What Are Teacup Puppies?

The term "teacup" is not an officially recognized name and as such there are no specific standards to categorize dogs as belonging to the teacup variety. The Teacup Dogs Agility Association however accepts dogs of any breed that are 12 months old and 17 inches or below in height. Though official canine organizations such as the American Kennel Club and the British KC do not use the term "teacup," the usage is prevalent among dog owners and breeders.

  1. Teacup Puppy History

    • Breeding puppies for purely aesthetic reasons started only in the 19th century. Prior to this, dogs were bred to have characteristics that would make them ideal for the duties they were assigned. Teacup puppies served more as companions and status symbols for the royal families in Oriental and European regions. Teacup Yorkies date back to 1800s in England and teacup poodles to the 1500s with origins in Asia, France and Europe.

    Teacup Puppy Breeds

    • Teacup puppies can be Yorkies, Maltese or Chihuahua. Morkies, Pomeranian, terrier and poodles are other breeds. Yorkies weigh 4 to 7 lbs. and are 8 to 9 inches in height; they are best as companion pets. A Maltese weighs 4 to 7 lbs. and is 9 to 10 inches in height; Maltese are playful pets with a strong body and sharp mind. The Chihuahua was used for ceremonial sacrifice in ancient times; this is the tiniest dog weighing 2 to 6 lbs. and 6 to 9 inches in height. The teacup Pomeranian is a well-liked pet companion and adored by pet lovers for its fluffy appearance. A Morkie, an off-spring of a Yorkie and a Maltese, is well-known as a gentle, energetic and breed that doesn't shed.

    Teacup Puppy Care

    • Teacup puppies, given their size, demand more care than normal puppies. They need more food and water and need to be fed often for the initial six months or till they gain 2.8 lbs. of weight, according to Daisy Teacup Poodle. The first few months of the teacup puppy are crucial when constant care and attention are very important. In addition to food and water, they require constant supervision. It is not advisable to leave them alone for long stretches of time. Do not rush the puppy; let it adjust at its own pace to the new home. Change its food gradually over two weeks of time. Have a crate for the puppy where it can sleep and eat comfortably. Homes where members are all working individuals or have small children should not go for a teacup puppy.

    Teacup Puppy Health

    • Teacup puppies that do not eat and drink often are vulnerable to hypoglycemia, a condition where the pup's blood sugar level drops drastically. Lack of treatment can result in death. Stress resulting from change in environment, inadequate sleep and infections are other causes of hypoglycemia. Consult with your vet during initial checkup about symptoms, preventive measures and hypoglycemia treatment.