Morkie
Also called Morkshire Terrier, Malkie, Yorktese
From A designer cross of the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier, bred intentionally from the 1990s when designer dogs became fashionable; sources do not name a single country.1
At a glance the quick version
Sources give 4-8 lb (about 1.8-3.6 kg) and 7-13 lb (about 3.2-5.9 kg); size varies with the parents.
Coat and looks how to spot one
single coat of long, silky hair
A tiny dog with a soft, silky single coat that is long or medium in length and may be straight or wavy. It grows continuously like human hair and sheds very little. The colour of some Morkies lightens to grey or silver as they grow up.21
Personality what they are like
Loving, social and full of fun, with plenty of self-confidence for such a small dog. Morkies bond closely with their favourite people, are curious and alert, and like to announce what is going on. A little stubbornness is common, so early socialisation and gentle, consistent training help.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: about 30 minutes a day, for example two or three short walks of 10 to 15 minutes plus lively play and some brain games.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A hair coat that needs frequent brushing (daily is ideal, at least three to four times a week), a professional trim every four to eight weeks, and regular nail, ear and tooth care.12
Home where they are happiest
A great fit for apartments. Happiest when someone is home most of the day, and suits singles, seniors and families with older children.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A high-quality small-breed food, split into two meals a day for adults, with treats kept to a minimum.21
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and does not like being left alone. Best with older, gentle children because of its small size; usually gets on with other pets when socialised early.12
The story where it all began
Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers have surely met by chance for a long time, but breeders began pairing them on purpose in the 1990s, when designer crossbreeds became popular. The result is a small, silky-coated companion that blends the Maltese's sweetness with the Yorkie's spirited character.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Many Morkies change colour as they grow, with grey or silver tones appearing in adulthood.2
- 2
Its Yorkshire Terrier parent came from 19th-century Yorkshire, where Scottish workers brought their terriers with them.3
- 3
A Yorkshire Terrier called Smoky, a famous World War II dog, is credited with sparking new interest in the Yorkie breed.3
- 4
Morkies go by several names, including Malkie, Yorktese and Morkshire Terrier.1
Recognised by the official bits
- American Kennel Club (AKC) / United Kennel Club (UKC)
- Not recognised by the AKC or UKC; may be registered with designer breed clubs.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Morkie. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Parents and lookalikes
Maltese
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkipoo
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Hill's Pet Nutrition: Morkie hillspet.comused for history, recognition, size, lifespan, coat, exercise, grooming, home, diet
- DogTime: Morkie dogtime.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, diet
- Wikipedia: Yorkshire Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for parent breed fun facts (secondary)
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.