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Breed Characteristics
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Kyi-Leo
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | 9 - 14 lbs. (4 - 6 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 8 - 12 in. (20 - 30 cm) Preferred height is 9 - 11 in. (23 - 28 cm) |
| Coat | The Kyi-Leo has a long silky coat, which tends to grow to long lengths (never quite reaching past the floor) if tended properly. Its hair also grows on its face and tail. |
| Colour | Most commonly black and white but sometimes gold and white. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 4 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | It was first introduced in the 1950s in the San Francisco Bay area by the accidental crossing of a Maltese and a Lhasa Apso. This produced a type of dog that caught the attention of several individuals. The most notable was Mrs. Harriet Linn, who acquired several of these dogs in 1965 and later acquired several more from the San Jose kennel in 1969; from then on she began to seriously breed them. In 1972 there was enough interest among owners and breeders to come together and formally recognize this breed. It was at this meeting that they formally decided on calling it a Kyi-Leo. The name comes from the Tibetan and Latin languages. “Kyi” is the Tibetan word for dog; this acknowledges the Lhasa Apso breed which first came from Tibet. “Leo” is the Latin word for Lion; this acknowledges the Maltese which is also known as the “Maltese Lion dog”. Since then the Kyi-Leo breed has slowly spread throughout the United States, and has recently become accepted by the American Rare Breed Association as a legitimate breed. |
| Personality | The Kyi-Leo Dog is known for its liveliness and catlike quickness. It is said to be able to grasp objects with its front paws. Alert, playful, gentle and people-oriented, it bonds closely with its immediate family. Good with children if the humans are the dog’s 100% pack leader. Children need to be taught how to be kind to the dog, but also how to display leadership toward the dog. The Kyi-Leo is good with other dogs as well as non-canine pets. This little dog is full of voice and energy, making a good watchdog. The breed is extremely affectionate and is always eager to please. Socialize it with people and noises at an early age to avoid it being wary of strangers. This breed needs gentle, firm obedience training. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems, which include stubbornness. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Because of its small size, the Kyi-Leo has delicate legs and a delicate spine. A slipped patella or back pains, due to a lot of jumping or aggressive handling, are notable among Kyi-Leos. Because of its thick hair and Tibetan ancestry, the Kyi-Leo adapts best to colder climates. Food intake is also an issue, as the Kyi-Leo can easily become overweight due to its small frame. The intake of human food, especially meat, is generally discouraged for the Kyi-Leo since its stomach cannot easily handle it. Kyi-Leos have been prone to pancreatitis, noticeable by excessive vomiting and a tender abdomen, which greatly limits the types of food they can eat. Most generic dog-food with a good source of protein is the best choice for Kyi-Leos. |
| Grooming | Frequent combing and brushing of the long, silky, thick coat is necessary to avoid matting. The coat will require brushing and a little trimming, but no clipping is involved. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | The Kyi-Leo needs a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of its exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill its primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Your dog will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off-lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. |
| Other Considerations | The Kyi-Leo Dog is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard, but would be better with at least a small yard to run and play in. American singer Mariah Carey owns two Kyi-Leo dogs that were given to her as puppies in Tokyo, Japan, during her Butterfly World Tour. They currently reside in Brooklyn, New York City. |
