. It depends on which genes they inherit what their fur will look like.
Both Maltese and Yorkies have long and silky coats, while Poodles have curlier hair. You might have a dog who inherits a long and smooth coat, a wavy coat, or a curly coat. You may have a dog who appears a bit frizzy and requires more grooming. However, each coat type still makes for a cute pup.
They also come in multiple colors, including:
- White
- Black
- Tan or brown
- White and tan
- Tri-color (black, brown, and white)
Temperament
Many people first fall in love with Morkie Poos due to their adorable appearance, but they stick with the breed because of their fantastic temperament. They are sweet and playful with their owners, often forming a solid attachment with one person. It isn’t uncommon to find a pup that follows its owner around all day long, seeking comfort and attention.
Even though your new canine might like cuddling with you on the couch, they can also be quite playful. Poodles and Yorkies are both relatively active breeds, so your Morkie Poo will also need to have a good bit of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
They make great family pets if they are properly socialized as puppies. If they are exposed to other dogs and pets as puppies, they are likely to get along with others. Keep in mind that they may have a high prey drive and chase instinct due to their Yorkie heritage. However, they are not necessarily aggressive about it and can be trained not to follow their intuition.
This breed is typically smart due to its Poodle heritage. You can likely train them quickly with basic obedience commands and housebreaking.
One of the downsides of having a small dog like the Morkie Poo is that they are unaware of their small stature. They are just as likely to challenge a dog much larger than they are as they are to challenge a dog their size. They are confident and brave, leading to skirmishes and injuries if they roughhouse with a dog twice their size at the dog park.
Lifespan and Health
All three of these small-breed dogs tend to have long lifespans. The Morkie Poo inherits these wonderful characteristics, and most live to be between ten and thirteen years old.
As a general rule, they tend to be very healthy dogs. However, every dog has the possibility of inheriting some conditions from its parents. Be sure to discuss the health of the parents with your breeder before purchasing your own Morkie Poo.
Because they are smaller dogs, they are a bit more prone to injury. They may not be great for families that have small children who are rough with the dog. Morkie Poos can sustain injury far easier than a bigger breed might.
Perhaps the most common issue faced with Morkie Poos is related to their eyes. Glaucoma and cataracts are both relatively common. These conditions can be painful and uncomfortable for your dog and often lead to blindness. You should seek treatment with a veterinary ophthalmologist if you suspect your dog could be developing either of these issues. Treatment or surgery can help alleviate the issues and side effects.
Tracheal collapse is also relatively common in this breed. My own Cavachon, Kirby, also suffers from this condition. You will know if they have this issue when they start to cough, gag, gasp, and have other symptoms of respiratory discomfort.
Other health problems that may present themselves in your Morkie Poo include:
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin and dental issues
- Heart problems including murmurs or defects
Feeding and Diet
Unfortunately, it can be very easy to encounter a Morkie Poo who is overweight. They will eat almost anything you put in front of them, even if they are already full. You must carefully and constantly monitor their diet to ensure that they do not gain too much. Being overweight can lead to an exaggeration of some health problems such as issues like diabetes, hypoglycemia, and patellar luxation.
First, make sure that you are feeding a kibble that is the appropriate size for a small dog. Pieces that are too large can lead to choking.
Second, you should look for a food that has minimal artificial ingredients and is low in carbohydrates. You may look for formulas created explicitly for their stages of life, such as a puppy kibble or a senior dog chow.
As for how much you should feed, it depends on the serving size of the food you purchase. Be sure to check the bag to see how much they recommend as a serving size for a small-breed dog like the Morkie Poo.
Cleaning and Grooming
If you are looking for a low-maintenance dog, the Morkie Poo may not be for you. You will need to keep up with their grooming to maximize their health and keep them looking their best. Most owners find that they have to brush their dogs daily or every other day to get rid of the tangles that can accompany the silky coats of many Morkie Poos.
It is also important to clean around their eyes. Keeping this area clean is an absolute must because they can be prone to eye infections and other problems. To keep up with it, it is best to do this daily. All you need to do is wash around the area with some warm water and a washcloth. Alternatively, you can use these eyewash pads from Amazon. You should never wipe the eye itself.
