Description. The Mi Ki is a small dog standing some 10-11 inches in height and weighing in at less than 10 pounds. They have a proportionately small head which is lightly domed or rounded, in shape, and has a stop that is well defined. Their muzzle is short and wide, being a little long to be called a pug nose, being some ½ - 1½ inches in length. They have large wide set eyes that are round in shape. Their large nostrils sit atop a medium sized nose and the teeth can be an undershot or level bite. The ears of a Mi Ki can be erect or hanging. The short neck leads to an average depth chest and onto the well defined shoulders and straight front legs, which are feathered. There are two coat varieties, being smooth or longhaired. The smooth coat is quite short and has no hanging facial parts, like beard etc. and is close fitting to the body. Whereas the longhaired is smooth and has a pronounced beard and moustache appearance on the face.

History. Club standards can differ for the Mi Ki; they all describe the same dog but have different focuses in their standards. The true origins of this breed are lost in the annals of time but there are a few theories. Whilst a theory is only an educated guess they do seem to hold some credence. One theory is that the Mi Ki is descended from the Papillion, Japanese Chin and the Maltese. The breed was acknowledge by the UKC in 1995 and appeared in the US sometime in the 1980s. Another theory states that the Mi Ki is in fact a recent breed being first reared in the 1980s in Milwaukee and was a mix of the Yorkshire terrier and a Papillion that was crossed with a Shih-Tzu, Japanese chin, Maltese and a pure Papillion. There were no records kept of this, or at least not particularly accurate ones so this too is just a theory. Maybe because of the confusion the UKC is setting out to refine this breed to a new US standard.

Temperament. As a breed the Mi Ki is affectionate, intelligent, and calm with a very mild mannered nature. They are not particularly active dogs, but still enjoy and need their exercise. With a little assistance in exercising this dog is excellent as a companion for the disabled. They are a relaxed and quiet dog that trains well, but do require a good pack leader, you. They are not an aggressive dog and get on well with other household pets. They will meet strangers as if they would an old friend. They do not make good watchdogs, due to this over friendly nature. The Mi Ki is very adaptable and can be at home in almost any surroundings, they are suitable for first time owners and veterans alike.

Health issues. The short muzzle of the Mi Ki can cause respiratory problems, when they are older and their teeth require a fair amount of cleaning to avoid gum diseases. But they are a long lived breed living well into the teens.

Grooming. As a pet the Mi Ki will only require combing about once a week, to get rid of shed hair. Only bathe when necessary.

Living conditions. Whilst they require daily walks and mental stimulation the Mi Ki will happily live practically anywhere.