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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Mi-Ki
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | up to 10 lbs. (5 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 10 - 11 in. (25 - 28 cm) |
| Coat | The smooth coat lies close to the body and skull with no presence of a beard or mustache on the face, and has short fringing on the ears and on the front and rear legs and the tail. The long coat is fine, silky and straight, with long feathering on the ears and on the front and rear legs, and on the tail. The long-coated Mi-Ki may have a beard and mustache and must have a neatly shaved head. |
| Colour | All colours are acceptable, including dilute colours. Solid colours are rare and highly prized. |
| Litter Size | 2 - 4 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The Mi-Ki, as a breed, has been split between a few different clubs. These clubs are setting their own standards and the dog is quickly becoming very different from club to club, but all still have the same name, Mi-Ki. There are different theories to the origin of the Mi-Ki. According to the Mi-Ki Club of America, Inc., the Mi-Ki is thought to be Asian. The timeframe of when this tiny toy dog is said to have appeared in the U.S. is approximately during the 1980s. It shares common ancestors with the Papillon, the Maltese, and the Japanese Chin. Unfortunately the cloudy history of the Mi-Ki makes it impossible to tell the percentage of each breed in its makeup. The Mi-Ki was recognized by the States Kennel Club in 1995. According to the IMR, the Mi-Ki is a new breed started in the late 1980s by a woman who went by the name of Micki Mackin, among others. She resided in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and its suburbs. She started developing a strain of small dogs from the Papillon, Japanese Chin, Maltese and the small Shih Tzu and in 1993 there was a Papillon / Yorkshire Terrier mix stud that she introduced to some of the females. Unfortunately, she did not keep accurate records, so the degree of mixture or combination of the breeds used is not known. Some credit Micki Mackin with the use of her name when she called the little dogs Mi-Kis (pronounced Mee-Kee). The International Mi-Ki Registry proclaims to be the Developing Founder. The IMR has taken that strain and through a strict breeding program, including DNA profiling through the United Kennel Club, Inc., is developing and refining the Mi-Ki into a new "made in USA" pure breed. |
| Personality | The Mi-Ki is intelligent, calm, sweet natured, affectionate and its activity level is low to moderate. Friendly and alert, making an excellent companion to the handicapped, it is laid back and seldom barks. Some also make a sound much like a yodel or a type of joyful twittering. This breed possesses a high degree of intelligence, making it a top candidate for the obedience ring. They love to be around people, and readily accept strangers. The Mi-Ki has a very even temperament, which makes it an ideal therapy dog. The Mi-Ki loves kids. The Mi-Ki enjoys sunning on a window sill and washing itself like a cat. In fact, one Mi-Ki raised an entire litter of abandoned kittens. The Mi-Ki is not aggressive, nor is it intimidated by dogs. This same female who raised the litter of kittens also raised a litter of five Lamalese puppies. By the time these pups were four weeks old they were almost as big as the Mi-Ki. The Mi-Ki is extremely social and catlike in its mannerisms. It is such an adaptable little dog that many people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to have a pet find they can indeed have a Mi-Ki. The Mi-Ki can climb much like one of its ancestors, the Japanese Chin, and act catlike as it pounces on, chases and swats at its toys or playmates. They are easy to train and seem eager to adapt to your lifestyle. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. When dogs are allowed to be pack leader to humans they can develop many types of behavior issues, including, but not limited to, being suspicious of and barking at strangers, guarding, separation anxiety, destructiveness, snapping, and even biting. These are NOT Mi-Ki traits, but rather behaviors resulting from a lack of leadership on the humans’ part. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. They need rules to follow, limits as to what they are and are not allowed to do and a firm, consistent, confident pack leader, along with daily mental and physical exercise. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Mi-Kis with shorter muzzles, particularly older dogs, are in definite risk of respiratory problems. Mi-Ki teeth need frequent cleaning, particularly the short-muzzled type. Mi-Kis are also inclined to have excessive hair between their toes which traps dirt. Having the face and feet shaven allows for easier care in keeping them clean and healthy. |
| Grooming | For pets, use a wire comb once a week to remove dead hair. Bathe only when necessary. The show cut for a Mi-Ki is very distinct. The head, neck and ears are all shaven. The head shaving extends from the base of the skull to the base of the throat. The feet and legs are also shaven to the pastern. The shaving of the legs includes the dewclaws. It is also necessary to remove the hair from between the toes and around the pads. The reason for this cut is to reduce the risk of health problems. The Mi-Ki sheds little to no hair. |
| Exercise | The Mi-Ki need a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Play will take care of a lot of its exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill its primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans. |
| Other Considerations | The Mi-Ki is an excellent apartment or condo dog. It can easily be trained to use a litter box. It can adapt to most climates, but loves to get outdoors for a walk. It can be happy and healthy with a small yard. |
