What do you think of when you hear the word Morkie? An alien? No one will blame you for thinking that way. However, “Morkie” is actually the term given to a mixed dog breed. It is a designer or a hybrid dog obtained by crossing the Yorkshire terrier and Maltese dog breeds.
Morkies are one of the best dog breeds to own – they are small, smart, cute, and friendly. They make great companion pets and do not need too much exercise. For this reason, they are ideal for older people, apartment dwellers, and especially for people who are super busy.
This article breaks down the exact cost of a Morkie puppy, the first-year cost of owning one, and also the monthly and annual costs of Morkie ownership. After all, it is important for every potential Morkie owner to make sure that they can financially support it.
Average Cost of a Morkie Puppy & Subsequent Yearly Costs
On average, most breeders charge between $600 and $3000 for a Maltese Yorkie Mix.
A regular-sized Morkie will cost slightly less than a teacup Morkie. This is due to the smaller litter sizes and higher demand for small designer dogs.
If you purchase a puppy for a median price of $1,000, you can expect your first-year costs to total approximately $2,250. After the first year, your annual costs drop to about $875, making them a relatively inexpensive dog to care for.
Morkies have an average lifespan of 12 years. Over the course of your pooch’s lifetime, you can expect to spend a total of $10,500.
Factors Affecting a Morkie Puppy’s Price
Size
Contrary to popular belief, a teacup Morkie is not a runt. Breeders selectively breed smaller dogs and spend weeks taking care of the small-sized pups to ensure they get the nourishment the mother dog usually cannot provide.
Moreover, small-sized mother dogs give birth to just 1-3 pups. For these reasons, teacup Morkies cost more than regular-sized Morkies.
Morkie Breeder
A reputable breeder will ensure that the parent dogs – the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese – are healthy, prior to breeding them. This generally means passing them through several health checks. Many breeders also offer health guarantee records once the puppies arrive.
Also, your Maltese Yorkie Mix will live with the breeder for up to 8 weeks during which they will receive the primary vaccinations and deworming, etc. All these can significantly increase your pet’s costs.
Some people opt to find their Morkie through a rescue group. Rescued Morkies typically have associated fees between $300 – $500. They may be adults, however, and not as young as some pet parents wish.
Geographic Location
Geographic location can have a significant impact on the price of Morkie puppies. For instance, Morkie puppies in urban areas with high demand may be priced higher than those in rural areas.
Additionally, certain regions may have a larger presence of good breeders, leading to a higher average price for Morkie puppies in that area.
However, it is important to note that location should not be the only factor considered when searching for a Maltese Yorkie. Ultimately, prospective owners should prioritize finding responsible and ethical Morkie breeders, regardless of location.
Basic Dog Supplies Cost in the USA
Before bringing home your puppy, be sure to prepare your home for it. By spending time getting everything in order, the first few days of Affenpinscher ownership will go much smoother.
Some supplies you’ll want to consider for these small dogs include a collar and leash, nail clippers, a crate, toys, a bed, food and water bowls, grooming tools, and treats. The total initial cost for these supplies is approximately $200 – $300.
Morkie Training Costs
You can choose to train your Morkie at home or hire a private trainer. You also have the option of enrolling your dog in group training classes or doggy boot camp. These all have different prices.
The Morkie temperament is friendly and intelligent, so you shouldn’t have to invest too much in training. It’s best to start at a young age.
The average cost of training a dog is between $20 and $50 per session depending on your area and the time of each training session. Some reputable private trainers charge as high as $120 per session for obedience classes.
The average cost of private lessons is $30 – $50. Dog obedience group classes can cost between $10 – $30 per class. Group sessions can be beneficial as well as less expensive, as they ensure your Morkie pups are properly socialized.
Some dog owners even go the extra mile and enroll their fur babies in doggy boot camps for an exceptionally well-behaved dog at an early age. These include boarding for several weeks and can cost between $500 and $1,250 per week.
Food Costs for Morkie Dogs in the USA
One of the most significant monthly costs you will incur is your Morkie’s food. Because they are tiny dogs sometimes considered toy breeds, you will not spend too much on puppy chow compared to some larger breeds. However, it is still very important that you only feed your Morkie high-quality food.
In the first few days, your puppy will still be adjusting to its new life. So, it is best not to feed it anything new, but rather give it the same dog chow that the breeder was feeding it.
As your pet grows, you can discuss its diet with your vet. They can direct you to the right feeding guidelines and the best brand of kibble for your puppy to eat.
You can expect to pay between $14 – $48 for your pup’s food depending on the quality you opt for. For something mid-range, the average price per month is $23.
Medical Costs for Morkies in the United States
In your puppy’s first year, it will need many vaccinations to protect against several canine diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, etc. It may also need some non-core or optional vaccines like Lyme Disease, Kennel Cough, and so on as advised by your vet and depending on risk factors.
In addition to vaccinations, you must also have your Morkshire Terrier dog neutered or spayed.
Deworming is another health precaution to take that can help prevent parasitical infestations like giardia, hookworm, tapeworm, etc. Deworming begins when the pup is a few weeks old and continues throughout adulthood. Most vets recommend a deworming schedule which you must follow strictly.
