Morkie vs. Maltipoo

Cuteness may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Whether you choose a Yorkie Maltese cross, called a Morkie, or a Maltese poodle cross, called a Maltipoo, you'll end up with a cute little dog. These small hybrid dogs take on some of the characteristics of either parent breed, so one might suit your situation better than the other. Both Maltese cross breeds make very good companions for those who love energy, personality and even portability.

Advertisement

Whether you choose a Yorkie Maltese cross, called a Morkie, or a Maltese poodle cross, called a Maltipoo, you'll end up with a cute little dog.
Image Credit: Cavan Images/Cavan/GettyImages

Video of the Day

Maltese: small dog big heart

The white Maltese, the common denominator in the Maltipoo and the Morkie, matures at between 4 and 7 pounds. One of the most ancient dog breeds, the Maltese is renowned for its good dispositions and high spirits. Maltipoos and Morkies should both inherit those qualities.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

The Maltese is also known for bravery, not quite realizing what a tiny dog he really is. That's another characteristic shared with the Yorkshire Terrier, so the Morkie might exhibit a little too much confidence in that department compared to the wiser Maltipoo.

Poodle: small hybrid dog starter

Maltipoos usually result from crosses with toy poodles, not miniature poodles, so they should grow up to be the same size as the Maltese. The American Kennel Club standard limits toy poodles by size, not weight. Toy poodles can't exceed 10 inches in height at the shoulder at maturity.

Advertisement

Poodles are known for their exceptional intelligence, and they pick up training very quickly. Toy poodles especially are usually very friendly and good with other dogs, but like any poodle, the coat requires regular grooming. Likely, any dog crossed with a poodle will require the same.

Advertisement

Yorkshire Terrier: small dog big personality

Small dog, big personality.
Image Credit: sestovic/iStock/GettyImages

Although Yorkies are small and portable — they rarely weigh more than 7 pounds — don't forget that they're terriers. These tough little dogs, 7 pounds or less, were originally bred to hunt vermin. A Morkie could take on the determined, energetic nature of the Yorkie, which isn't a bad thing. Yorkies are also known for their long silky coats, which could be fun if you like grooming with bows and accessories.

Advertisement

Morkie: a Yorkie Maltese cross

A Morkie is a Yorkie Maltese cross. He might have the wiry or silky coat of his Yorkie parent or the softer coat of a Maltese. Both the Maltese and the Yorkie are prone to barking, so although the Morkie might be a good little watchdog, he might yap more than the Maltipoo.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Although this small dog hybrid also comes in several shades, many Morkies sport the two-tone coloring of their Yorkie parents. Morkies, also called Morkshire Terriers, require brushing several times a week and regular grooming.

As a Maltese cross breed, Morkies are energetic, require a lot of attention and thrive in small or single-person households.

Advertisement

Maltipoo: a Maltese poodle cross

A Maltipoo is the cross between a Maltese and a poodle, usually toy poodle. If your Maltipoo receives the best qualities of his parent breeds, he'll be as smart as the poodle and as sweet as the Maltese. If his coat tends toward the poodle, he might be hypoallergenic. That's good if someone in your household suffers from allergies.

Advertisement

However, little shedding also means he'll require regular grooming services. Without regular grooming, an overgrown "poodly" coat could turn him into a curly, matted mess of a small dog. Poodle heritage means the Maltipoo is available in a variety of shades, including black, chocolate, gray, apricot, and cream.

Little shedding also means he'll require regular grooming services.
Image Credit: heathernemec/iStock/GettyImages

Maltipoos are known to be fun-loving and affectionate, blending into any living environment, whether a family with young kids or elderly couples, or single-person homes. Note they crave company, so being left alone for long periods is not desirable and might result in separation anxiety issues.

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...