Yorktese
A tiny Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese cross (also called Morkie) with a silky, low-shedding coat. Affectionate and people-oriented, but prone to barking and best in homes without very young children.
Yorktese scorecard
Overview
The Yorktese — commonly known as the Morkie — is a tiny toy crossbreed produced by mating a Yorkshire Terrier with a Maltese. It typically stands around 18–25 cm and weighs roughly 2–5 kg, with a soft, silky, low-shedding coat and an appealing, expressive face. Bred purely as a companion lapdog, it combines the Yorkshire Terrier’s boldness and devotion with the Maltese’s gentle, affectionate and people-loving nature.
As a designer crossbreed, the Yorktese is not a recognised breed and has no breed standard or registry, so coat, colour and size vary between individuals. While its coat is often low-shedding, that is a tendency rather than a guarantee, and “hypoallergenic” is a marketing claim, not a promise. Prospective owners should understand both small parent breeds — both intelligent, affectionate and sometimes vocal — before choosing one.
Good to know — a Yorktese is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Yorktese is a modern crossbreed without a formal documented history, and its traits come from its parents. The Yorkshire Terrier is a Victorian English breed developed in the textile districts of northern England, originally a ratting terrier refined into a glamorous toy companion known for boldness and a long, silky coat. The Maltese is an ancient Mediterranean toy breed with a long history as a companion dog, prized for its pure-white silky coat and gentle, devoted temperament.
Crossing these two toy companion breeds aims to produce a small, affectionate, low-shedding lapdog. Because both parents were bred primarily as companions, the Yorktese is generally very people-focused, thriving on attention and closeness with its family.
Temperament & family fit
Yorkteses are typically affectionate, lively and devoted, forming a very strong bond with their owners. The Yorkshire Terrier influence brings confidence and a bold, sometimes feisty streak, while the Maltese adds gentleness, playfulness and a deep attachment to people. Most are happy lapdogs that also love to play and want to be involved in everything their family does.
Both parent breeds can be vocal, so Yorkteses are often quick to bark and may need training to keep this in check. They thrive on company and are prone to separation-related behaviour if left alone too much. Their small size and fragility mean they are best suited to homes without very young children, where gentle handling can be assured.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Yorkteses are intelligent and capable of learning well, but both parents can have an independent or stubborn streak, so patient, consistent, reward-based training is key. Short, positive sessions with food and praise suit them, and early training to manage barking and to build confidence is particularly worthwhile. House-training small toy dogs can take time and consistency.
Owners should avoid treating a Yorktese as too delicate to need rules: setting the same calm, fair boundaries used for any dog, alongside good early socialisation, helps prevent nervousness, excessive barking and “small-dog” behaviours. Gentle handling and reward-based methods produce the most confident, well-mannered adult.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Yorktese typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The soft, silky coat needs regular grooming — brushing several times a week, or daily if kept long, to prevent tangles and matting — plus occasional trimming. Many owners keep the coat in a shorter “puppy clip” for ease. Tear staining around the eyes is common, especially with the Maltese influence, so the face should be kept clean and dry. Dental care is very important in such a small dog, along with routine ear, eye and nail care.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Yorktese
Feed a complete, good-quality food formulated for toy or small breeds, divided into two or more small measured meals a day. Very small dogs can be prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), particularly as puppies, so regular meals matter and any concerns should be discussed with a vet. Portion carefully, since even a little excess food causes weight gain in a dog this size, and always provide fresh water.
A toy breed
An adult Yorktese typically weighs 2–5 kg, so a healthy Yorktese eats a small amount — often under 100g of dry food a day compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A toy breed is usually done growing at 10–12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–15 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
Small mouths, crowded teeth
Smaller breeds get dental disease more often than big ones, largely because the same number of teeth are packed into a shorter jaw. Kibble size is worth checking, and a dental chew counts towards the daily 10% of calories from treats.
How much should a Yorktese weigh?
