Kyi-Leo

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.

The Kyi-Leo reaches 8-12 inches in height and 9-14 pounds in weight. It has a long silky coat, most commonly black and white but sometimes gold and white, 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. It has small yet delicate legs that are prone to damage if dropped, but the Kyi-Leo can be very agile and quick. The Kyi-Leo has notable similarities, in body size, shape, and hair, to the Shih Tzu dog breed though the eyes are more human set rather than bulging and they do not have the short-snout face.

The Kyi-Leo is generally calm, obedient, quiet, and difficult to provoke. It is usually very playful and active around trusted humans or animals, but tends to stay cautious and alert around strangers. Its acute hearing makes it a decent watchdog. It ideally lives in indoor settings and can be very patient when left alone for long hours at a time.

This breed's history began in the 1950s 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! The hybrid dog called the Lhatese or American Lamalese, which is a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese mix, is not considered part of the Kyi-Leo® breed and is not accepted into the Kyi-Leo® Club. Unlike other purebred dog breeds, the name "Kyi-Leo" has been officially registered as a trademark, making the dog on the lines of a brand vs. a breed.