Morkie Vs. Yorkie- Which One Should You Choose?

Toy breeds are incredibly adorable, charming, and friendly, but choosing from a group of many can be challenging. If you love toy breeds, the ridiculously sweet Morkie and Yorkie are probably top of your mind. 

Which one is best for you? Morkies and Yorkies are similar in many ways and are toy breeds, but they come with distinct differences too. The Morkie is a cross breed of the Maltese and Yorkie, while the Yorkie, also known as the Yorkshire Terrier, is an individual breed.

Both dogs are great family dogs and would suit a variety of dynamics. But, like with other dogs, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each breed. That way, you can picture how it would blend with your lifestyle and match your needs generally. 

Morkie vs. Yorkie History

Morkies are hybrid dogs, also known as designer dogs. They are a result of breeding the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier, creating a small-sized, charming, and friendly dog. The Yorkie is an individual dog breed, bearing characteristics of most small and toy dogs. 

Here is a comparison of Morkies and Yorkies’ history 

Morkie History

The Morkie is a mix between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. Like other designer dogs, there is not much information on the dog’s history, even though the parents have existed for a long time. 

The Morkie came to be between the 1980s and 1990s and has since become one of the most popular toy designer dogs. The parents create a happy-go-lucky dog that can be as gentle as the Maltese or as feisty as the Yorkie. 

The Maltese were bred as lap companion dogs to the Roman Aristocracy, while the Yorkies were bred to hunt down rodents. These characteristics created a balance between a gentle dog and a tenacious one, the Morkie. 

Today, Morkies are a favorite of many, including renowned celebrities. There are many famous Morkies online, with some working as child therapy dogs. There may not be much on the history of the crossbreed, but it is evident that it is a valuable dog. 

Yorkies History

Yorkies date back to the Industrial Revolution in England when Scottish workers went to Yorkshire to work in coal mines. They brought a Clydesdale Terrier or a Paisley Terrier, a dog much larger than the Yorkshire we know today. 

The Clydesdale Terriers were crossed with other Terriers like the English Black, the Tan Toy, and the Skye Terrier. It is also believed that the Waterside Terrier contributed to the making of the Yorkshire Terrier. 

In 1861, a Yorkshire Terrier became a popular show dog, considered to be the father of the modern Yorkie. This followed a registration by the British Kennel Club in 1874. Later on, in 1898, the first Yorkshire Terrier club was formed in England. 

Morkie vs. Yorkie Appearance

These two toy breeds are similar in many ways in their appearance; however, there are a few distinct features to tell them apart. They are both fluffy and have curious eyes, but because the Morkie is a crossbreed, there are varying features from one to the other. 

On this note, there are differences in size, coat colors, and types. Here is a detailed description of the various features of these two dogs. 

Size

The Morkie is a small dog, weighing about 5 to 7 pounds and measuring as tall as 7 to 9 inches. The Yorkie is slightly smaller, weighing about 4 to 8 pounds and measuring as tall as 6 to 8 inches. 

The difference in size is not notable as the range is small. This is why it can be hard to tell them apart based on size. Again, they maintain the same weight and height even as they grow older and will have the puppy look all their lives. 

Coat Type and Colors

The Morkie comes with a long, soft, and smooth single-coated coat. The coat of the Morkie is non-shedding, but regular grooming is necessary. The Yorkie’s coat is long, silky, and straight and doesn’t have any hint of waves like the Morkies one. 

When it comes to coat colors, the Morkie comes in White, Tan, and Black. Depending on the parents’ colors, the colors may be solid or feature patterns of two or more colors. Yorkies come in a Blue or Tan coat, which gets lighter as they grow, turning gray before a year old. 

The significant difference in the coat is the style of the coat, with Morkies having a slightly wavy coat, whereas Yorkies have a relatively straight one. Both dogs have high coat maintenance needs, owing to the long coats prone to tangling, harboring dirt, and matting. 

The video below does a great job of capturing the Morkie:

Morkie vs. Yorkie Personality

You cannot pass the adorable, charming personality of these two dogs, one of the qualities that make them favorites for many. Generally, Morkies and Yorkies are loving, friendly, and bubbly. They are primarily gentle but can be a little aggressive if need be. 

These two toy dogs enjoy the company of their owners and will cuddle and play with you at any given chance. Since they are tiny, they make perfect lap dogs and will squeeze in for a cuddle and a rub. 

Morkies and Yorkies are both energetic dogs, small dogs with big personalities. They love playtime and roam around the yard feeding their curiosity. Since Yorkies were bred as hunters, both dogs will always be ready for a hunt. 

Morkies tend to get attached to one person that they are fond of, a trait that stands out with the Maltese parent. Yorkies, too, tend to pick a favorite person and hang around them all the time, not caring much about the other people. 

There are some differences, though. Morkies are more gentle than Yorkies, thanks to their calm Maltese parent. They are more of a lapdog and will enjoy hours of sleep than the playful, feisty Yorkie.

