Miki Dog

Miki Dog Basics

If you’re looking for an adorable little pooch who will steal your heart away and never give it back, then you just found him. A toy-sized pooch with a big ol’ personality, the unique Miki Dog is a bonafide heart stealer. These adorable little dogs are friendly, sweet, and have the cutest appearance. Many pet owners have already fallen deeply in love with this breed and many more will follow. It’s almost impossible not to if you have even the slightest appreciation for fuzziness or cuteness. On average, these pups weigh under 10 pounds, so they are popular with small breed dog admirers. They are ideal for life in an apartment since their miniature stature will make any space seem spacious.

Having only been developed in the 1980s, the Miki (or Mi-Ki) Dog breed, is still considered to be fairly new and it is actually still quite rare as well. This breed looks like a cross between a Japanese Chin, a Maltese, and a Papillon because it has a very small stature with long, flowing hair, and feathered ears. This breed combines aspects from many different toy breeds, but it has a look and a personality that is all its own. If you are looking for a small-breed dog that exhibits a high level of intelligence, while still being calm and affectionate, the Miki Dog may be a good option for you. These a bright and affectionate little guys despite looking like they might be yappy and dumb. If you generally don’t like toy dogs because of their behavioral issues, the Miki Dog is the well behaved beauty that will change your mind.

That being said, the Miki Dog is not a perfect choice for every dog owner. If not socialized early enough, they might be prone to behavioral issues. Separation anxiety can also be a problem, since these dogs don’t do well with being left alone for hours on end. So, while the Miki Dog can bust many of the stereotypes of toy dogs, it’s only if you are will to put in the work as a responsible dog owner and/or trainer. To learn more about the traits of this rare and recent breed, as well as find out all about their quirks and requirements, read on! All of the Miki Dog secrets are about to be revealed.

This breed combines aspects from many different toy breeds but it has a look and a personality that is complete its own.

Origin

There are a number of different theories out there related to the origins for the Miki Dog. In fact, several different clubs have set their own standards for the breed and each one is slightly different. All of the clubs do at least share the same name for the breed though. So there is at least some consistency. The Miki Club of America maintains that this breed is Asian in origin and it is thought to have first appeared in the United States at some point during the 1980s. This breed shares a common ancestry with the Japanese Chin, the Maltese, and the Papillon. Although the exact percentage of each breed in the makeup of the Miki Dog remains unknown. With dogs that share a complicated lineage like this, it’s nearly impossible to know exactly how it all began.

Pedigree

One origin story states that the Miki Dog breed was started by Micki Mackin. This American breeder began to develop a small-breed dog by using small Shih Tzus as well as the Japanese Chin, the Maltese, and the Papillon. Unfortunately, Micki Macklin did not keep particularly detailed or accurate records, so the amount used from each breed is unknown. There may even have been some Yorkshire Terrier in the mix as well. It’s tough to know for sure. This all means that a proper pedigree is pretty much non-existent for the little Miki dog. But that does not diminish its great character or its lively spirit. It is a dog you’ll love at first sight – pedigree or not. 

Food/Diet

The Mi-KI Dog is not demanding when it comes to his nutrition. Like all dogs, he will obviously need a well-balanced diet to stay happy and healthy. Luckily, for a small dog like this little guy, it’s not too difficult to provide all of the essential nutrients. Most pet owners simply opt for high-quality dry food for dogs, because it is nutritionally complete and readily available. Of course, there are some things to consider before choosing the right kibble. First, the ingredients should be high-grade and natural, without artificial additives, colors, or cheap fillers. Meat should be the primary ingredients, followed by healthy fats and fibre.

The Miki Dog is a small-breed dog and as a result, they should be offered a commercial dog food that is specially formulated for small breeds. This type of dog food is designed to meet the high energy needs of small breed dogs and if you’ve ever owned a small breed dog, you’ll know just how high their energy levels can get. In addition to small breed formula, Miki Dog will also need kibble that is appropriate for their age. Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs and energy levels. If you are having a hard time finding a high-grad dog food that works for your pooch, it’s always worth checking in with your vet. Your veterinarian will always have a better sense of the specific needs of your pup than any dog food manufacturer. So never be afraid to ask them, when in doubt.

Another important thing to note about the Miki Dog’s diet is that they are prone to obesity and shouldn’t be free fed. On average, these dogs don’t need more than half-to-a-full cup of kibble a day. Usually, a manufacturer will print out the feeding guide on the kibble bag so you can check the exact amounts if you’re unsure. Split the daily dose of kibble into two or more smaller meals to prevent bloating and promote better digestion. While your Miki Dog will be more than happy to overeat at any time, it’s important for your pup’s longterm health to carefully monitor their portions. So, no matter how much they beg, stay strong and keep your dog trim.

