It is awful being a dog lover that also has to deal with dog allergies. Some breeds just aren’t suitable, however much we may adore them. Typically, dog allergy sufferers need to avoid dogs that shed their fur often and leave dander behind. You may have heard that Yorkies are a perfect alternative because they have hair instead and don’t shed. But, how true is this, and what does it mean for the hypoallergenic status of a Morkie?
We classify Morkies as hypoallergenic dogs because of the hair type and low risk of shedding. Both parent dogs – the Yorkie and the Maltese – have this trait. Therefore you can expect the same from their offspring, regardless of their looks. Just be aware that this doesn’t mean that they don’t shed at all. Also, this doesn’t stop these dogs from having a grooming regime to keep on top of.
To better understand what to expect from this cross-breed, we need to take a closer look at the parent dogs.
The hair type of the Yorkshire Terrier.
The hair type of the Yorkie is why many of us consider whether the Morkie is a hypoallergenic cross-bred dog. There are two types of Yorkshire Terrier, the ones with shorter coats and the ones with longer coats. You often see the long-haired Yorkie at dog shows with glossy hair to the floor and bows for decoration. This hair is much more manageable with a short-haired Yorkie. But, neither dogs shed that much. This, along with the lack of dander, is why many dog owners turn to the Yorkie as a hypoallergenic dog for cross-breeding.
The hair type of the Maltese.
The uncertainty comes when you add other breeds to the mix. Are their hair-type genes different enough to cancel out the hypoallergenic properties of Yorkie hair? Does the Yorkie hair gene remain dominant? Or, are both parent breeds the same?
In this case, you have a second parent with a very similar coat type. The Maltese dog also has long hair. Owners tend to adopt similar styles when showcasing their pure-bred pups at dog shows. But, You may also see a lot of dogs with shorter coats. This is because it is so much easier to get the hair trimmed.
Therefore, you should get a long-haired Morkie that is also hypoallergenic.
While there are some guides out there that are quick to point out the uncertainty, there is a very strong chance that your Morkie will be hypoallergenic. They will shed some hair, so this could potentially trigger some allergies. But, they aren’t the heavy-shedding, dander-producing dogs you need to watch out for.
You don’t have to vacuum so much hair with these little lap dogs.
This minimal shedding has other benefits too. One common downside of getting a companion dog that is a small lap dog is hair everywhere. They don’t just end up shedding all over the carpet or upholstery. They can also leave a mess on your clothes when curled up on your lap. Here, that is less of an issue. This means less time cleaning up after your dog and getting the vacuum out.
But, you do have to make sure that you keep that hair in good condition.
You still need to groom these dogs pretty often, especially if you have a long-haired variety and want to keep that length in their coat. This long, silky coat can tangle pretty easily, so you should make sure to brush it regularly. Thankfully, the loving bond we create with our Morkies means that they shouldn’t be too upset about getting grooming. You can use the time to strengthen that bond. You may also want to head to the groomers now and then to keep the coat at a manageable length.
Also, remember that the health and condition of dog hair can also have a knock-on effect on shedding. Your little Morkie might not lose that much hair relative to other dogs. But, a Morkie with weakened hair and poor skin condition could shed more than normal.
Make sure that your pet gets all the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy coat. Also, make sure to massage the skin around hair follicles while shampooing the hair. This will stimulate the production of healthy oils and blood flow.
Make sure that the Morkie is right for you and your family in other ways.
A concern that we have as Morkie lovers is that new owners don’t fully appreciate what it takes to raise these dogs. You can’t pick a breed on hair-type and looks alone. Finding a hypoallergenic dog is essential if you or your children have allergies. But, you also need to make sure that you understand the personality and care needs of the animal.
It is easy to fixate on Yorkie cross-breeds because they are long-haired low-shedders. But, you can’t ignore the fact that both the Yorkie and Maltese are overly-affectionate dogs with tendencies towards separation anxiety. You can learn more about this in our guide to leaving Morkies alone at home. There are also training and healthcare issues to consider.
You need to be sure that you can handle a Morkie and take good care of it. If this sort of companion dog isn’t right for you, you may need to look at Poodle crosses for the best hypoallergenic dog breeds.
A Morkie is a great hypoallergenic dog for the right household.
The Morkie can be a hypoallergenic dog that minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. They will inherit that low-shedding long-haired coat from their parents, and it is up to you if you keep it long or short. Shorter coats are even more manageable with regular grooming and trimming.
So, if you fully appreciate what it takes to care for a Morkie, and think that they will make a great addition to the home, go for it. They should be able to provide peace of mind for allergy sufferers and a lot of love and affection at the same time.
