Many people want teaspoon dogs, tiny dogs, pocket dogs or micro dogs because they are both small and very cute. They never stop looking like puppies, even when they’re fully grown and this is what attracts most dog lovers to them. They sell well and people have to pay a lot for them. There is a lot of variety in teacups and they usually fall below the standard size for normal dog breeds. One of the main things is that they are
Usually under 5 pounds or 2.3 Kg. They are not handled as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
We will focus on the main characteristics and other notes about teacup dogs in this article. Those who want to know more about teacup puppies should continue reading.
What is a Teacup Dog
A standard size of their breed. Typically weighing less than 5 pounds when fully grown, these tiny pups are bred for their miniature stature teacup dog is not a specific breed but a term used for dogs that are much smaller than the
Teacup Dog Breeds
Teacup dogs belong to the different breeds including Maltese, Pomsky, Pug, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, beagle.
Maltese Breed
Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds and was a symbol of royalty. It is a toy dog which is smaller in size that is less than 7 inches and weighs nearly 2 to 4 pounds. It is active, pretty, and affectionate, and is not used as a working dog but makes a good companion as a cuddle dog for dog parents.
It has soft, smooth, short-haired, white coat. Its lifespan is 12 to 15 years. You can buy it in $3000.
Beagle Breed
The beagle breed of teacup dogs is little bigger than the other teacup dogs. It weighs less than 20 pounds and is shorter than 15 inches in length. It has high energy level and is very active but sometimes stubborn. It always needs a good company to play and small trainings as well otherwise, it will get bored.
It also a short-haired coat with a color variety including white, black, tan, brown. Its life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. It costs about $2000.
Pomeranian Breed
The Pomeranian dogs were first bred as herding dogs with bigger sizes. But since 1800s, they were bred as smaller, loving dogs for companionship of dog lovers. Due to their intelligence and alert nature, they are also used as watchdogs.
They have a furry and fluffy coat which is double-layered. The coat colors include white, chocolate, orange, or black. Their lifespan is 12 to 16 years. They cost about $1800 to $2000.
Pomsky Breed
Pomsky is not recognized as a separate breed but is a result of cross-breeding between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, from where it derived its name as Pomsky. It is smaller in size but different pomsky dogs vary in sizes. It mostly weighs about 9 pounds and stands long as 10 inches. However, it is very energetic, playful, affectionate, and a loyal dog.
It also has furry coat which is double-coated and coat colors include white, black, gray, or silver. Its life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. It is very costly and costs you between $2000 to $5000.
Pug Breed
Teacup pug dog is a small, playful, and loving dog but sometimes can be stubborn. It is a chill dog with medium energy level. It is suitable for pet parents with little space for pets as it does not need more exercises. It weighs about 3 to 7 pounds and is shorter than 10 inches. It has soft and short-haired coat with colors including white, black, or fawn. Its life expectancy is 6 to 10 years. It is also expensive and costs about $4000.
Yorkshire Terrier
It is extremely small and pretty dog which weighs just 2 to 3 pounds and is shorter than 7 inches. It is a toy dog with high energy levels. It is very beautiful, friendly, vocal, and active dog.
Yorky’s coat is smooth and fluffy in color, with possible combinations being white and tan, blue and tan or black and tan. Its lifespan is 7 to 16 years. It is a hot-seller and is very expensive. It costs up-to $5000.
Chihuahua Breed
Chihuahua teacup is very famous as it remained a part of TV commercials and other popular shows. It is very tiny and is shorter than 5 inches. It weighs less than 6 pounds. It is very active, energetic, affectionate, and a loyal dog which needs regular training, company to play, and more care.
It has smooth and mostly short-haired coat with dark colors like tan, black, or others. Its lifespan is 15 to 20 years. It is also pricey and will cost you about $5000.
Shih Tzu Breed
Shih tzus are loving, affectionate, and gorgeous teacup dogs. They are also energetic, active, and alert with muscular bodies. They need regular exercises, trainings, and playful activities to remain active otherwise, they will get bored.
They have fluffy and very long-haired coats. Their coat colors are white, black, golden, brown, blue, or silver. Their life expectancy is 10 to 16 years. The smallest-sized shih tzu dog costs up-to $2000.
Teacup Dog Personality and Lifestyle
As small as they are, teacup dogs are packed with excitement, kindness and sometimes a little bit of spirit! Pets love affection from people, build strong ties with their owners and have surprisingly strong personalities. Their tiny selves call for additional care such as not allowing them to be roughly picked up or play around on the sofa. Sensitive tummies require small and regular meals.Cold sensitivity should be managed by covering them with warm clothes or blankets.
Health Concerns of the Teacup Dogs
Teacup dogs are prone to several health conditions due to their smaller sizes and the method of their breeding.
Fragile Bones
Teacups have smaller and soft bones which are more susceptible of cracking and fractures.
Hypoglycemia
Teacups are prone to low blood sugar levels which can result in fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, or twitching.
Gingivitis
The inflammation of gums and dental problems are more common in teacups due to their small- sized jaws which are difficult to clean.
Hydrocephaly
It is caused due to their smaller skull size.
Liver shunts
It is a congenital disorder with abnormal blood vessel functioning which prevents blood entry into liver. Its symptoms may appear within a few days after birth of a teacup puppy. The small puppy might have other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, an overactive thirst and urination.
Hypothermia
Due to their smaller sizes, it is difficult for teacups to stay warm and cozy. They are prone to hypothermia during cold weathers.
Heart disease
Teacups are also prone to heart diseases like defects with mitral valve which can lead to difficulty in breathing, fatigue, weakness, coughing, and difficulty in exercising.
Care and Grooming of the Teacup Dog
Teacup dogs need more care and grooming as compared to other normal-sized dogs. If a teacup breed has a shot-aired coat, brushing it once a week is enough. But if it has a long and fluffy coat, brushing it 2 to 3 times per week is important to protect it from skin infections. Also keep their eyes and ears clean and free of dirt as they are more prone to infections.
Conclusion
Teacup dogs are popular worldwide due to their smaller sizes and attractive personalities. They are accurately described by being energetic, active, affectionate and playful. But their smaller sizes can lead them to many health conditions and is a reason of their short lifespan. Consult your veterinarian if you feel any health symptom or unusual behavior in your teacup buddy
FAQs
how long do teacup dogs live
Teacup puppies tend to live for 8 to 12 years, while some may live much longer if well cared for. Since they are both small and easy to hurt, offering proper medical care, quality food and protection ensures they stay healthy.
Does the dog die teacup
These small pets need special care, but if you look after them properly, they can be healthy for many years. Go for a good breeder and adhere to proper health practices to help your little puppy grow strong and healthy.
How Much Are Teacup Dogs?
A teacup dog’s price varies from $1,000 to over $5,000, based on its breed, how the breeder is regarded and the location. Don’t forget, choosing a cheaper puppy can mean health problems, so buy your puppy from a responsible breeder.
