One of the reasons that teacup dog breeds are so popular is because these tiny dogs look like puppies no matter how old they are. Teacup dog breeds are also referred to as micro-breeds. There are many misconceptions about teacup breeds, and you should take time to learn about them to make sure you have a dog that’s healthy. Since these dogs are bred to be smaller than the breed standard, they aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Although the kennel club doesn’t recognize teacup standards, they are characterized as dogs that weigh between two and five pounds and are less than 17 inches in height when they’re mature.
Article Summary
Ethical Concerns
One of the most significant issues surrounding the teacup dog breed is that they’re mass-produced for the purpose of making a lot of money for the breeders. The market for these puppies coincides with popular trends. The controversy surrounding teacup dog breeds involves the number of so many unscrupulous breeders in the business for money and not to uphold the breed standards. These breeders often cross-breed runts of the litter with weaker or smaller dogs to ensure the puppies are as small as possible. Another practice is to stunt the growth of puppies by starving them deliberately. If you’re interested in a teacup dog, make sure to check out the credentials of the breeder to ensure you’re dealing with and find a responsible vet in your area.
Breed Characteristics Of Teacup Dogs
As the tiniest dogs of their litter, teacup dogs often have health issues. Mother dogs sometimes reject puppies that are weak or sickly. Part of the reason is that unethical breeders only focus on making money from their litter and not the nutritional needs of the mothers and puppies. Another issue is that some breeds commonly have specific health issues. When these dogs are bred with those from the tiniest dog breeds, the health problems may be compounded.
When teacup dogs reach maturity, they may only weigh between two and five pounds, depending on the breed. However, there are a few exceptions. Since these dogs are so small and fragile, they may have immune systems or skeletal problems. Owners must be careful not to step on their dogs and make sure they don’t fall. They can’t withstand injuries like larger breed dogs can. Some teacup breeds have a much shorter life expectancy than larger breed dogs.
Dogs are living creatures that all deserve happy lives with owners that genuinely care for them. Toy breeds aren’t intended to be bred smaller with each generation. The health issues with some teacup puppies begin even before birth. Since the mother dogs are smaller than they should be the risk of complications during birth is considerably higher than dogs that conform to breed standards.
Some breeders will have a litter of puppies that they consider to be teacup because they’re smaller than average. If the breeder can provide a health guarantee, the puppies may be healthy. If you aren’t sure, you may want to consider one of the smaller toy breeds. Although not all teacup dogs have health issues, it’s best to be aware of the potential health risks.
One of the most important considerations if you choose a teacup breed is to make sure your children need supervision at all times when they’re interacting with your dog. Children love to play with animals. However, teacup dog breeds are incredibly fragile, and their bones can break easily. A teacup dog must have protection from predatory animals, including owls.
Teacup dog breeds are sometimes more difficult to housetrain since their bowels and bladders are so small. Frequent outdoor potty breaks or using puppy training pads are essential. Tiny, teacup dogs need more frequent, small meals than larger breeds. Since these dogs can only digest a small amount of dog food at one time, several small meals throughout the day are necessary to prevent hypoglycemia.
Ten Popular Teacup Breeds
Beagle
The beagle is from the hound group. Beagles are sociable, energetic dogs that make friends wherever they go. Teacup beagles are larger than most teacup breeds and weigh about 15 pounds. Beagles get along well with people and other animals. This breed can be stubborn and may require additional training. However, they respond well to training and commands. Beagles may have a brown and white or black and tan coat. They usually live between 12 and 15 years.
Bichon Frise
The name for the Bichon Frise from the non-sporting group translates into a curly lapdog. These dogs were bred to be companions. Although Bichons are snuggly and love being pampered by their owners, they have an active streak, need a moderate amount of exercise, and love playtime. The Bichon has dark eyes and a thick, soft coat. The coat colors may be white, cream and white, or apricot and white. The Bichon Frise can weigh up to 12 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Chihuahua
A lot of people develop a love for Chihuahuas after seeing them carried around by celebrities. There’s a lot more to this breed than being a fashion accessory. A Teacup Chihuahua need training and discipline as much as any other breed. Proper socialization is necessary for Chihuahuas. They can be defensive or fearful around strangers. Chihuahuas need a lot of mental stimulation and plenty of exercises. Teacup Chihuahuas weigh less than six pounds. Coat colors may be tan, black, or a combination of other colors. Chihuahuas may live 15 to 20 years.
