How much is that doggy in the window?
A Mi-ki isn’t expensive… she’s priceless. People may be surprised that the cost of a Mi-ki puppy is $3,100 or more (breeding rights are an additional $1,500.) But any well-bred dog from a reputable breeder is going to be relatively expensive initially.
When less isn’t more
We’ve learned from experience that a low-cost dog can be very expensive in the long run. Several years ago, my husband bought Levi, a yellow Labrador, from a person he thought was a reputable breeder. Levi had pedigreed papers, but he was fairly inexpensive, as far as puppies go.
Little did he know that Levi was no bargain. Levi had a bad elbow that required surgery as a young dog. He also had gastritis, which meant it wasn’t a question of if he would throw up — it was when. So Levi was put on a $90/month prescription for his digestion issues. My husband didn’t mind because Levi was a great dog and my husband adored him!
Levi saw the best specialists in Colorado and just had a great checkup just four months before he suddenly dropped dead of heart failure at the tender age of 7. It was years before my poor husband could even think about getting another dog, he was so devastated.
If you’re like us, you’d do anything for your dog, and my husband never begrudged the fact that Levi required so much care. But the gastritis meds alone cost $7,560 over his much-too-short lifetime. If he could have spent more to have a puppy that came from health screened parents to have more time with his precious dog, he would have.
Breeding with a purpose
Modern technology has given us an amazing window into canine genetics which can serve to guide us as we breed dogs. Thanks to DNA screening, we can test for coat types, coat color, and a multitude of health conditions.
The American Mi-Ki Registry Association (AMRA) requires that every one of our litters have DNA verification that they are purebred Mi-kis. They also guide breeders to promote gene pool diversity within this rare breed while maintaining the quality in health, temperament, and confirmation.
We have the privilege of being under the guidance of several fine Mi-ki breeders in the AMRA. Additionally, we will make DNA-informed decisions on breeding pairs.
Our breeding Mi-kis are health screened with Embark DNA testing, they have their OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification for patellas and cardiac conditions. We also register with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) to screen for inherited eye disorders. These certifications are on file with the AMRA as we seek to be patrons of this wonderful breed and members of a community that’s dedicated to the health of the Mi-ki.
Health screenings, DNA tests and premium veterinary care for our breeding companions and puppies may cost more up front, but we know that it’s worth it. With Mi-kis being so rare and wonderful, we are dedicated to doing our part to contribute to the Mi-ki’s continued health and temperament for future generations.
Our Guarantee
We believe in our Mi-Kis and we stand behind their health. Should your puppy be found to have a life-threatening congenital health condition within the first year, we will replace your puppy. We are happy to provide you a copy of our contract before you make a deposit.
Should your Mi-Ki develop a health condition or behavioral issue over their lifetime, we’d like to hear about it so we can keep an eye on the long-term health and temperament of our lines to inform future breeding decisions. We also like to give health feedback to the Mi-Ki health director and to Embark DNA services.