Morkie Grooming Guide: Everything You Need

Morkie Grooming Guide: Everything You Need

A well-groomed morkie is a happy morkie. And a happy morkie is one that doesn’t spend the afternoon furiously rubbing their face on the carpet because something is tangled.

Morkies have gorgeous, silky coats — but that beauty comes with responsibility. This guide covers everything you need to keep your morkie looking (and feeling) their best, whether you’re doing it at home or prepping for a professional grooming appointment.

Understanding the Morkie Coat

Morkies inherit their coat from both parents — Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier — and it can vary quite a bit. Some have fine, silky straight hair; others get a slightly wavy or fluffy coat. Either way, morkie fur tends to:

• Grow continuously (like human hair) rather than shedding seasonally
• Tangle and mat easily if not brushed regularly
• Trap dirt, debris, and eye discharge near the face
• Benefit from regular trims to stay manageable

The good news: morkies are considered low-shedding dogs, making them a popular choice for people with mild allergies.

Essential Grooming Tools

Slicker Brush

A slicker brush is your daily workhorse. The fine wire bristles glide through silky morkie hair and catch tangles before they become mats. Look for one with a comfort grip and flexible head.

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Fine-Tooth Comb (Greyhound Comb)

After brushing, run a greyhound comb through the coat to check for any remaining tangles — especially around the ears, armpits, and collar area where mats love to hide.

Safari Dog Grooming Comb

Dog-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner

Use a gentle, tearless shampoo formulated for small breeds or silky coats. Follow up with a conditioner to keep the hair smooth and tangle-resistant. Avoid human shampoo — the pH is wrong for dogs.

Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

Dog Blow Dryer or Compact Hairdryer

Air drying leaves morkies cold and prone to mats. A low-heat dog dryer (or a regular dryer on the coolest setting, held far from the coat) helps dry the fur straight and smooth.

SHELANDY Small Dog Pet Hair Dryer

Round-Tip Grooming Scissors

For trimming around the face, paws, and sanitary areas between professional appointments. Round tips are much safer when working around a wiggly morkie.

Gimars Round Safety Tip Grooming Scissors

Nail Clippers (Small Dog)

Morkie nails grow fast. Letting them get too long causes discomfort and can lead to posture and joint issues. Use a small scissor-style clipper or a rotary grinder depending on your dog’s tolerance.

Safari Professional Small Dog Nail Clippers

Brushing: How Often and How To

Aim for daily brushing if your morkie has long hair, or at least every 2–3 days. Here’s the routine:

• Start with a light misting of detangling spray to soften the coat
• Use the slicker brush in short, gentle strokes, going with the direction of hair growth
• Work section by section — don’t just skim the surface
• Pay extra attention to behind the ears, armpits, and around the collar
• Finish with the fine comb to catch any sneaky tangles

Cowboy Magic Detangler and Shine Spray

Bathing: Frequency and Technique

Most morkies do well with a bath every 2–4 weeks. Bathing too often can strip the coat of natural oils; not enough and things get itchy and smelly (not the Dr. Georgie brand vibe).

• Use lukewarm water — not hot
• Wet thoroughly, then apply shampoo and lather from neck to tail (avoid eyes and ears)
• Rinse completely — leftover shampoo causes itching
• Apply conditioner, wait 2–3 minutes, rinse well
• Towel dry gently, then blow dry on low heat while brushing

Face and Eye Area Care

Morkies often develop tear stains — the brownish-red streaks under the eyes. This is common in light-colored small breeds and is caused by porphyrins in tears. To manage it:

• Wipe the eye area daily with a damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipe
• Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short so it doesn’t irritate them
• Consider a tear stain remover solution if staining is significant

Angels’ Eyes Natural Tear Stain Remover

Ear Cleaning

Morkies can develop ear infections, especially if their ear canals have hair growing inside them (a Yorkie trait). Check ears weekly for redness, odor, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls — never cotton swabs deep in the canal.

Zymox Ear Cleanser for Dogs

Professional Grooming: When to Go

Most morkie owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks for a full haircut. Common morkie cuts include:

• Puppy cut: Short all over, easy maintenance, adorable
• Teddy bear cut: Slightly longer, rounded face — looks like a stuffed animal
• Long coat: Full-length, requires daily brushing commitment

Whatever cut you choose, the work you do at home between appointments makes a huge difference. A morkie that gets brushed regularly is much easier (and cheaper) to groom professionally.

Dr. Georgie recommends the teddy bear cut. He has thoughts on aesthetics. 🐾 dog grooming kit for small breeds | slicker brush for small dogs | dog nail clippers for small breeds

Understanding your dog’s emotions is key to grooming and bonding. Learn if dogs can feel heartbreak →