Everything you need to know about Teacup dogs and choosing a Teacup puppy...

'Teacup puppy' is a term that has boomed in usage in recent years. Searches for Teacup puppies of many and most breeds are more and more common.

At Euro Puppy we also get plenty of requests for Teacup sized puppies.

However finding out the facts about Teacup puppies is very important before you decide you want one. More so than getting a regular sized puppy. There are several problems around these miniature pups which is why Euro Puppy does not generally provide them.

Let's find out more...

The Basic Facts about Teacup Dogs

teacup pomeranian

  • They are essentially a litter of pups that has been bred especially to be as small as possible for the breed.
  • "Teacup" is a weight category which usually means 5-pounds or less.
  • Teacup puppies are not common. Research has shown that Teacup births are substantially less than 1% of all dog births.
  • Teacups, when compared to the general dog population, are very rare - and the demand far exceeds the supply.
  • Teacup puppies have always existed and it seems like they are more prevalent today because of all the publicity they have gotten recently as a result of their celebrity owners.
  • Teacup puppies are as expensive as they are, because they are difficult to breed, and they require a lot of extra attention at birth.
  • Since they are so fragile, often weighing 2-4 ounces at birth, they require a lot of care and 24-hour attention for 2 or 3 weeks.
  • Since the demand is so high for Teacups, with demand far exceeding supply, the price is higher.
  • The benefits of owning a Teacup puppy can be mostly attributed to their small size. Teacups are extremely portable, making them great traveling companions for everyday activities like going to the mall or dining out.
  • Some airline companies also allow Teacups to travel in the main passenger cabin as opposed to bigger dogs that are required to travel in the cargo area of the plane.
  • Teacups are great for senior citizens who cannot lift heavy dogs, and they are great for apartment owners because they don’t need to go for walks - an apartment provides all the exercise space they need.
  • Many dog owners equate a Teacup puppy to having a dog that always remains puppy-sized.
  • Contrary to popular belief, a well bred Teacup puppy will often live 15-20 years, which in many cases is a better life expectancy than that of bigger dogs.

Teacup dog breeding. What dog breeds are Teacups usually bred from...

Some breeds are naturally teacup sized, some are breeds bigger than this side but a breeder has taken a small pup from the litter to ensure a smaller puppy. These are some of the main breeds that are, or can come in teacup size...
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Chihuahua
  • Pomeranian
  • Bichon Frise
  • Maltese
  • Shih-Tzu
  • Pekingese
  • Dachshund
  • Pug

What to watch out for when choosing a Teacup puppy from a breeder

 
Teacup Puppies

Teacup Poodles, Pugs and Yorkshire Terriers are very popular, but also Maltese, Pomeranians and Shih-Tzus.

Generally they are bred from dogs that were the runt or smallest of the litter. And while most often they are perfectly healthy, very small dogs born from normal sized parents can be that small size due to health factors.

Some vets also believe that, whatever the breed, teacup sized dogs are more prone to health problems and inbreeding. Teacup dogs may suffer from heart problems, low blood sugar issues, breathing issues, seizures and digestive complaints. Patella luxation of the knees is also a concern. Some Toy dogs breeds like the Boston Terrier and Dachshund are thought less suitable than the naturally smaller Yorkie or Chihuahua.

These little dogs are also not ideally suited to regions that have cold winters, as they can have trouble regulating their body heat.

The biggest concern however is good breeding. Popularity can lead to unscrupulous people getting involved. There are sadly examples of irresponsible breeders mating unhealthy or poor quality small dogs together, just to get a very small size litter of pups. And then charge a very high price for these Teacup pups. Finding a reputable breeder, and avoiding unethical breeding can help reduce the chance of health issues developing.

yorkie teacup

However many breeds that are already small such as the Yorkie can be quite suitable for the under 5 pound size of a Teacup, and miniature Yorkshire Terriers are quite common, and generally healthy. Miniature Yorkshire Terriers can be found through Euro Puppy!

As we always say when thinking of choosing a puppy. Always do your research. Be certain that this Teacup size is appropriate for the breed you are looking at. And investigate the breeder to ensure you are getting a dog of good standard.