Like all dogs, they need their nails trimmed every two to four weeks. Walking them on the pavement a couple of times each week will help keep the nails ground down and minimize the frequency you have to clip them.
Many Morkie Poo owners invest in regular dog grooming every couple of months. This allows them to get a good bath every four to six weeks. They also need a quick trim to keep their hair from falling into their eyes and causing irritation to this area.
They also need to have their ears cleaned at least monthly with a veterinarian-approved solution. Teeth should also be brushed using a special toothpaste developed specifically for dogs (like this one from Amazon). This should be done a few times each week to prevent plaque buildup and dental issues.
How Much Exercise Do They Need?
Morkie Poos need a moderate amount of exercise each day. They should receive a daily walk or be engaged in a rousing game of fetch. Even a few rigorous games of tug can suffice for their daily activity. A lot of dogs will wear themselves out by following you from room to room throughout the day. However, you should always have time set aside to give them the best exercise.
Remember that a dog who does not receive an adequate amount of exercise will find a use for that extra energy. They might dig, bark, and chew on items they find lying around the house. A tired dog is a happy dog!
Do Morkie Poos Bark a Lot?
Unfortunately, one of the most significant problems found in Morkie Poos is their nuisance barking. All three of the parent dogs are known for being more on the vocal side of things. They are genuinely “yappy” dogs through and through. With the proper training, you can often work on this behavior to minimize it as much as possible.
Keep in mind that exercise will also help with nuisance barking. A tired dog is less likely to get excitable and have the desire to bark naturally.
How Much Do Morkie Poos Cost in 2023?
Be prepared to make a substantial financial investment in your new furry friend. Like many designer dog breeds, the Morkie Poo can be pretty expensive, depending on the breeder and the part of the country you live in.
At the low end, you can expect to pay at least $800 for your new Morkie Poo.
If the breeder has a lot of experience or you want a specific color, you may face prices that reach into the thousands. Most will cost less than $3,000, with the average being somewhere around $2,000.
Are They Good Family Dogs?
If you are looking for a sweet pup to interact with every member of your family, you need to look no further than the Morkie Poo. They typically adore their owners and want nothing more than to spend some quality time with you. Because they are relatively active breeds, they also will be more than happy to play with your kids.
Remember that kids can sometimes play too rough with these small dogs, causing them to sustain injuries. Always be mindful of watching the interactions between your children and your Morkie Poo.
They can be equally great with other dogs and cats if they are adequately socialized as puppies. It can be challenging to train your puppy to interact well with others at a later age. Be sure to take things slow, introducing them to other animals with everyone on leashes at first. As they get more comfortable, you can drop the leashes and eventually take them off altogether. If things seem to be tense or problematic, separate the animals for a while and try again later.
Are They Easy to Potty Train?
One of the benefits of Morkie Poos is that they are very intelligent dogs, thanks to their Poodle parents. They learn quickly but can sometimes be stubborn. As a result, this can lead to some problems with housebreaking and potty training.
You must be very diligent about keeping an eye on your Morkie Poo. They need frequent bathroom breaks as their bladders are very small, and puppies cannot hold it for too many hours on end. Depending on their age, you should plan to take them to the same yard area every couple of hours. They should also be allowed outside after naps and meals. If you feel they are getting too excited, that is also an excellent time to take them out.
As with all dogs, crate training makes it more likely that your Morkie Poo will learn to use the bathroom only when they are supposed to. Dogs are den creatures and value cleanliness in their spaces. They are less likely to use the bathroom in an appropriately sized crate.
Bringing Your Morkie Poo Home
Now that you know all about the breed, you are probably convinced that it’s time to bring this incredible dog breed home. They make excellent family dogs and companions for anyone who has some love to spare. Contact a reputable breeder in your area to see about finding one of these highly sought-after dogs!
Sources
https://www.nylabone.com/dog101/maltese
https://www.animalerc.com/signs-of-pet-glaucoma-cataracts/
https://www.pedigree.com/getting-a-new-dog/getting-an-adult-dog/cleaning-your-dog-s-face-and-eyes
