How Big Do Maltese Yorkies Get?

A Maltese/Yorkie mix is a common hybrid breed of dog that is usually referred to as either a Morkie, Yorktese, Malkie, or Malki. Due to its popularity, many Maltese/Yorkie mixes are not half purebred Maltese and half purebred Yorkshire Terrier but are products of multi-generational crosses, meaning each parent is a mix of both Yorkie and Maltese.

  1. Size

    • Hybrid dog breeds can become as large or as small as either breed, however both Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese breeds are roughly the same size. Both breeds are classified as Toy Group breeds by the American Kennel Club and each has an average healthy weight of 4 to 7 lbs., although individual dogs can be larger. The average height of Morkies tends to be slightly larger than their stock breeds at 8 to 10 inches. Like their stock breeds, Morkies can be bred to teacup size but this drastically decreases the life expectancy of the dog and introduces a wide range of health problems to it.

    Physical Characteristics

    • Morkie dogs usually feature the long, silky hair found in both breeds and require regular grooming to keep it from matting and tangling. Individual Morkie puppies may have its tail docked at a young age, as docked tails are common for Yorkies, but are not common for Maltese.

    Breed Characteristics

    • Like any hybrid breed, Morkies can exhibit any of the traits found in either breed, and like all dogs can exhibit temperaments that its breed is not known for. Morkies are not recommended for families with small children, as the Maltese breed's brittle bone structure and the Yorkie's high activity level can be dangerous around a small child. Morkies tend to bond closely with their family and do not do well if left alone or ignored. Ignored Morkies can become bored and distracted if left alone to its own devices.

    Life Expectancy

    • The average life expectancy for the Morkie breed is between 10 to 13 years, slightly shorter than the mid-teenage life expectancy of the purebred stock. Life expectancy can be shorter still if the individual dog inherits the problems of either or both breeds, such as the Maltese breed's brittle bones and the Yorkie's genetic dental and thigh bone problems.