The Kyi-Leo Dog is a small, solid dog, well boned for its size with good muscle tone. He is light on his feet and very quick. Tail curls over the back when the dog is alert. 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-Leo 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.

Temperament
The Kyi-Leo Dog is well known for its liveliness and catlike quickness. They caneven grasp objects with their front paws. They are alert and playful,gentle and people- oriented, bonding closely with its immediate family. They are good with children(the non tail pulling type), other dogs as well as non-canine pets. Kyi-Leo's are vocal, alert and active making them good watchdogs. They are extremely affectionate and 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's 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.

Height, Weight
Height: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm.) Preferred height is 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Weight: 9-14 pounds (4-6 kg.)

Health Problems
A very healthy breed, possible links to a slipped patella condition, but too few cases exhibited to say it it a breed condition.

Life Expectancy
About 12-14 years.

Living Conditions
Smalle but active, they are adapted apartment exercisers. 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.

Exercise
Will happily exercise themselves, but will also enjoy a walk.

Grooming
Long, silky, thick coat requires frequent combing to avoid matting. The coat will require brushing and a little trimming, but no clipping is involved. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin
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.


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