If you’re looking for a Morkie, you might be attracted to the idea of a teacup Morkie. And no wonder – we love things that are tiny and vulnerable. They’re just so cute!
BUT… teacups are not a breed or type of dog. They’re simply first or second generation runts. Too-tiny dogs bred to too-tiny dogs. They have all sorts of health issues and don’t live as long.
Breeders will advertise – and sell – puppies as young as 5 or 6 weeks old, as 12 week or older puppies. The result, the dog is MUCH smaller than you’d expect, so you believe it is indeed a so-called teacup.
For more tips on getting a good quality Mokrie, write for my free e-book. No cost, no obligation, just 27 fact filled pages. Click here to download.
Should I rescue a Morkie from a shelter?
Getting a Morkie? Chances are you will buy it from a reliable person who breeds them as a hobby. Or, you’ll choose to get one from a shelter or rescue site.
What are the pros and cons of getting a shelter or rescue Morkie? And are rescue dogs damaged or otherwise ‘second class’ goods?
Should you buy a Morkie or get one from a shelter?
It’s always better to get a dog from a shelter. In America alone, about 1.2 million healthy, adoptable dogs are euthanized every year. That’s more than 2 dogs per minute put down in U.S. shelters each year. Whenever you can find a dog YOU want, and save a life at the same time, it’s a win-win.
Dogs end up in shelters because OWNERS have made bad choices. Not because they are bad dogs.
too many pets in the home – clearly a lack of thinking on the owner’s part. Pets are not impulse items!
allergies develop in the home – could be a new partner, child or other who has allergies, or allergies could suddenly develop. This is the one reason that isn’t the owner’s fault — but it represents just 7 to 8% of the reasons given why the animal was turned in according to Petfinder.
MYTH: Shelter dogs are “damaged goods” and there’s no hope for them as pets.
This myth comes back to the mistaken belief that it’s the dog’s fault he’s in a shelter. The truth is, it’s the owner’s fault. The owner didn’t think it through, or didn’t plan well. Or circumstances changed in the owner’s life and now the dog isn’t part of the plan. Perhaps the owner didn’t train the dog and so now, he’s now fed up.
Sometimes – and it’s rare – a family member develops an allergy to the pet. THAT is not the owners’ fault. Or the dog’s fault.
But even allergies can be minimized. Extra grooming and special shampoos can reduce the allergens the dog gives off. And since Morkies, Yorkies and Maltese have hair, not fur they don’t shed. That means they’re a better choice for allergy-sensitive people.
To think “I don’t want a second-rate pet from a rescue” is both shallow and short-sighted. Take a look and you’ll see that these are great little dogs with the same potential as any to become your treasured, life-long companion.
One more factor to consider with shelter dogs: they are been fostered while they wait for a forever home.
These foster families are well-versed in how to train and take care of dogs. They to work with them dogs to rehabilitate any shortcomings the dog may have. Many shelter pets receive training and socialization before adoption. That makes the transition to their new family easier.
It’s sad to think of an animal kept in a shelter for months and months and even years. But the web is overflowing with stories about the discarded dog who’s found a happy home with a new family.
Despite past abuse and hurt, he’s a sweet and devoted family member. It is just another demonstration of the power of dogs to forgive us.
Please consider adoption when you’re looking for a new pet.
there are 7 things you need to know!
This 27-page report – FREE to download — is packed with helpful information on what to look for if you’re considering a Morkie.
Dog insurance is a service that will help you plan for and manage the cost of maintaining your dog’s health. You usually pay a small amount per month – around a dollar a day – and major illness or injuries are covered up to a certain amount.
More and more today, companies will also pay some portion of ‘regular maintenance’ or preventative type of expenses such as neutering or spaying and vaccinations. This is sometimes called comprehensive care.
Some policies will also pay out when the pet dies, or if he’s lost or stolen.
It’s complicated, depending on the kind of coverage you’re looking for and where you live.
Although this is certainly a viable way to go – you put aside a certain amount, say $30 a month, in a separate account earning even the minimum of interest. Then, when your Morkie has a major medical expense, you withdraw the money.
And finally, will you really do it?
If you think you’ve got the discipline it might be a good idea to put some money aside AND get a low-cost, no frills insurance policy too.
A very, very sad story today on the news out of California… a family bought a beautiful Morkie puppy from a Craigslist seller. Within just 6 days, Copper, the Yorkie Maltese mix, was dead.
Her Veterinarian confirmed that the puppy would have been sold already suffering from the parvo virus. And of course, the Craigslist seller refused to cover the nearly $900 vet bill.
Getting a Puppy? NEVER buy from Craigslist, Kijiji and the like.
Because of puppy mills, both Kijiji and Craigslist have been targets of international petitions demanding they remove the sale of animals and only promote adoption from registered animal rescue groups and shelters, and the re-homing of family pets (for a small adoption fee).
Be sure to ask to visit the breeder’s kennel or home, and see the other Morkies and dogs they have. Otherwise, you could be buying blind.
If the seller insists on meeting you at a halfway point, or somewhere other than where the other puppies and parent dogs are, it’s a sure sign you’re dealing with a puppy mill.
Ironically, there is a law in California that protects people who buy dogs…. But this seller insists she’s not a “real breeder.” If you buy from a breeder, defined in California as someone who in a year sells at least twenty puppies or three litters, you have rights if a dog becomes sick within the first 15 days.
