Coton Mi-ki

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Coton Mi-ki

5-12 lbs

7-11"

United States

Coton de Tulear

Miki

A Coton Mi-ki is a hybrid breed and a mix between a Coton de Tulear and a Mi-Ki, which was only developed in the 1980s so is also quite new. The Coton Mi-Ki is a small dog weighing up to 16 pounds. It will take on the characteristics and appearance of both parent breeds so colors are likely to be white, brown, black, tan and can be tricolored. A Mi-Ki dog has a long, or medium, and silky coat while the Coton de Tulear has a cotton like coat. Both parent breeds are affectionate dogs who are easy to train. The Mi-ki doesn’t usually need as much maintenance as the Coton de Tulear.

Purpose
​Companion pet


Date of Origin
Unknown


Ancestry
Coton de Tulear, Mi-ki

Coton Mi-ki Health

Average Size

Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 5-13 lbs

Height: 7-11 inches Weight: 5-12 lbs

Major Concerns

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Retinal Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

Von Willebrand's Disease
Heart Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Occasional Diagnoses

Hypothyroidism
Hemophilia

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Blood Work
Buccal Mucosal Screening
Ophthalmic Examination

Coton Mi-ki Breed History

The Coton Mi-ki is a combination of a Coton de Tulear and a Mi-ki, which was developed in the United States in the late 1980’s. Not that much is known about the origins of these quite rare dogs but it is believed they share common ancestry with several Asian breeds including the Japanese Chin, the Maltese, and the Papillon. One unconfirmed theory is the Mi-ki was started by breeder Micki Mackin who used small Shih Tzus as well as the Japanese Chin, the Maltese, and the Papillon and possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Because accurate records were not kept by her the exact combination of breeds used is unclear. However the International Mi-ki Registry has done DNA profiling through the United Kennel Club to develop and refine the breed. The International Mi-Ki Registry claims to be the developing founder of the breed and hope to turn it into a purebred American breed. The breed is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club although several clubs including the Mi-ki Club of America do and all have set their own standards for the breed. The history of the Official Dog of Madagascar is not well decribed; the official name is the Coton de Tulear, and this dog is thought to be a member of the Bichon family. Brought to France and North America after a lifetime in Madagascar, this breed, though once rare is now very popular. Registered with the American Kennel Club in 2104, in its home country of origin its name is partly derived from the port of Tulear.

Coton Mi-ki Breed Appearance

The Coton Mi-ki is mix of a Coton de Tulear and a Mi-ki and will take on the appearance and characteristics from both parent breeds. They are small dogs weighing up to 13 pounds and are usually white, black, and tan and they can be tri-colored. Their coats are normally long or medium and usually quite silky. A Coton de Tulear has a cotton-like coat and are usually white. They have black noses and eyes that are normally round, dark in color, and wide set. Their ears are triangular and set high on the head. Mi-ki dogs can have a smooth or long coat and they can have some feathering on the ears. It has similar shape and color eyes to the Coton de Tulear and the nose is also usually black. Their ears can be erect or dropped. Their feet are hare-like and quite elongated while a Coton de Tulear's feet are small and arched.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

White

Brown

Black

Pied

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Coton Mi-ki Breed Maintenance

A Coton Mi-ki is likely to be hypoallergenic as both parent breeds are which makes them good for people who have allergies. Neither parent breeds shed much but the Coton de Tulear will need brushing daily and a weekly bath. Their hair mats easily otherwise and may need to be trimmed. Mi-ki show dogs have their head, neck and ears shaven as well as feet and legs. Try to brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent any dental issues and check ears for dirt. If necessary wipe them gently with damp cotton wool. Nails also need to be checked to see if they need clipping as tears and breaks can occur if the nails are left too long.

Brushes for Coton Mi-ki

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Dematter

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Coton Mi-ki Temperament

The Coton Mi-ki is likely to be playful, affectionate and intelligent, like both parent breeds, and will make an excellent family pet. A Coton de Tulear doesn’t like being left alone for any length of time and can become destructive to show his unhappiness. Although usually quiet dogs, except in the evening, they love to bark and grunt when excited. Both are good with children and other pets and are social dogs who love to be the centre of attention. The Mi-ki is highly adaptable to most living conditions while the Coton de Tulear will need more exercise and loves nothing more than swimming, running and playing. They are very curious dogs and love to explore. The Mi-ki is good with strangers and very good natured but with all dogs, early socialisation and training are a good idea. Both parent breeds are easy to train because they love to please so are good pets for first time owners, and a Coton Mi-ki is likely to be the same.

Coton Mi-ki Activity Requirements

A Coton Mi-ki, like both parent breeds, won’t need a huge amount of exercise but they will enjoy a daily walk and play sessions. The Coton de Tulear is likely to need more exercise and they love swimming and playing with other dogs, so it will depend on which parent breed is more dominant in your pet. Both parent breeds will enjoy playing games like chasing balls in a fenced in yard but they are very good dogs for people who live in apartments as long as they are taken out daily to make sure they don’t become bored and develop behavioral problems. The Coton de Tulear and the Mi-ki can adapt to most climates but it is never a good idea to exercise your pet when it is very hot.

Activity Level

Low
Medium
High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
35 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Coton Mi-ki

Similarly Sized Breeds to Coton Mi-ki

Coton Mi-ki Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.70 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00

Written by Loreziel Ortega

Published: 11/07/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

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