Because the Miki Dog is an intelligent breed, he typically responds well to training.

Training

Because the Miki Dog is an intelligent breed, he typically responds well to training. These dogs are also highly adaptable to a variety of different lifestyles. Miki dogs should be started on training early using positive-reinforcement based training methods. As is true for many small-breed dogs, a firm and consistent hand in training is required to prevent this breed from developing small dog syndrome. This breed loves to learn and is eager to please, so training should be fairly easy. But it is important to establish yourself as the alpha in the relationship early and with a gentle hand. A well-trained Miki Dog will grow into your well-behaved princess, but an untrained Miki with small dog syndrome could grow into a yappy nightmare. Don’t waste those precious early days. This is especially true for puppyhood , when all that information is quickly soaked up and remembered for their whole life! 

Weight

The weight and size of a dog can dictate many things, least of all their housing needs. At maturity, the Miki Dog stands only 10 to 11 inches tall and it weighs about 10 lbs. They will be your pocket sized best friend. Of course, as such a tiny breed, the Miki Dog won’t require all that much space to roam about. This makes them a suitable pet for apartments, condos, and tiny homes. Of course, they’ll thrive in most other housing conditions too! Still, this is not an invitation to neglect their need for exercise, or to keep them cooped up indoors for days on end. Even though their weight is little and are quite small, these dogs still require exercise, and time spent outside where they can spend their energy. Take care of their need for regular outdoor activity, and you will have a thriving, tiny little dog by your side!

Another thing to look out for is obesity. As a tiny dog breed, the Miki dog can be prone to throwing on too much weight. This often comes from improper diet and large portions. While obesity can be remedied, it is never good for your pet’s health, especially for small breeds. Too much weight on a small dog can put a lot of strain on their legs, ankles, and cardio-vascular system, damaging their overall health. Chubby dogs can also become lazy and lethargic, which is also very bad. So make sure their diet is top notch, and that they are eating only as much as is needed for their general size.

Temperament/Behavior

Not only is the Miki Dog an intelligent breed, but it is friendly and affectionate as well. This breed loves to be around people and they are good with strangers as well as children. The Miki Dog is even-tempered, which makes it a great choice for a therapy dog. Even better, it is not aggressive with or intimidated by other dogs. As is true with all dogs, socialization is important from a young age, but the Miki Dog is unlikely to develop problems with people or other pets. They are simply too friendly and lovable for that. This breed exhibits several cat-like behaviors such as laying in the sun and washing its coat (and yes, that is just as adorable as it sounds). The Miki Dog is a very social breed and it is highly adaptable to a variety of living situations. They will happily fit into any family. Yes, even yours!

Common Health Problems

For the most part, the Miki Dog is a very healthy breed with no specific health problems. In fact, the American Mi-ki Registry Association has instituted on a mandatory health testing procedure to check for congenital conditions like cone retinal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand’s disease, and hemophilia. While the Miki Dog is not prone to many significant health problems, it can be affected by issues that affect other toy breeds like patellar luxation. So, it’s important to maintain regular appointments with your vet to ensure that any potential problems can be spotted early and treated accordingly. Admittedly, that’s true of any dog. But it’s still good advice and worth repeating.

Still, for the most part, the Miki Dog is a hardy and healthy dog breed. With plenty of care, good diet and ample exercise, and with regular visits to the vet, your pet will certainly remain as healthy and spunky as can be! Plenty depends on you as – almost as much as it does on genetics.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Miki Dog is between 13 and 15 years. A fairly long life for such a tiny pooch! This becomes especially apparent when you consider the fact that the average maximum lifespan for most dog breeds is 15 years of age. This puts Miki Dog right there at the top with similar long-lived breeds. If you want a companion dog that will stay by your side for a great part of your adult life, Miki might be the ideal choice. This is not only due to their longevity, but also because of their fantastic character traits. Affectionate, bonding, goofy, and energetic, the Miki Dog has plenty of qualities that make them an ideal companion doggo. Of course, don’t expect you can neglect their needs. For your pet to reach that 15 years of age, you will need to put in a lot of effort too! This means taking care of their basic needs, such as a balanced and healthy food, plenty of exercise, love, and regular veterinary checkups.

