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

By Audrey McGuire


The precise origins of Mi-Ki dogs shares the same uncertain, conflicted history of some other well recognized breeds. The inception of a breed club in 1992 provided purebred paperwork and pedigreed specifications that validate a traced ancestry of Maltese, Papillon and Japanese Chin. Today, the American Registry Association for the breed takes pride in being involved in the first DNA test marker that allows for determining genetic health and accurately identifying the breed.

Categorized by size as a canine member of the toy companion group, the purebred usually does not exceed 10 pounds in weight nor stand above 10 inches high. Highly intelligent and adaptive, this toy breed does not exhibit the characteristic 'yapping' of many tiny dogs, making it a desirable canine for apartment living. Easily trainable, the sweet breed melds into many diverse lifestyles and is well suited to the tasks of a therapy dog.

The head is rounded with large, round, well spaced eyes that are usually dark but color can vary. Blue eyes with a bluish hued coat, and ruby with a brown coat offer a wide variety in a uniquely beautiful breed. Recognized by their distinctively expressive, mobile, feathered ears, the breed can hold them erect, down or 'wing' their ears when excited. The muzzle is short and wide. The nose is usually black of medium size, but the color can vary with a muted colored coat. Smooth or long coats in all colors are acceptable with solid colors the most rare and desirable.

Structure is with a slightly longer body that the Mi-Ki's height. The legs are 'feathered' and straight without bowing. The line of the back is straight and level. The body structure allows for a graceful, elegant gait. The coat, whether smooth or long, exhibits silky texture that is non-shedding.

Generally, endowed with excellent health, the Mi-Ki has no known breed specified afflictions. In order to assure optimal health, the AMRA has introduced a new DNA health testing mandate that insures the absence of certain genetic illnesses seen in some purebreds, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cone Retinal Dysplasia, von Willebrand Factor and Hemophilia, in addition to many other hereditary canine disorders.

The variances in body structure among the distinctive breeds can result in specific, well documented problems. Toy breeds have a propensity for developing knee luxations. Though Mi-Ki's rarely encounter a problem with a patella dislocations, the fact that they are classified a toy breed, warrants noting this non-life threatening condition that, nonetheless, can be costly to rectify. Miniature canines with short muzzles can also be subject to respiratory issues, especially with age.

It is important to understand that Mi-Ki's are not a designer breed. A distinctive, 'one of a kind', member of a purebred toy group of canines, the puppies are created only by mating two purebred Mi-Ki's. Mixing breeds thought to be in the toy's ancestry are not registered as purebreds.

A pint-sized pup packed with charisma, Mi-Ki dogs are charmingly inquisitive, wing their feathered ears when they're excited, vocalize with an enamoring twitter, aim to please and love unconditionally. Intelligent and sensitive, the toy companion canine lives harmoniously as a beloved family member and is well suited to serve as a therapy dog. A uniquely wonderful pet, Mi-Ki's are top dog in the family picture of 'man's best friend.'




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