Morkies that take a significant percentage of their Yorkie parent can be pretty vocal like the Yorkie. They can be quick to alert you to unfamiliar sounds and sights. On this note, they can be cute little barkers, but you can train them to only bark when necessary. 

Generally, they are lovely to be around and easily blend in with new families. They are good companion dogs for individuals, families with kids and other pets, and seniors that need small, engaging dogs for company. 

Morkie vs. Yorkie Needs 

These two dogs are easy to care for and keep in healthy conditions, but like all dogs, they have basic needs that must be met to keep them in good shape. Below we discuss living needs, feeding, exercise, grooming, and training. 

Living Needs 

Thanks to their small stature, Morkies and Yorkies are great apartment dogs. They do not need a lot of space to play and be comfortable. They do not need a yard for exercise or playtime as long as there is adequate space indoors and plenty of toys to stimulate them mentally. 

They do well at home but may be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. They need constant attention, and as companion dogs, they are more comfortable with their human friends around. 

That said, they are only suitable for people that can give them the attention they need constantly. If that is too far of a stretch, then taking the dogs to a doggy daycare would be much better than leaving them alone at home. 

Both dogs can get along with children and other pets during playtime. However, due to their small size, they are best suited for homes with older kids that handle them gently. Additionally, they need supervision playing with bigger pets to prevent accidental injury. 

Feeding 

Both dogs need a nutritious diet to stay healthy and support growth. Since they are toy breeds, they do not need a lot of food, and overfeeding them can result in obesity. That said, it would be best to seek advice from your vet on the best food for either dog.

Generally, they need a diet that can support their high energy while supporting optimal health. The best bet would be dry food to prevent gum infections, bad breath, and plaque buildups, often associated with wet food. 

Exercise

These little lap dogs do not seem like they need exercise, but like other dogs, they need exercise to stay healthy. They are moderately energetic and need ways to expend their built-up energy and keep destructive behavior at bay. 

A short walk in the neighborhood, a few minutes of playtime in the backyard, and a session with interactive toys are enough exercises for these breeds. Yorkies are a little more energetic than the Morkies and might need a few more minutes a day for exercise. 

Grooming

Morkies and Yorkies have long hair that needs regular brushing to keep it neat and clean. Morkies’ coats are prone to tangling and matting since they have a slight wave. Therefore, they need brushing a few times a week and an occasional trim to keep the hair in order. 

The coats of both dogs are prone to collecting and harboring dirt, especially if the dogs play outside regularly. This can warrant weekly baths to eliminate dirt and keep the coat clean. While this is okay, overbathing your dog may dry out their skin and result in itchy and flaky skin. 

A bath once a month is enough, but if you need to bathe your dog more than once, consider using a moisturizing shampoo to retain the dog’s natural oils. Follow this with a moisturizing conditioner to detangle the hair after bathing and keep it soft and healthy. 

Like most small dogs, Morkies and Yorkies are prone to bad breath problems. They, therefore, need regular teeth brushing to not only get rid of the breath but also prevent tooth loss. 

Training

As adorable as they come, Morkies and Yorkies require early training to nurture good behavior. Unfortunately, both can be stubborn and spoilt, making it challenging to train. Their intelligence gets in their way, and they would rather challenge you than follow instructions. 

But on the other side of the coin, their intelligence comes in handy during training. They pick up on cues and commands quite quickly and master them. You just need to be patient with them and keep the training sessions short and as interactive as possible. 

Here’s a great video detailing all about the Yorkie:

Morkie vs. Yorkie Health Problems

These dogs are prone to conditions common among other toy and small dogs. Some of the conditions Morkies are prone to are: 

• Glaucoma
• Tracheal collapse
• Reverse sneezing
• Hypoglycemia
• Heart disease
• Patellar luxation 
• Post systemic shunt 

Yorkies are prone to: 

• Patellar Luxation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Portosystemic Shunt
• Hypoglycemia
• Collapsed Trachea 
• Reversed Sneezing 
• Ear infections 

They suffer from similar conditions, except that Yorkies are prone to Progressive Retinol Atrophy which is more rampant before the age of two years. But with regular checks, you can keep these at bay and keep your little fluffy friend healthy. 

Morkie vs. Yorkie Costs

Both dogs can be quite an investment, considering their high qualities. Morkies can cost between $450 and $2,500. On the other hand, Yorkies can cost between $1,500 and $3,000, like typical toy designer dogs. 

The price you pay for either depends on the dog’s availability, the breeder’s reputation, the location, further tests and health checks on the puppy, and the puppy’s generation. 

Final Thoughts

Morkie vs. Yorkie; which one should you bring home? Both furry dogs are worth taking home and make perfect family pets. They are similar in many ways, but a few distinct features can guide you on the one that meets your needs. 

They are toy dogs, so if you are looking for a small companion dog, these two make the cut. They are energetic and enjoy the company of their owners, kids, and other pets. However, they need supervision to prevent injuries during playtime. 

If you need a gentle, calmer toy dog, the Morke might be your best bet. But a Yorkie makes the best if you need a playful dog that is always up for games. The bottom line is you will enjoy having a Morkie or a Yorkie, regardless of the one you choose.