Introduction
Teacup puppies, also known as micro dogs, pocket dogs and teacup dogs, are probably the cutest animals in the world. They are the tiny versions of popular toy dog breeds like Maltese, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkies ( Yorkshire terrier). The ironic part about this is that it’s their lack of size that gets so much attention.
With most of these adult teacup puppy breeds not growing more than 10 inches in height and weighing in at 8 pounds, they truly are like a toy come to life. As a result these dogs are ideal companions for owners who live in apartments and homes without much space. Their tiny size also makes them very portable and probably the only dog that has access to most social outings ( and women’s handbags ).
Overview
At first glance these dogs might just seem like a passing fad but reviews from many owners actually prove the opposite. The bonds built owning one is stronger since these dogs are literally able to accompany you anywhere you go. Their temperament also works well for adjusting to a family environment since they are playful and can be very affectionate.
Their tiny size also saves an owner on puppy food costs and since they need less physical activity than larger dogs, can be a very attractive option if low-maintenance is valued. The variety of teacup puppy breeds also makes it possible to find a puppy that you’ll absolutely love. Finally, the smaller the dog the less waste. Absolute bonus right there.
Breeding
Teacup puppies are bred by selecting and mating the smallest individual dogs from a particular toy dog breed. These selected dogs produce offspring with similar small traits and the process repeats itself. Breeders aim to consistently maintain miniature dog sizes. The problem with doing this is that underlying health issues present in so called “runts” ( the smallest puppies in a litter ) are passed to their offspring. Issues like heart defects, respiratory problems, fragile bones and low blood glucose are just some of the problems these dogs could have. The fact that they are so tiny also means that the health conditions are usually fatal.
The breeding process could also be unethical. Some breeders could use inbreeding and premature breeding that could increase the chances of these health problems mentioned above. Some breeders might not feed the dog properly or use starvation to stunt the growth of these puppies to further achieve the ‘teacup puppy‘ size. It’s always best to buy a puppy from a good breeder that puts the well-being of the dog first and wants to make sure that it is free from any genetic problems.
Types of teacup puppies
- Pomeranian ( Teacup Pomeranian )
- Chihuahua ( Teacup Chihuahua )
- Maltese ( Teacup Maltese )
- Yorkie ( Teacup Yorkie )
- Poodle ( Teacup Poodle )
- Shih Tzu ( Teacup Shih Tzu )
- Pug ( Teacup Pug )
- Dachshund ( Teacup Dachshund )
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ( Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel )
- Beagle ( Teacup Beagle )
Conclusion
While there is no doubt that teacup puppies are very cute, people should always make sure they buy their puppies from a registered breeder. Good breeders take their puppies for health check-ups and give them proper care to reduce risks of future health problems. Registered breeders also have a detailed record of these health check-ups to allow new owners to know what steps need to be taken after purchasing a new dog.
New owners should always look to breeders for advice on how to properly care for their teacup puppies. Another option could be to find a bigger version of the dog, which could prevent problems that smaller dogs face. Doing this will ensure that the dog is at the optimal height and weight to prevent issues that could be caused by malnourishment.