Most people are familiar with the adorable Maltipoo, a Maltese and Poodle mix, and perhaps have even heard of the Morkie, a cross between the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier.
These are both designer dogs bred for low-shedding qualities and sweet dispositions.
When you hear the name Morkie Poo though, you may be left scratching your head in confusion.
What is a Morkie Poo? A Morkie Poo is the combination of the lovely Maltese, spunky Yorkshire Terrier, and the ultra-smart Poodle. This hypoallergenic mix is sweet, affectionate, and playful; is usually 4 – 7 pounds and less than 9 inches tall; and can be brown, black, white, bicolored, or tricolored.
The vast majority of designer dogs today are a combination of two popular breeds. The Morkie Poo is unique in that he is a mixture of three breeds.
What else is unique about this super cute mix? What should you know if you’re interested in a Morkie Poo puppy?
That’s exactly what you’re about to find out.
What Is a Morkie Poo?
Sometimes referred to as a Maltipoo Yorkie, Morkiepoo, Yorkiepoo Maltese, Morkie Doodle, or Yorkiepoomalt, the Morkie Poo is a delightful, small dog with a big personality.
Combine the intelligence of the Poodle with the regalness of the Maltese and the feistiness of the Yorkshire Terrier, and you get the utterly lovable and delightful Morkie Poo.
Morkie Poos are most often created from a Morkie (Maltese x Yorkie) to Poodle pairing.
Technically, a Yorkie Poo (Yorkshire Terrier Poodle cross) could be bred to a Maltese, or a Maltipoo (Maltese Poodle mix) could be combined with a Yorkie to produce a Maltese-Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle mix, but these pairings are not as common.
Morkie Poos contain some features of the Morkie and some of the Poodle, but there will be a high amount of variability as to how the three breeds’ genes interact, and features can be rather unpredictable.
One thing is certain though; a Morkie Poo is guaranteed to be positively adorable regardless of the specific traits he inherits.
Morkie Poo Characteristics
Height | 7 – 12 inches at withers |
Weight | 4 – 12 pounds |
Coat | Soft, long, and wavy – may be silky or slightly frizzy |
Colors | Black, shades of brown, white, or combination |
Temperament | Gentle, sweet, playful, happy, may be stubborn |
Good family dog? | Yes |
Good with other dogs? | Yes, but may need supervision |
Excessive barking? | Possible with lack of training |
Easy to train? | Yes, but can be stubborn |
Good apartment dog? | Yes |
Grooming needs | Moderate |
Shedding | Very low |
Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Exercise needs | Medium |
Health | Generally healthy |
Life expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
What Do Morkie Poos Look Like?
Some Morkie Poos will look very much like a Poodle in terms of body shape but have the long, silky coat of the Maltese or Yorkie.
Others will resemble one breed strongly, while others will show characteristics of all three breeds.
While some Morkie Poos may inherit the upright ears of the Yorkie, most will have triangular-shaped, folded-down ears.
The muzzle is usually of medium length like the Yorkie and Maltese, though it may be slightly longer and narrower like that of a Poodle.
The eyes are round, set well apart, and black or very dark brown.
The body is compact and muscular with fairly short legs and a level back.
Many describe Morkie Poos as looking like fluffy little teddy bears with cute button noses, and that pretty much says it all.
You can see for yourself just how irresistible they are in the following short clip.
Morkie Poo Full Grown Size
Morkie Poo size is dependent on the size of Poodle used.
Morkie Poos out of a Toy Poodle will typically be 4 – 7 pounds and 7 – 9 inches tall at the withers.
Morkie Poos created from a Miniature Poodle may weigh as much as 12 pounds and stand close to 1 foot tall.
Tip: When your puppy is 4 months old, take his weight and multiply it by 2 to get an estimate of what his adult weight will be.
Morkie Poo Colors
Most Morkie Poos will be black, a shade of brown, white, or a combination of these. The reason is simple.
Maltese are white, and Yorkshire Terriers can be black and gold, black and tan, blue and tan, or blue and gold.
Poodles, though, come in a wide range of colors, so you might assume that Morkie Poos may inherit a specific color from the Poodle, and sometimes this is true.
However, some of the pretty Poodle colors are recessive, meaning that in order for the color to appear in the puppy’s coat, two copies of the gene must be inherited, one from each parent.
When the Poodle is bred a dog with limited colors, like a Maltese, Yorkie, or Morkie, it is highly unlikely that the puppies will inherit two copies of the same recessive color (or diluting) gene.
