Are Teacup Puppies Good With Kids?

A teacup puppy is one that is typically tiny, more so than a "toy" puppy and in fact smaller than most toy-dog breeds. To get an idea on size, think of a Yorkshire Terrier or chihuahua, and then shrink it even more. They have become famous due to celebrity figures carrying them around in purses. Teacups can be wonderful companions for a family, but can they be good with your children? The answer is both yes and no.

  1. Breed Behavior

    • The first thing a prospective owner should look for in a teacup is the breed. Like any other dog, no matter the size, some are better with family situations than others. It might be hard to believe that a small dog could be vicious, but the truth is that they really can be. