Whether you are thinking about getting a morkie or are already a morkie owner, there are several things you should know about this dog. Read on to find out more about its appearance, origins, grooming, temperament, and health.
Origins
Originally bred in the United States as a designer lapdog, the Morkie is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese. They are small, playful dogs that are loyal, affectionate and intelligent. Their friendly personality and low-shedding coat make them appealing to house-proud owners.
These dogs are easy to train and make great companions for older children and adults. They are also friendly with other dogs. They are happiest living in a home that isn’t too big or too small. They are very protective of the home and family, and enjoy games around the house.
Morkies are a fun, playful, and confident dog that loves to spend time with their owners. They are tenacious and will stand their ground against larger dogs. However, they should not be kept in a household with young children.
The Morkie is a hybrid dog that was first developed in the United States in the 1990s. They were created in order to combine the wilfulness of the Maltese with the fire of the Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs have become extremely popular in the UK and Ireland over the past decade.
Although the Morkie is a very cute dog, it is important to research the health of its parent breeds before acquiring one. Many modern hybrid cross-breeds have been carefully bred by professional breeders to ensure that they are healthy and produce puppies that are healthy as well.
Appearance
Known as Malki, Morkshire terrier or Yorktese, the Morkie is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Maltese. These small dogs are affectionate and fun-loving. They make great apartment pets. They also make excellent companions for children and senior citizens.
The Morkie’s long, silky coat is soft and low-shedding. It can be tan, white, black, or a combination of all three colors. They can have a wavy, straight, or floffy texture.
The most common color of Morkie is black and tan, but they can be found in other shades. The Morkie’s coat is hypoallergenic, which makes them perfect for allergy sufferers. They are also very friendly and sociable. They are known to be a lap dog and can be very protective of their owner.
The average Morkie weights between 7 and 13 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. They will grow to be about 20 to 25 cm tall at the withers.
Morkies can be prone to a collapsed trachea, which can cause respiratory problems. Glaucoma is another health concern. It is caused by too much pressure inside the eyeball. It can lead to loss of sight.
It is important to keep your Morkie’s teeth clean. A good breeder will screen for health issues. It is also a good idea to brush your Morkie’s fur.
You can find a champion Morkie for upwards of $5,000. They are often registered, and they come with a long health guarantee.
Temperament
Considering the fact that it is a hybrid of two of the fanciest breeds around, the temperment of Morkie is a bit unpredictable. However, if you are considering getting one of these little guys, you should spend a good amount of time with it first.
In terms of size, an average Morkie is somewhere between 20 and 25 cm tall at its withers. They also have a short, albeit lean, back, and a sinewy, yet muscular neck. In terms of appearance, they can vary in color from black to fawn.
A Morkie is a great lap dog, but they aren’t for everyone. They are best suited for households with an owner that is at home a lot. They are prone to separation anxiety and need a good deal of human interaction. They are also good candidates for apartment living, if only because they don’t need much exercise.
They are also low-shedding dogs. A Morkie has a long, silky coat that is low maintenance. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
The true test of a Morkie is figuring out which breed suits you. It’s also best to avoid having more than one. Having too many dogs can be dangerous. It’s best to have a Morkie as a companion, not a playmate.
There’s a small chance that a Morkie will inherit some of the health problems associated with its parent. This is particularly true for teacup and miniature varieties.
Health problems
Those who are considering getting a Morkie may be wondering about the possible health problems the dog may face. However, the good news is that these dogs are not more likely to have health problems than purebred dogs. You can prevent some of these issues by ensuring that you take proper care of your dog.
Some of the common issues that can affect a Morkie include dental problems, eye infections and respiratory problems. You should also make sure that your dog gets regular grooming.
You should also check your Morkie’s ears for signs of ear infections. If you notice your dog shaking its head, this could be a sign of an inner ear infection.
Another problem that can occur in Morkies is progressive retinal atrophy. This condition can lead to poor vision. Affected dogs can also develop reverse sneezing.
You should always ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. Ideally, you should give your dog thirty minutes a day. A short walk will help stretch your Morkie’s legs.
You should also consider taking your dog to the vet for yearly examinations. Your vet can recommend the best products and tests for your Morkie.
You should also be on the lookout for heart issues. You can spot this problem if your dog is coughing or losing weight. This is a particularly risky problem if your Morkie is obese.
You should also be aware of the risk of collapsed trachea. A collapsed trachea can inhibit your dog’s breathing. It can be caused by collars, leashes and other items. Having a harness can reduce this risk.
Grooming
Taking your Morkie to a professional groomer can be costly and time consuming. Fortunately, you can learn how to groom your Morkie at home. Here are a few tips to get you started.
First, you need to find a quality shampoo designed specifically for dogs. Look for one that has ingredients such as keratin and jojoba oil. They are all natural and will moisturise your dog’s skin and coat.
Next, you need to brush your Morkie on a regular basis. You may even want to purchase a detangling spray for your pet. These products are great for getting rid of tangles. You can also use a detangling comb to help with this task.
You should also keep your Morkie’s nails trimmed on a regular basis. Ideally, you should clip your Morkie’s nails every six to eight weeks. Cutting your pet’s nails too short can cause pain and can interfere with the flow of blood to their nails.
Aside from the obvious, you should brush your Morkie’s ears on a daily basis. This is important to prevent infections.
Another thing to do is to clean their eyes. This is important because tear stains can develop around your pet’s eyes. You can also buy wipes to wipe away the yucky gunk around their eyes. These products contain natural ingredients that are safe to use.
Finally, you should give your Morkie a bath from time to time. This will help remove excess oils in their fur. You should also dry them properly. This is especially important with long-coated Morkies.
Life expectancy
Having a Morkie can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be an expense. This breed requires a lot of attention and care. They can also develop health problems if not properly maintained.
A Morkie’s longevity depends on genetics. The average lifespan of a healthy Morkie is 10 to 14 years. This can be adjusted based on a number of factors, including hereditary diseases, environmental conditions, and dental hygiene.
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to a Morkie’s longevity is proper dental hygiene. A mouth that is clean is one of the best ways to promote good breath and good digestion.
The most common chronic oral disorder in Morkies is gingivitis. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums in the mouth. This type of infection is painless and not usually life threatening, but it can be serious.
If your Morkie is suffering from chronic oral infections, then he or she may need to see a vet for a dental cleaning. If you do not treat the problem before it is too late, it can be painful and irreversible.
The best way to reduce the chances of your dog developing a chronic oral disease is to start regular teeth cleanings when he or she is young. Keeping a dog’s mouth clean will not only prevent dental problems, but will help prevent other health problems as well.
