Saturday, June 1, 2013

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 defining characteristics of the toy breed are its small, round head and large, round, set apart eyes. Though usually dark in color, varieties in eye color correlating with variances in coat hues give the breed distinctive appeal. Ears that are 'mobile' reflect the demeanor of the Mi-Ki's mood, carried erect when happy, down when mellow and 'winged' when highly excited. Short and wide describes the muzzle, as long and narrow or abbreviated is undesirable in the breed. A medium sized nose, usually black, is characteristic, but the color is often lighter with diluted colored coats. The rarity of a solid colored coat is highly prized.

The breed's gait should portray light and smooth elegance and grace in motion that is straight and true. The coat, whether long or short haired is silky and non-shedding. The body is slightly longer than the height with a chest of medium depth. The legs are straight, as well as the level line of the back.

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.

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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