Mi-Ki Dogs Are A Tiny Breed That's Big On Charisma

By Audrey McGuire


As with many dog breeds, the exact specifics of ancestry can prove difficult to authenticate. Today, through the efforts of the American Mi-Ki Registry Association, aided by official documentation provided by a 1992 breeder club, and the inception of the first genetic testing, Mi-Ki dogs have been specifically identified with an ancestry determined as Maltese, Papillon and Japanese Chin.

The miniature companion canine weighs in at an average of five to ten pounds and stands between seven to ten inches tall. Intelligent, alert, loving and affectionate, the toy breed is recognized as very adaptive. Friendly with children and other pets, they have a reputation as a polite, sweet-natured, easily-integrated family members, ideal as apartment dwellers.

Physical appearance varies due to the three different breeds that comprise this special purebred. The head is small and rounded. The muzzle is neither long and narrow or pushed in, but is short and wide. The eyes are expressive large and wide set. The eye and coat colors vary, as well as the acceptable discrepancies in long or short haired traits. All coats should be silky and non-shedding. Rarest yet most highly prized are solid colored coats. The ears are notably mobile, feathered and can be carried erect, dropped or 'winged' when excited. The nose is generally black, but is lighter in some light colored dogs.

The body is slightly elongated compared to height. The line of the back is straight and solid. Legs should be straight and not bowed with feathered hair. The gait should appear free-flowing, graceful and elegant on a breed with silky non-shedding hair.

Most purebreds carry a predisposition for some genetic weakness. Though the Mi-Ki has no breed specific flaws that translate to health problems, a new DNA health screen has been mandated by the AMRA for insuring the absence of genetic disorders within the purebreds in their registry. The test is designed to protect the healthy lineage of all breeds from common, genetically-acquired, canine conditions.

Recognized with a record for excellent health, the Mi-Ki is a member of the toy breeds and though generally unaffected, can exhibit a susceptibility to patella luxation. Some toy breeds are prone to repeated episodes of a dislocated kneecap, which can be painful, reduce mobility and require orthopedic resolution. However, very few of this toy companion breed encounter the problem. Short muzzled toy breeds are potentially subject to respiratory problems as they age.

This distinctive, rare breed is the culmination of breeding only two fully purebred parents. This toy companion canine is not a designer breed. Mating a purebred from the distinctive line and any other toy purebred dog within the blend will not produce a canine registered as a purebred Mi-Ki.

Even-tempered, alert yet laid back, this excellent companion rarely barks and makes for an ideal therapy canine and top dog in the obedience ring. Friendly and engaged, this pup loves humans of all ages and is not intimidated by other animals. Highly adaptive and non-aggressive, Mi-Ki dogs graciously fit into every home and heart.




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