The brown that does appear often can vary a great deal, so cream, tan, and chocolaty colors are all possible, as are parti-colored, bicolored, and tricolored Morkie Poos.
Morkie Poo Temperament
The adorable Morkie Poo is as sweet as he looks and is known for being friendly, gentle, and super affectionate.
This playful mix is active and energetic without being too hyper and will happily curl up in your lap for a quick snooze given the opportunity.
Aggression is rare, though Morkie Poos may be a bit headstrong in certain areas and may become jealous when not given enough attention.
This cute mix loves to be around people and may develop separation anxiety if frequently left alone for long periods.
Morkie Poos are often easily excited and may be prone to excessive barking if not exercised enough or trained properly.
Overall, Morkie Poos are highly agreeable, social companions who want nothing more than the attention and love they so richly deserve.
Morkie Poo Exercise Needs
The breeds used to produce a Morkie Poo are known for being high in energy and easily excitable, so it’s no surprise that Morkie Poos are quite active too.
A daily total of about 45 minutes, broken into multiple sessions is advised.
Brisk walks, backyard games, and even indoor playtime are all good outlets for a Morkie Poo’s energy.
Because they are so playful and lively, many Morkie Poos will fulfill much of the exercise needs on their own as they scamper around throughout the day, but directed activities, such as a walk or game of fetch, is beneficial too.
Morkie Poos who do not receive regular exercise often find their own way to release energy, much to the owner’s dismay.
Excessive barking, digging, destructiveness, and overexcitability may result when physical activity is lacking.
Do Morkie Poos Bark a Lot?
Unfortunately, nuisance barking can be a problem in Morkie Poos. Poodles have a reputation for being on the yappy side as do Maltese.
Like all Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be vocal so they could alert their owners to their location as they dashed through mines and factories and dug in burrows in pursuit of vermin.
So, with three breeds contributing to the barking tendency, it’s no wonder that some Morkie Poos love to make noise.
Proper training and lots of exercise can curb the problem quickly.
Do Morkie Poos Get Jealous?
Morkie Poos become very much attached to their owners, often one family member in particular, and may indeed become jealous if they feel that too much of the attention due them is bestowed upon someone else.
This jealousy can be directed toward an adult, a young child, another dog, or even an inanimate object, such as a phone.
How Much Are Morkie Poos?
Morkie Poos are usually less than $3,000, but prices can vary significantly. The cost of a Morkie Poo typically depends on several factors, such as:
- The breeder’s reputation and experience.
- Whether the parents or litter is registered.
- Health screenings performed prior to breeding.
- Highly desirable colors.
- Puppy’s age.
- Generation (though generational breeding is still rare in this mix).
- Expected size.
Morkie Poo Cost
Prices for a quality-bred Morkie Poo typically fall between $1,200 and $3,000, which is admittedly a wide range.
Somewhere in the vicinity of $2,000 is the most common price, with puppies of exceptionally pretty colors or those expected to remain quite tiny often fetching much higher prices.
Are Morkie Poos Good Family Dogs?
A Morkie Poo can be a wonderful addition to the family. They are sweet natured, active and playful, and love to be around people.
They’ll be equally content running around outside with the kids or snuggling up beside you on the couch for movie night.
Caution should be exercised when young children are interacting with a Morkie Poo, but other than that, this little mix has very few downsides and will be an endless source of delight and love.
Are Morkie Poos Kid Friendly?
Generally speaking, Morkie Poos are good with children, provided that the kids are old enough to know how to properly interact with a dog and not be too rough.
Younger children may squeal with delight, frightening a small Morkie Poo, or they may unintentionally hurt the dog.
Many Morkie Poos will not tolerate being grabbed or squeezed; having fur, ears, or tail pulled; or being subjected to exploring fingers being jammed in places they should not.
As is common with small dogs, nipping may result when the dog has reached his limit.
Are Morkie Poos Good With Other Dogs?
Most Morkie Poos will get along quite well with other dogs, especially if they have been raised together and are well socialized.
When encountering new dogs, it’s common for a Morkie Poo to seemingly forget his size and boldly approach the stranger.
Depending on the other dog, this may lead to disaster, so owners must always keep a close watch on their tiny-but-mighty Morkie Poo.
Are Morkie Poos High Maintenance?
A Morkie Poo will need lots of attention to be truly happy, but food consumption and exercise requirements are fairly low.
Grooming, however, requires a bit more involvement compared to dogs with sleek, short coats.
