Kyi-leo Breed Profile

Head: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, and rather broad, with the width across the top of the skull (measured in front of the ears) being equal to or just greater than the length. The length of the head (from tip of nose to occiput) is equal in length to the distance from the base of the skull to the withers. It is always in proportion to the rest of the body. In profile, the head is slightly domed, more so toward the front, giving the skull an egg shape. The occiput is slightly developed. The brow is well developed. A slight median furrow starting at the stop and disappearing toward the occiput may or may not be visible. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkle.

Eyes: Bright, moderate in size, open oval to round in shape, and as dark in color as possible. The eye rims are well fitted and well pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.

Ears: Medium in size and set high on the skull with the fold falling level with, or slightly above, the plane of the skull. The shape is drop or buttoned, broad at the base, and V-shaped.

Muzzle: Moderate length, full, and broad. The depth of the muzzle, measured from top plane to the bottom plane at the base, is approximately 20 percent of the muzzle length. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well developed and equal in length, never appearing snipy or weak.

Nose: The nose is well pigmented, preferably black. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. The neck is strongly muscled with a slight arch and tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Small, oval to round, and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually high above the topline and gracefully over the back. It forms a large single curve with the tip falling between the haunches and croup, or to either side of the back. It can also be carried level with the back, or any position higher, but never tucked. The tail is of moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down.

Movement: The movement of the Kyi Leo is smooth, flowing, quick, and jaunty. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Kyi Leo is a lively, fearless, trusting, loyal, responsive, and affectionate companion. Unlike other small companion and terrier breeds, the Kyi Leo is well known for being calm, gentle, and amiable with other dogs and small animals. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.