Morkie Puppies

Everyone loves dogs, particularly when they are puppies. Morkie puppies are one of the cuddlier and cuter puppies you will find.

Morkie Puppies

Most believe that the Morkie is the product of commingling Scottish and English terriers. Several breeds have been suggested, including the Old English Black and Tan. The roots of the breed get back to the Scottish influence during the Revolution. The ancestors are the Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and the Skye Terrier. Many have suggested that at some time an old breed from Malta called the Maltese might be in the background as well.

The Morkie has a long, steel blue and tan coat. It hangs straight and parts down the middle. Many of these puppies do not conform directly to the standard. Tan is on the face and legs. Coats may be black or silvery grey on the body. The hair usually grows long. Although it is not acceptable for shows, they can also have somewhat wavy hair. In either case, the hair is silky, fine, soft, and must either be washed and brushed or trimmed short. Show dogs hair is often 'wrapped' in rice paper, after a light oiling. This helps preventing the hair from being broken easily.

Morkie puppies’ paw-pads, lips, nose and eye-rims must be darkly pigmented. They have a compact build. They hold itself in an upright manner which makes it look confident. Though a toy breed, they still retain much of its Terrier ancestry in terms of personality. The puppies are generally intelligent, independent and spunky. Males are known for their disregard for the limitations of their own size. Despite their size, they will often attack much larger dogs.

Even as puppies, the Morkies love to play together in groups with cats and other dogs. However, they are terriers, so even sedentary lap dog may eagerly hunt rodents. They are easily injured because of being small. They deal well with children, but may be endangered if kept in the house with an abusive person. If attacked or continually provoked, despite their small size, they surprise with a powerful bite.

Morkies tend to develop cataracts in their old age. Accidentally, their small size limits the effects. There is also a place for tracheal collapse. The cause is thought by many to be partially genetic and partially may be caused by environment. Owners should avoid straining on the puppies neck with a collar. Veterinarians recommend using a harness instead of a collar to help avoiding the chronic coughing which is caused by partial trachea collapse.

The Morkie is prone to certain genetic disorders. Most common is the portosystemic shunt. In this condition some of the dog's blood bypasses the liver. As a result, it does not get cleaned of toxins. It takes the potential owner to be aware of some of the symptoms, when buying the puppy, and get a consultation from a local veterinarian of the way to avoid them: poor muscle development, small stature, unresponsiveness, behavioral abnormalities, seizures… Still, the condition is most often reversible in time, if treated by a veterinarian.