You can return the dog for a refund and get your vet bills covered up to the dog’s purchase price.
Exchange the dog and get your vet bills for to the amount the dog cost.
Want more tips on avoiding sick puppies, scams and puppy mill dogs?
Download my free e-book, “The 7 Things You Need to Know Before you Get a Morkie.” Among other tips, this e-book tells you how to avoid getting stung like Kathy Nixon.
You can visit – but you see 3 or more different dog breeds running around. This is a red flag that the breeder isn’t committed to one breed or hybrid and is just breeding whatever dogs she has around in order to make money.
Dirty or stinky facilities. Genuine breeders love their dogs and put their care first. The home and puppy area should be clean and tidy and a safe environment for the puppies and parents.
Hand painted signs on the road, advertising puppies for sale.
Puppies are always available, and the breeder will let you take one at Christmas, Easter, etc. No good breeder will release a puppy during these high-stress times and no responsible breeder always has a handy supply of puppies.
Stay away from anyone who’s selling puppies at a public place like a flea market, yard sale, swap meet or pet store, or out of the back of a pickup truck, car or van.
Be suspicious of the breeder who doesn’t demand that you spay or neuter your puppy. A genuine breeder will ask you to sign an agreement that your dog will NOT be bred.
No cost, no obligation. Just good information for fellow dog lovers.
Be Very Careful With Teacups – They’re Fragile!
Are you thinking of getting a “Teacup” Morkie? They’re so tiny and adorable, who wouldn’t want one, but before you decide, please read up on so-called teacups, teensies or baby dolls and the problems in “miniaturizing” dogs like Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese and Morkies.
Even professional dog handlers who show Yorkies for a living prefer their dogs around five or six pounds.
So you can see both breeds are roughly the same size – so should the Morkie, their crossbreed.
While many people think that the “teacup” is a separate breed, it is not a recognized size or breed. These dogs are simply smaller versions of the “regular” Yorkshire Terrier, and sadly are often sickly dogs with health complications that can lead to a shorter life.
Yorkies, Morkies and Maltese are already a very small and fragile breed, but with a dog under 4 pounds, the dangers are magnified. When Yorkies are too small – under four pounds – owners face at least five serious problems including difficulty feeding and house-training and sudden low blood sugar than can lead to shock and even death!
One of the big concerns in a super small dog is just how fragile it is.
The bones of a “teacup” are extremely fragile; a jump from the couch or other pets in the household can seriously injure the super-tiny dog. Their bones are so fragile that they can break by jumping off furniture, falling off a bed, being stepped on or worse. Of course, these very small dogs are not suitable for children.
Super tiny teacup Morkies are not sturdy enough for children. This one is about 6 pounds, ideal for a careful child.
Besides very fragile bones, the “teacup’s” organs are often underdeveloped and can suddenly fail.
Mother dogs who are purposely bred because they are very small, often die from cardiac arrest while giving birth, which is a good indicator that this is not a healthy weight. Plus, even the smallest sign of illness must be taken very seriously, so “teacup” owners can expect to spend a lot of time and money at the veterinarian’s.
With proper care and nutrition a “teacup” live five to seven years. That’s well below the average life expectancy of a regular Yorkie, Morkie or Maltese – which is 12 to 15 years or more.
Some of the smaller “teacups” weighing in at less than 2 pounds, may live only three or four years, another consideration before deciding on one.
If you’re thinking about getting a Yorkie, Morkie or Maltese dog, check out this downloadable e-book. It’s only $7.00 and includes 110 pages of helpful, unbiased information.
When you cross these two pure breeds, you get a Morkie, the magical blend of Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese.
In this 110-page e-book you’ll learn all about each dog and how their behavior, qualities and concerns affect you the owner.
which small dog is best for a family?
do all three breeds get along with cats?
what are some typical health concerns to watch out for?
what is the lifespan of these dogs?
can they be potty-trained easily?
For just $7 you can download this e-book to read on your computer, tablet or smart phone (it’s in PDF format) and learn more.
Beware of teacup dogs: they’re extremely fragile!
Teacup Morkies – good idea?
They’re so tiny and adorable, who wouldn’t want one, but before you decide, please read up on so-called teacups, teensies or baby dolls and the problems in “miniaturizing” purebreeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese and Morkies.
National kennel clubs around the world set out the breed standards for all purebreed dogs, and those standards state that the Yorkshire Terrier is “ideally four to seven pounds.” Even professionals dog handlers who show Yorkies for a living prefer their dogs around five or six pounds, so smaller isn’t better. The Maltese breed standards are a tiny bit heavier – the ideal specimen weighs in at about 5 to 8 pounds.
sudden low blood sugar that can lead to shock and even death!
One of the big concerns in a super small dog is just how delicate the dog is. Their bones are VERY fragile and can be broken by jumping off of a couch, falling off of a bed, being stepped on or worse. They’re not for children of course because of their fragility.
Besides their size, are Teacups different than the ‘regular’ or ‘standard size’ version of the breed?
No — “teacups,” “teenies” and “baby-dolls” are just cutesy labels for Yorkshire Terriers that are far too small. Puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders are “miniaturizing” popular toy breeds and using these adjectives to make them sound even more adorable. Meanwhile they’re selling genetic misfits, fragile dogs who will probably have lifelong health problems.
Toy dogs under 4 pounds are at risk for the diseases above, but can also have a very short lifespan. Sometimes they live only 5 or 6 years.
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