Morkie

It takes a lot of work for a Morkie to look so cute.

• Bathing: Bathe your dog every three to four weeks as needed. Always use a dog-friendly shampoo—not shampoo for people!—so you don’t dry out their skin.
• Brushing: Both Maltese and Yorkies have silky hair that grows long. So, you’ll need to brush your Morkie every day to keep their coat tangle-free. Use a pin brush or slicker brush to get the job done. You can give your Morkie a shorter haircut to make brushing easier.
• Dental care: Small dogs like the Morkie are prone to dental disease, so they need their teeth brushed every day. You can also promote healthy teeth with products like dental chews, a dental-focused diet like Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care, and water additives like VETRADENT.
• Ear care: Regularly check your Morkie’s ears for signs of an infection. Dogs with floppy ears may be more prone to infections than Morkies, whose ears stand straight up.
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every few weeks. You’ll know it’s time for a manicure when you can hear their nails click-clacking on the floor.

Because Morkies are loving and bright dogs, always use positive reinforcement methods during training. They need a pet parent who’ll bring patience and consistency—not to mention special treats and favorite dog toys—to training sessions.

Start basic obedience training as soon as your Morkie puppy comes home, guiding them through learning essential cues like sit and stay.

Along with training, early socialization is critical to help reduce excessive barking and avoid anxiety around strangers or new pets. Introducing your Morkie puppy to different environments, sounds, and people from a young age will help them be calmer and more confident adults as they explore the world.

Morkies are social dogs, so they can easily develop separation anxiety. Crate training is highly recommended to help manage mild cases of separation anxiety and provide a safe space when you’re not around. If needed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to help your pup.

Crate training can also help with potty training your Morkie, which can be difficult due to their itty-bitty bladder. Keep bathroom breaks frequent and consistent.

With the right foundation and dedicated pet parents, Morkie dogs can become polite and delightful family companions.

Feeding your Morkie the right diet is essential for supporting their overall health. These small but lively dogs thrive on high-quality small-breed dog food; products like Purina Pro Plan Small Breed dog food and Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed dog food are good picks.

Because Morkies are prone to dental issues, a vet can help determine the best dog food for your pup. Dry kibble can help reduce plaque buildup, but wet food may be easier for some dogs to chew.

No matter what food you choose, it needs to meet AAFCO standards and be formulated for your Morkie’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).

Meals should be divided into two to three small portions throughout the day, which helps prevent hypoglycemia, a condition Morkie puppies are particularly susceptible to. Portion control is also important, as these dogs are at risk of becoming overweight if overfed or spoiled with too many treats. Ask your vet how much you should be feeding your dog.

Always provide fresh water, and speak with your vet about any necessary dietary supplements based on your Morkie’s individual needs.

While Morkies are small in stature, their energy level is anything but. These pups love to play and explore, making daily exercise a must.

Morkie dogs need at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, though many will enjoy even more time if given the chance. Short walks around the neighborhood combined with at-home play sessions can be enough to meet their exercise needs.

They especially enjoy games like fetch, tug-of-war, or even puzzle toys that stimulate their mind as well as their body. Mental stimulation and play will also help reduce nuisance behaviors that show up due to boredom, like excessive barking or chewing.

Because of their small size, Morkies don’t need a large yard. But they do need safe, supervised play. Don’t let them off-leash in an unfenced area, as their curiosity and confidence can sometimes outweigh their sense of danger.

Morkies are as adaptable as they are cute, making them ideal for both city apartments and suburban homes. Their small size means they don’t need a lot of space to run, but they do need plenty of attention and stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety.

These dogs prefer always being close to their family, and they may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. So, they’re best suited to households where someone is home most of the day.

Morkie dogs thrive in quiet to moderately active homes and typically do well with older children who understand how to gently interact with tiny dogs. While they can get along with other pets, proper introductions and early socialization are necessary to ensure harmony in the household.