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Teacup PuppiesFlickr/michaelmata

Teacup puppies are an unofficially named miniature size of breeds like poodles, Maltese, chihuahuas and terriers that weigh between 2 and 5 pounds when they are fully grown. These puppies are awfully cute -- and who wouldn't want a pet that could fit in the palm of their hands! -- but because the breeding of teacup puppies is unregulated, these animals can have some serious health problems. So before you head to your local pet store or call a teacup breeder there are a few things you should know about picking up a teacup puppy.

- Because there is no official breed standard of teacup puppies, these dogs are bred by trial and error to be very, very small. This process leads to bones so tiny and fragile that they may be susceptible to breaks when your puppy so much as jumps off of the couch.

- Teacup puppies may have had less time to develop in the womb than the rest of their litter, resulting in a smaller birth size. This arrested development can lead to respiratory and other organ failure problems later in life.

- Teacup puppies' tiny size makes them more vulnerable to stress-related diseases like hypoglycemia. (You would be too if the whole world were bigger than you.)

- Because teacup puppies may not have gotten enough nourishment in the womb, their cranial bones may not have developed fully, leaving them with a permanent soft spot in their skull that makes it dangerous for them to play with other animals. 



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shawpolarbear#1 shawpolarbear11-11-2009 @ 4:21PM

So what are you trying to say? These tiny creatures don't deserve to be loved? It's not the dog'd fault people do this stuff. Humans love to mess with nature creating breeds from mixes and matches. I mean, what the hell is a Snoodle? Even our dear leader couldn't pick a tried and true breed but went for some new fangled mixture. Regulation is much needed and can't keep up with demand and human messing around. What is the difference between this and cropping tails and cutting ears? Or declawing for that matter.

innocent bystander#2 innocent bystander11-12-2009 @ 12:21AM

I think the point was that it's irresponsible and damaging to intentionally breed dogs with these health conditions for the tiny trait. And by puchasing such a dog, you're helping to create a market that encourages continued bad breeding practices. It's a wholly different issue from cropping or declawing, which are things done to animals which might otherwise be wholly healthy and responsibly bred for positive breed qualities.

adav60#3 adav6011-11-2009 @ 7:12PM

Then buying a teacup puppy from a pet store is a horrible idea. Pet store puppies are from puppy mills whose puppies may carry all sorts of genetic problems. Responsible breeders, and adoptions are the only way to go.

Pam#4 Pam11-11-2009 @ 8:23PM

I have a yorkie that I bought from a pet store, I love her dearly, she only weighs about 5 lbs. She has had multiple problems, with her digestive tract, pancreatitis, and she has also suffered from seizures. Teacups really aren't a good idea... dogs should be bred to the standard. Breeding runt to runt brings out the worst genetics in any breed of dog. We love our little Zoey, but struggle to keep her in good health.

chrisinkansas#5 chrisinkansas11-12-2009 @ 10:53PM

OK, point taken that irresponsible breeding for small size is a bad thing (agreed)... but let's be honest, the AKC standard for Maltese puppies is 4-6 pounds. Some dogs are born to be small, just like some people are born to be small. My sister in law is 4-11 and 95 pounds - my 5-8 self is not going to discriminate against her. I'm tired of people thinking that only labs, boxers, and great danes are "real dogs"... beloved canines come in all sizes.

Adopt from a rescue or buy from a reputable breeder, and love your dog, regardless of his or her size.

My two girls say "WOOF!"

Kim Sunderlage#6 Kim Sunderlage11-14-2009 @ 12:29PM

Would you kindly supply me a few reliable, honest 'teacup' sellers?
This will be a companion animal, the only one in my home with no children. This lucky dog will NOT be carted around like a (designer) handbag!
Thank you very kindly for your time! Have yourself a perfect day.

Kim Sunderlage#7 Kim Sunderlage11-13-2009 @ 12:49AM

Would you kindly supply me a few reliable, honest 'teacup' sellers in my area (Madison, Wis.)?
This will be a companion animal, the only one in my home with no
children. This lucky dog will NOT be carted around like a (designer)
handbag!
Thank you very kindly for your time! Have yourself a perfect day.

  • 7 Comments / 1 Pages


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