Fun Facts About Adorable Little Mi-Ki Puppies

By Marla Mills


Mi-Ki Puppies are intelligent, calm, sweet, adaptable, and affectionate. This is a great pet for anyone who wants a toy sized dog. They're great with kids and other pets. They're activity level is moderate. Combine this with their small size and you have a companion suitable for elderly and the handicapped. They're also a great family dog as long as children are old enough to not accidentally hurt this tiny creature. They're easily trained to use a litter box, making this little dog an excellent choice for apartment and condo dwellers.

They're not intimidated by noise or afraid of changing scenery. Mi-Ki puppies are a wonderful pet for families who wish to travel with their pets. There's room in the RV for this little fellow. They love car rides. Train ahead of time to relax in a carrier and they will be calm and quiet travelers on the plane ride.

The Mi-Ki was developed in the 1980's by Maureen Westburg of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, she didn't keep or publish a clear record of her breeding program. It's generally believed that the parent breeds are Papillon, Japanese Chin, and Maltese. Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzu's may also be part of the genetic make-up of the Mi-Ki.

Toy dogs can live to 16 years. This breed has few genetic problems. Like all small breeds they can develop patella luxation where the knee cap slips out of position. And like all short muzzled dogs, they may develop respiratory problems with age. Keep the muzzle clean and keep their teeth clean to reduce the incidence of these problems.

A unique trait is that most will change color around 1 year of age, and again at 2 years old, so choose your puppy for personality, not color. The breed standard says any coat color is acceptable. The coat can be long or smooth. The muzzle is short, eyes are large and round. Feathered ears can be drooped or erect. The tail is medium in length. They weigh up to 10 pounds, with 4-7 pounds being the preferred range.

Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by the States Kennel Club. Several clubs and registries have been formed to formalize standards, promote health and success of the breed, and advocate for breed recognition from the AKC. The IMR, International Mi-Ki Registry, has established a breeding program with strict requirements including DNA testing. Another club that has developed breeding standards and established a registry is Mi-Ki Breeders USA. Other reputable organizations include the Mi-Ki Club of America, Mi-Ki Association, Continental Mi-Ki Association, and the American Mi-Ki Club.

Distinct and very endearing traits of Mi-Ki puppies are this little guys ability to climb like its ancestor the Japanese Chin. It also has cat like mannerisms as it pounces and chases toys. These little dogs love to curl up for a nap on a window ledge, and will even groom themselves with their tongues. When excited the ears swing out like wings.

Don't confuse the Mi-Ki with designer dogs, and beware of designer dogs inaccurately advertised as Mi-Ki puppies. Designer dogs have parents of 2 different breeds. A true Mi-Ki will be the result of at least 8 generations of Mi-Ki to Mi-Ki breeding. DNA testing can identify a purebred from a mixed breed. A purebred will be registered with a Mi-Ki registry, not a mixed breed or generic registry.




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