Breed Standards

The Mi-Ki (pronounced Me-Key) are a rare toy dog.  They share ancestors with Maltese, Papillion, and Japanese Chin.  They are of Asian ancestry, originating in the United States in the 1980's.  Their average size is 5 to 8 lbs.  They live well into their teens.  Mi-Ki's have no known health problems.

A small apple domed head, with a well defined stop. The Muzzle length varies from 1/2 inch in length to 1 1/2 inches.

TEETH

Level to slightly undershot.

EYES

Dark, round and expressive.  Dark eye rims are preferred, but may be lighter in self colored or dilute dogs. Pink eye rims are a Major Fault.

NOSE

The nostrils are wide and open, never pinched.  Nose Pigment is black or self colored in dilute dogs. Any pink on the nose of a dog 6 months or older is a Major Fault.

EARS

VERY MOBILE! The Mi-Ki ^TM ears can be carried erect or dropped.  Both ear types are capable of "winging" their ears when extremely excited.  Both ears must be either erect or dropped.  All ears must be feathered.

NECK

The neck is of medium length, and should never appear short or thick.

BODY

Although the Mi-Ki ^TM appears Cobby, the body is slightly longer than the height, measured at the shoulders. The back line is straight and level.  The chest is of medium depth.  The ribs are well sprung.  The forequarters have a well developed shoulder that is laid back to allow freedom of movement.

FORELEGS

The forelegs are always straight and never bowed.  Feathering must be present, and dew claws may be removed

HIND LEGS

Are parallel when viewed from behind.  Feathering must be present. Any dew claws present must be removed.  Faults:  Hind legs lacking angulation, or cow hocked.  Major Fault: Dew claws Not removed.

FEET

The Feet are hare-like in shape, thin and elongated.  ALL FOUR FEET must be shaved on the long coats.  When relaxed, the front feet may turn slightly outwards.  Major Fault:  Feet that are not shaved on the long coats.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

The height is measured at the shoulder, and is not to exceed 11 inches.  Weight is in proportion to the height.  Disqualification: Dogs over 11 inches in height.

TAIL

The tail is set high and carried gaily and well arched over the body with fringing.

COAT: TWO TYPES

Neither is preferable.  The Smooth Coat lies close to the body and skull with no presence of a beard or mustache on the face, and has short fringing on the ears and on both the front and rear legs and the tail.  The Long Coat is fine, silky and straight, with long feathering on the ears and on both the front and rear legs, and on the tail.  The Long-Coated Mi-Ki ^TM may have a Beard and Mustache and must have a neatly shaved head.  Major Fault:  The long coated dog whose head is not shaved. 

COLOR

All colors are acceptable, including Dilute Colors.  Solid colors are rare and highly prized.

MOVEMENT

Smooth and flowing, with the legs moving straight, parallel and in a line at a walk or slow trot.  Good reach in the front and good drive in the rear.  Disqualification:  Hackney gait.

FAULTS

Molera (fontanelle) larger than a dime.  Thick neck, Pinched nostrils.  Hind legs lacking angulation, or Cow hocked.

MAJOR FAULTS

Pink on the eye rims or pink on the nose of dogs six months of age or older.  Muzzle over 1 1/2 inches.  Feet that are not shaved on the long coats.  The long coated dog whose head has not been shaved.  Rear Dew claws that have not been removed.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

Height over 11 inches at the shoulder.  Overshot. Hackney gait.