Mi-Ki Dog: Your Complete Guide

The Mi-Ki dog is a rare mixed breed that originated sometime in the 1980s. This dog is a crossbreed of many different types of small dogs, something that resulted in a friendly, affectionate, and independent toy breed. The Mi-Ki dog is a unique addition to any family, and they can be wonderful companions, though it may take some time to find a breeder who specializes in this breed.

If you are considering adding a Mi-Ki dog to your life, or if you simply want to learn more about this interesting small dog breed, you’re in the right place. Our complete guide to the Mi-Ki dog tells you everything you need to know about this breed’s temperament, care needs, and the home where this pup will find itself happiest.

A Quick Look at the Mi-Ki Dog

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs. 

Weight/Height	8 to 10 inches, 7 to 10 pounds
Coat Type	Straight, soft, silky
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Friendly, quiet, independent, easy-going
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	10 to 15 years

What Is the History of Mi-Ki Dogs?

The exact history of the Mi-Ki dog can be hard to pin down, as this hybrid dog is a cross between many different dog breeds. In general, the history of the Mi-Ki dog is believed to have started around the 1980s, when crossbreeding dogs was incredibly popular. The person attributed to developing the Mi-Ki dog is Wisconsin breeder Maureen van Wormer, who also went by the name Mikki Mackin, and this nickname is where the name for the breed originates.

Maureen van Wormer is believed to have crossbred small dogs like the Shih Tzu, papillon, maltese, Yorkshire terrier, and Japanese Chin to create a small, loving, and quiet dog breed. There is some debate over the exact breeds used to develop the Mi-Ki dog, though the listed breeds are generally thought to have contributed to this dog’s origins.

The Mi-Ki dog is not commonly seen in the United States, and it can be somewhat difficult to find a breeder specializing in creating the Mi-Ki dog. However, if you really want to adopt one of these tiny, quiet, and lovable pups, you will be able to find a breeder with some dedicated research.

What Do Mi-Ki Dogs Look Like?

Mi-Ki dogs look how you would expect, given their mixed breed origin and the Shih Tzu, Yorkie, and Maltese in their genetics. They are small yet well-proportioned, and they have shorter, wide muzzles. Their ears are usually floppy, and they have silky and straight coats with a feathered tail. Their eyes are generally dark, and they have rounded paws. 

A Mi-Ki dog with a solid coat color is rarer than one with a coat made up of two or three colors. These dogs are generally found in all colors except for brindle and blue.

What Size Is a Mi-Ki Dog?

The Mi-Ki dog is a toy breed, which means that they are quite small even when fully grown. You can expect your Mi-Ki dog to stand between eight and ten inches at the shoulders and weigh no more than 10 pounds. As puppies, these dogs are even smaller, and they may not weigh more than five or six pounds until they reach adulthood at some point between 12 and 18 months of age.

What Is a Mi-Ki Dog’s Coat Type and Length?

There are two different coat type possibilities for the Mi-Ki dog. These dogs will have straight hair that is fairly silky, but as it grows longer, it may have a slight wave to it. You can either get a short-haired Mi-Ki dog where the hair won’t grow too long naturally, or you may have a long-haired Mi-Ki dog, where the hair tends to grow out naturally and take on a feathered appearance around your dog’s body.

What Is a Mi-Ki Dog’s Temperament? 

The Mi-Ki dog was bred to have an even, calm temperament and to be a companion animal. These dogs are true to this, and they tend to be friendly, alert, and eager to please their owners. You can expect your Mi-Ki dog to be happy following you around or cuddling with you, and their overall temperament makes them a great choice for acting as a therapy dog or an emotional support animal – they love people and even other pets, and they are quite enjoyable companions to be around.

Much like other small dogs, however, the Mi-Ki dog needs firm and consistent training to ensure that they do not think they run your home. These dogs benefit from an owner who helps them stay mentally engaged but also sets boundaries around the home so that they don’t get carried away and develop behavioral issues like resource guarding and anxiety.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Good With Kids?

Mi-Ki dogs are good with children, though they may do best in homes with children who are older and gentler. It’s easy for this toy breed to become injured during playtime with children who don’t yet know how to interact properly with such a small and delicate dog. That being said, the Mi-Ki dog has a playful, happy temperament, and they will enjoy all of the playtime and affection that children are sure to give them.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Good With Other Animals?

The pleasant temperament of the Mi-Ki dog extends to their interactions with other animals, and this dog will easily make friends with other friendly animals, including cats and other dogs. This breed needs to be watched closely around larger dogs, as too much roughhousing can lead to accidental injuries for this small breed. 

The Mi-Ki dog may have somewhat of a prey drive, depending on your specific dog’s personality, but they are generally not too prone to chasing small prey animals like hamsters or guinea pigs. If you are planning to bring your Mi-Ki dog into a home with other animals, make sure they are well-socialized and trained to prevent small dog syndrome in your Mi-Ki dog, something that can result in them thinking they run the household.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Aggressive?

Mi-Ki dogs are not known to be aggressive, and they are not a small dog that is even known for barking a lot. These dogs are typically easy-going and calm, though they do need consistent boundaries around the home to prevent them from potentially developing anxiety or being territorial around their food and toys. Fortunately, the Mi-Ki dog is very eager to please its owners, and they tend to learn quickly.

Do Mi-Ki Dogs Bark?

Mi-Ki dogs were bred to be small and quiet, and these pups are not at all yappy like you might expect. The Mi-Ki dog rarely barks, except to alert their owners to something particularly concerning or during very exciting playtime. This quiet nature makes the Mi-Ki dog a good choice for living in an apartment complex or somewhere with noise restrictions.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Affectionate?

Mi-Ki dogs are most certainly affectionate, and these dogs love to be around their owners. They enjoy spending time playing or walking with their families, and they are the first to cuddle up next to their owner after a long, tiring day. These dogs make great companions, they tend to warm up to strangers quickly, and they have lap dog tendencies.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Intelligent?

While Mi-Ki dogs aren’t the absolute smartest pups around, they are far from being unintelligent. These dogs have about average intelligence, meaning they will learn basic obedience skills and need some mental stimulation, but they do not need constant jobs, training, and tasks like some other breeds of dogs. That being said, your Mi-Ki dog will benefit from things like puzzle toys and regular training to keep their mind active.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Energetic?

Mi-Ki dogs are energetic and enjoy activity, but their small size means that even at their most active, they do not need super long walks or very extensive playtimes. You can take your Mi-Ki dog on short to moderate walks a few times a day and dedicate 30 minutes to an hour or playtime as needed to keep them active and happy. Your Mi-Ki dog will also be happy to play independently, especially if you have a secure, fenced-in yard for them to run around in.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Easy to Train?

The Mi-Ki dog can be easy to train, as long as you manage to catch their attention. These dogs are of average intelligence, and they are typically very eager to please their owners, which means they will enjoy learning new tricks. However, they can get distracted easily during the initial period of training, often wanting to play or cuddle before they fully learn a command. Consistency and frequent short training sessions can be helpful to keep your dog’s focus.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Good Watchdogs?

Mi-Ki dogs aren’t the best watchdogs for a few different reasons. To start with, these dogs tend to be quieter, and they are not big barkers. If your Mi-Ki dog does notice a threat, they might watch it suspiciously and only bark to alert you when there is no other option. These dogs are alert and they can be brave, but their small size doesn’t make them very intimidating, neither does the sound of their bark.

Are Mi-Ki Dogs Good Service Dogs?

Mi-Ki dogs have great temperaments for some types of assistance animal work, though they are not particularly suited for types of service dog work. Usually, the types of dogs suited to service dog work are those that are large and strong enough to open and close doors, provide mobility support, and retrieve items. Mi-Ki dogs are too small for this, but they can be trained for some psychiatric service dog tasks.

