Toy Mi-Ki
Encyclopedia
Mi-Ki is a collective name for a type of intentionally bred mixed-breed dog
. Dogs advertised as Mi-Kis may be of varying ancestry, and there is no single specific description for what breeds are involved. Although the term toy
usually implies that there is a larger version of the same kind, toy in this case does not refer to any form in particular, and similar dogs may be advertised as Toy Mi-Ki or just Mi-Ki.
Although the Mi-Ki is promoted as a rare breed
of dog, it is not a breed
recognized by any major kennel club. Similarly, though it is sometimes marketed as a designer dog, it also does not meet the definition of a "designer dog" because there is no standardized set of breeds who are used to produce Mi-Kis.
Numerous websites exist claiming development of a Mi-Ki "breed", but no breed standard
has been published. Like most so called rare breeds
, its development is fractured among multiple kennels and clubs, each claiming the most accurate breed type
. There does not appear to be even a general standard, although claims are made that it is a mixture of Maltese, Papillon
, and Japanese Chin
. Although two of those three breeds are European and one Japanese, the claim is further made that it was imported from Penang
, a state in Malaysia. Crosses with Shih Tzu
and Tibetan Terrier
are also mentioned on kennel websites, as well as Poodle
.
Mixed-breed dog
A mixed-breed dog, also known as a mutt or mongrel, is a dog whose ancestry is generally unknown and that has characteristics of two or more types of breeds. A mixed-breed may be a cross-breed dog, a random-bred dog, or a descendant of feral or pariah dog populations...
. Dogs advertised as Mi-Kis may be of varying ancestry, and there is no single specific description for what breeds are involved. Although the term toy
Toy dog
Toy dog traditionally refers to a very small dog or a grouping of small and very small breeds of dog. A toy dog may be of any of various dog types. Types of dogs referred to as toy dogs may include Spaniels, Pinschers and Terriers that have been bred down in size. Not all toy dogs are lapdogs,...
usually implies that there is a larger version of the same kind, toy in this case does not refer to any form in particular, and similar dogs may be advertised as Toy Mi-Ki or just Mi-Ki.
Although the Mi-Ki is promoted as a rare breed
Rare breed (dog)
Rare breed is any breed of dog that is small in number. Since dogs have greater genetic variability than other domesticated animals the number of possible breeds is vast...
of dog, it is not a breed
Dog breed
Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock....
recognized by any major kennel club. Similarly, though it is sometimes marketed as a designer dog, it also does not meet the definition of a "designer dog" because there is no standardized set of breeds who are used to produce Mi-Kis.
Numerous websites exist claiming development of a Mi-Ki "breed", but no breed standard
Breed standard
A breed standard in animal fancy and animal husbandry is a set of guidelines which is used to ensure that the animals produced by a breeder or breeding facility conform to the specifics of the breed....
has been published. Like most so called rare breeds
Rare breed (dog)
Rare breed is any breed of dog that is small in number. Since dogs have greater genetic variability than other domesticated animals the number of possible breeds is vast...
, its development is fractured among multiple kennels and clubs, each claiming the most accurate breed type
Breed type
Breed type is the whole of the characteristics that are typical of a breed of domesticated animals. Breed type may include details of form or color that are not directly related to the economic value of the animal, and are usually defined in breed standards....
. There does not appear to be even a general standard, although claims are made that it is a mixture of Maltese, Papillon
Papillon (dog)
The papillon , also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of dog of the Spaniel type. One of the oldest of the toy Spaniels, it derives its name from its characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears. A papillon with dropped ears is called a phalène...
, and Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin , also known as the Japanese Spaniel) is the dog of Japanese royalty. A lap dog and companion dog, this toy breed has a distinctive heritage.-Appearance:...
. Although two of those three breeds are European and one Japanese, the claim is further made that it was imported from Penang
Penang
Penang is a state in Malaysia and the name of its constituent island, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. It is bordered by Kedah in the north and east, and Perak in the south. Penang is the second smallest Malaysian state in area after Perlis, and the...
, a state in Malaysia. Crosses with Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog weighing with long silky hair. The breed originated in China and is among the earliest breeds. Shih Tzu were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969...
and Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is not a member of the terrier group, the name being given to it by European travelers to Tibet who were reminded of terriers from back home when they first encountered the breed...
are also mentioned on kennel websites, as well as Poodle
Poodle
The Poodle is a breed of dog. The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is highly intelligent and skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding...
.