The Lifespan of a Teacup Yorkie

A teacup Yorkie is smaller version of the Yorkshire terrier, which is a toy breed. It is not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club, although some unethical breeders do promote it as such. The term "teacup" is not encouraged by the AKC and is used mostly by breeders. The weight of a standard Yorkie is 4 to 7 pounds, while that of a teacup Yorkie is less than 4 pounds. In all other aspects, including lifespan, they are similar to standard Yorkies, as long as they are healthy.

  1. Lifespan

    • Typically, smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs. However, longevity should not be mistaken for healthy living. Yorkshire terriers have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years, provided they are well cared for and have no health issues. Unfortunately, teacup Yorkshire terriers are delicate dogs and are prone to fractures and other health problems that can diminish their lifespan. It is difficult to ascertain the lifespan of a teacup Yorkie, as many factors come into play, with health being the most important.

    Health

    • Ethical Yorkshire terrier breeders do not attempt to breed teacup Yorkies, as these small-sized dogs are invariably born with birth defects and hereditary or other health problems. Furthermore, the females experience problems giving birth and may require cesarean sections, if the breeder wants the female to survive. Hence, they are not considered ideal for breeding. Teacup Yorkies may suffer from congenital heart defects, kidney functioning problems, early tooth loss or poor tooth formation, and digestive problems, which result in vomiting and diarrhea. Very often, teacup Yorkshire terriers need to have their baby teeth removed professionally. These dogs may not be able to digest their food properly, leading to diabetes and blood-sugar balancing issues. They may also have bone disease and skeletal development problems, which can cause developmental and mobility impairment as the dog matures. All these factors play a role in the lifespan of teacup Yorkies.

    Care

    • The teacup Yorkies require special care due to their diminutive size. Any infection can be fatal for them, as they do not have the resiliency of a larger-sized animal. They are prone to hypoglycemic shock, so they require frequent meals and rest to build their energy reserves. They must be handled carefully, as their bones are delicate and they can easily injure themselves. They require a lot of attention or they are prone to destructive biting and barking. Teacup Yorkies are also difficult to house-train.

    Pets

    • Not all teacup Yorkies have serious health issues, but it is one aspect that prospective owners should consider. There are ethical teacup Yorkie breeders, who study the genetics and pedigree of the parents before breeding them. They ensure that these miniature dogs are born healthy, without any birth defects or hereditary diseases. These are the breeders you should buy the dog from. It is also important to provide the dog with a safe and loving environment, so it can live as long as possible. Make scheduled appointments with the veterinarian so that any health issue can be resolved before it becomes serious. Teacup Yorkies can make loving pets and are a joy to watch.