What is a Miki Dog?

The sociable and sweet-natured little Mi-Ki dog breed is an up-and-coming companion toy dog. It’s a small-sized dog which weighs some 4 and 10 pounds. The Mi-Ki is cat-like in agility but all dogs when it comes to loyalty and friendliness.

Renowned for his gentle nature, the Mi-Ki is calm, adaptable, and delightfully Gremlin-like (remember Hollywood’s 1984 movie Gremlins?) in appearance.

Appearance

Its apple domed head features large dark eyes, and a short, wide muzzle, with a black nose. These dogs have large dark eyes and a characteristic stop. The mini Miki dog has erect feather ears that are quite movable.

The body of the dog is somewhat elongated with a straight, leveled backline, that stands upon four hare-like feet. With their little size and gentle nature, Mikis usually make great condo or apartment dogs.

History

Miki though a recent breed but it a rare one, and the history of this breed is in ambiguity and is still debated. There are different theories to the origin of Miki dogs.

According to the Mi-Ki Club of America, Inc., the Mi-Ki is thought to be Asian. It is debated that it shares common ancestors with the Papillon, the Maltese, and the Japanese Chin.

Unfortunately, the bleak details of the Mi-Ki make it impossible to tell the percentage of each parent breed in its makeup.

In 1992, testing revealed a specific DNA profile, naming the Mi-Ki, a purebred dog. The Mi-Ki was recognized by the States Kennel Club in 1995.

Some theories also suggest that other breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu may have been used. But, no one knows if this is true.

Miki Dog Pictures

Quick Information – Miki Dogs

Temperament and Behavior

The most amazing trait of the Miki dog is their adaptability, to people and situations. These dogs are obeying,  extremely affectionate, as also alert at the same time.  Thus, they are well-suited pet for the elderly and disabled people since they make good therapy dogs and companion dogs.

Though they are alert, they are also calm and quiet at times, and rarely bark for no reason, but mostly, if only feel threatened. They have a high degree of intelligence that would easily excel in the obedience ring.

This dog is a quick learner who would grow up to a good service dog. Like cats, they are social by nature with an even temperament, as they also love children, spending playful moments with them, prancing upon toys and play objects.

The Mikis are even comfortable with other pets, including cats. They are non-aggressive, but rather friendly with strangers, and would get along well with them.

Care – Exercise

Given their size and enthusiastic personality a Miki dog needs a daily walk. Take it out regularly, especially to help release its energy. They are active by nature and would play all day in a small house or apartment (or even get used to their kennels). But, allowing them to play openly in an enclosed area, if available, is also good for their mental happiness.

Grooming

The low shedding Miki dog needs brushing at least once a week. This is to get rid of any possible dust particles they might catch in between their hairs while playing restlessly all day, as also to retain the usual smoothness.

The short muzzle of the Miki dog is prone to get them respiratory issues. So, do keep an eye. Also, weekly cleaning of their teeth is advisable for keeping them healthy. You can also shave their face and feet to help them stay clean, hygenic,  and germ-free since they are prone to grow long hairs in between their toes.

Training

Training the intelligent Mi-Ki dog is rather easy, as they’re positive spirits and eager to please their masters. You should begin training your Miki puppy from 3-4 months of age. Teach the little one to come when it is asked to, or stay when it is told to. Give them lots of obedience and success rewards, and supply them with lots of encouragement.

Health Problems/Issues

Mi-Ki is a very healthy breed with no known breed-specific health issues. However, as mentioned, respiratory disorders might pester it at times. Also, do not ignore keeping an eye on other common dog diseases and problems.

Diet/Feeding

Dry food, over raw food, is better for the playful Miki dog since it needs almost a constant supply of glucose, especially the puppies.

Ready kibbles are a good supply of glucose since they might consume this at any point in time if supplied. Glucose deficiency often leads the puppy to ‘crash’.

Raw meat or canned food is certainly a good idea, though, since it is the ultimate source of energy for most canines and dog breeds in the longer run. However, do not consider the quantity of your Miki’s food with respect to the weight of your dog, but rather, on its daily level of exercise and activity. Also, remember that underweight or an obese Miki might easily bring in many health problems later.

Mi-Ki Puppies Images

Video: Miki Dog Playtime

Fun Facts about The Miki Dog

• The International Mi-Ki Registry considers Mikis with all four feet shaved
• Record says that a Mi-Ki dog has raised an entire litter of abandoned kittens.
• Although the Mi ki dogs often have a domed head, the International Mi-Ki Registry’s Mi-Ki heads are rounded, but not domed.
• Their eyes and the nose are large and mostly dark, although blue, brown, or ruby are also acceptable by the International Mi-Ki Registry, provided, the coats are of the same colors.

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Labrador Retriever * English Mastiff

Mastador is a hybrid with a large body structure but, its friendly nature makes it an ideal furry friend for a family.  Usually, they are well adjusting with humans and other animals.

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Their protective nature makes Mastador a perfect watchdog. Though some of the dogs seem to be very stubborn generally, they can be easily trained and socialized at early ages.

Origin & History

Mastadors were first designed and made in the U.S. It is not a pure breed so; Mastador breed does get registered to American Kennel Club (AKC). But, their parent breeds have high standings and are well recognized by AKC.

