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.
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.
How Small is a Teacup Dog?
Unofficially, a teacup dog is any dog older than a year and shorter than 17 inches. They generally weigh 4 pounds or less at maturity. Since teacup dogs are not a recognized breed, there isn’t a single required size.
Teacup dogs suffer from a litany of health problems
Every breed is susceptible to specific illnesses and conditions, but the list of problems for teacups is extensive and serious.
One category includes health problems that are a direct result of their unnaturally small size. In another, there are issues brought on by inbreeding and other dubious methods used by backyard breeders. Teacups as a whole don’t last as long as their standard-sized counterparts because of all of these problems.
Without mentioning hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can result in seizures and even death if not carefully monitored, no article about teacup breeds is complete. For this reason, many teacups need to be fed several times per day (or more). Even when they do not experience such life-threatening conditions, they frequently experience digestive issues that are difficult to manage.
Aside from these, many people also experience liver shunts, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), heart issues, and respiratory issues. Anyone thinking about getting a teacup should consider the possibility of paying more for vet care than usual as well as the frustration and heartache that come with having a chronically ill pet.
FAQ
Are teacup puppies genetically modified?
These genetically altered dogs may appear adorable and convenient to carry around in your handbag, but they actually have more health issues than you might realize. Many breeds, including the Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Chihuahua, have their own version of teacup dogs.
What makes a dog a teacup?
Most teacup dogs weigh 5 pounds or less because they have been bred to be as tiny as possible. Although other breeds, such as beagles, have also been bred in the miniature size, teacup pugs and Yorkshire terriers are the most recognizable of the toy dog group.
Are teacup dogs natural?
Teacup dogs are frequently the result of purposeful breeding two undersized dogs, though they can occur naturally as “runts of the litter.” The mother dog is so small that she can only give birth to a few puppies at most, and complications are much more likely.
How long do teacup puppies live?
Depending on the breed, a teacup dog’s life expectancy ranges from nine to fifteen years on average. Teacup dogs have been produced by purposefully breeding the runts of the litter to produce a smaller and smaller dog.