Care is also needed to keep them safe from the many dangers small dogs face daily.
If a Morkie Poo is similar to his Yorkie family members, he will likely have a high prey drive and will not think twice about digging out of the yard or slipping out of his collar in order to chase small prey that dared cross his path.
Owners must get in the habit of diligently supervising their Morkie Poo, especially when outdoors.
Are Morkie Poo Puppies Easy to Housebreak?
Housebreaking a Morkie Poo can be easily accomplished provided that training begins early and is done correctly right from the start.
Puppies should be taken outside to the same place on a set schedule and rewarded profusely when they are successful.
Most puppies can only “hold it” for one hour per month of age, so owner’s must be diligent in giving the pup a chance to do the right thing.
Young Morkie Poos should also be taken out immediately after naps, meals, active play, and high excitement.
Crate training can speed the potty training process as dogs naturally prefer to keep their sleeping quarters clean.
Are Morkie Poos Easy to Train?
All three breeds responsible for producing a Morkie Poo are very intelligent, especially the Poodle, who is considered to be the second most intelligent dog breed.
It stands to reason that when these breeds are combined, the result is a highly intelligent dog who trains easily.
While Morkiepoos are indeed smart, they can also be fairly stubborn and willful, largely due to the Terrier’s influence.
Positive, reward-based training is a must to convince these little dogs that obedience is a good idea.
Do Morkie Poos Shed?
Maltese, Poodles, and Yorkies are all praised for being low-shedding breeds, and the vast majority of Morkie Poos will shed very little as well.
Routine brushing will remove any loose hairs before they are shed, and feeding a wholesome, nutritionally complete diet will further decrease the probability and degree of shedding.
Are Morkie Poos Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but because Maltese, Yorkies, and Poodles are usually well tolerated by those with allergies, the Morkie Poo too tends to have hypoallergenic properties.
Frequent brushings (outside is best), vacuuming, and wiping the coat with a damp rag can help reduce symptoms in those with severe allergies.
How to Groom a Morkie Poo
At minimum, a Morkie Poo will need brushing several times each week if the hair is long, though daily brushing is preferable.
Those with short hair may be able to get by with just a twice-weekly brushing.
A double-sided pin and bristle brush, like this one, will handle the job nicely, but a stainless steel comb is better for using around the face and on the legs.
Begin brushing at the back of the neck, ensuring that the bristles reach all the way down to the skin.
Work your way over the entire trunk, brushing out tangles as you go.
A detangling spray, like this one all-natural ingredients, can help make the experience less painful for the dog.
For stubborn knots, use a pair of blunt-tip scissors to carefully remove them.
Once the main portion of the body has been thoroughly brushed, switch to the comb and gently work through the hair on the head, ears, legs, and tail.
Any hair interfering with vision or irritating the eyes can be carefully trimmed.
Every four to six weeks, the Morkie Poos will need a bath and trim.
While you can easily bathe your little guy at home with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo followed with a high-quality conditioner, most Morkie Poo owners let a professional groomer handle the haircuts.
The term grooming encompasses more than just the coat, as a Morkie Poo is more than just a bundle of fur.
Many small breeds suffer with numerous dental issues, and the Morkie Poo is no exception.
To prevent plaque and tartar buildup and avoid dental disease, three or four days each week those tiny teeth should be brushed with a dog-safe toothpaste and either a toothbrush or special finger brush (this kit has all three!)
About once a month or so, or when visibly dirty, the ears should be gently wiped clean and cleansed with an ear-cleaning solution made for dogs (I use this nonirritating cleanser on my own Poodle mixes).
Another monthly task will be nail clipping.
Use either traditional nail clippers for pets or grind the nail to the desired length with a dog nail grinder (see our recommendations here).
One last grooming task that may be necessary is cleaning up tear stains.
Some Morkie Poos will never be bothered by them, but it’s a common problem in any Maltese cross and Poodles too.
You can either brush a bit of baking soda into the affected area with a toothbrush or use cleansing wipes made specifically for tear stain removal.
In this article, we explain in depth what causes the stains to appear and what you can do to prevent and eliminate them.
Morkie Poo Haircuts
The styles of haircuts possible will depend somewhat on the type of coat your Morkie Poo inherited.
If the coat is slightly fuzzy when brushed out, like a Poodle’s, any of the popular Poodle cuts, such as the puppy or lamb cut, will look adorable and make daily grooming chores easier.
