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Description
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- The
Kyi-Leo Dog is a small but solid dog.
It is well boned for its size with
good muscle tone. Light on his feet
and very quick. The tail curls over
the back when the dog is alert. The
eyes are dark and the nose is black.
The teeth meet in a scissors bite.
The forelegs are long and straight.
The coat is long and thick. It either
hangs straight or is slightly wavy.
There is a natural part that tends
to form along the spine. Its coat
may take up to 3 or 4 years to grow
to full length. About 99% of Kyi-LeoŽ
Dogs are black and white and they
occasionally change to silver/grey
and white. The head is completely
covered with long hair. It has a profuse
beard and whiskers.
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Temperament
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The
Kyi-Leo Dog is known for its liveliness
and catlike quickness. They are said to
be able to grasp objects with their front
paws. Alert and playful. Gentle and people-
oriented, bonding closely with its immediate
family. Usually good with well-behaved
children. 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. Although
sociable, it is slightly wary of strangers.
They should be well socialized to people
and noises at an early age. Kyi-Leo
are sensitive but stubborn and need
gentle, firm obedience training. The Kyi-Leo
Dog is certainly one of the newcomers
to the world of dogs. |
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Height,
Weight
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- Height:
8-12 inches (20-30 cm.) Preferred
height is 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
- Weight:
9-14 pounds (4-6 kg.)
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Health
Problems
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Possibly
prone to slipped Patella, but this has
not been proven. A joint disorder that
may require surgery. |
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Living
Conditions
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The
Kyi-Leo Dog is good for apartment life.
They are 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. |
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Exercise
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Kyi-Leo
need a daily walk. Play will take
care of a lot of their exercise needs,
however, as with all breeds, play will
not fulfill their primal instinct to walk.
Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks
are more likely to display behavior problems.
They will also enjoy a good romp in a
safe open area off lead, such as a large
fenced in yard. |
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Life
Expectancy
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About
12-14 years. |
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Grooming
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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. |
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Origin
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This
breed's history began in the 1950's
with the accidental mating of a Lhasa
Apso and a Maltese in San Francisco,
CA USA. Line breeding continued in San
Jose, California for the next 20 years,
where Harriet Linn was responsible for
choosing the name and setting the standard.
The "breed" was established in 1972.
Kyi means dog in Tibetan, and Leo means
lion in Latin. The breed is recognized
by the American Rare Breed Association.
An annual newsletter is sent out, held
in conjunction with the Specialty Show,
to all owners and interested parties.
The sponsors hold an annual picnic called
the "Kyi-Leo Dog Get Together"
for Kyi-Leo Dog lovers to meet one another
and talk about their favorite little
breed!
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