The Miki dogs are some of the smallest dogs in the world and an adult Miki is almost the same size as a medium or large size puppy. But because they are small, many pet owners want to own one or more of them.
The Miki or Mi-Ki is a small sized dog that was breed to become a calm companion for humans. They engage a lot with their owners and are some of the rarest toy dogs that were bred. They are small and having them around can alleviate the feeling of stress and anxiety.
History of Miki Puppies
The Miki puppies are small, cute, and adorable babies. Like other hybrid dogs, the Miki puppies are also the result of the combined cross-breeding of three small dogs, namely the Maltese, the Papillon, and the Japanese Chin. Just like the resulted Miki, these three dog breeds are also small in size with long hair.
The Miki puppies have started to be produced in the 1980s by combining the small dog breeds mentioned above. They are considered to be a rare breed of dogs and they are not yet recognized by the AKC.
The breeding process of Miki puppies is strictly monitored by the IMR (International Mi-Ki Registry and the AMRA (American Mi-Ki Registry Association).
Appearance
The Miki puppies are a combination of three small breeds of dogs and the Miki pups inherit the different physical attributes of the pure breeds.
Some of the most notable physical characteristics that Miki pups inherit are the apple-domed head, winged ears, and long hair. Although the Miki pups are relatively small when they are just newborn puppies, they only grow up to 10 to 11 inches in height and weigh about 10 lbs. when they become adults.
The Miki pups and adults can have different types of coating which can be smooth or long. The Miki pups with smooth coats have short hair and the coat is close to the body. There is short fringing on and around the ears and they do not have a beard.
The Miki puppies with long coats have long feathery hair on the ears and the coat is silky with a fine texture. The Miki pups with either smooth or long coating have a variation of colors ranging from solid colors to a combination of colors.
Finding a Miki pup with a solid color is hard since the pure breeds also have coats in a combination of colors most of the time.
Food
Miki puppies are dependent on their mother for food. Like all other babies, they need to be fed with milk as much as possible. But as Miki pups grow up, their diet is not very specific. Like all typical dogs, Miki pups also need to have a well-balanced diet. Miki pups that started eating solid foods can be fed with dry kibbles.
The type of food the mother consumes also helps to give extra nutrients, especially for the newborn Miki pups. It is important that the food fed to moms and Miki pups is high-grade and contains high quality ingredients. Healthy fats, fiber, and some protein are also essential in keeping a Miki puppy healthy.
The Miki pups are small dogs, so it is very important that the food fed to them is designed for this type of dogs. The Miki pups also require a different level of nutrients compared to adult and senior Mikis. Giving the correct type of food is important to keep their health in good condition.
Behavior
Although rare, Miki dogs are also an intelligent breed of dog. They are very affectionate and loving and they love to cuddle with their owners. However, Miki pups, they need all the attention of the mother and the owner. Since they are just puppies, the owner must be hands-on in taking care of them.
They are small in size and as small puppies, they can be energetic and playful and sometimes they can get stuck in places they shouldn’t be in. It is the job of the fur-parent to look after the Miki pups and ensure their safety.
As puppies, they tend to behave like human babies meaning that they will cry when they are hungry or in pain, so you must be attentive of their needs from time to time.
Health
Miki puppies are quite small and fragile and also very susceptible to common illness. If the mother is healthy and had enough nutrients during the pregnancy, it is possible for her to give birth to healthy litter as well.
But Miki puppies have a weak immune system so attention to their health is critical. It is possible for Miki pups to develop the common illnesses that most puppies and hybrids develop.
At a young age, it is better for the owner to have the Miki puppies checked and tested for the possibility of acquiring congenital conditions.
The congenital conditions that should be kept an eye out for with Miki pups are cone retinal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hemophilia, and von Willibrand’s disease. There are other health problems that might be developed by the Miki pups, but keeping them healthy is a way to keep them for a longer time.
Life Expectancy
An adult Miki can live between 13 to 15 years, a very long period for toy dogs to live.
Training and Exercise
Miki dogs are quite small but they are very active despite their size. For the Miki pups, it is best to train them at a young age by letting them run around and taking a walk with them to get their daily exercise. An active play is the best form of exercise for the Miki pups.
Conclusion
The Miki pups are small in size but they have a big impact on the people they socialize with. They are very therapeutic and friendly and they can help a person ease anxiousness and depression. Apart from being highly sociable, Miki pups are also very active even at a very young age.
