Free Morkie Scam

In case you're not already in love, Morkies are the result of breeding a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Maltese dog. The result - a tiny bundle of smart, sassy pup - is a delightful pet you and your family will love.

If you're like me, it can be really tough deciding between dog breeds. You can narrow them down, but it seems there are always two left and you just can't decide. For me, it's Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese dogs, but luckily I can have both when I get a Morkie - the puppy that results when a Yorkie and a Maltese are bred together.

The ideal Morkie combines the best of both breeds.

Yorkies are true terriers, and are spunky, smart and energetic. They're very loyal and affectionate and like to be active. The Yorkshire Terrier is a relatively new breed; in fact, it was developed in the 1860s in northern England to chase down rats and mice in coal mines and mills. (That Yorkie was much bigger than today's version.)

The Maltese on the other hand, is one of the oldest breeds known. There are mentions of Maltese dogs as far back as Aristotle according to Maltese fans, and there is evidence of early Maltese dogs early as 5000 - 2000 B.C in ancient drawings, art and writings. The Maltese has always been treasured for her loving, gentle personality and beautiful looks. Unlike the 'working class' Yorkie, Maltese were kept at courts for queens and princesses.

Anyone can claim their puppies have been registered, implying they are high quality healthy specimens.

New crosses like the Morkie can be offered with designations from groups like the official-looking "Designer Dog Breed Registry," the "International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)"and "Designer Dogs Kennel Club."

As you can read on YAHOO Answers "NO reputable registry would let you register a mixed breed dog. If you found a registry that would, the papers would be worthless."

Unfortunately, these silly organizations aren't recognized by anyone legitimate in the animal world and they don't even see or check the dogs they 'certify.' You could register an eraser! Once again, you get a very inferior animal for the price of a show dog.

This one really hurts, because in all likelihood there isn't even a Morkie behind this offer.

Instead, the scammers lure you in on price, and when the hook has been set they ask you to pay for shipping, which is suspiciously consistent at $400.

Buyers are asked to send payments via a Western Union wire transfer or money order. These methods are favorites among scam artists because they are the equivalent of sending cash--the money can't be recovered by the victim.

Since you don't suspect them, you send the money off - usually to another country, and the dog of course never arrives.

The ASPCA has identified another despicable scam. Sellers put up a website featuring terrible pictures of animal abuse, and claim they are rescuing dogs from a puppy mill.

There's no rescue; they ARE the puppy mill and the dogs are sickly, weak and nervous. Instead of doing a good thing by helping dogs, you end up with heartbreak on your hands.

You can tell this is a scam when you see the price tag -- the "adoption fees" for these dogs often exceed $1,000!

Breed rescue groups charge nominal fees-usually no more than a few hundred dollars-because their goal is not to make money, but to find wonderful homes for their rescues.

1. Be sure to deal directly with a breeder, not a broker.


2. Always visit. Honest breeders and rescue groups will be more than happy to offer you a tour.


3. Always pick your puppy up at the kennel. Do not have the puppy shipped or meet at a random location. If the seller suggests meeting at a mall or parking lot - run!


4. Always ask for references, from others who have purchased dogs from this breeder and follow up on them.


5. Ask for a reference from the veterinarian the breeder works with as well.


6. Never send Western Union or money order payments.


7. If you are told that there will be no refunds for a sick puppy, you are most probably dealing with a puppy mill. A reputable breeder or rescue group will always take the puppy back, regardless of the reason.

Armed with some knowledge, you can avoid being scammed in your search for the perfect little dog, the Morkie.

I've hand-picked a selection of things I hope you and your Morkie will love, here at Just Morkies

You'll find pages of:

Morkie clothes
"just for fun" toys and stuff
Morkie collars and leads
Morkie beds
Cameras (even a Morkie-cam!!)
Morkie books

Enjoy!