Information on Teacup Yorkie Dogs

Teacup yorkshire terriers, commonly called yorkies, are bred for their extremely small size. They share the black-and-tan coloring of the breed as well as the glossy, fine coat. Teacup dogs are smaller than miniature and toy sizes and require special care.

  1. Size

    • Teacup yorkies range from 4 to 7 pounds in adulthood, with their puppy weight hovering around 2.5 pounds at 6 months of age. Their height at full growth is 6 to 7 inches.

    Features

    • Most teacup yorkies have a baby-doll face, meaning their muzzles are short. Wide eyes and a black nose are set in the small, flat head covered with abundant silky hair and pointed ears. Black claws are present on round feet. The tail is often docked and dewclaws removed by the breeder. Their life span can be up to 15 years.

    Temperament

    • Teacup yorkies are energetic and dominant. These adventurous small dogs may become aggressive if untrained, seeking to lead their owners and being wary of strangers. Very active, they need long walks daily. Teacup yorkies are alert and make excellent watchdogs.

    Cautions

    • Due to their miniscule size, teacup yorkies are not recommended for families with small children, who may hurt the dog accidentally. There is a danger of harming a tiny teacup yorkie by dropping it, tripping over it or stepping on it---they have fragile bones.

    Health Issues

    • Prone to tooth decay, teacup yorkies should eat dry food and have regular teeth cleanings at the veterinarian. Females often have difficulty delivering pups and may require a caesarean section. Herniated disks in the back pose a danger of paralysis in teacup yorkies---lift your teacup yorkie rather than encouraging it to jump up, which could damage its back.