The Labrador Retriever is referred to as gun dog that has special skills for retrieving waterfowls while the Mastiff Breed has a friendly nature with a giant size. English Mastiff breeds have an immense historical importance. There are records which say that this breed marched alongside Hannibal Army when the troops crossed the mountain ranges of Alps.

Even the breed’s presence has been witnessed on the ancient Mesopotamian artworks and stone carvings that were discovered from various archeological sites of Asia. During the two World Wars, the European canine population got catastrophically affected.

There was a shortage of proper food supply which led to almost extinction till the war ended. In order to revive the breed, mastiff puppies were brought from Canada and the United States. Labrador Retriever has originated from St. John’s dog. They worked as a companion with the fishermen in New found land.

They had a short coat with an oily texture and their excellent retrieving skills made ideal water dogs. Though Mastador does not falls under pure dog breed category but, their parental breeds are well known and highly appreciated.

Pictures of Mastador

Quick Information ~ Mastador (Mastiff Lab Mix)

Appearance

Mastadors have an athletic build with big structures and long legs. The weight of this breed varies from a range of 85 to 160pounds. The height of the breed may vary from 25 to 36 inch.

The generation where the dominant breed is Mastiff, the structure seems to bigger and heavier than the generation where the latter is Labrador Retriever.

Mastador breed dogs usually have a wide head with wrinkles on their muzzle. They have a pair of almond-shaped eyes, the color of which may vary from black to hazel. The triangular shaped ears are adapted from the parent breeds, particularly Labrador Retrievers.

This breed comes in various solid color shades of golden, chocolate and black. The brindle skin coat is a double layer with thick small hairs that may sometimes have wavy patterns. Black and white patches on the chest and feet are also witnessed in some of the dogs.

On the face of this dog breed, where more Mastiff features have been adapted, black face musk is usually witnessed. The nose color is either black or brown and similar to Labradors. It has a straight fur with moderate length and density.

Temperament and Personality

Mastadors are very affectionate and playful. Their protective nature and human-friendly attitude make them an ideal pooch for the family. They calm temperament and can easily be trained at early ages.

Mastadors are generally friendly with other animals so it can be kept with multiple pets. But, regular exercise is a must for this breed as they have high energy levels.

They are very loyal to their masters and can go to any extent in order to protect the person.  This dog shares a good relation with kids.

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Socializing and training should be started at a young age since some of the dogs seem to acquire stubbornness in the adult age similar to their parent Mastiff breed.

Care

Exercise

Mastadors are strong and a large dog breed, so their owners need to schedule in daily walks and routine, active playtimes.  Regular exercise is very essential for keeping the dog in the right health. These dogs have big body structures which have to be maintained properly.

Regular walks for an hour is more than enough to keep the dog’s health and mind in proper condition. Activities, like jumping and leaping, should not be practiced to avoid bone stress and fractures.

Grooming

Extensive grooming requirements are not required by the Mastador breed. Their short hairs and oily skin coat make it easy for the dogs to remove dirt and water by itself. So, in the ideal case, a monthly bath is enough for this dog breed.

Mastadors are very fond of playing in the water and their long and big ear structures make them prone to bacterial and infections auditory canal. So, the ears have to be checked and cleaned at regular intervals to avoid major infections.

The paws should be cleaned regularly as the active nature keeps the dog busy throughout the day.

In order to maintain a good fur coat, the dog should be combed and brushed at least once a week. Brushing helps the natural oil to spread and mix throughout the coat and the process also helps in the removal of loose hairs and new hair growth.

Health Problems

Mastadors has a usual lifespan varies from 10 to 15years. Despite being crossbred, both of your pup’s parents should be fully health tested.

• Heart problems
• Osteoporosis
• Hip Dysplasia is common at old ages.

Even the bacterial infections in their floppy ears with yellow texture and funky smell are quite usual.

Training

Mastadors can be trained with multiple handlers and is not a one master dog. But if you keep this canine breed to guard your house, you are sure to hear heavy barking on arrival of any stranger.

They are good jumpers and a six feet fence can easily be crossed by them. Excessive training in temperate conditions should be avoided. The grown-up dogs are hard to train.

Feeding/Diet

As a large and active dog, the Lab Mastiff Mix will require approximately 2-1/2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food daily. Food type should be designed specifically for large breeds.

For an adult Mastador Dog, 3.5 cups of dog food are required. If you give to give whole meat to your dog then, around 300gm of regular protein is preferable for the breed.

Mastador Puppies

Lab Mastiff Puppies are cute and bursting with energy during their early years, so need a family that can devote time to keeping them active and engaged as patient and consistent and uses rewards-based training.

From 1 day to 6months of age, the height and weight of Mastador puppies may vary from 16 to 17 inches and 67lbs to 77lbs respectively. Six months onward to twelve months of age the weight ranges to 100lbs and the height becomes 25 inches.

For the first twenty-eight days; mother’s milk is the ideal food source of the puppies.  Training should be started at a young age.

Videos: Mastador Puppies Playtime

References

1. The American Kennel Club.
2. The Institute of Canine Biology.
3. Danourdis, A., et al Canine elbow dysplasia Aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis and current treatment recommendations Hellenic Journal of Companion Animal Medicine, 2015.

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