Morkie
The Morkie is a cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier — two of the most popular small companion breeds producing a tiny, silky-coated, bold companion.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–16 years
Weight
2–7 kg (4–15 lbs)
Height
15–25 cm (6–10 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality toy breed food in small frequent meals.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Morkie is a cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier — two of the most popular small companion breeds producing a tiny, silky-coated, bold companion. The Maltese contributes gentleness and the white silky coat; the Yorkshire Terrier contributes a bolder, more spirited personality and the classic gold-and-black colouring. The result is one of the most popular small designer breeds for apartment living in Indian and Asian cities.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A tiny, silky-coated companion dog. Coat is long, soft, and silky — combining Maltese white with Yorkshire Terrier gold and black patterns. The face has large, bright eyes and a sweet, alert expression.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Affectionate, playful, and bold — the Morkie has a bigger personality than its tiny size suggests. Loyal and closely bonded to its owner. Can be vocal. Fragile size makes it unsuitable for households with very young children.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, trembling, clinginess, snapping, separation anxiety
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise — indoor play and short walks. Daily brushing or practical trim. Dental care critical. Small frequent meals to prevent hypoglycaemia.
Nutrition Notes
Maltese × Yorkie. Hypoglycaemia high risk. Dental disease from both parents. Tear staining — avoid food colourings. Portosystemic shunt.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Dental disease from both parents — annual cleanings mandatory. Tracheal collapse. Luxating patella. Portosystemic liver shunt (both parents prone). Hypoglycaemia. Fragile bones. 10-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Dental disease — extremely common in tiny breeds. Patellar luxation. Tracheal collapse from Yorkshire Terrier heritage. White Shaker Syndrome from Maltese heritage. Eye issues. Hypoglycaemia.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Very fragile — not for homes with toddlers. Dental costs major ongoing expense. India: growing availability.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $350
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Morkie is one of the most popular designer breeds in Asian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangkok, and Singapore — its tiny size, low-shedding coat, and affectionate temperament make it ideal for urban apartment living in Asia.
