Kyi-Leo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Kyi-Leo?

The Kyi Leo is a mixed breed dog and came about by the accidental mating of its parent breeds, the Lhasa Apso and Maltese lion dog. The Lhasa Apso was initially bred as a watchdog for Buddhist monks, while European aristocrats loved the Maltese.

This breed's history began in the 19h50s in San Francisco, United States. It is a new breed and only received its very interesting name in 1972, which was trademarked, making it more of a brand than a breed.

The name Kyi-Leo originates from the Tibetan word "Kyi", which means dog, and the Latin word "Leo", which means lion. Harriet Linn set this name and also developed the breed's standards.

The breed is a designer breed, and like most, it is not officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. However, it has been registered by the Continental Kennel Club, The Dog Registry of America, and the American Rare Breed Association.

Who are Kyi-Leo dogs best for?

As small-sized dogs, they are perfect for apartment life. This dog is adaptable and suitable whether you are one person at home or a large family with children of all ages.

It bonds closely with its immediate family and is a highly social dog. It doesn't matter who is around; you will find this little dog engaging with everyone.

If you are in a home with other animals or even other dogs, the Kyi-leo is the dog for you!

How much grooming does a Kyi-Leo need?

Grooming the Kyi-leo can take a lot of time and effort. If you are not the type or do not have the time to regularly maintain your pup's look, taking it to a professional groomer is always an option.

You are starting a grooming routine when possible is the best way to get them used to being handled, which will come especially handy when you need to take them for regular checkups at the vet.

This breed is completely covered with long hair that makes up its thick coat and needs frequent combing to avoid matting. Their coat colour is either slightly wavy or straight. They are usually all-white dogs with black markings, tan with white markings, or silver and tan.

They do not shed frequently and are considered hypoallergenic, which is a plus for those prone to allergies.

Their teeth meet in a scissors bite and should be brushed regularly, cleaning their ears and bathing at least every 2 -3 weeks.

Do Kyi-Leo bark much?

Kyi-leos can be talkative little pups, especially when they are in an environment where they are sociable. These dogs are not the type to get aggressive and are pretty friendly to everyone they meet!

The Kyi-Leo is a small but solid dog, and although it is friendly, it still needs firm obedience training, which should be started from an early age to avoid unwanted behaviour when they get older.

Barking for any dog does not always mean aggression and can be a way to communicate many different feelings. The more you spend time with your dog, the more you will understand their mannerisms and personality.

Do Kyi-Leo bite?

Biting is not something this breed is known for. They are lovable little pups who prefer to be cuddled rather than chew on things or even people.

Early socialisation, however, should always be the number one priority when you first bring any dog home. It will help them become comfortable around other animals, strangers, and environments.

One thing to note is how the Ky-Leo's tail curls over their back when they are alert. This will give you a clear indication of when their mood or behaviour needs to be regulated.

What is the temperament & personality of a Kyi-Leo?

The Kyi-leo is overall a great dog to have a pet. They love to cuddle and give affection. They are great around children of all ages and are friendly to all animals and strangers.

They are incredibly affectionate and make great cuddle buddies with their long hair. They do not shed often, so you would not have to worry about their hair getting everywhere. This should honestly be why you would want to have a Kyi-leo as a pet!

They are quite active indoors and will be okay if they are not living in a home with a fenced-in yard.

They are playful, obedient, and mostly calm. It is safe to say that this little pup has inherited all of the best qualities from its parent breeds.

What is the weight & size of a Kyi-Leo?

• The average height of the Kyi-leo is 20 - 30 cm, with a preferred size of 23 - 28 cm.

• The average weight of the Kyi-leo is 4 - 6 kg.

How much training does a Kyi-Leo need?

Training these small dogs is an easy task. They live to please their pet parents, and after learning commands or tricks, they will fully understand what you need from them.

They are intelligent dogs and can get a little stubborn during training. As long as you establish that you are the pack leader and create a firm but fun training environment, they will follow your commands with ease.

Most dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training, and with the Kyi-leo being the type of dog who lives to please the owners, this training method is the best option for them.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Kyi-Leo?

The Kyi-leo tend to have more health problems compared to other purebred dog breeds. The fact that they are a mixed breed does have a lot to do with this, as they would have inherited the health problems from both of their parent breeds.

Always take your pup to get checked by a vet regularly and consult with them if you have any concerns.

These are the health issues the Kyi-leo is predisposed to:

• Back issues - This is mainly because it is a small dog.

• Pancreatitis - This is when the pancreas is swollen.

• Patella Luxation - This is when the patella is not correctly in place.

What is the lifespan of a Kyi-Leo?

The life expectancy of the Kyi-leo breed is 13 - 15 years. This is, of course, very much dependent on their overall health and if they suffer from any health issues.

How much should you feed a Kyi-Leo?

All dogs need a healthy diet to live a long and happy life. Kyi-leos specifically should be fed high-quality dry dog food.

Kyi-leo puppies should be fed more significant food more often than an adult or senior dogs. At the same time, old dogs should be fed less food than adult dogs.

Adult dogs should be fed at least 1/4 to 1/2 cups of food twice a day.

Their food should always be measured according to their weight and consider any food allergies they might have.

What is the price of a Kyi-Leo in Australia?

There are many things to consider when purchasing a dog. You have to consider things like pet care, food, toys, insurance, and their purchase price.

The yearly costs of owning a Kyi-Leo in Australia can come to $1 500.