Read About Teacup Dogs

Teacup Dogs and everything you need to know about them is contained in this article. Teacup Dogs is a special and popular term attributed to dogs that are very small in size; and the term is most often a marketing ploy.

Teacup Dogs - Dog Type Facts

1. Type Description:

   Teacup Dogs is a term descriptive of all dogs that are very small in size. Though the term is not recognized officially by any kennel club or association, it is quite popularly in use by many.

2. Varieties:

   The term being unrecognized by any club or association, there is no prescribed standard to qualify for this group. Some breeds that are most commonly attributed to this group are Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pomeranian, Teacup Pug, Shih Tzu, Teacup Terrier, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle.

3. AKC Group:

   Most of the dogs in this category fall under the Toy group of AKC.

4. Popularity:

   Very Popular

5. History:

   Teacup Dogs have been bred for their appearance alone. Their purpose had not been as much utilitarian as adornment. They used to be a status symbol, the privilege of the rich and noble who used to carry them in arms or sit them in their laps.

6. Physical Traits:

   Small size is the most obvious physical trait in them. Most of them are under 17 inches or less.

Teacup Dogs - Dog Type Defining Characteristics

1. Shared Characteristics:

   Tiny appearance, active and alert air about them are the most commonly shared characteristics. Most of them are ready and friendly too. Some may be smaller than the standard size.

2. Training:

   Training teacup dogs is a relatively easy job as the learning rate and willingness to obey is high in most of them.

3. Child Friendly:

   Most of them are very friendly with children, except for the Pomeranian and the Maltese.

Teacup Dogs - Dog Type Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Teacup Dogs are often lovely toy dogs to have. They give the owner much pleasure and are usually extremely friendly. And their size makes them much easier to carry around and thus have a constant companion.

2. Liabilities:

   Health is the greatest liability of the popular teacup dogs. These dogs require special care and often, many have shortened life spans.

3. Health Issues:

   Apart from the usual conditions that their breeds are prone to, the teacup variety might actually be runts with afflicted health conditions and shortened life spans.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Sometimes, due to deliberate dwarfing of the breed, the health may require special care and notice.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Take care to keep the doors always closed and fences intact.

Teacup Dogs - How to Choose a Dog Type

1. What to Look for:

   Choose one from the litter that looks positively healthy. Always select from reputed breeders.

2. Supplies:

   No special supplies. The usual dog crate, dog bed, leash and collar, brushes, clippers, etc would suffice.

3. Expense:

   Usually affordable, but due to the popularity and the absence of standard definition of 'Teacup Dogs' some sellers may present them as rare breeds and you end up paying exorbitant prices.