Exercise Requirements

Many of the tinier doggos are true bundles of energy and will love to play. Here is no exception. The Miki Dog is a fairly active breed, so it requires a long daily walk to meet its exercise needs. This breed loves to run and play. They also enjoy having free space to run outside. Active play is a good way to provide supplemental exercise, but it will not meet the exercise needs of this breed. A brisk walk is required on a daily basis. These pups have plenty of energy that they need to burn off every day. If you don’t help them burn that energy off through a walk or play, they will find a mischievous way of burning it off themselves. You’ve been warned. Don’t risk getting your furniture chewed up or shoes torn to bits!

Of course, neglecting your pet’s energy levels can lead to other serious issues too. A small and stout breed, the Miki Dog can be prone to obesity. If not offered enough exercise in order to burn off those extra calories, your pet might become chubbier and chubbier. And once obesity sets in, a slew of other health issues can come waltzing in. This includes arthritis and general joint pain, heart problems, indigestion, apathy, lethargy, and so on. A lot can depend on exercise and energy well spent! So make sure you don’t overlook this basic necessity – find time for a solid daily walk, a bit of play in the park or at home, and throw in plenty of toys in the mix!

This breed loves to be around people and they are good with strangers as well as children.

AKC

The Miki Dog is not currently recognized by the AKC ,but the International Miki Registry (IMR) is currently seeking recognition with the United Kennel Club. The Miki Club of America also received full recognition of the breed by the RVD/UCI based in Germany. This makes it eligible for show in 16 additional countries around the world, but that only applies to Miki Dogs in the Miki Club of America stud book.

The list of smaller canine clubs and organizations that recognize Mi-Ki Dog as a breed includes American Canine Association Inc., American Pet Registry, Inc., Dog Registry of America, Inc., Continental Mi-Ki Association, and Rarities Inc. The clubs that revolve around the breed specifically are International Mi-Ki Registry (IMR), Mi-Ki Breeders USA (MBUSA), and Mi-Ki™ Club of America, Inc. (MCOA). These and similar clubs, which are often run by long-time owners and designer dog breed enthusiasts, are a great way to learn all that there is to know about the Miki Dog – and first hand too! From their daily habits, down to their general pros and cons, and all the way to their pedigree – everything can be found from a circle of close-knit Miki Dog aficionados. What better way to get to know the breed than from those who own it already?

Coat

Coat is without a doubt the pride of every doggo. And it is up to you, as a responsible owner, to take good care of it! The Miki Dog exhibits two different coat types: smooth and long. The smooth coat is short and lies close to the body with short fringing on the ears and no beard or mustache. The long coat is silky and straight with a fine texture and long feathering on the ears. The Miki Dog comes in a variety of different colors, though solid colors are rare. So, there are plenty of different styles of Miki Dog available, if there is a specific look that you have in mind.

While their coats are not too high maintenance, they do require some moderate grooming – if you don’t establish a “beauty” routine early on, your pet will quickly sport an unkempt look and have a stinky odor. Do some light brushing every day, for just a few minutes. It is no big work and will work towards general tidiness, preventing mats and tangles. Use your nose to determine when it’s time for a bath, as those should be done on a need-to basis, and you can use pet wipes to keep your pooch clean in between the baths if they get dirty. With a routine such as this one, your Miki will always look spic and span. 

Of course, if you find this overly challenging for your amateur grooming abilities, then your best bet is to visit the grooming salon, once or twice per month. There, your pet can get the full treatment – done by professionals! With that you’ll have no doubt that your Miki is the best version of themself.  

Puppies

The Miki Dog typically has a very small litter size of only 1 to 4 puppies. Miki Dog puppies are very small when they are born and they only reach an average size of 4 to 8 lbs. at maturity. Needless to say, such tiny puppies are very fragile and prone to injuries. To avoid any accidents and mishaps, do not leave your kids to play with your Mikie Dog puppy without supervision. Additionally, you should also be very gentle when picking up your Mi-Ki puppy or playing with them.

While undeniably adorable, the tiny Mi-Ki puppies will need to be trained and socialized at an early age. Timely behavior correction will ensure your pet doesn’t develop small dog syndrome and that he is friendly and social with other dogs and children. All toy dogs can be a bit difficult to housebreak, so it’s not a bad idea to start with potty training first. Once you have those tricky training years out of the way, life with your Miki Dog should feel like a dream. Enjoy it.

It is important to remember that during that puppy age, your dog is eager to soak up all the information and will be quick to learn. Utilize this to your advantage, and don’t neglect the training process. You will be surprised at how quickly they can learn new commands, tricks, and general household rules! 

Photo credit: MonicaChadwick/Shutterstock; focus.n.develop/Shutterstock