The breed Standard for this unique toy breed sums it up. "A toy dog covered from head to foot with long, flowing uniquely colored hair." But despite the multitude of colors this breed has Two looks.

The puppy cut, essentially is one length all over cut. The most common length is between 1-2 inches over the body, legs, tail, head and ears. Typically, it's done with a clipper fitted with a long guard. Many owners love this style of cut - and with good reason. It's cute, easy to care for and easy for owners to remember by name.

There should not be any clipper marks, uneven coat, or sharp angles left in the fur. Everything should look soft, plush and like a cute fluffy puppy. This cut has often been referred to as the Teddy bear cut, or summer cut. But, the difference between the  Puppy cut and the Teddy bear cut are - these trims differ in length of the coat. Be sure to communicate with your groomer so you don't end up with a cut they assumed!

The Show Model, essentially is a long length of coat to really show off its wonderful coloring and color placement. The most common length is referred to as show free-flowing long coat to the floor. Typically, its hair is neatly tied up in a top knot on the head. This coat will be more prone to tangles, so you'll want to comb and brush it just about every day and use a leave-in conditioner and detangler.

This look is the longest that an American Morkshire Terrier's coat can grow which is floor length and desired for the show ring. This is a beautiful look but not for everyone, it requires a lot of work.

Takeaway, when you are choosing a hair style for your Morkie, do this not only based on what is beautiful, but also on what you can afford to maintain and how much time you have for grooming and upkeep.

Welcome to Burnsville, North Carolina! As with moving to any new area, learning your way around can be more than a little challenging, but have no fear. With these resources, you can find everything you and your pup need to call Burnsville your new home.

During teething, it's normal for your adorable puppy to bite and chew everything. This doesn't have to interfere with your bonding time, though. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to help your pup learn what to chew, and what's off-limits. Read on to learn more, and to make teething easier on both you and your puppy!

Teething is a natural process for puppies, just like it is for humans. But, the accompanying nipping and chewing behaviors may feel like a challenge.

• Remember, they're still learning - right now, they don't know any better.
• Fortunately, it's possible to teach them, and to have fun while they're learning.

With a few tips, you can make the experience more comfortable for both of you - plus, prevent your favorite shoes from turning into puppy chew toys!

Puppies get their baby teeth around 2-4 weeks of age. Then, shortly after you acquire them (around3-4 months old), they start losing their baby teeth. Adult teeth come in to replace those baby teeth, and this teething process usually lasts 1-3 months.

During this time, pups can experience pain as the new teeth erupt into place. Chewing helps your puppy relieve their pain and stay more comfortable. Add to the fact that puppies (who don't have thumbs like we do) use their mouths to explore the world and to pick up toys and food. So, it's understandable that they're prone to putting everything in their mouths during this time. Here are some ways to ensure safer chewing and healthier teething habits:

Plan Ahead For Success

1. You'll want to start with tactical planning - that is, limit access to anything that you don't want your puppy to chew.
2. Use their crate, playpen, play area - or keep them in a small, puppy-proofed room - when you can't supervise them directly. This limits access to things that could be bad for them, for example: medicine bottles and cleaning products) and it helps protect your shoes, furniture legs, door frames, tv remote, and anything else you don't want chewed up. To be extra cautious, it's a good idea to go one step further...

Any objects you don't want turned into puppy chew toys, ie: shoes, socks, underwear (yes, they will chew these items) purses, charging cords, etc. -- be sure to keep them high up or in a room/area out of your curious pup's reach.

Offer a Fun Alternative
Is your adorable puppy disappointed they can't chew up your shoe or antique chair leg? Don't worry - you've go something way better to offer them!

1. Hard plastic or nylon toys - especially ones designed for teething - are a good bet. Bonus points - if you can pop them into the freezer before you give them to your puppy, then they can benefit from the soothing effects of a cold toy on their aching gums.
2. Ice cubes and frozen baby carrots are good options, too!
3. A rope toy for tug-of-war allows your puppy to really sink their teeth in and have fun!

All these toys are great - just remember to check them frequently to be sure your puppy isn't chewing off pieces that could be swallowed or choked on.

When in doubt with a particular toy, supervised playtime is best.

Be Your Puppy's Teacher
Teaching behaviors you WANT to see, rather than focusing on what you don't want. Now that you have plenty of toys available. Train your puppy to play with those rather than nipping at your hands and feet.

1. If they do bite during play (remember, puppies don't realize how sharp their tiny teeth are!), gently and calmly pull your hands and feet away, and offer a toy instead.
2. You can make a quick "yelp" or "ouch" noise when they nip, so they make the association that their biting behavior is uncomfortable for their human friend.
3. If switching to the toy and they keep trying to nip your fingers or feet - gently place your puppy in a playpen, crate or room away from playing for a short break (don't make this time longer than 10 min) puppies have a short attention span and the lesson is to learn that biting is not fun.
4. Then, after their 10 min break - offer praise and bring them back out for more playtime or cuddles 🤗 when they are sitting calmly.