Adult 2–5 kgfully grown at 10–12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 0.4–0.9 kg | 18% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 0.6–1.5 kg | 30% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 1.2–3 kg | 59% |
| 10–12 months | Fully grown | 2–5 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a toy breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Yorktese
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Yorktese's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Pedigree Can in Jelly Puppy 6 Pack
Complete Pedigree puppy food in jelly with chicken, lamb and poultry recipes
£10.15
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Lamb
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% lamb, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Adult Dog Turkey Veg
Complete dry food for adult dogs with turkey, chicken and salmon oil, 21% protein
From£3.39
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Yorktese health & costs
Before bringing a Yorktese home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£200–300 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£12–28 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
A Yorktese can inherit health problems from both parents. From the Yorkshire Terrier it may inherit patellar luxation, dental disease, collapsing trachea, portosystemic liver shunt and progressive retinal atrophy. From the Maltese it may inherit patellar luxation, dental disease, collapsing trachea, and conditions such as portosystemic shunt and white shaker syndrome, along with the tear-staining and eye sensitivities common to the breed.
Because both parents are tiny toy dogs, the cross shares the general vulnerabilities of very small breeds: fragile bones, a high risk of dental disease, and susceptibility to tracheal and patellar problems. Responsible breeders should health-test parents, including eye testing and patella checks, and be open about any liver or dental issues in the line. Buyers should ask to see relevant screening and handle the puppy and parents gently.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps, common in both toy parent breeds
- Dental disease — a high risk in tiny jaws; daily dental care and regular checks are important
- Collapsing trachea — a windpipe condition in small breeds; use a harness rather than a neck collar
- Portosystemic (liver) shunt — an inherited liver condition reported in both parent breeds
- Progressive retinal atrophy — an inherited eye condition that can affect either parent breed
- Hypoglycaemia — low blood sugar, a risk in very small dogs, especially puppies
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Yorktese; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Yorktese puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Yorktese
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Low-shedding, ideal lap companion
- Devoted and apartment-friendly
Things to consider
- Vocal and can be yappy
- Fragile and not ideal with toddlers
Compare the Yorktese
See how the Yorktese measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Cavapoo
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Cavapoochon
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Similar temperament
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny, feisty toy terrier with a big personality — ideal for flats but delicate around small children.
Pomeranian
A lively, fox-faced toy dog with a luxurious coat — bold and fun, but tiny and quite vocal.
Australian Silky Terrier
A small, glossy-coated toy terrier with a bold spirit. Friendly and companionable, but keen, alert and prone to barking, with a silky coat that needs regular care.
German Spitz
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Similar size, different type
Yorkshire Terrier
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Chihuahua
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Pomeranian
A lively, fox-faced toy dog with a luxurious coat — bold and fun, but tiny and quite vocal.
Italian Greyhound
A tiny, elegant sighthound — affectionate, clean and quiet, but delicate and sensitive.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Yorktese, and is it the same as a Morkie?
Yes. The Yorktese, commonly known as the Morkie, is a tiny toy crossbreed produced by mating a Yorkshire Terrier with a Maltese. It has a soft, silky coat and an appealing, expressive face, and was bred purely as a companion lapdog. It combines the Yorkshire Terrier's boldness and devotion with the Maltese's gentle, people-loving nature.
How big does a Yorktese get?
A Yorktese typically stands around 18–25 cm and weighs roughly 2–5 kg, making it a delicate, lap-sized toy dog. As a designer cross with no breed standard, coat, colour and size vary between individuals. Its small size means it is best suited to gentle homes and careful handling.
Do Yorkteses shed, and are they hypoallergenic?
The soft, silky coat is often low-shedding, but that is a tendency rather than a guarantee, and "hypoallergenic" is a marketing claim, not a promise. The coat needs regular grooming — brushing several times a week, or daily if kept long — to prevent matting, plus occasional trimming. Many owners keep it in a shorter "puppy clip" for ease.
What is a Yorktese's temperament like?
