Teacup Breeds – Are They Real

here are so many breeders selling so called teacup dogs, but are they really a teacup size? Teacup dogs are dogs that are small enough to fit in a teacup, giving rise to the name. They are being bred smaller and smaller, because it is believed that is what people want. Puppies whose size has been intentionally reduced to fit into a teacup are prone to all sorts of health complications. Should we continue to reduce their sizes or just enjoy the miniature sizes that are available now.

Teacup puppies for sale

Often the term “teacup dog” is used as a marketing ploy to drive up the price of a puppy, as some people find the extremely small size desirable. The term teacup dog covers many varieties of miniature or toy breeds of dog.

Chihuahuas and Maltese are examples of toy dog breeds. There is no such thing as a “Toy Chihuahua“, or “toy Maltese”. Chihuahuas and Maltese are already toy breeds so the term Toy Maltese is a misnomer and leads the buyer to believe they are getting something even smaller. The AKC standard for a toy breed is 6 lbs and under which, at the time of writing, would cover so-called teacup breeds. To say a dog is a teacup Chihuahua possibly suggests that its growth was stunted at birth and therefore have defects that may not be obvious when purchased.

Making the most of normal small breed dogs will give you more satisfaction than a dog that is not correctly bred.

Introduction of size breeding

Some dog breeds such as the Shi Tzu (Tibetan Temple Dog, Tibetan Lion Dog) have always been small while other breeds have been reduced from their standard size to miniature and toy.

Before and during the early part of the 19th century all dogs were working dogs to a certain degree. Breeding of dogs specifically for appearance was introduced in the mid 19th Century. Take for example the classic Poodle.

Poodles were used as a water fowling dog for many years until their size was reduced to allow them to become a housedog and reduced further to become a lap dog. Many people like the smaller breeds because they have a more genteel appearance. Breeds that are naturally small are fun but also very protective despite their size.

For many small breed owners, dressing their “babies” in cute clothes has become the latest trend. There is nothing wrong with that as long as the puppy is comfortable. Wearing a coat indoors may not be necessary and may make the puppy unnecessarily hot but the use of a jacket when outside may be beneficial in keeping a chill at bay, especially when they have been short groomed.

Maltese, Pomeranians, Yorkies, Miniature Pinscher, and Papillion’s are just some of the dogs that are ideal to wear clothes. There are all sorts of small dog clothing available and includes dog robes, dog raincoats, dog dresses and dog coats. There are even booties available to protect their tiny feet.