Maltese Mixed With Yorkie: The Morkie Breed Profile & Care Guide

What Is a Maltese Mixed With a Yorkie?

A Maltese mixed with a Yorkie — widely known as a Morkie (sometimes spelled Yorktese or Malkie) — is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between two toy breeds: the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. This designer mix first gained popularity in the United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s, riding the wave of small-breed designer dogs that included the Maltipoo and Cavachon.

Because neither the American Kennel Club (AKC) nor the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes the Morkie as a standalone breed, there is no official breed standard. That means individual dogs can look, behave, and size up quite differently — even within the same litter. Understanding both parent breeds is the best way to predict what you might get.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Maltese vs. Yorkshire Terrier

To understand the Morkie, you need to understand the two breeds that create it. Each parent contributes a distinct genetic package, and the resulting puppy may lean heavily toward one side or land somewhere in the middle.

Trait	Maltese	Yorkshire Terrier
Origin	Mediterranean island of Malta; ancient companion breed dating back over 2,000 years	Yorkshire, England; developed in the 1800s from terrier stock used for rat-catching
AKC Weight Standard	Under 7 lb (3.2 kg)	Under 7 lb (3.2 kg)
Coat	Long, straight, silky white hair (no undercoat)	Long, fine, glossy hair; steel-blue and tan coloring
Temperament	Gentle, affectionate, playful; tends to bond closely with one person	Bold, confident, vocal; true terrier drive despite small size
Energy Level	Moderate — enjoys play but adapts well to apartment living	Moderate to high — needs mental stimulation and daily activity
Trainability	Eager to please but can be sensitive; responds well to gentle methods	Intelligent but independent; can be stubborn without positive motivation
Shedding	Very low (hair, not fur)	Very low (hair, not fur)
Lifespan	12–15 years	11–15 years

Source: AKC Maltese Breed Standard and AKC Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standard

The key takeaway: both parents are toy breeds with low-shedding coats and long lifespans, but they differ significantly in personality. The Maltese is a gentle lap dog; the Yorkie is a scrappy terrier. A Morkie can inherit any combination of these traits.

Generations Explained: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen Morkies

Most Morkies on the market are F1 crosses because breeders find it straightforward to maintain two purebred parent lines. Multigen Morkies are less common than multigen doodles, partly because the toy-breed designer market is smaller. If a breeder advertises a multigen Morkie, ask for documentation of at least three generations of Morkie-to-Morkie breeding.

How Big Will a Maltese Mixed With a Yorkie Get?

Because both parent breeds are toys weighing under 7 lb, the Morkie is reliably a small dog. However, genetics are not perfectly additive, and some Morkies exceed the standard weight of either parent — especially if a larger "pet-quality" Yorkie (some reach 10–12 lb) is used in the breeding.

Measurement	Minimum (Typical)	Maximum (Typical)	Outlier Range
Weight	4 lb (1.8 kg)	8 lb (3.6 kg)	Up to 12 lb (5.4 kg)
Height at shoulder	6 in (15 cm)	9 in (23 cm)	Up to 10 in (25 cm)

Practical tip: Ask the breeder for the exact weight of both parents. If the sire weighs 5 lb and the dam weighs 6 lb, expect puppies in the 4–7 lb range. If one parent is a larger "teacup"-line Yorkie at 10 lb, puppies could land anywhere from 5–12 lb. The term "teacup Morkie" is a marketing label, not a recognized size classification — and breeding for extremely small size (under 4 lb) raises serious health concerns including hypoglycemia and fragile bones.

Coat Types, Colors, and the Hypoallergenic Question

Both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier have hair rather than fur, meaning their coats grow continuously and shed minimally. This makes the Morkie one of the more consistently low-shedding designer mixes — but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Allergens come from dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, not just shed hair. According to the Mayo Clinic, individual allergic reactions vary widely, and spending time with a specific dog before committing is the only reliable test.

Coat Possibilities

Coat Trait	Maltese Influence	Yorkie Influence	Most Common Morkie Outcome
Texture	Straight, silky	Fine, glossy, slightly wavy	Straight to gently wavy; soft and fine
Color	Pure white	Steel blue and tan (puppies born black and tan)	White with tan/black patches; cream; apricot; parti-color
Length	Floor-length if uncut	Floor-length if uncut	Long-growing; most owners keep a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches)
Shedding	Very low	Very low	Very low — but some seasonal shedding possible

Grooming commitment: Regardless of which parent's coat dominates, plan on brushing your Morkie at least every other day (ideally daily) if kept in a longer cut. Mats form quickly in fine, silky hair — especially behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the hindquarters. Most Morkie owners opt for a professional grooming session every 4–6 weeks, at an average cost of $50–$85 per session depending on your region and the groomer's experience with toy breeds.

