Morkie Poo

Overview

The Morkie Poo is a designer crossbreed that blends two distinct dogs: the Morkie, the tiny Maltese-and-Yorkie companion mix, and the Poodle, a brilliant, versatile water retriever. Breeders combine the two hoping to pair the Morkie's best traits — silky, low-shedding coat and a big personality in a tiny body — with the Poodle's clever, low-shedding coat prized by allergy sufferers, all in one companion.

As a first-generation mix, the Morkie Poo is not a standardized breed, so puppies — even littermates — can vary in size, coat, and personality depending on which parent they take after. Most are very small dogs, typically weighing around the range shown above. Thanks to the Morkie side, many — though not all — inherit a lower-shedding coat that some allergy sufferers tolerate better. The best way to picture an individual Morkie Poo is to get to know both parent breeds.

As a first-generation mix, the Morkie Poo is not a standardized breed, so puppies — even littermates — can vary in size, coat, and personality depending on which parent they take after. Most are very small dogs, typically weighing around the range shown above. Thanks to the Morkie side, many — though not all — inherit a lower-shedding coat that some allergy sufferers tolerate better. The best way to picture an individual Morkie Poo is to get to know both parent breeds.

Temperament

Morkie Poos tend to be affectionate, spirited, and bold — and, from the Poodle side, intelligent, eager, and highly trainable. From its Morkie parent it often inherits a silky, low-shedding coat and a big personality in a tiny body, while the Poodle contributes a clever, low-shedding coat prized by allergy sufferers. The blend usually makes an affectionate, family-oriented companion, but because temperament can lean either way, early socialization and consistent, positive handling are important to bring out the best of both parents.

• Big personality in small package
• Very affectionate
• Intelligent and responsive
• Fragile - needs gentle handling

Exercise

A moderately active mix, the Morkie Poo does well with around 45–60 minutes of daily exercise — a couple of walks plus some play. It enjoys activity but is also happy to relax at home once its needs are met.

Grooming

Coat care depends on which parent a puppy favors. Those taking after the Morkie often have a wavy or curly, low-shedding coat that needs brushing several times a week and professional clipping every 6–8 weeks to prevent matting; others shed more and need only a weekly brush. Keep ears clean, nails trimmed, and teeth brushed regularly.

Training

With at least one highly intelligent parent, the Morkie Poo is usually quick to learn and enjoys having its mind engaged. Keep training positive, reward-based, and varied to hold its interest, and provide puzzle toys or jobs to prevent boredom. Early socialization ensures a confident, well-mannered adult.

Health

Mixed-breed dogs often enjoy some 'hybrid vigor,' but the Morkie Poo can still inherit any of the health conditions common to its parent breeds. Owners should be aware of dental disease, patellar luxation, collapsing trachea, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. Buying from a breeder who health-tests both the Morkie and the Poodle parents, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, and staying current with routine veterinary care are the best ways to support a long, healthy life.

Compatibility

Related Breeds