A Morkie is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. You may also see the breed called a Yorktese, Morktese or Morkshire Terrier. They’re all the same tiny, bold, cuddly dog. Morkies get the Yorkie’s spunk and confidence and the Maltese’s sweet, affectionate nature, all in a dog that usually weighs less than 12 pounds.
Our family has raised puppies on our farm near Hersey, Michigan since 2004, and Morkies are one of our three favorite breeds. Here’s what you should know before you bring one home.
Looking for a Morkie puppy in Michigan?
Every Morkie we offer is born and raised on our farm near Hersey, and our kids help play with and care for them every day. Meet your puppy by video chat or in person, then bring them home with free farm pickup, hand delivery across Michigan and nearby states, or a flight nanny to your nearest airport.
Morkie quick facts
Parent breed #1
Small dog, big attitude
Yorkies were developed in northern England in the 1800s to catch rats in mills and mines, then became fashionable lapdogs. Pictured: Delilah, one of the Yorkshire Terrier moms on our farm.
Gives the Morkie: its confidence, spunk and silky coat
Parent breed #2
Lapdog of the ancient Mediterranean
One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese has been a beloved companion for thousands of years.
Gives the Morkie: its gentle, cuddly, people-loving nature
The Morkie itself is a young “designer” breed, first bred in the United States around the late 1990s. Because it’s a cross, the American Kennel Club doesn’t register Morkies, but both parent breeds are AKC breeds.
A full-grown Morkie usually weighs 4–12 pounds and stands 6–10 inches tall. The best predictor is the size of the parents, so ask your breeder about them. Most Morkies reach their adult size by about 10–12 months, and most of the Morkies we raise grow to about 4 to 8 pounds as adults.
You may see “teacup” or “miniature” Morkies advertised. These aren’t a separate breed, just very small Morkies. Extra-tiny dogs can be more fragile and more prone to problems like low blood sugar, so smaller isn’t always better.
With good care, Morkies often live 12–15 years, and many small dogs live even longer. Regular vet visits, good dental care and keeping them at a healthy weight help them live a long, happy life.
Morkies have a long, silky, hair-like coat that sheds very little, which makes them a good fit for many people with mild allergies (though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic). That silky hair tangles easily, so plan on regular care:
Morkie ears: some Morkies have upright ears like a Yorkie, some have soft, folded ears like a Maltese, and some have one of each until they grow up.
Morkies are affectionate, loyal and playful. They love fetch, laps and being part of everything you do, and they often bond closely with one favorite person. They’re also bold for their size. Like their Yorkie parent, many don’t realize how small they are.
?Why Morkies bark
✓How to keep barking in check
Like many toy breeds, Morkies can be prone to a few health issues:
Every Michigan Puppy Morkie is vet checked and microchipped, and comes with a 1-year genetic guarantee.
Morkies are smart and eager to please, but they can have a stubborn streak:
Morkies are small enough to fly in the cabin with you on most airlines, which makes them great travel companions. A few tips:
Bringing your Morkie home from us: you can pick up your puppy at our farm near Hersey at no extra cost, we can hand-deliver anywhere in Michigan and the surrounding states, or a flight nanny can fly with your puppy to the airport nearest you. See our puppy delivery options.
| Morkie | Maltipoo | Shichon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier | Maltese × Toy/Mini Poodle | Shih Tzu × Bichon Frise |
| Typical size | 4–12 lbs | 5–20 lbs | 9–15 lbs |
| Coat | Long and silky | Soft, wavy to curly | Plush, wavy to curly |
| Personality | Bold, loyal, playful | Gentle, smart, eager to please | Sweet, playful snuggler |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15+ years | 12–16 years |
All three are low-shedding small breeds. The Morkie is the smallest and boldest of the three. Learn more in our Maltipoo Guide and Shichon Breed Guide.
✓A great fit if you…
✕Maybe not the best fit if you…
A Morkie is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. It’s also called a Yorktese, Morktese or Morkshire Terrier.
Usually 4–12 pounds and 6–10 inches tall when full grown, depending on the parents.
Often 12–15 years with good care.
Very little. Their silky, hair-like coat is low-shedding but needs brushing several times a week to prevent tangles.
Usually, yes. Most airlines allow small dogs in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Call the airline ahead of time to check its pet policy, fees and paperwork.
Our Morkie puppies are usually priced between about $1,500 and $2,500. Each puppy’s exact price is listed on its page, and you can see our available Morkie puppies here.