Essential grooming tools for a Morkie:

• Slicker brush (fine-wire, such as the Chris Christensen Small Coral Brush — ~$35)
• Steel greyhound comb for detangling
• Canine-safe detangling spray for stubborn mats
• Blunt-tipped scissors for trimming around eyes (tear staining is common in both parent breeds)

Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)

The Morkie's temperament is where individual variation is most pronounced. You're blending a gentle companion breed with a bold terrier, and each puppy in a litter may lean differently.

Best-Case Scenario

A well-socialized Morkie combines the Maltese's affectionate, people-oriented nature with the Yorkie's confidence and alertness. You get a dog that is deeply bonded to its family, playful without being hyperactive, and quick to alert you to visitors — but not excessively yappy. This is the temperament most breeders aim for and most owners describe.

Challenging Scenarios

Some Morkies inherit the Yorkie's terrier independence and wariness of strangers, leading to:

• Excessive barking — triggered by doorbells, passersby, or other dogs. Both parent breeds are vocal, so this is a common trait to manage.
• Small-dog reactivity — lunging or barking at larger dogs on walks, often rooted in fear rather than true aggression.
• Separation distress — the Maltese side especially tends to form intense bonds and may struggle when left alone for long stretches. Expect potential whining, pacing, or destructive chewing if your Morkie isn't gradually conditioned to alone time.
• House-training difficulty — toy breeds are notoriously slower to house-train due to small bladders and a dislike of cold/wet outdoor conditions. Plan for 4–6 months of consistent crate training and scheduled potty breaks, and consider indoor potty pads as a backup during winter months.

Training approach: Use only positive reinforcement methods — treats, praise, and play. Morkies are sensitive dogs that shut down under harsh correction. Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and frequent. Early socialization (between 8–16 weeks) is critical: expose your Morkie puppy to varied surfaces, sounds, people, and other vaccinated dogs to build confidence. Force-free trainers certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are an excellent resource if you need help.

Health Considerations: Inherited Conditions From Both Parents

Let's address a common misconception first: hybrid vigor does not eliminate health risks. The concept of heterosis (hybrid vigor) is real in livestock and some controlled animal populations, but in companion dogs, a crossbreed is only as healthy as its parentage. A Morkie can inherit any genetic condition that affects either the Maltese or the Yorkshire Terrier — and some conditions affect both breeds, making them higher-probability risks.

Always consult your veterinarian for a personalized health plan for your dog. The information below is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary care.

Health Conditions to Watch For

Condition	Parent Breed(s) Affected	Description	Prevalence / Risk Level
Patellar Luxation	Both	Kneecap slips out of position; ranges from occasional skipping to chronic lameness requiring surgery ($1,500–$3,000 per knee)	Common in toy breeds; estimated 5–10% prevalence
Tracheal Collapse	Both (especially Yorkies)	Weakening of tracheal cartilage causing honking cough, exercise intolerance; managed with weight control, harness use, and sometimes surgery	Yorkies: up to 20% affected by age 6 (per Merck Veterinary Manual)
Dental Disease	Both	Toy breeds have crowded teeth that trap plaque; periodontal disease can begin by age 2–3 without daily brushing	Extremely common; 80%+ of small dogs show signs by age 3
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)	Both (especially Yorkies)	Abnormal blood vessel bypasses the liver; causes stunted growth, seizures, disorientation; surgical correction costs $3,000–$6,000+	Yorkies are among the most predisposed breeds
Hypoglycemia	Both (puppies)	Dangerously low blood sugar in toy-breed puppies under 4 months; can be fatal without intervention	Common in puppies under 3 lb; requires frequent feeding
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Both	Gradual vision loss leading to blindness; genetic test available for some forms	Lower prevalence but documented in both breeds
White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Maltese	Idiopathic tremors in small white dogs; typically managed with corticosteroids	Rare but documented in Maltese lines

What Responsible Breeders Should Test For

Ask any Morkie breeder for health clearances on both parent dogs. At minimum, responsible breeders should provide:

• Patellar evaluation — OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification for both parents
• Cardiac exam — veterinary cardiologist clearance
• Eye examination — CERF/OFA ophthalmologist report (especially for PRA)
• Liver shunt screening — bile acids test, especially important given Yorkie prevalence

Who Is the Morkie Best Suited For?

After years of helping dog owners match breeds to lifestyles, here's an honest look at who thrives with a Morkie — and who might want to consider a different match.

