Morkies 101

Crossbred group

Blend the big-dog attitude of the Yorkie with the sweet playfulness of the Maltese and you’ve got a Morkie, a smart, sweet-natured dog. They’re a good fit with small-space living but just as comfortable in suburban settings.

The Morkie is a particularly good fit with empty-nesters and singles. They are friendly and outgoing with strangers, typically get along well other dogs, and are compatible with small family pets. They can be fragile because of their size, so they need families who’ll keep them protected.

What we love about Morkies

Smart, spunky and playful

Their silky coats tangle easily and are typically kept clipped for ease of maintenance. The Morkie may be more readily tolerated by those with allergies. Their favorite activity is being with their people, whether on daily walks or comfy couches.

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

6 to 8 inches tall
Toy breed size

Size: 6 to 8 inches tall. This is a Toy sized Dog.

Lifespan

11 to 15 years

Lifespan: 11 to 15 years average

Weight

6 to 8 lbs

Weight: 6 to 8 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
6 to 8 inches
Lifespan
11 to 15 years
Weight
6 to 8 lbs

The Morkie stands 6 to 8 inches tall and weighs 6 to 8 lbs. Morkies have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Morkies get?
Morkies stand 6 to 8 inches tall and typically weigh between 6 and 8 pounds.
How long do Morkies live?
The average lifespan of a Morkie is 11 to 15 years.
Are Morkies good for first-time dog owners?
Morkies are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Morkies bark a lot?
Morkies are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Morkie health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Morkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

Mid-life Morkies should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Luxated patella poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk

Senior Morkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

Senior Morkies face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Luxated patella poses very high risk. Valvular heart disease is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Morkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

Morkie puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis and Ear infection are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gastritis
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Young adult Morkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

As Morkies grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Gastritis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Toxicity
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Morkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

Mid-life Morkies should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Luxated patella poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk

Senior Morkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

Senior Morkies face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Luxated patella poses very high risk. Valvular heart disease is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Morkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

Morkie puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis and Ear infection are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gastritis
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Young adult Morkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Morkie conditions

As Morkies grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Gastritis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Toxicity
Above Average Risk
Morkie standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Morkie's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastritis: High Risk, Ear infection: High Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Gastritis: Above Average Risk, Toxicity: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk
Senior (10+ years)
Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk
3-Fun fact-Morkie GettyImages-1428668238

The Morkie is one of the few popular crossbreds created without the influence of the Poodle. This cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier is a fun little dog with the sweet nature of the Maltese and the spunk of the Yorkie. Both breeds bring a silky coat to the mix, and most people keep these playful dogs kept clipped to prevent tangling.

Morkie coat care and colors

Both the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier have long, silky coats, so it’s no surprise the Morkie does, too. Because such coats tangle easily, even with daily combing and brushing, most Morkies are kept clipped short. While that makes home coat care easier, it does make for cold dogs on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater on hand for warmth as needed. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Morkie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

While it’s easy to simply carry a Morkie, it’s better for them to get those little legs moving. Regular walks needn’t be long and should be supplemented with indoor play and games.

Trainability

Trainability

Both of the breeds that make up the Morkie are smart and learn quickly. The Yorkie adds some independence to the mix. Reward good manners with praise and tiny treats.

Morkie fun facts

Top girl names for Morkies

100%

of Morkies are female

0%

of Morkies are male

Top boy names for Morkies

Nationwide loves Morkies of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Morkie gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Morkies insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Morkie statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

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