Our obsession with miniatures has also given rise to dogs being bred in mini sizes. Imagine your favorite furball but a tiny cuter version of it. Dogs are cute but their mini versions are adorable. And, this phenomenon of looking for tiny dogs has led to the breeding of Teacup Dog Breeds.
In this article, we will be discussing the pros and cons of owning a Teacup Dog along with a detailed guide on how to take care of these furbabies.
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Are Teacup Dog Breeds a Myth or Reality?
Many experts and dog breeders argue that there is no such breed as a Teacup dog breed. They believe that small dogs which were previously known as toy dogs are being rebranded as teacup dogs for increasing sales. They are also known as miniature dogs or pocket-size dogs.
In the past, the affluent society used to keep toy dogs as their pets. Usually, toy dogs run a high temperature somewhere around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence the rich kept them close during harsh winters to endure the cold weather.
But there is a breed of dogs that is known as the teacup breed and they differ from toy breeds of dogs. However, you need to differentiate between the two because you might get scammed by being sold the normal dog breeds in their tiny sizes. Teacup dog breeds are dogs that have a body weight of around 4-7 pounds. They are also tiny in size ranging below 17 inches. Simply put, they can fit in a teacup.
Types of Teacup Dog Breeds
If we go by the specified standards, 6 dog breeds have been verified as teacup breeds.
1. Teacup Chihuahua
This dog breed is the celebrity of teacup dog breeds. They are purebred and grow up to 6 inches with an average weight of 3 pounds. They are adorable, intelligent, and love to dwell in the company of their owners.
However, they do not gel well with other dogs and kids. Cats are an exception as they are friendly with cats. This breed requires a lot of attentive care. Their life expectancy is 20 years.
2. Teacup Maltese
They grow up to 8 inches and weigh approximately 4 pounds. They are lapdogs and are quite playful. They learn very easily and are perfect for training. They are particularly wary of strangers and hence can be good watchdogs.
Their only downside is their incessant braking which can be taken care of using proper training. The life expectancy is 15 years.
3. Teacup Poodle
They grow up to 9 inches maximum and weigh around 5 pounds. The poodle breed tops the charts in the smartness index. They are great to train and are extremely loving. They adapt to their surroundings quickly.
However, they also do well in the company of their owners; hence, do not leave them on their own for too long. They suffer from boredom so keep them occupied.
The best part of owning a Teacup poodle is that they shed very less amount of hair. They can be expected to survive up to 15 years.
4. Teacup Pomeranian
These teddy bear look-alikes weigh below 3 pounds. Pomeranians are already adorable, now picture a tiny fluffy, cuddly version of them and you will find yourself looking lovingly at a Teacup Pomeranian.
They are a little less active and are calm. They are favorites among women for carrying around in their purses.
They are also prone to incessant barking and should be trained to socialize with other pets. One important thing to look for in this breed is that they are prone to picking fights with dogs far beyond their size so you need to keep a watchful eye on them. They can be expected to survive up to 12 years.
5. Teacup Yorkie
This breed weighs between 2-4 pounds. They are lovable and adapt to their surroundings quickly. However, they are not on friendly terms with kids and other animals. They are active dogs and need to be trained for excessive barking. These are tiny dogs with huge personalities and love companionship. Their life is limited to 9 years maximum.
6. Teacup Shih Tzu
Last, but not least, Teacup Shih Tzu is one of the most adorable dogs and is a personal favorite of owners who love to style and dress up their pets.
They grow up to 7 inches and can weigh up to 7 pounds. They are active dogs considering their size and are extremely smart. They need to be exercised regularly otherwise they may turn mischievous.
Their name literally translates to “little lion” and they match this name with their prideful conduct. They can be expected to live up to 16 years.
Apart from the above-mentioned dog breeds, there are certain dog breeds that have not been classified by the “American Kennel Club” as Teacup breeds. However, they are smaller than toy breeds.
They can be termed mini-dogs. Some of these breeds are Miniature Dachshund, Teacup Beagle, Teacup Boston Terrier, Miniature Labrador, Miniature Schnauzer, Teacup Brussels Griffon, Teacup Pekingese, Miniature Collie, and Teacup Fox Terrier.
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Feeding Habits of Teacup Dog Breeds
They have different feeding needs as compared to larger breeds, they need to be fed in small portions. Feeding them 4-5 times a day is suggested, and they need to go to the loo every hour a couple of times.
They need to be fed food items that have a high fiber content. You can buy foods that contain ingredients such as eggs, chicken, vegetables, and fruits. Make sure their food contains Karo syrup which helps them in fighting Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
When it comes to water, provide them with a bowl that is the exact size for them to comfortably drink water from. Always fill their bowl with fresh water as with normal-sized dogs.
Other Important Aspects of Grooming a Teacup Dog
Owing to their tiny size, these dogs get tired easily. Hence, let them rest for a couple of hours after activities and exercise sessions. They need up to 14 hours of nap time.
Always start training your dog once you bring them home. Teacup dog breeds can be trained to be disciplined. When it comes to grooming them, the number of times you should brush their fur depends on the size of their coat. Long-coat puppies need regular sessions whereas those with short coats need occasional sessions.
Visit your vet as soon as you have bought a Teacup dog and ensure they are vaccinated and dewormed. Since they are prone to various illnesses, regularly visit your vet for check-up sessions. The vet may set a regular schedule for their check-ups that may help in prolonging their life expectancy.
How to Buy Teacup Dog Breeds?
Before bringing home your tiny adorable pet, always make sure of the below-mentioned facts:
1. Go for a reputable breeder.
2. Meet the father and mother of the dog you are planning to adopt.
3. Discuss the breeding history and the medical history of both parents with the breeder.
4. Get your pet checked with the vet before adopting them.
5. Ascertain the age of the puppy and make sure you are not being sold a premature puppy disguised as a Teacup dog.
How Much Will a Teacup Dog Breed Cost You?
Teacup dog breeds are quite costly and their price ranges between 25000 INR to 1,00,000 INR. Plus, the maintenance they require may further make you spend a hefty amount on their pet care and vet needs.
Why You Should Not Invest in Teacup Dog Breeds?
On one hand, Teacup breeds are adorable and easy to carry. On the other hand, they are very difficult to take care of. You must take care of your tiny pet as your toddler. The pups and even adults of these breeds are extremely prone to injuries.
Even falling from small heights can lead to their deaths. Plus, you need to be extra careful if you have a house full of naughty kids. They may play rough with the dog and may cause fatal injury. These adorable dogs should not be left alone.
Never leave them alone in the wild as they may fall prey to predators such as big dogs, owls, and hawks. They are also prone to health issues such as blindness, seizures, respiratory issues, digestive issues, heart problems, and low glucose levels among other diseases.
Their bones are also fragile and get broken easily. These breeds are suitable for homes where the owners can take care of them on a 24*7 basis. And we all know the heartbreak caused by the death of our furbabies so, if possible, avoid Teacup breeds.
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Plus, due to the high rates that Teacup Dog Breeds collect, many breeders practice unethical breeding methods. They do not pay attention to the dog’s health at all and are only concerned about making their size as small as possible.
However, if you are still intent on buying a puppy from the Teacup Dog Breeds make sure you do your research. You can always use this article as a guide in your search for these adorable furbabies.
