Charming, cute, and cuddly, the Morkie Poo may be tiny in stature, but it possesses a huge personality. You probably wouldn’t find a dog that wants to snuggle as much as the Morkie Poo.
| HEIGHT: 4 to 8 inches | WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN: 10 to 14 years | BREED SIZE: small |
| INTELLIGENCE: high | EXERCISE NEEDS: medium |
| ENERGY LEVEL: active | BARKING LEVEL: frequent |
| DROOL TENDENCY: low | COAT LENGTH: medium to long |
| COLORS: white, black, brown, tan, white, and tan, mix of white, black and brown |
| TEMPERAMENT: affectionate, friendly, loyal, playful, energetic, intelligent |
| GOOD WITH: apartment dwellers, single-person households, families with older kids, first-time pet owners |
| HEALTH FACTORS: collapsed trachea, eye disorders, dental disorders, hernias, hypoglycemia |
| OTHER TRAITS: low-shedding, territorial, over-protective, aloof with strangers, strong loyalty tendencies |
As energetic and goofy as it is, this designer dog has a timid side, too. It can be naughty and stubborn, yet it is always sweet and eager to please.
Background | It is one of the most in-demand tri-bred dogs.
The Morkie Poo comes from a Maltese, a Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie), and a miniature poodle. The offspring of a Maltese and a Yorkie is called a Morkie. In the 1990s, breeders began crossing the Morkie with the poodle and created the Morkie Poo. They wanted to develop an affectionate lap dog that doesn’t shed as much as other breeds. Since it first came out, the Morkie Poo has been consistently in demand, making it one of the most popular doodle hybrids.
It is crucial to note that this dog is not hypoallergenic, but its low shedding quality makes it a relatively suitable pet for people with allergies.
Appearance | The Morkie Poo crams so much cuteness in such a tiny body.
The Morkie Poo is a small dog. It can easily fit in a purse or other dog carrier. An adult weighs between 7 to 13 pounds and stands four to eight inches tall at the shoulder. Males are slightly heavier and taller than females. As with other crossbreeds, the Morkie Poo’s size varies, with some a bit smaller or larger than others.
The Morkie Poo has a beautiful and long covering. It can be silky straight like the coat of a Maltese and Yorkie or frizzy and curly like that of a poodle. The colors are typically white, black, brown, or tan. It is also common to see a combination of white and tan or a mix of three hues, such as white, brown, and black. Their hair may lighten or darken as they grow older.
One very distinct physical characteristic of the Morkie Poo is its meek and vulnerable appearance, set off by its dark round eyes, drooping ears, and tiny paws. It can have the domed skull of the Maltese and the Yorkie or the long and narrow snout of the poodle.
Temperament | Big personality in a small package.
Playful and friendly, the Morkie Poo is an affectionate dog that craves the love of its owners. It gets easily attached to its family and usually picks a favorite person. This loving dog will follow its human around, cuddle for hours or beg for belly rubs. Don’t mistake their fondness for snuggling for laziness. The Morkie Poo is surprisingly very energetic and full of funny antics.
The Morkie Poo can be stubborn, a trait inherent in its terrier ancestors. It is often aloof around strangers and intensely protective of its family. Because it wants undivided attention, the Morkie Poo will most likely get jealous of other household pets. It can also be highly territorial. But if socialized young, it will get along well with its furry housemates.
This dog is prone to separation anxiety. When a Morkie Poo is lonely, bored, or stressed out, it can become destructive around the house. It may resort to excessive barking until it gets attention. Consider taking it with you when you run errands or have someone keep it company if you are gone for a long time.
Care | The Morkie Poo has a low-shedding coat that requires regular maintenance.
Unlike most dogs, the Morkie Poo has hair, not fur. For this reason, its coat shed very little. Still, it requires frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling. You may have to take this dog to a groomer for a haircut or do it yourself if you have the right tools. Because the Morkie Poo is prone to certain eye diseases, it is crucial to trim the hair around its eyes and clean that area to keep it from getting an eye infection.
Bathe the dog every once a month or when needed using a mild shampoo that doesn’t irritate its sensitive skin. Clip its nails every 15 to 30 days and inspect its ears daily for pests and debris. Take note that this small breed is susceptible to dental problems. It is essential to properly brush the teeth of the Morkie Poo once each day.
Exercise | The Morkie Poo has boundless energy.
The Morkie Poo is very active and energetic. However, its size makes it fragile and prone to injury. A daily 30-minute exercise such as walking combined with light interactive play is enough to wear this breed out. Be sure not to overwork the dog with strenuous activities. When walking the Morkie Poo, use a harness instead of a collar to avoid collapsed trachea.
Overall, the Morkie Poo is great with children, but it can easily get hurt with rough play. This breed copes better around adults or older children who have learned to handle it gently.
Diet | Despite its small size, it is a voracious eater.
The diet of the Morkie Poo should consist of nutrients needed to support a highly energetic small dog breed. This tiny pooch is a big eater and may become overweight if overfed. Obesity can lead to health issues and shorten its lifespan.
Give this dog high-quality kibble rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. Be sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving food around. Also, limit the number of treats you give the dog. Take note that the dietary requirements of the Morkie Poo change as it grows older. You also have to consider its energy level, health, and size. Consult with a veterinarian for recommendations on the dog’s diet.
Training | The Morkie Poo is a fast learner.
Highly intelligent and eager to please, the Morkie Poo is a very trainable dog. However, it also has a stubborn streak that makes training challenging. Be sure to use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with praises and treats. Stay firm, patient, and consistent, and establish your dominance early on.
Aside from teaching the dog basic commands and tricks, make sure it learns to socialize with other animals and people at a young age. Introduce the dog to other pets, humans, and new situations slowly and calmly.
Health | The Morkie Poo has a strong immunity but is prone to injuries.
As a designer dog, the Morkie Poo is generally healthy. However, it is susceptible to some of the health issues of its parent breeds. These include collapsed trachea, glaucoma, cataract, dental disorders, hernias, reverse sneezing, and hypoglycemia. Because of its small and fragile body, the Morkie Poo is vulnerable to injuries. But with proper care, diet and exercise, it can live up to 14 years.