Your pup is smart - but they need your help and guidance learning the rules of the house. If your consistent, your pup is sure to pick up on your cues and puppy and bonding time will be both fun for you and your furry friend!

American Morkshire Terrier Club, Puppy Teething Tips

​How are things going with your new puppy?

By now you’re probably chuckling when they chase their tail and taking some adorable selfies together.

In the midst of bonding and making new memories, you don’t want to be distracted by safety concerns.

So, try these tips to “puppy proof” your home—so you can avoid worries and keep your focus on more important things… like puppy kisses.Puppy-Proof Your Home: 7 Things to Avoid if You Have a New Puppy
Your new pup is very smart. 

But everything is new to them. They have an inquisitive mind and love to explore—that’s how they learn.

However, just like human babies, puppies need our guidance on what’s safe to play with and what’s not.

By puppy proofing your home, you can help your new pup avoid accidents and other safety concerns—and promote a fun puppyhood of safe exploration and playtime.

Try these tips…

1. Know Which Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Many foods that are perfectly safe for humans are not for dogs. 
Some people foods to avoid include:

• Chocolates (especially dark and bakers chocolate)
• Coffee
• Sugar-free gums and mints (or any food or drink containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol)
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions
• Yeast dough

In general, it’s best to check with your veterinarian prior to offering any people food or table scraps. 

2. Lock up the Garbage Can 

Your puppy has an amazing nose—in fact, while human beings only have about 6 million olfactory (smell) receptors, dogs have up to 300 million!

So, your little puppy will probably smell all sorts of food scraps and other tempting things in your garbage can.

However, the trash can hold some things you wouldn’t want your puppy getting into—like spoiled food, bones, or even plastic bags that could be swallowed or get stuck on their head.

Fortunately, this problem is easy to avoid—just get a trash can with a securely closing lid, or close the can in a cabinet with child proof cabinet locks.

3. Keep Medicines and Chemicals out of Reach

Just like your garbage can, you’ll want to keep medications and chemicals (such as cleaning substances, antifreeze, pest control products, and even spare batteries) far away from your curious pup’s mouth.

Puppies like to chew—especially during their teething phase—so you’ll want to be sure the things they put in their mouth are chew toys rather than bottles that contain medicines or other substances.

And while we’re talking about medicine, remember—many human medications aren’t safe for pets, so always check with your veterinarian prior to giving medicine for any reason.

4. Safety Check Your Pup’s Toys 

There’s no doubt about it—puppies love toys! They’re usually up for chewing, playing tug-of-war, and chasing or fetching many times per day.

Since puppies like to chew, check their toys at least once daily for missing or loose pieces, holes where stuffing could be pulled out, and loose or unraveling strings.

The reason is, you want to be sure your puppy doesn’t accidentally swallow small pieces that could cause an intestinal blockage.

Supervised playtime is best. But if you need to leave a toy with them while you’re out, look for sturdy toys designed for teething.

Also keep small items like coins, rubber bands, pens, lipstick, etc. out of reach.

5. Secure Electrical Cords

Electrical cords don’t make good chew toys—they can result in electric shocks and mouth burns.

So, find sturdy cord covers (such as PVC tubes), or reroute cords out of puppy’s reach.

6. Have a Plan for Houseplants 

Some plants, such as lilies and sago palms, are toxic for pets and best avoided altogether.

But even “safe” plants can cause a lot of tummy upset if ingested. Plus, you probably don’t want your curious puppy to dig or chew up your flowers.

So, place houseplants out of your puppy’s reach. And check with your veterinarian if you’re not sure which plants are safe for pets.

7. Practice Pool Safety

If you have a pool and you want your puppy to try swimming, always provide supervision and, be sure to lock the pool door so your pup can never fall in when you’re not around. Use Safe Spaces at First

Until they’re older and you feel comfortable letting them roam the house, it’s probably best to keep your puppy in their crate when you’re at work or sleeping.

That way, they can’t get into anything they shouldn’t—and you can rest easy knowing your sweet furry puppy is safe, healthy, and ready to give you more puppy kisses soon.

*Information provided to the general public, (WHO)

Periodontal Disease starts with the filmy, bacteria-filled substance that sticks to the surface of the teeth within hours of eating. Within a few days, that plaque can harden into tartar above and below the gumline. Brushing your dog's teeth takes approximately (1) - one minute to complete!

*Tip - Train your puppy to allow you to put your hands in his/her mouth so that you can brush the teeth. Ideally your dog's teeth should be brushed daily, but most veterinarians suggest brushing at-least twice a week!