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating back 3,000 years. Maltese dogs were once considered to be royalty. The Maltese from the toy group is a low-energy dog that loves to snuggle with its owner. The breed is excellent who wants a small, quiet dog with a low-key personality. The teacup variety of Maltese usually weighs between two and four pounds and can live between 12 and 15 years. The Maltese have a single, silky coat. The coat color is white.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, part of the toy group, were initially larger than today’s breed. The dogs were bred to sled and herd animals. Poms originally weighed around 30 pounds. During the 19th-century, they were bred smaller to be companions rather than working dogs. Pomeranians have a fluffy, double coat with coat colors ranging from black to orange or chocolate. The life expectancy for a teacup Pomeranian is 12 years and 16 years for the toy breed.
Pomsky
The Pomsky isn’t listed in any dog group since the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize it as a breed. Pomskies are a cross between Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians. The size of these dogs can vary depending on the amount of each breed in the dog. Pomskies are a high-energy breed and need a lot of exercises. Pomskies can weigh up to nine pounds, which is a bit larger than most teacup breeds. Pomskies have a beautiful, fluffy double coat that may be black, white, or silver.
Poodle
Poodles are friendly, athletic, and intelligent dogs that fit well in any family. Standard-sized poodles can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, while teacup poodles usually weigh between four and six pounds. Since poodles have a curly coat, they shed very little, which is good news for allergy sufferers. The coat color of a standard or a teacup poodle may be white, black, or apricot. The life expectancy of this breed is between eight and 15 years.
Pug
Teacup pugs are the perfect breed for anyone who lives in a small space. This variety of pug is the ideal apartment dweller since they usually weigh between three and seven pounds. Pugs have a low-key, relaxed demeanor. Although this breed doesn’t require much exercise, regular walks or trips to the dog park keep these playful little dogs happy. Pugs are a breed that often has a stubborn streak. However, these little dogs are intelligent and respond well when they’re being trained. Pugs are especially fond of dog treats that aid in the training. Pugs have smooth, short coats that are usually fawn or black. Teacup pugs weigh under 14 pounds and can live and can live for 6 to 10 years.
Shih Tzu
Some people consider Teacup Shih Tzus to be little divas. Despite the appearance of this breed from the toy group, the dogs are incredibly athletic. Shih Tzus have silky, long coats, but underneath are muscular little bodies. This breed does well in agility events. However, they shouldn’t be allowed to get overheated. The flat shape of the Shih Tzu’s face causes this breed to be susceptible to breathing problems and overheating [1]. The coat color may be silver, blue, gold, or black. Teacup Shih Tzus weigh under 9 pounds and have a life expectancy of
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have been a popular breed for years. The standard Yorkie can weigh around seven pounds, while the teacup variety weighs two to three pounds. Yorkies are loving and protective of their families and have the confidence of a big dog. This breed has a tendency to be quite vocal, so that a little extra training with the use of bark collars may be in order… Just make sure it’s made for a dog this small, and avoid the shock! The coat color of a Yorkie maybe blue and tan or black and tan. The teacup variety may live between seven and nine years, while the toy variety has a life expectancy of up to 16 years.
What You Should Know If You Want A Teacup Breed
Many breeders and veterinarians advise people to avoid teacup dog breeds. These dogs weren’t intended to be bred so small. Some teacup breeds are more prone to health problems not commonly found in other breeds and include:
- Pomeranians
- Pugs
- Yorkies
Responsible breeders may recommend researching the toy breeds and choosing one at the low end of the acceptable weight and height levels.
FAQs
1. How long do teacup dogs live?
Since small dogs tend to have longer lifespans than large breeds, a teacup breed could live up to 15 years. The lifespan depends on the two breeds and the health problems that are commonly associated with them.
2. How much does a teacup dog cost?
The cost may vary depending on the breeder, but on average most teacup dogs cost between $750 and $2000. Since there’s such a high demand for teacup breed dogs more unethical breeders have an incentive to produce more puppies.
3. Why are teacup dogs bad?
The problem with teacup dogs isn’t that they’re bad. However, they have many more serious health problems than dogs that are bred to conform to breed standards.
4. Do teacup dogs grow big?
Teacup dogs don’t grow big. The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize teacup dogs as a legitimate breed, so size isn’t regulated. Dogs are considered to be teacup size if they’re no taller than 17 inches and are at least a year old. Teacup breeds usually weigh 4 pounds or less when they’re mature.
