Who are Teacup Dogs?
Teacup is not a breed or official term, it’s a group. They are extremely small. The name originated because a teacup dog is capable of fitting in a teacup.
There are some other small dog groups like miniature dogs, toy dogs etc. But normally teacup dogs are the smallest group within them. But there is no any definition. Sometimes they are called as pocket dogs also.
The popularity of the teacup style of dog among potential dog owners and breeders is growing. A teacup dog can come in various breeds and bloodlines. The size and weight define them actually. A teacup dog weights no more than four pounds at maturity and should be less than 17 inches in height. But these measure are not standardized.
Their popularity has increased in recent years.
Do Teacup Dogs Have Health Issues
Definitely yes. They are discussed below.
Teacup dogs need frequent veterinary care. Since they need frequent medical care, your vet bills may increase as your dog ages.
Famous Breeds
There are several famous teacup dog breeds. Pomsky, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Beagle, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Pug, and Bichon Frise.
Pug
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Poodle
Chihuahua
Problems with Teacup Dogs
Most of the health issues and teacup dogs are related to genetic factors. Heart defects, breathing issues, digestive problems, weak bones, lung problems are some examples.
Teacup dogs also suffer from several psychological issues mainly because of their size and breeding process. Behavioral issues can be seen such as learning problems.
Their small tummies also face immense digestive problems. Since teacup dogs face so many health challenges, it is important to take proactive steps.
There are substantial health concerns for these little dogs. It is important to remember that not every teacup dog has these health conditions.
How “Teacup” Dogs Bred?
Need not be encouraged to breed them. There are no official guidelines or regulations for these teacup dogs. How these breeds are produced and how their overall health will affect it is crucial to understand.
There is a breeder behind the development of these races who actively raises litter runs. Litter runs are simply smaller than an average of dogs who also struggle to survive. Instead, an irresponsible breeder may intentionally breed their runt with another runt to create entire litters of dogs less than normal. In fact, they choose the weakest the sickest and then focus their genes on the next generation.
Sometimes teacup dogs are not bred intentionally. Teacup breeders do not publish breeding process information. So that the breeding methods used by breeders to produce these small dogs are highly controversial. It is known that unethical breeders perform inbreeding techniques to breed small dogs. That means the mating of runts with runts in a litter of small sized dogs. It may lead to inherit genetic disorders to puppies.
A real breeder shouldn’t breed a teacup size or miniature dog due to apparent health risks and problems.
Characteristics
Basically, teacups are very miniature variations of common small dog breeds. These tiny dogs are very similar to small child. These small creatures are capable of capturing anyone’s heart instantly.
Teacups can fit to the palm of an adult hand. These teacups come in variety of colors. Most of them have single color in their coat.
How Much Does a Teacup Dog Cost?
They are often sold for very high prices. The price of a teacup dog breed may easily range from $500 to $2,000!. Even more can expect. So it is easy to understand the sole purpose of breeding them illegally. Smaller dogs are more expensive. That is why unethical breeders try to breed runts or smallest of the small.
Buying a teacup dog means your support an unethical breeder.
How to Care and Look After a Teacup Dog
You will need to take special care of them if you have adopted a teacup dog.
- Feed them 3-4 times a day
To avoid from hypoglycemia, teacup dogs must feed 3-4 times a day or roughly every 3-4 hours. They should have strict diet. Make their meal plenty of minerals, proteins and vitamins. - Reduce stress
It is highly appropriate your dog does not go with stressful situations. They should have nearly 12-14 hours sleep per day. Don’t play with them for a long time. Because their little body cannot bear lots of tired. - Create a comfortable environment
Don’t take your dog everywhere you go. Some environments may create anxiety in the dog. - Veterinary care
Take your dog for checkups regularly. You’ll have to meet the vet more often. - Prevent from falling
These teacup dogs don’t sense they are tiny. Falling from even small heights can injure them badly. - Don’t let play them with other dogs.
They could injure themselves. - Do not let them suffer from separation anxiety
You cannot let them alone in the home for long time period.
How Long Do They Live?
Their lifespan will be close to their normal-sized breed variant in the case of inbred teacup dogs, but due to health threats and their lifespan can be severely shortened by psychological problems. The extreme breeding methods used by breeders make teacup dogs much more vulnerable to multiple health conditions that can lead to a very unhappy life for these puppies.
They don’t survive for as long as normal dogs do. Teacup dogs are so fragile that injuring them unintentionally is not uncommon for owners. A minor drop or drop will damage these fragile canines fatally.
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Teacup
These dogs with high price tag should be stopped by irresponsible breeders intentionally.
Be sure to buy a teacup dog from a trusted seller. Make sure to meet the parents before buying.
Should You Buy a Teacup Dog? Is It Ethical?
First of all fragility and ill health don’t make a good choice to buy a teacup dog.
The solely commercial intent of this breeding and the fact that it often poses health risks make us dive deeper into the reasons why owning a teacup dog is not advisable or ethical.
There are many reasons why you should seriously stop owning a teacup dog. Teacup puppies are often underdeveloped puppies. They are bred to produce the smallest possible dog at any cost. Since teacup puppies are in such high demand and can be sold at such higher prices, breeders have a clear incentive to produce them.
Sometimes they are viewed as accessories instead of living things.
Advantages of Owning a Teacup Dog
Main advantage is they fit to your pocket. They can easily brings anywhere you go. Lots of attention can gain from others. They don’t need large amount of foods. Feeding cost id low.
You can easily keep one of them if your house has a limited space. They also don’t need much exercise.
In my perspective I don’t believe these few advantages can be more important than those critical issues.
