Full Grown Morkie: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

A morkie is a hybrid dog breed resulting from breeding a Maltese with a Yorkie. As a morkie reaches adulthood, their size, appearance, and personality will become fully developed.

This guide covers everything you need to know about what to expect from a morkie at their full grown size.

About the Morkie Breed

Morkies are a relatively new hybrid breed that are becoming increasingly popular as companion dogs.

The exact origins of the morkie are unknown, but they began appearing more frequently in the late 20th century as designer dogs became trendy.

They inherit traits from both of their purebred parents - the tiny Maltese and toy Yorkshire Terrier.

Size at Full Growth

Most morkies reach their full adult size between 12-18 months old. Fully grown, a morkie will typically be:

• Length: 8-12 inches from nose to tail
• Height: 6-10 inches at the shoulder

Keep in mind size can vary slightly based on whether they take after the Maltese or Yorkie side more. However, almost all morkies remain very small even at maturity.

Weight at Full Growth

The average weight range for an adult morkie is:

Male: 3-6 pounds
Female: 2.5-5 pounds

Larger morkies may max out around 7 pounds, but most sit comfortably in the 3-5 pound range. Their petite size makes them a great option for apartment living.

Appearance at Full Growth

By adulthood, a morkie's appearance will be fully developed. Their coat will be established and any puppyish traits will fade. Common full grown appearance traits include:

• Silky, hypoallergenic double coat that lies flat
• Variety of colors like cream, white, tan, black & tan, gray
• Erect triangular ears
• Small button nose
• Big, round eyes
• Curled or straight tail carried up

Their tiny stature and adorable features resemble stuffed animals even when fully mature.

Personality at Full Growth

Morkies tend to retain their playful puppy personalities into adulthood. Common traits of a fully grown morkie include being:

• Affectionate - they love to cuddle and be held
• Loyal companions - bond strongly to their owner
• Easygoing - adapt well to most households
• Not overly active - enjoy naps and lap time more than long exercise
• Generally good with children but may nip due to small size
• Friendly towards strangers but can be yappy
• Intelligent but stubborn at times

With proper socialization, morkies make terrific family dogs despite retaining toy dog traits.

Price of a Morkie Puppy

Because of their designer breed popularity and small size, morkie puppies command a premium price. The average cost for a well-bred morkie from a reputable breeder is:

Typical price: $1,000 - $2,500

Prices may vary upwards depending on pedigree, color/markings, demand in your area, and whether the parents were show or pet quality. Be wary of unusually low prices which could indicate a puppy mill or unhealthy breeding practices.

Food and Feeding a Full Grown Morkie

As adults, morkies have low caloric needs due to their petite size. A quality diet is important for their health and to prevent obesity.

Daily calorie needs: 225-350 calories per day

Feed a small breed specific kibble divided into 2-3 meals daily. Consult the feeding guidelines on the bag. Fresh water should always be available. Small treats can be given sparingly as positive reinforcement in training.

Lifespan of a Morkie

With proper care, the average lifespan of a morkie is 12-15 years. Some healthy morkies may live to 17-18 years old. Their smaller size makes them more prone to certain conditions as they age.

Health Considerations at Full Growth

As with any dog breed, morkies can be prone to certain hereditary or lifestyle conditions as adults that owners should monitor:

• Dental disease - brush teeth 2-3 times weekly to prevent
• Hypoglycemia - low blood sugar more common in toys breeds
• Patellar luxation - knee cap slips out of place, screening puppies advised
• Collapsed trachea - more flexible due to small size
• Portosystemic shunt - congenital liver shunt, genetics can increase risk
• Eye issues - ask breeder about parents' eyes, annual checks advised

Overall morkies typically enjoy good health when adequately exercised and fed a high quality diet tailored to their needs.

Care of a Full Grown Morkie

Care for an adult morkie is low maintenance but there are some key aspects owners should focus on:

• Grooming 2-3 times weekly - brushing prevents mats and focuses on social bonding
• Nail trims every 2-4 weeks to prevent cracks or ingrown nails
• Teeth brushing 2-3 times weekly - small breeds prone to tartar buildup
• Ear cleaning weekly using a cotton pad - check for discharge or odor
• Anal gland expression every 4-6 months by vet to prevent impaction

Regular vet checkups are also important to monitor weight, dental health, and to identify any potential issues early.

Nutrition Needs of a Fully Grown Morkie

To thrive as an adult, a morkie needs a balanced diet that meets their needs without promoting obesity. Stick to the recommended daily amounts:

• High quality kibble formulated for toys breeds - 1/2 to 3/4 cup daily, divided into 2-3 meals
• Fresh water available at all times - change daily
• Calcium for bone health - added in form of green beans or broccoli instead of supplements
• Omega fatty acids for skin/coat - fish oil supplement or foods like sardines 1-2 times weekly
• Fiber for bowel regularity - cooked pumpkin, sweet potato or beans 1-2 times weekly

A tailored nutrition plan sets adult morkies up to feel their best as senior dogs.

Cost of Owning a Full Grown Morkie

While their purchase price is high, overall costs to care for an adult morkie are moderate compared to larger breeds.

Estimated annual costs to own a healthy full grown morkie include:

• Food: $200-300 per year for premium kibble
• Grooming supplies: $50-100 per year for brushes, shampoo, nail clippers etc.
• Toy and treat budget: $50-100 per year
• Basic medical care: $300-500 per year for annual exams, tests, dental cleaning etc.
• Training costs: $100-300 total over lifetime for obedience classes
• Emergencies: $500+ savings for unpredictable vet bills

Total estimated yearly costs are $700-1,200 for basic care of a healthy adult morkie. Ongoing costs may decrease some in their senior years if medical needs are limited.

Possible Behavior Changes as a Morkie Matures

As puppies become fully grown adult dogs, changes in behavior are normal parts of maturation. Owners of morkies may notice these behavioral shifts:

• decreased nippy/mouthing behavior as the dog understands bite inhibition
• increased ability to settle down and less hyperactive bursts of energy
• stronger bond and attachment to their primary owner and household
• decreased frequency of accidents in the house as potty training is fully established
• more independence and tolerance of short periods alone as separation anxiety lessens
• barking may increase slightly to alert their small size as a watchdog trait develops

Consistency, positive reinforcement training, and mental/physical stimulation help adult morkies stay well-behaved family members.

Notable Characteristics of a Mature Morkie

Some distinguishing traits that set adult morkies apart include:

• unwavering loyalty and affection for their human companions
• playful curiosity and eagerness to please their favorite people
• adaptability to various living situations but do best in a home as the center of attention
• intelligence that allows them to learn quickly but also develop stubborn streaks
• hardy constitution and good health despite their miniature size
• hypoallergenic coat that remains silky and nonshedding
• ability to bond with children when supervised due to tolerant nature

Their loving temperament and cute factor retains their "perpetual puppy" charm for years.

Suitability of a Morkie as a Family Pet

When fully grown, morkies continue to make excellent companion dogs thanks to traits like:

• Apartment friendly size - don't require much space and exercise
• Low maintenance grooming and care needs
• Gentle dispositions - get along peacefully in homes with people of all ages
• Affectionate personalities - love snuggling and being held
• Trainability - responsive to positive reinforcement training
• Adaptability - adjust to most households including other small pets

With their liveliness, loyalty and tiny stature, mature morkies remain wonderful pets for busy families seeking a low-key companion.

Conclusion

By understanding what to expect from a morkie as an adult dog, owners can provide the care, training and enrichment they need to thrive. Their playful natures and pint-sized forms retain charm for years. When treated as valued family members, morkies make wonderful lifelong furry friends.