Morkie
The Morkie fuses two silky-coated toy legends (Maltese and Yorkie) into a feather-light companion with flowing hair and a heart several sizes too big for its body.
Last reviewed: October 2026
AI illustration Overview
The Morkie fuses two silky-coated toy legends (Maltese and Yorkie) into a feather-light companion with flowing hair and a heart several sizes too big for its body. Devoted to the point of shadowing, it's a true purse-sized pet for gentle, attentive homes.
A designer cross: the Morkie is a Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier mix, not a standardised breed - individuals vary more than purebreds, in coat, size and temperament alike. No study has measured how long this cross lives; for the parent breeds the AKC lists 12-15 years (Maltese) and 11-15 years (Yorkshire Terrier).
History & Origins
A 2000s American toy-cross riding both parents' centuries of lap-dog pedigree; among the smallest widely available crosses.
The two parents may already be related. The AKC's history of the Yorkshire Terrier, a breed developed in mid-1800s Yorkshire and Lancashire from Scottish terriers, notes that one historical source suggests Maltese blood was added. The AKC links the Maltese itself with the island of Malta, where the Phoenicians probably brought it.
Appearance
Often just 2-4 kg with long silky hair in black-and-tan, silver, or cream-white blends; frequently wears a topknot to keep hair from bright little eyes. Typical size: Toy, 2-4 kg. Coat: Long silky, very low-shed.
These are among the smallest parents of any cross. The Royal Kennel Club (UK) standard sets the Yorkshire Terrier's weight at up to 3.2 kg and the Maltese's height at no more than 25 cm, and both coats are long, straight and silky; the Maltese standard adds "without woolly undercoat". With two silky-coated parents, the cross has no curly coat to inherit.
Temperament & Character
Affectionate, lively and fearless beyond sense - Morkies will announce Great Danes. Bond intensely, sometimes to one person, and take loneliness hard.
Care
Indoor play covers most exercise; silky coat needs daily gentle brushing (or a puppy clip for ease), dental care is critical, and they should be treated as fragile - supervised around stairs, sofas and toddlers.
Health & Lifespan
How long Morkies live has not been measured; the overview gives the parent breeds' AKC numbers.
Both parents have patella evaluation on their recommended test lists, as the AKC gives them: the Maltese club adds a cardiac exam and a serum bile acid test for congenital liver problems such as liver shunt, and the Yorkshire Terrier club an eye evaluation. The AKC also mentions encephalitis (GME) in Maltese, with no screening test available, and says a Yorkie's jumping height should be limited, especially as a puppy. UK primary-care records from 2019 show raised odds of acute diarrhoea in both parents compared with crossbred dogs (Maltese 2.17, Yorkshire Terrier 1.51).
PetMD's Morkie page lists patellar luxation, periodontal disease, portosystemic shunts, patent ductus arteriosus and tracheal collapse. We found no study of the Morkie itself. This summarises sources and is not veterinary advice; for a particular dog, ask your vet.
Feeding & Nutrition
Tiny measured meals, frequent in puppyhood (hypoglycemia caution); quality toy-breed food.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultra-portable devotion
- Beautiful silky coat
- Very low shedding
Cons
- Fragile: injuries from sofas are real
- Yappy if bored or spoiled
- Separation anxiety-prone
- Dental issues near-universal without care
Best Suited For
- Adults and seniors
- Gentle quiet households
- Frequent travellers with dog-friendly plans
- Experienced toy-dog keepers
Sources
- AKC, Yorkshire Terrier: history, health and recommended tests: akc.org
- AKC, Maltese: history, health and recommended tests: akc.org
- Royal Kennel Club, Yorkshire Terrier breed standard: weight and coat: royalkennelclub.com
- Royal Kennel Club, Maltese breed standard: size and coat: royalkennelclub.com
- O'Neill et al., PLOS ONE 2025: acute diarrhoea in UK dogs: doi.org
- PetMD, Morkie: health issues: petmd.com
Sources opened and checked on 16 October 2026.
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Morkie puppy growth chart
A typical growth curve for a toy breed like the Morkie, estimated from its adult weight of 2-4 kg. Puppies vary with sex, genetics and diet, so treat this as a guide - for your own puppy, use the puppy weight predictor.
| Age | Typical weight | % of adult |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mo | 0.7-1.3 kg | 33% |
| 3 mo | 0.9-1.8 kg | 45% |
| 4 mo | 1.1-2.2 kg | 55% |
| 6 mo | 1.5-3 kg | 75% |
| 9 mo | 1.9-3.8 kg | 95% |
| 12 mo | 2-4 kg | 100% |
| Adult | 2-4 kg | 100% |
Morkie - frequently asked questions
How fragile is fragile?
A 2-3 kg dog can break a leg jumping off a sofa - use ramps, supervise heights, and never let toddlers carry them. Physics is their main predator.
Morkie or Maltipoo?
Similar size and devotion: the Morkie is silkier and a touch more terrier-bold; the Maltipoo curlier and slightly more biddable.
Why the topknot?
Long silky face hair irritates eyes; a topknot or regular face trims keep the view clear and the eyes healthy.
Test yourself: guess the dog
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our dogs. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Often seen in Renaissance portraits on noblewomen's laps, this dainty dog ranks among the smartest of the toy breeds.
It's the Papillon - read the full profile →
Clue 2.A lean, short-coated pointing breed from Hungary prized for both pointing and retrieving game, with a self-colored nose blending into its coat.
It's the Vizsla - read the full profile →
Clue 3.A smart, eager-to-please herder with a fluffy medium coat, it craves a job and can develop bad habits if left bored.
It's the Australian Shepherd - read the full profile →
Adoptable Morkies near you
Real dogs of this breed (and close mixes) waiting in shelters and rescues right now, live from Petfinder. We have no affiliation and earn nothing - if someone catches your eye, the link goes straight to their shelter. New to adopting? Start with our adoption guide.
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