Teacup dogs weigh less than five pounds and measure only a few inches long, theoretically able to fit into a teacup. When ethically bred, they’re usually the runt of the litter; it’s just nature at work. However, in the world of unethical backyard breeding, teacup dogs are created by breeding smaller-than-average dogs without regard for genetic testing. Here, puppies can suffer a host of congenital health problems, from malformed organs to seizures. Many breed enthusiasts are outspoken against the practice and raise serious questions about creating these dogs.
The Difference Between Teacup, Toy, and Miniature
First things first: teacup is not the same as “toy” or “miniature” dogs. Teacup is a marketing term used to describe a dog that’s usually smaller than a rabbit. You’ll never see a teacup-sized dog compete at a dog show because by definition, these dogs are too small to represent the breed standard (meaning: they’re not a good representation of their breed’s usual size).
Toy and miniature are different. These are valid terms used to describe dogs in the world of breed-specific sports and dog shows. Miniature generally refers to the smaller version of a larger dog. For instance, Miniature Bull Terriers are smaller versions of standard-sized Bull Terriers. Miniature Bull Terriers generally weigh up to 28 pounds; the larger Bull Terrier will push upward of 70.
Toy is smaller than miniature, particularly when referring to Poodles. A toy Poodle weighs up to six pounds, while a Miniature Poodle may weigh up to 15 pounds. You might see words like “teacup Poodle” while doing research. These are not the same as toy or Miniature Poodles. Teacup Poodles fall outside of the breed standard for toy Poodles.
Teacup Dogs Are Created Using Selective Breeding
Every dog breed, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, was created using selective breeding. In this process, breed enthusiasts only paired dogs with traits they wanted to recreate in puppies. For instance, in the creation of the modern-day Goldendoodle, breeders selected Golden Retrievers and Poodles with gentle demeanors and hypoallergenic coats. When done right, selective breeding is a multi-layered process that involves genetic testing, frequent veterinary appointments, and tons of pre-natal care.
To get teacup dogs, breeders will only breed dogs that are already smaller than average. This may include breeding the runt of one litter with the runt of another. The idea is that the smaller-than-average dogs would have smaller-than-average puppies, which are desirable to many people who live in small spaces, like apartments.
There’s no problem with selective breeding when done for the continuation or betterment of a breed standard. The problem is when selective breeding is done for the purpose of selling puppies to make a profit, even if it means breeding for traits that could hinder a dog’s growth and development.
Some Teacup Dogs Are Bred Unethically
As noted, there’s a lot of controversy surrounding teacup dogs and their breeding. For some perspective, here are two scenarios.
You’re an ethical breeder of Maltese. According to the breed standard, these long-haired dogs generally weigh seven pounds—although four to six pounds is preferred. Your dog welcomes a healthy litter of five puppies, but one is noticeably smaller than the rest. After a veterinary appointment, you learn that the puppy is healthy, and once full grown, it will barely reach four pounds. This is a teacup puppy, free of unethical breeding practices. It’s just nature at work; some dogs are just small.
Here’s another scenario. Your neighbor knows teacup puppies fetch a high price, and they decide to breed teacup Yorkshire Terriers. So, they purposefully aim for this trait without regard for health conditions, inbreeding, and ethics. The goal is to make money—even at the expense of puppies’ health. Down the road, you learn that the puppies were born with congenital conditions and overall don’t enjoy a great quality of life. It’s a far cry from the time, energy, and research that went into breeding your own dogs.
Teacup Dogs Can Experience Lifelong Health Concerns
Even if you prepare accordingly and do your research before purchasing a teacup dog, it’s a gamble. That’s because these dogs are more likely to suffer congenital health problems when compared to standard-sized canines. These issues can arise from anatomical deformities and genetics. Health conditions associated with teacup dogs include:
- Hydrocephalus. Congenital hydrocephalus is when excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks inside the skull, causing the brain to swell. This is a birth defect characterized by a dome-shaped skull, a soft spot on top of the skull, and downward-facing eyes.
- Low blood sugar. Also called hypoglycemia, this is when the puppy’s blood sugar levels plummet, requiring around-the-clock feeding until they reach a year old. Dogs with this condition experience muscle tremors, weakness, and inability to learn basic commands.
- Dental disease. Teacup dogs have small heads that don’t always allow for proper teeth formation. This may lead to tooth loss and an underbite.
Some pet insurance companies charge more for policies on teacup dogs because they know how often these plans get used. Still, pet insurance, even at a cost, can come in handy if your dog suffers life-threatening health problems.
Teacup Dogs Are Not Less Work
For many admirers of teacup dogs, the love stems from the idea that these dogs don’t require a lot of exercise and attention. In the eyes of many, these dogs look like toys, so they are! That’s not the case; a teacup dog will still need the same training, socialization, and attention as a standard-sized dog. What’s more, this can prove challenging for many teacup dog owners. Even going for a short walk can pose many hazards to these pint-sized pups.
Training and socializing small dogs are best done in a controlled environment free of distractions and dangers. From the very beginning, learn to recognize signs of aggression and rely on the power of positive reinforcement to draw out desired behaviors. Having a well-trained dog, even if it’s only a few pounds, is integral to their health and well-being –– not to mention your own peace of mind!
