Multichampion Flyers Razz Ma Tazz. Razzy is the "Most Titled" Mi-Ki in the history of the breed. Photo Courtesy of Donna Hall, Flyers Mi-Ki Kennel.

Picture a cute, lively little dog that's almost as high as a 12-inch ruler and weighs between 4 pounds and 10 pounds. When alert, its large feathered ears will stand up and out as if it has wings! Preferably, a Mi-Ki (pronounced mee-kee) has a dark nose, dark round eyes and dark eye rims. (Pink is a major fault.) It carries its long, flowing tail on its back. It is lying on the ledge of the window, enjoying the sun. It licks its paws and washes its face like a kitty cat! Adorable, isn't it?

Its history is vague. Some believe it originated in Penang, off the coast of Malaysia, and appeared in America during the 1980s. Others say a woman started this breed in America. Allegedly, the name came from her nickname. The official, approved claim is that it originated in Asia. What is known is that it shares a common ancestor with the Papillon, the Maltese, and the Japanese Chin.

In 1995, the Mi-Ki was recognized by the States Kennel Club. It is also recognized by the IABCA, the Federation of Rare Breeds and the National Canine Association. There are several Mi-Ki clubs, such as the Mi-Ki Club of America and Imperial Toy Mi-Ki Club.

These dogs are very intelligent and are easy to train. They love to be held. Oftentimes people will carry them in their purse or animal carrier everywhere undetected because these dogs are quiet and mellow. Imagine being able to pet your dog during the movie? Yes, it can bark. It will let the owner know that someone is at the door or if something is amiss.

They are very loving and will be friendly to strangers unless threatened or hurt. It is one of the gentlest of the toy breeds. Some children will even carry their Mi-Ki around instead of their stuffed toy.

They make excellent Therapy Dogs. Due to their intelligence, they also make great handicap dogs.

When Mi-Ki are not being cuddled, they are playful and love to chase little moving objects or toys, lizards, or a mouse! They get along with other dogs and cats. One owner told of her dog nursing and raising an entire litter of abandoned kittens!

The Mi-Ki is an indoor dog. Please do not chain or lock them outdoors. They can be trained to use a litter box, piddle pad or newspaper or to only go "potty" when you take them out for a walk or when let outdoors.

There are two kinds of Mi-Ki: the long coated and the smooth coated. They usually come in two or more colors. Rarely is there a solid-colored one. They are single coated and do not shed. So, how do you groom them?

They need to be thoroughly combed out at least once a week to remove dead hair. Once a month, the nails should be clipped or filed down. Show Mi-Kis' dewclaws are usually removed. If they have not been removed, then make sure the nails there are clipped. Their paws are thin and elongated. Their feet are harelike. The hairs between the toes are prone to being matted and collecting dirt. This is why the paws are shaved with a #10 blade, almost like poodle feet, except it is clipped a bit higher (to the top of the dewclaw area). The paws are not clipped as close as a poodle's. The hairs on the legs are left long and natural. Let the hair on the legs hang over the upper part of the paws. Do not cut a "cuff." The belly and private area are shaved with a #10 blade for sanitary purposes. Trimming around the anus carefully with a small shear may be necessary.

The smooth-coated Mi-Ki has short hair and short fringes. It does not have a mustache or a beard. The long-coated ones have a lot of hair on the face. So, for those, the top of its apple-dome-shaped head is shaved with a #10w, and the top of its short muzzle is shaved. The upper one-fourth of the ear is shaved with a #10w on both sides. The ears may either lay flat or stand erect, but when excited or alert, they should stand out. Therefore, by shaving the base, it will help emphasize the cute "wings" (ears). The sides of the face and under the beard (Do not cut the mustache or beard off!) are shaved with a #10w. The neck under the beard is clipped to a "V" with the same blade. It is almost like a "sweetheart mustache" on a poodle, except you leave the mustache and beard natural. You may have to use a blending shear to tidy up whatever sticks up near the shaved part of the nose. Having the face done this way allows for easier care in keeping them clean and healthy. Like most dogs in Florida, due to the heat, humidity, flea and tick problems, once a month grooming and bathing is recommended.

For more information, or where to adopt a registered Mi-Ki, check the Mi-Ki Club of America or Donna Hall at (262) 835-1270 or www.flyersmi-ki.com on the Web.

Tamara Hollingsworth is the president of Star Academy for Pet Stylists, Inc. The school is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. The objective of the school is to raise the standard of pet grooming and to prevent harm and abuse due to ignorance or lack of training. Hollingsworth has given lectures and worked with groomers from all over the country. Star Academy is located in Stuart, Fla. Telephone (772) 221-9330 or log on to www.star-academy.com or www.geocities.com/petstylists/index.html on the Web.