Meet our lovable little character, Momiji—affectionately nicknamed Miji—a Shih Tzu and Mini Schnauzer mix with a big personality packed into a small frame. Born on May 21, 2011, he’s a striking bi-colored black and white pup, with white fur adorning his chest and chin. His name, Momiji, is inspired by the charming character from the anime/manga Fruits Basket, and just like his namesake, he’s full of life and spirit.

Despite his size, he’s got a bark that could rival a much larger dog, embodying that classic small dog syndrome. Feisty and full of spirit, Miji is always ready to stand his ground, yet he has a soft spot for kids and other animals.

While he can be wary of adult males, he has a special fondness for female adults and is always quick to warm up to them. Unlike many dogs, toys don’t really interest him, and when it comes to food, he’s quite the picky eater. However, he has a deep love for treats and certain human foods like his mom’s spaghetti, all-meat pizza, brioche, and even a McDonald’s sundae or burger patty.

He’s a dog of refined taste, often found napping to the soothing sound of instrumental music, with “Itsudemo Nandemo” from Spirited Away being his favorite tune. But when the weather turns stormy, with thunder, heavy rain, or fireworks, he prefers loud music to drown out the scary noises. He’s particularly sensitive to cold, so he doesn’t mind putting on a shirt or hoodie to stay cozy. Miji also has a favorite groomer who has been the only one doing his grooming for the last 10 years, right up until now, ensuring he always looks his best.

A loyal and easy-to-train companion, Miji is quick to learn where to do his business and loves going on outings with the family. He’s always curious about the outside world, often found peeking through the window to watch people pass by. Though he’s not one to cuddle with his furry siblings, he tolerates their chaotic energy with a quiet understanding.

He might bark at unfamiliar visitors, keeping a cautious eye on them until he’s comfortable, but once he knows them, his feistiness turns into affection. Our little Miji is a unique blend of sass and sweetness, always keeping us entertained and loved.