Mi-Ki Dog

What you need to know about the Mi-Ki Dog

As a relatively new breed, Mi-Ki dogs have appeared in the 1980s and won over the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

Nearly everyone loves small, adorable puppies that win your heart over with their sweet (and sometimes feisty) personalities. Those looking for a small-sized dog that's polite and friendly, yet alert, intelligent, and loves companionship, will melt for Mi-Ki puppies!

While this breed is easygoing and gracious, it doesn't lack confidence when other pets are around! If you haven't heard of this breed in the past, that's understandable. Mi-Ki dogs only first appeared in the United States during the 1980s.

Fast Facts

Weight - 7-10 Pounds (male)  7-10 Pounds (female)

Height - 8-10 Inches (male) 8-10 Inches (female)

Hair Length - Long

Shedding - Lite

Lifespan - 12-16 Years

The Appearance of the Mi-Ki Dog

As you would expect with this or any other toy breed, the Mi-Ki is very small in stature, growing to a height of about 10 to 11 inches and weighing on average about 10 or 11 pounds. With dark, expressive eyes and wide nostrils on a nose that is flat at the top, the Mi-Ki has an adorable face that few can resist. 

A long coat is smooth in texture and flows gracefully, feathering at the ears, tail,  and legs, giving this dog an elegant appearance.

Compact and solidly built, the Mi-Ki carries his or her head high, while the tail usually curves a bit over the back. In most cases, the eyes are dark-colored or may be blue, brown, or ruby. Coat color varies due to multiple breeds in the Mi-Ki's heritage.

What colors does a Mi-Ki come in?

When it comes to colors, anything goes with Mi-Ki pups. Their long, silky coat can come in basically any color you can think of. Still, the more popular ones include:

• Cream
• Red
• Silver
• White
• Black
• Blue
• Fawn
• Beige
• Mahogany
• Apricot

The color patterns of the coat can either be multicolored or solid. One thing that should be noted is that puppies can often change their color before they are fully grown. You definitely won’t need to worry about a lack of choice when it comes to Mi-Ki coat colors!

All About the MI-Ki Dog personality

Whether you live on your own and are looking for a sweet-natured canine companion or have a house full of children, Mi-Ki puppies make ideal pets.

Loving and calm, your pet will be friendly even toward strangers, but particularly affectionate with members of the family.

Intelligent and alert, this is one toy breed that is not prone to excessive barking but will raise a ruckus if threatened. Mi-Ki puppies are even-tempered and very easy to train and get along well with other pets including cats.

The Mi-Ki also makes an ideal companion for those who are handicapped and are good watchdogs. They have also been used frequently for therapy purposes and are quick to learn tricks.

The Living Environment of the Mi-Ki

Whether in an apartment setting or on a sprawling ranch, your pet will be happy as long as he or she has you and/or your family for companionship. Because of their small size, they do not need a lot of space to be happy and content. It is a good idea to take your dog on a daily walk if space is limited and you do not have a yard or other spacious area where he or she can run and be active.

The Health of the Mi-Ki Dog

Although the Mi-Ki dog is generally healthy and many Mi-Ki's live well into the teen years, there are some health-related issues that can appear. 

• One such issue is cone retinal dysplasia, an eye issue that can result in blindness. 
• The von Willebrand disease can also occur from time to time, and it is another condition your pet should be tested for. It is a bleeding disorder caused by a lack of a specific protein.
• Other conditions that can affect your Mi-Ki include those that are common in other toy breeds. One such condition is patellar luxation. It is a knee condition that makes the kneecap move out of its normal position.

Mi-Kis should be eating only high-quality dog food. Consult with your vet on what the appropriate type and amount are according to the age and activity level of your pup. One thing you could consider is a diet that caters specifically to toy breeds.

Always correctly portion your pet Mi-Ki’s food using a measuring cup so it doesn’t become overweight. Treats should also be measured and limited to about 10% of your pet’s daily calory intake.

How much Grooming does a Mi-Ki need?

If you intend to show your pet, the cut required is very distinct, with the ears, head and neck being shaved. The head will be shorn from the base of the throat to the base of the skull. Legs and feet are also shaven to the pastern. 

If you intend to purchase your Mi-Ki only as a pet, he or she will shed little if any at all and requires brushing or combing only about once a week to remove loose hair. A wire comb is best for removing tangles and dead hair. Do not bathe your pet except when needed

Good news for people suffering from allergies - Mi-Ki pups are considered hypoallergenic! They are a low to non-shedding breed. They have a single coat made of hair instead of fur. People allergic to dander or dog hair don’t experience reactions around these dogs.

Where does the Mi-Ki Dog come from?

The history of the Mi-Ki is quite cloudy, to be honest. Because it is a mixed dog breed that is intentionally bred from breeds of various ancestries, it is difficult to pin down any historical information as there is no specific description regarding exactly which breeds are involved. 

Also frequently referred to as a Toy Mi-Ki, many have made claims that the breed originates from a mix of the Papillon, Japanese Chin, and Maltese. Others claim the Mi-Ki has Tibetan Terrier, Poodle, and Shih Tzu in its genetic makeup. Because there is no concrete proof of what breeds define the Mi-Ki, it is not recognized by any major kennel club and is considered by many to be a "designer" dog of sorts.

Said to be the originator of the breed, Maureen "Micky" Macklin kept many of her notes regarding the Mi-Ki private, which is why the exact history remains such a mystery.