Ideal Morkie Households

• Apartment dwellers — Morkies adapt well to small spaces and don't need a yard. A daily 20–30 minute walk plus indoor play is sufficient exercise.
• Adults or families with older children (8+) — toy breeds are fragile. A toddler who drops, squeezes, or steps on a 5 lb dog can cause serious injury. Morkies do best with children who understand gentle handling.
• Home-based workers or retirees — this mix thrives on companionship and does poorly when left alone for 8+ hours daily. If you work long office hours, a Morkie will likely develop separation-related behaviors.
• Allergy-conscious owners — while no dog is guaranteed hypoallergenic, the Morkie's low-shedding coat produces less airborne dander than most breeds. Spend time with a Morkie before committing if you have known dog allergies.
• First-time owners willing to invest in training — Morkies are manageable for beginners, but house-training and bark management require patience and consistency.

Less-Ideal Matches

• Homes with very young children (under 5) who cannot reliably handle a small dog gently
• Owners who are away from home 8+ hours daily without a dog walker or pet sitter arrangement
• People seeking an outdoor adventure dog — Morkies are not built for long hikes, rough terrain, or extreme weather
• Households wanting a quiet dog — both parent breeds are vocal, and barking management is an ongoing commitment

Cost Breakdown: Buying, Adopting, and Annual Care

Expense Category	Low Estimate	Mid Estimate	High Estimate
Puppy from a breeder	$800	$1,500	$3,000+
Adoption from rescue/shelter	$150	$350	$500
First-year veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip)	$400	$650	$900
Annual vet care (wellness exam, vaccines, dental cleaning)	$500	$800	$1,200
Grooming (professional, every 5 weeks = ~10 sessions/year)	$500	$650	$850
Food (high-quality small-breed kibble or wet food)	$180	$300	$480
Pet insurance (monthly premium, toy breed rates)	$300/yr	$480/yr	$720/yr
Supplies (crate, harness, bed, toys, grooming tools — first year)	$200	$350	$500

Total first-year cost (purchased puppy, mid-range estimates): approximately $3,500–$5,500.

Ongoing annual cost (after first year): approximately $2,100–$3,500.

Breeder vs. Rescue: Where to Find a Morkie

Reputable breeders will provide health-tested parents, a written health guarantee (minimum 1–2 years covering genetic conditions), a take-back clause requiring you to return the dog if you can no longer keep it, and AKC registration papers for both parent dogs (even though the Morkie itself cannot be AKC-registered). Expect to pay $1,200–$2,500 from a breeder who does proper health testing. Be wary of breeders offering Morkies under $800 — this often signals puppy mills or backyard breeders who skip health clearances.

Rescues and shelters are an equally valid path. Morkies and similar Maltese/Yorkie mixes regularly appear in small-breed rescues. Organizations like Small Paws Rescue (primarily Bichon but occasionally Maltese mixes) and local humane societies list available dogs on Petfinder. Adoption fees typically range from $150–$500 and often include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping — a significant savings over buying from a breeder.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Maltese-Yorkie Mix

What two breeds make up the Morkie?

The Morkie is a cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. It is not recognized as a distinct breed by any major kennel club but is classified as a designer or mixed breed.

How big will a Maltese mixed with a Yorkie get?

Most Morkies weigh between 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg) and stand 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) tall at the shoulder. Some individuals can reach up to 12 lb if a larger parent was used in breeding.

What is the Morkie's temperament like?

Morkies are typically affectionate, playful, and alert. They bond closely with their families and can be wary of strangers. Expect some barking — both parent breeds are vocal. Individual temperament varies, with some Morkies leaning toward the Maltese's gentleness and others showing more Yorkie-style boldness and independence.

Is a Maltese mixed with a Yorkie hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, because both parent breeds have low-shedding, hair-type coats, Morkies tend to produce less airborne dander than most breeds. Many allergy sufferers tolerate Morkies well, but individual reactions vary. Spend time with the specific dog before making a commitment.

What health issues might a Morkie inherit?

Morkies can inherit conditions from either parent breed, including patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, dental disease, portosystemic liver shunts, hypoglycemia (in puppies), and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeders screen parent dogs for these conditions. Regular veterinary checkups and preventive dental care are essential.

How much does a Maltese-Yorkie mix cost?

Morkie puppies from reputable breeders typically cost $800–$3,000, with most falling in the $1,200–$2,500 range. Adoption from a rescue costs $150–$500 and often includes initial veterinary care. Factor in first-year expenses of $3,500–$5,500 total when budgeting for a Morkie.

How long do Morkies live?

With proper care, Morkies typically live 11–15 years. Some individuals reach 16 or 17 years, consistent with the longevity common in toy breeds.

Are Morkies good with other dogs?

Early socialization is key. Morkies raised around other dogs from puppyhood generally get along well. However, the Yorkie's terrier heritage can make some Morkies feisty or reactive toward unfamiliar dogs, especially larger ones. Supervised introductions and positive associations help build confidence.

For further reading on small-breed health management, the AVMA Dog Care Resources provide comprehensive guidance on preventive care, nutrition, and veterinary visit schedules.