How long does a Morkie live?

A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).

Is a Morkie easy to train?

Trainability is very low to moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Morkie

Also searched as Yorkie Maltese Mix

The Morkie is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. Most grow into toy-sized dogs of 4–7 lb and live 12–15 years.

Yorkshire Terrier, a purebred dog — Yorkshire TerrierPhoto: Gandalfelrojo2, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Maltese, a purebred dog — MaltesePhoto: Maltezervereniging, Public domain, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight4–7 lbcan be 4–7 lb

Height7–8 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–15 years

SizeToy-sized

How big does a Morkie get?

Yorkshire Terrier4–7 lb

The mix4–7 lb

Maltese4–7 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Morkie dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 7–8 inches at the shoulder, against 7–8 in for the Yorkshire Terrier and 7–9 in for the Maltese.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low

Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Very low to moderate

The Yorkshire Terrier rates very low and the Maltese moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Very high

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Yorkshire Terrier is usually described as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish. The Maltese as gentle, playful, charming. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Yorkie vs Maltese vs the mix

Trait	Yorkshire Terrier	Morkie	Maltese
Weight	4–7 lb	4–7 lb	4–7 lb
Height	7–8 in	7–8 in	7–9 in
Lifespan	11–15 yr	12–15 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Morkie

How big does a Morkie get?: Most grow to 4–7 pounds and 7–8 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–7 pounds.
How long does a Morkie live?: A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).
Does a Morkie shed?: Shedding is very low. Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Morkie easy to train?: Trainability is very low to moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Yorkie mixes

Other Maltese mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.