Whether you like it or not, purebred dogs are treated like merchandise. They are created, sometimes in large quantities, just to be sold. They’re valued based on their looks and performance. They come in different models (breeds) and brands (bloodlines). Like all products, their market is influenced by the latest fads and trends.
So-called teacup dogs are currently one of the most popular products on the market. These dogs are miniature versions of already diminutive breeds like the Yorkie, Beagle, Maltese, and Chihuahua. They are smaller than any breed of canine that is officially recognized, typically weighing no more than four pounds when fully grown.
The popularity of these miniature dogs is not particularly mysterious. People do, after all, enjoy tiny electronic gadgets, small snacks, and other miniature treats. Why not extra-small dogs as well?.
Well, maybe because dogs aren’t smart phones. They are living things that aren’t intended to become smaller and smaller with each passing generation. There are three compelling reasons to ignore the hype and wait this fad out, even though it might sound great to own a dog that never grows larger than a puppy.
Perceived Advantages of Owning a Teacup Dog
Possibilities of having a dog that fits in a pocket They are portable, receive lots of attention from friends and family, and, when healthy, don’t require a lot of food or preventative medications due to their small stature. This can keep yearly costs low.
Pet owners who live in residences with pet size restrictions or can only provide brief walks or other forms of exercise find small dogs to be appealing.
However, medical professionals assert that teacup dogs’ breeding history may increase their risk of developing certain health problems.
Teacup dogs frequently experience hypoglycemia, heart defects, collapsing tracheas, seizures, respiratory problems, digestive problems, and blindness, according to veterinarians.
According to Meeks, the breeding practices may also increase the risk of liver shunts. Dogs frequently have congenital birth defects called liver shunts that impair the liver’s capacity to eliminate toxins. Even though the cost of treating liver shunts can reach $6,000, some types of shunts do not respond well to treatment.
According to Mahaney, many small dogs are also more likely to experience dental and gum problems. When an animal is spayed or neutered, doctors frequently remove all of the baby teeth because they don’t always fall out on their own.
Patella luxation, or a sliding kneecap, is a different health issue associated with size that can impair a teacup dog’s mobility. The condition also frequently increases the animal’s risk for arthritis.
Additionally, according to Mahaney, teacup dogs may be more susceptible to the condition known as “water on the brain” or hydrocephalus.
“Health issues arise when you breed for the dog’s appearance rather than for the healthiest genetic stock,” he continues.
More Potential Dangers for Tiny Teacup Dogs
Owners of these pint-sized pups have to stay vigilant.
According to Meeks, if the dogs skip even one meal, their blood sugar levels could fall dangerously low and result in seizures or even death. In colder weather, they struggle to keep themselves warm, which explains why so many teacup dogs wear sweaters.
Due to the dogs’ fragile bones, owners must be careful not to step on them or let them jump from excessively high surfaces.
“Traumatic events can be life-ending for these dogs,” says Morgan. “It’s less likely that you’ll survive a car accident, a fall from the furniture or the owner’s arms, or an attack from a bigger dog.” ”.
Low blood sugar and body temperature in teacup dogs can cause issues in the operating room. Doctors must ensure that the procedure does not exhaust the animal’s blood sugar reserves and must also give them the necessary supplements. Keeping the animal warm is also difficult because anesthesia causes the body temperature to drop.
“They’re harder to treat,” says Meeks. Can you picture administering an IV to a 3 pound dog?
Because of the potential health issues with the miniature puppies, Meeks says she would prefer if breeders stopped trying to produce them. However, pet owners should make sure they’re working with a reputable breeder or rescue organization if they absolutely must have a pet.
To find the healthiest animal possible, Mahaney advises doing your research.
No one wants to see a pet suffer or an owner struggle to pay for medical care, the man claims. “I think there are healthier options out there. ”.
Teacup Dog Types: What Breed is a Teacup Pup?
Since teacup dogs are not an official breed, there are no specific breeds for them. However, popular teacup favorites include:
There are several factors that strongly suggest against getting a teacup dog.
The trend of teacup puppies is growing in popularity, but many people are unaware that “teacup puppies” are frequently just underdeveloped puppies. To produce the tiniest dog possible, they are bred. at any costs.
Breeding can result in teacup puppies both intentionally and accidentally. Some teacup puppies are the runts of the litter; in this case, owners who spend a lot of money on these tiny dogs are being duped because there is no assurance a runt won’t grow to be a regular-sized dog of its breed.
Other times, two tiny dogs of a particular breed will breed to produce teacup puppies. Breeding teacup puppies puts both the puppies and the mother in grave danger. There are frequently birth complications because the mother is so small and can only give birth to a small number of puppies.
Even worse, due to the high demand for and high price of teacup puppies, breeders are highly motivated to produce teacup puppies using any method possible. Some breeders use starvation and inbreeding to intentionally produce underdeveloped puppies, stunting their growth.
Teacup puppies frequently experience a variety of health problems as a result of their unnaturally small size. Their tiny stomachs frequently struggle with terrible digestive problems, necessitating the need to feed them infrequently throughout the day in small amounts.
Due to their tiny bladders, teacup dogs almost always have accidents; therefore, indoor potty mats will be necessary well past their puppyhood.
Teacup dogs frequently experience seizures, respiratory issues, and heart problems. They don’t live nearly as long as standard dogs. You’ll be visiting the vet much more frequently (and spending much more money) than you would with a regular dog because teacup dogs face so many health issues.
Even worse, due to their small size, teacup dogs frequently end up being accidentally killed by their owners. These vulnerable dogs can be fatally injured by a small drop or fall. Teacup dogs will walk directly underfoot and jump up on couches because they are unaware of how small they are. Accidentally crushing a beloved pet is among the most traumatic experiences.
FAQ
How are teacup dogs created?
In order to produce the tiniest dog possible, breeders pair the so-called “runts” of the litters, claims Dr Internal medicine specialist Cathy Meeks, a group medical director at Tampa, Florida’s BluePearl Veterinary Partners
Are teacup dogs man made?
The trend of teacup puppies is growing in popularity, but many people are unaware that “teacup puppies” are frequently just underdeveloped puppies. To produce the tiniest dog possible, they are bred. at any costs. Breeding can result in teacup puppies both intentionally and accidentally.
Are teacup dogs purebred?
Many purebred toy dog breeds, including Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, and shih tzus, to name a few, are available as teacup breeds. Additionally, they can be mixed-breed dogs, like the Maltipoo (a toy poodle and Maltese mix).
Is it cruel to breed teacup dogs?
Most teacup dog breeding techniques are unethical. They will either malnourish them to slow their growth or inbreed runts with other runts in an effort to produce smaller puppies. Small dogs have a difficult time giving birth, and underfeeding and inbreeding frequently result in a variety of health problems that affect their puppies for life.