In addition to deworming, your Morkie pup will also need protection against fleas, ticks, and mites. These tiny external parasites can cause health problems that include intense itching, hair loss, blisters, secondary skin infections, and even diseases like Lyme disease in dogs.
Vaccines
The core vaccines for dogs include those against rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus (also known as hepatitis). These diseases can be highly contagious and potentially fatal, making it crucial for all dogs to be properly vaccinated.
Non-core or optional vaccines may also be recommended based on a dog’s individual risk factors and lifestyle. These can include vaccines for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and kennel cough.
It is important to discuss your dog’s vaccination needs with your veterinarian to ensure they are fully protected against preventable diseases.
You can expect to spend $170 on your pup’s first-year vaccines. The total cost may decrease year after year as boosters may or may not be required depending on the vaccine.
Sterilization
Depending on the age at which you get your Maltese Yorkie mix, your pup may already have been spayed or neutered, especially if purchased from a quality breeder.
In the event that this responsibility is left to you, you can expect to pay between $100 – $500. Spaying a dog is more expensive than neutering as it is a more invasive and involved procedure.
Deworming
The cost of deworming will depend on your vet as well as the type of parasite being treated, in addition to the size of your dog. Given the breed’s small stature, you can expect to pay on the low end of $50 – $150 which includes a fecal test.
Common Health Conditions in Morkies
Morkies, like most designer dog breeds, are generally hardy and healthy and have a life span of 12 years on average.
If you purchase your Morkie from a reputable breeder, chances are that they will screen your Yorkies and Maltese prior to breeding. This can further reduce the inherited diseases in the Morkie offspring.
Having said that, there are some genetic issues commonly seen in Morkie dogs:
Dental Disease
Like all small dog breeds, Morkies tend to get food stuck in their small teeth. This often goes unnoticed and, over time, tends to decay. Without regular brushing and oral care, this can lead to dental disease or periodontal disease.
Brushing and regular dental checks up can prevent these problems. The cost of X-Ray, extractions, and dental scaling can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000.
tracheal collapse
Like their Yorkie parent, Morkies could develop a collapsed trachea which can result in pain and a coughing, wheezing-like sound while breathing. Stent surgery to rectify the collapsed trachea can cost owners thousands of dollars.
Eye problems
Glaucoma and retinal dysplasia are two common eye issues found in Morkies.
Like in humans, canine glaucoma causes intense pressure buildup in the dog’s eyes. This can need medicines and surgery for draining. This costly treatment can set you back by almost $1800 for operating both eyes.
Less common problems include slipping kneecaps and reverse sneezing.
Additional Costs of Raising Your Morkie Pup
Pet Insurance
As you can see, treating medical issues in a Morkie can be very expensive and could cost thousands of dollars. You may not want to think of it but you must also be prepared just in case your Morkie needs treatment – should it meet with an accident, get injured, or be diagnosed with an inherited disease.
Good dog insurance can cover costs associated with emergency procedures. By selecting the right plan, you can make many expensive veterinary treatments more affordable.
Pet insurance usually ranges between $15 and $50 per month depending on what is covered.
Boarding Costs
In case you cannot travel with your Morkie, you can enlist the services of a pet sitter. Most sitters charge between $25 and $75 per day. Alternatively, you can opt for pet boarding at a dog hostel facility. Most dog boarding facilities charge between $30 and $50 per night – the average being $40.
Dog Walking
Morkies do not need too much exercise but that does not mean that they should sit on the couch all day. If you are unable to walk your little dog, you can choose to hire a dog walker.
Most dog walkers charge between $15 and $30 for a 30-minute walk depending on your location. While they have low requirements, it’s still important to ensure your pup gets enough exercise.
Coat Grooming
Given their small size, your little guy or gal may not need professional grooming. You may be able to easily do it yourself! However, if time or patience restricts you, grooming is important to maintain your pup’s silky coat.
At the very least, your pup’s coat requires daily brushing and monthly shampooing. If you choose to get it professionally, it will cost around $80 – $100.
Summing Up – How Much Does it Cost to Own a Morkie Dog?
First-Year Costs
When you first start thinking of buying or adopting your Morkie, you will see a wide range of prices. Breeders charge between $600 and $3000 for their pups and teacup Morkies usually cost more than regular-sized Morkies. For all intents and purposes, we’ve used a median price of $1,200 to determine our figures.
In the first year, you will also spend on basic dog supplies like crates, beds, food and water dishes, toys and accessories, grooming tools, etc. Based on all these costs including Morkie’s purchase price, expect to pay $2,450 in its first year.
Annual Costs
After the first year, the ongoing costs of dog ownership usually reduce. Our research has found that, with middle-of-the-road dog food, annual costs for owning a Morkie come to $875 (including routine veterinary care). This price increases if you require a dog walker, professional grooming, etc.
Lifetime costs
The life expectancy of Morkies is 12 years on average and some even live longer. If you spend an average cost of $875 each year, then over its lifetime the cost of owning a Morkie comes out to approximately $10,500.
We hope this guide gives you an overview of the initial costs as well as the recurring costs of Morkie ownership.
