Toy Mi-ki Facts
Origin:
Although stories circulate that the Mi-ki originated in Malaysia, there is no corroborating evidence except on the websites of those in the U.S. who claim Malaysia as the breed's home. In fact, the breed is not even recognized by the Malaysian Kennel Association.
However, according to unpublished information received from the breed's founder and an old website (see footnote below), Rev. Maureen (Mikkie) Westberg VonWormer developed the breed over a nearly 12-year period. Her breeding program began in the 1980's after she received a rare Asian breed, Wan Chu Kow. Because the Wan Chu Kow was an extremely rare breed, Maureen set out to develop a similar breed that shared its traits and personality. More than 11 years and 65 litters later, the breed was perfected. Her blended-breeding program ended in 1991. Only Mi-ki to Mi-ki breeding was done after 1991. Rev. Westberg named the breed Mi-ki (pronounced mee-kee) for two reasons. First, she named the breed after herself using her nickname, Mikkie. Second, it was her understanding that the word meant "new life, new beginnings." With that understanding, it seemed appropriate to name the new breed as she did.
Seven tiny or toy breeds were blended to produce the Mi-ki, according to Rev. VonWormer. These breeds include (click the links to see a sample of each breed):
Characteristics:
The breed is characterized by strong loyalty, playfulness, intelligence, and adaptability to change. They can be potty trained to use "piddle pads" or litter boxes, as well as (or in place of) going outdoors. Consequently, Mi-ki's make great house or apartment pets and wonderful therapy dogs. Because of their size, we caution families with small children to wait until the children are older before bringing a Mi-ki into their homes. While Mi-ki's are great with children, we believe this caution helps protect the dog from harm during rough play.
Pricing:
Mi-ki's are priced by breeders ranging from approximately $1,500 to over $6,000. As with other breeds, higher priced dogs are bred for competition and are generally available through breeders associated with affinity clubs having strict breeding and care standards. Members of affinity clubs who sell their puppies as pets are often required to sell at standardized pricing over $2,500. Legitimate independent breeders who sell Mi-ki puppies as pets, although not associated with affinity clubs, will generally charge in a range of $1,500 to $2,500.
Because of the dramatic range in pricing, you should know the breeder you are dealing with. It is important to know whether the breeder breeds multiple breeds. Some breeders of similar breeds, who also breed Mi-kis, have been known to substitute these lesser priced breeds when they believe the buyer is not well informed. For example, a breeder of Mi-kis and Shih Tzus may substitute a $200 Shih Tzu puppy for a $1,500 Mi-ki. If at all possible, we encourage buyers to accept delivery of their new Mi-ki pups at the breeders location. Doing this helps ensure that you are doing business with a legitimate breeder rather than a puppy mill.
DNA Testing?
Some suggest that DNA testing is the ultimate protection from fraud. While DNA testing can establish parentage of a puppy and identify genetic abnormalities, DNA testing cannot verify that a dog is a Mi-ki or has the genes of any of the breeds listed above. If both a dam and a sire have been profiled by DNA testing, a profile of the puppy will establish whether or not a puppy was produced as the result of a union between the two. This is most important when breeding for competition where champion bloodlines are concerned. DNA testing for genetic defects will help ensure that an investment in a Mi-ki is reasonably safe regardless of whether or not a puppy was bred for competition or as a pet. DNA testing for parentage isn't as critical for pets unless breed substitution is suspected.
Registration:
The Mi-ki breed is officially registered through the Continental Kennel Club. However a variety of competing Mi-ki affinity clubs maintain their own registries. Some affinity groups even claim to have the only valid registries. Due to the dissension between these competing clubs, we look to the CKC as an impartial registry. Monts's Mi-ki's has elected not to affiliate with any Mi-ki affinity club or breed-specific organization. Also, the American Kennel Club does not accept the breed for registration.
Note: VonWormer, Maureen Westberg (2004). True History of the Toy Mi-ki Breed Development. Available on-line through a copy of an article published by PetBreedInfo.com® and cached by Google® on Nov 25, 2004 05:03:53 GMT. (Reference Link)
A copy of the text and pictures can also be downloaded here if Google's® cache has been cleared.