Yorkteses are typically affectionate, lively and devoted, forming a very strong bond with their owners. The Yorkshire Terrier brings confidence and a bold, sometimes feisty streak, while the Maltese adds gentleness and a deep attachment to people. Most are happy lapdogs that love to play. Both parents can be vocal, so they are often quick to bark and may need training to keep this in check.
How much exercise does a Yorktese need?
The Yorktese has modest exercise needs, typically around 30 minutes of activity a day split into short walks plus indoor play and games, and it adapts very well to apartment living. Despite its small size it is lively and benefits from mental stimulation. Protect such a tiny dog from cold weather, rough play and larger dogs, and avoid over-exercising a young puppy.
What health problems are Yorkteses prone to?
A Yorktese can inherit issues from both parents. From the Yorkshire Terrier: patellar luxation, dental disease, collapsing trachea, portosystemic liver shunt and progressive retinal atrophy. From the Maltese: similar patellar, dental and tracheal issues, portosystemic shunt and white shaker syndrome, plus tear-staining. As tiny toy dogs they share fragile bones and a high risk of dental disease. Choose health-tested parents.
Are Yorkteses good with children and other pets?
Yorkteses are devoted, affectionate lapdogs but are fragile and best suited to households without very young children, where careful handling can be assured. They suit gentle, companion-focused homes, including flats, and adapt well to quieter or older owners. They dislike being left alone and can be vocal, so routine and training help.
How long do Yorkteses live?
A Yorktese typically lives around 12–15 years, a fairly long lifespan for a tiny dog. Quality of life is helped by careful dental care and grooming, keeping a healthy weight and feeding regular small meals, since very small dogs can be prone to low blood sugar. Insurance helps cover the inherited conditions common to toy breeds.
Are Yorkteses good with children?
Best with older, calm children. As a general guide, Yorkteses tend to be better suited to homes with older children or no young children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Yorktese need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Yorktese needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Yorkteses shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Yorkteses easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Yorkteses are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Yorkteses bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Yorkteses good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Yorkteses suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Yorktese can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog / crossbreeds and health: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- RVC VetCompass programme — companion animal health data: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
- PDSA — Dog breed and health information: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog care and breed advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- British Veterinary Association — Brachycephalic dogs / responsible breeding: https://www.bva.co.uk/
Recommended for your Yorktese
Matched to a Yorktese's size and their typical need for regular coat care, dental care.
Wooden Pet Deshedding Grooming Brush
An ergonomic wooden grooming brush with a fine-toothed edge that loosens and lifts away dead and shedding fur. The smooth contoured handle sits comfortably in the hand for quick, gentle daily de-shedding.
£14.99
Pet Oral Spray for Dogs & Cats
A 100ml pet oral spray for dogs and cats that helps promote fresh breath and cleaner teeth. Simply spray onto teeth and gums - no brushing needed for daily oral care.
£8.99
Bugalugs Double-Sided Dematting Rake for Dogs & Cats
Two tools in one: tackle stubborn mats with the 9-tooth side, then thin and de-shed with the 17-tooth side — ideal for long or double-coated pets.
£11.99
Kenchii Scorpion 8-Inch 24-Tooth Chunker & Blender Scissors
Performance chunker and blending scissors from Kenchii's Scorpion range — Japanese alloy stainless steel with specially designed blades for daily professional use.
£104.49
Warm Stretch Snood for Dogs, Ear and Neck Cover, S, M and L
A stretch snood that gathers long ears back against the head and out of food bowls, puddles and brambles, knitted in a soft cationic-spandex blend in purple or blue.
£10.99
Electric Pet Grooming Clipper
A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.
From£11.99
Turkey Tail Mushroom & Probiotic Powder
A bacon-flavoured turkey tail mushroom and probiotic powder you sprinkle over food. Made to support immunity, energy and gut health, with scoop guidance for every weight from small to large pets.
£13.99
Flea & Tick Repellent Collar for Dogs & Cats
An adjustable 70cm repellent collar, water-resistant and trimmed to fit either a cat or a dog, giving day-to-day deterrence against fleas and ticks with no drops to apply.
£7.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.