Charlotte Foster
The Morkie is a US decorative dog breed that is a hybrid of a Yorkshire terrier and a Maltese Lapdog. At the same time, the International Cynological Federation (fr .: FCI) and the American Kennel Club do not recognize it as an independent breed.
Given the lack of a clear genetic standard, the result of such interbreeding can be completely unexpected, since in dogs, like in humans, the genetic traits of each family member can manifest themselves in the offspring (for example, a certain dog can inherit the traits of a maternal great-grandfather, paternal grandfather line, maternal uncles, etc.).
Appearance
The appearance of the Morkie can vary greatly, with some members of this breed may be more similar in appearance to the Yorkshire Terrier, while others to the Maltese.
Being a hybrid of two small breeds, this animal cannot be very large. However, the size of a particular dog will depend on the selection of parent dogs to breed and the size implicit in their genes.
The bodyweight of the Morkie is 2-4 kg with a height at the withers from 15 cm to 25 cm.
The coat of this breed is usually long and soft. The most common fur colors are black, chestnut, beige and white, or any combination of these.
Ears can be pointed, like the Yorkshire Terrier, or drooping, like a Maltese Lapdog.
Personality
The Morkie is a very active, energetic, confident, and loyal dog, although some dogs may have a gentle temperament like the Maltese. Usually, these animals are playful and very sociable, they like to play with other dogs, although, like other breeds, the character of each dog depends on the upbringing.
Due to their intelligence, representatives of this hybrid breed are usually easy to learn but can be stubborn, so it is important to start their education and training as a puppy and let them know who is the leader in the pack.
Care
- These dogs do not shed, however, their fur should be brushed and combed regularly to avoid tangling.
- In addition, it is very important for purebred Morkies to keep the eye area clean, as this can accumulate dirt.
- Representatives of this breed need to brush their teeth regularly (2-3 times a week) for hygienic purposes.
- These small dogs should be fed half a plate of dry food 2-3 times a day.
Health
The main problem areas in Morkie are the eyes, ears, and mouth.
In addition, these dogs can suffer from the same conditions as Yorkshire Terriers or Maltese Lapdogs, that is, tracheal collapse, cataracts, medial patellar dislocation, hydrocephalus, chronic heart valve failure, renal failure, and glaucoma. They are also prone to the so-called reverse sneezing.
Morkie has a lifespan of up to 15 years.
Conclusion
Morkie is an ideal choice for people who have a lot of free time to communicate with their beloved pets and people who are allergic to dog hair.