If the coat is more similar to a Maltese or Yorkie with long, silky hair, you could still go with a puppy cut or opt for a teddy bear cut, which is similar but leaves the facial hair longer.
Upon request, the groomer could leave the hair on the top of the head extra long for a topknot (with a cute bow of course!).
Other options for straight or wavy coated Morkie Poos include a standard Maltese or Yorkie cut or even a Schnauzer or West Highland Terrier cut.
You could come up with a unique style all your own and dictate what you envision to the groomer.
There’s plenty of experimenting possible with all that hair!
How Often Can I Bathe My Morkie Poo?
Morkie Poos don’t need frequent baths – once every four to six weeks is sufficient.
Additional baths may be given only if they get extra dirty or muddy or they require a medicated shampoo prescribed by a vet for a skin condition.
Bathing too often can strip the coat and skin of naturally protective oils, resulting in dry, itchy, flaky skin and a brittle, lackluster coat.
Morkie Poo Health Problems
Morkie Poos are generally healthy dogs; however, theoretically any conditions that appear routinely in Maltese, Yorkies, and Poodles may occur in Morkie Poos as well.
Genetic testing of the parent dogs prior to breeding can rule out some of the inherited conditions, but know that the following are issues of which to be aware:
- Progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and cataracts.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Patellar luxation.
- Heart disease, murmurs, or defects.
- Dental issues.
- Von Willebrand’s and Addison’s disease.
- Hypoglycemia.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Legg-Calves-Perthes.
- Liver shunt.
- Skin issues.
- Tracheal collapse.
Though the above is not a complete list, those are the ones most likely to present problems in this little mixed breed.
However, take heart in knowing that they are only possible, not probable, and your Morkie Poo may very well never suffer from any of them.
Morkie Poo Lifespan
A dog’s life expectancy is influenced by a variety of factors.
Genetics definitely plays a role, but other elements, such as quality veterinary care, diet, routine exercise, and living conditions, can affect lifespan too.
To ensure your Morkie Poo has the best chance at a long, healthy life, visit your vet for routine checkups, feed a nutritionally sound diet free from artificial ingredients, provide adequate daily exercise, and ensure that all emotional needs are routinely met (i.e., lots of love and attention).
How Long Do Morkie Poos Live?
The life expectancy for a well-care-for Morkie Poo is 10 – 15 years. Some Morkie Poos may not reach this average, but some may exceed it.
Morkie Poo Vs. Maltipoo
Morkie Poos and Maltipoos can look quite alike as they both feature characteristics of the Maltese and Poodle.
However, some Morkie Poos will inherit the upright ears of the Yorkshire Terrier, while Maltipoos’ ears are folded down.
Temperament is where the biggest differences will be noted.
The Yorkie addition to the Morkie Poo often contributes a Terrier-like temperament, which will be evident in the Morkie Poo’s fearless, tenacious approach to life.
Maltipoos usually are not quite as bold.
Morkie Poo Vs. Yorkie Poo
Morkie Poos and Yorkie Poos are quite similar in appearance, and most people would never be able to distinguish one from the other.
However, Yorkie Poos contain no Maltese, which are solid white.
Because a dog must be homozygous for white, meaning one recessive gene from each parent, solid white Yorkie Poos do not exist, while solid white Morkie Poos are possible – rare, but possible.
A Morkie Poo is also less likely to be high strung compared to the Yorkie Poo because the Maltese often smooths and balances out the temperament when added to the mix.
Most Morkie Poos will have floppy ears, but a Yorkie Poo has a 50% chance of inheriting upright ears from the Yorkie parent.
Morkie Poo Vs. Morkie
Since the Morkie Poo has Poodle added to the mix, he is often highly intelligent and may possess a longer, narrower muzzle and daintier legs than the Morkie.
Thus, the Morkie typically has a more stout appearance, though most people would never notice it under all that hair.
The Poodle’s contribution to the Morkie Poo often results in a fluffier coat than that of a Morkie.
Additionally, the addition of Poodle may increase the hypoallergenic properties of the already allergy-friendly Morkie and help to temper or mellow some of the Terrier traits that are often seen in the Morkie.
Related Question:
Where can I find a Morkie Poo rescue to adopt?
Because Morkie Poos are such a joy to own, they are not commonly surrendered to shelters.
The best places to look are rescues dedicated to one of the breeds responsible for the Morkie Poo as they will often take in mixes as well.
Online communities are also an excellent place to search as many groups exist that focus on helping specific mixes find good homes.
Last update on 2024-12-10 at 06:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API