Dog World February 2008

Rare Breed Spotlight

The Mi-Ki

By Alice Bixler

The origin and ancestry of the Mi-Ki is as tangled as a plate of spaghetti. It is generally believed to have been created in the late 1980s by Milwaukee Shih Tzu breeder Rev. Maureen Westberg, who also went by the name Micki Mackin. It appears Mi-Ki (pronounced mee kee) was derived from the latter name.

Utilizing some of her smaller Shih Tzu for their non-shed coats and color variety, she added Papillons, noted for their intelligence, and introduced the Japanese Chin to shorten the muzzle. Maltese were included in the mix for their glamorous coats. Later, in 1993, she used a Papillon-Yorkshire Terrier stud on some of her females. Unfortunately, Mackin was not inclined to keep accurate records, so it’s anybody’s guess as to the percentages each breed contributed to the final result.

Donna Hall, an early proponent of

the Mi-Ki, founded the stud books in

1992 and then in partnership with Mackin/Westberg, cofounded the breed club which was incorporated in the state of Wisconsin as The Greater American Toy Mi-Ki Club.

Following a fire in her home, Mackin/Westberg was hospitalized and asked Hall to take over her breeding stock as she was too ill to continue her breeding program. The dogs were distributed among other Mi-Ki breeders.

Sometime later, The Greater American Toy Mi-Ki Club voted unanimously to disband. The very same day the Mi-Ki Club of America was established, sans one member. Mackin/Westberg was not invited to join the new group and all ties with her were severed. In 2003, the club adopted mandatory procedures requiring breeders to DNA, CERF and OFA Patella certify all breeding stock and puppies. Breeders who objected to the mandatory regulations split from the MCA and over time, other clubs were formed which included the Continental Mi-Ki Association in 2002 and Mi-Ki Breeders USA in 2003. Another group is the International Mi-Ki Registry, founded in 1999, which has dedicated itself to perpetuating the original strain. Some of the clubs have set their own standards and differ slightly, though all have retained the name. Three of the four clubs do not recognize nor register the smooth- or short-coated version with only Mi-Ki Breeders USA accepting both coat types.

Although the breed may compete in several of the rare-breed competitions, at present they are not recognized by any major registry.

Appearance: Remember the movie Gremlins? The average Mi-Ki bears an uncanny resemblance to the adorable Gizmo character. Appealing and just asking to be cuddled, they’ve charmed their way into hearts and homes all over the country.

Height may be up to 10 or 11 inches at the shoulder, depending on the standard, and Mi-Kis should not exceed 10 or 11 lbs. In outline, the body is slightly longer than it is high. A domed or rounded skull connects to a short, broad muzzle via a well-defined stop. The muzzle length may vary but should not exceed 11/2 inches, or approximately one quarter of the length of the head. Below that muzzle, teeth may be scissors, level or slightly undershot just as long as they’re not visible when the mouth is closed. The nose is flat on top, medium in size and features wide open nostrils. Black is preferred but dilute colors may have noses to match. The compelling eyes are prominent, round and dark in color. And they must be a matched set. Two different-colored eyes are not accepted.

The very mobile, feathered ears are set slightly below the crown on the skull and may be carried erect or dropped (folded), but both types are capable of “winging” (standing out from the head) when the dog is excited. Puppies may be forgiven for having one lazy ear but any Mi-Ki over 6 months of age should have a coordinated duo. A medium-length neck connects the head to the body. A straight and level topline sits over well-sprung ribs. Beneath the laid-back shoulders, straight legs end in thin and elongated paws. Nicely angulated hind legs are parallel when viewed from the rear. The high-set tail is heavily plumed and carried gaily over the back.

All coat colors and markings are acceptable, including solid colors. The long, non-shedding coat is straight or slightly wavy, silky and fine in texture. Extensive feathering on the ears, front and rear legs and the tail enhances the image. A beard and moustache complete the picture on the long-coated variety though these features are missing from the smooth or short coat and the feathering is shorter on the legs and tail.

Gait should be smooth and flowing with good reach and drive.

Due to the variety of acceptable show trims, a ring full of Mi-Kis can differ greatly in appearance. Some require the top of the skull be clipped smooth and the feet shaved. Then there’s the cut which calls for the whole head, excluding the ears, and neck to be shaved. The “natural” cut asks only that the head be trimmed so that no hair obscures the expressive eyes. The smooth coat is shown au naturel with only a bit of scissoring to neaten the feet.

Temperament: When it comes to temperament, Mi-Ki owners have nothing but lavish praise for their wee companions. Easy-going and composed, the Mi-Ki activity level ranges from moderate to subdued. Unlike some small dogs, they’re not yappy. In fact, they rarely bark, though they may occasionally vocalize with a yodel of sorts or a happy twittering sound. Extremely intelligent and eager to please, they take well to obedience training. The congenial and sociable diminutive dogs enjoy the company of humans and are non-aggressive to other dogs (which, given their size, is a wise move). The breed has many catlike qualities such as washing themselves, sunning on a window sill or climbing, as well as pouncing and swatting at toys or playmates.

Modern Function: With their outgoing personalities and their begging-to-be-cuddled demeanor, Mi-Kis seem almost made for pet therapy. According to one website, there is actually a quartet of Mi-Kis working with psychologists in private practice. The breed also has the capabilities to excel in obedience. As companions, they’re not only charmers but very portable.

Alice Bixler judges for the AKC, CKC, ARBA, Canine Rarities, and IABCA. She breeds and exhibits Bearded Collies, Briards and Löwchen and has been a professional dog writer since the 1970s.