General Description
The Morkie is a breed of dog that is
referred to as a crossbreed or a hybrid because it is half Maltese and half Yorkshire Terrier. In the last few years, hybrid
dog breeds, also known as designer breeds have become increasingly popular because many undesirable traits of both parent
breeds are eliminated while the more desirable traits are maintained. This is the case with the Morkie.
People who are
considering owning a Morkie should know that the Morkie is not a purebred and will not be able to be registered by a purebred
registry even if it is a first generation and both parents were purebed and registered. As designer dog breeds become more
popular, hybrid registration agencies are opening and registering designer breed dogs.
A Morkie will usually have a
coat that is very soft. The colors of the Morkie may range depending on the coloring of the parents, but many Morkies are
apricot, white, brown and most common black and tan, which in later life fades to a silver grayish color. Due to the fact
that both parent breeds are small breed dogs, Morkies are also usually small as well. The actual coat of a Morkie will usually
be long and flowing. Owners may choose to dock the tail like a Yorkshire Terrier or allow it to be long like a Maltese. The
ears may take after either breed and be dropped like a Maltese or erect like a Yorkie.
Also known as a Yorktese.
Character
As is the case with most other hybrid breeds, the Morkie
is prone to taking on characteristics and personality traits from either parent breed or from both. Both the Yorkie as well
as the Maltese are known for having a lot of personality, so it should not be a surprise that a Morkie would as well. Like
the Yorkie, the Morkie may crave and even demand attention from its family. This breed of dog is also likely to be very dedicated
to its family, which makes it ideal as a family dog as well as a watch dog. From the Maltese side, the Morkie may inherit
a sense of fearlessness as well as energy. They are easily excitable and happy to greet anybody they see when properly socialized.
Sometimes they can be overly confident and this can be a problem when for example they run up to an unfamiliar dog and even
though they are excited and happy, the other dog may not be. They are small so the price of food, treats and toys is very
easily managed. They are lap dogs to the core and strive to please their owners.