That being said, Mi-Ki dogs are loving companions, and they can be great emotional support animals and therapy dogs. These pups love to cuddle and spend time with their owners, and they can provide the much-needed relief someone might require from negative feelings or emotions. Mi-Ki dogs are also typically happy to meet lots of new people and they are adaptable, which are both good qualities in therapy dogs.

How to Care for a Mi-Ki Dog?

The Mi-Ki dog has similar care needs to other dogs of this size, and you can keep your dog healthy and happy through regular exercise, lots of love, and routine veterinary care. In general, your Mi-Ki dog will need two to three short to moderate-length walks with some playtime. They will need their own toys to play with, either with you or independently, and you should not leave your Mi-Ki dog alone for more than six to eight hours at a time..

Make sure your Mi-Ki dog has their own bed, comfy places to sleep, and their own food and water bowls. You will need to feed your dog small meals three to four times a day, and regular training sessions can help keep your dog’s mind active in addition to ensuring they understand the boundaries and rules of your home.

If you have any other animals, especially large dogs, in the home, or if you have very young children, make sure that you monitor all interactions between them and your Mi-Ki dog to avoid accidental injuries to this delicate tiny pup.

Do You Need to Groom a Mi-Ki Dog?

Mi-Ki dogs can have short coats that need less attention, or their fur may grow out to a medium-long length. With both types of coats, the Mi-Ki dog will need professional grooming every eight weeks or so, and this may involve trimming their fur. 

Ear cleaning and nail trimming can be completed as needed, and you should make an effort to brush your Mi-Ki dog at least a few times a week to remove any loose fur. Regular brushing also helps to prevent painful tangles and knots in your dog’s coat. 

Do Mi-Ki Dogs Shed?

Mi-Ki dogs are not the biggest shedding breed. These pups won’t leave tumbleweeds of fur around your home, and they may be a good choice for someone who is a little sensitive to lots of shed fur and dander. However, your dog will shed some, so don’t expect to never encounter loose fur around your home.

What Health Problems Do Mi-Ki Dogs Have?

Genetic health issues for the Mi-Ki dog are not as well-recorded as health issues for other breeds that have been around a lot longer. Through the limited history of the Mi-Ki dog, this breed has the potential to develop dental problems, eye problems, and patellar luxation, which is a type of kneecap dislocation issue. 

Additionally, Mi-Ki dogs may develop issues with their blood sugar; it’s important to feed your Mi-Ki dog regular small meals to avoid any issues with their blood sugar. Take your Mi-Ki dog to the vet twice a year for checkups and to ensure any potential health issues are caught before they become too serious.

How Long Do Mi-Ki Dogs Live?

On average, the Mi-Ki dog will live to be between 10 and 15 years old. Like other small dogs, their lifespan tends to be longer than larger dogs. Keep in mind that your dog’s care and any specific genetic health issues can impact their lifespan; regular vet appointments can help you keep up to date with your dog’s care needs.

What Should a Mi-Ki Dog Eat?

The Mi-Ki dog should eat a high-quality diet of fresh or dry dog food (or a combination of both types of food) from a formula that is designed for small dogs. Formulas that are tailored to a small dog’s nutritional needs feature more calorie and nutritionally-dense servings, allowing your dog to get the food they need without filler ingredients. The kibble size designed for small dogs is also suitable for your Mi-Ki dog’s smaller mouth. 

Consult your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about what, and how much, your Mi-Ki dog should be eating each day.

Is a Mi-Ki Dog the Right Dog for Me?

The Mi-Ki dog is a lovable, quiet, and friendly small dog, perfectly suited for living in apartments or alongside individuals who need an affectionate companion. Though the Mi-Ki dog is a harder breed to find in the United States, these dogs can be very rewarding companions, and they are also one of the best breeds to act as emotional support animals or therapy dogs. 

If you are considering adopting a Mi-Ki dog, make sure that you understand exactly how to take care of this toy breed and that you research breeders to find an ethical breeder. Doing this can lead you to the right Mi-Ki dog for you, and allow you to bring a happy, healthy pup into your life.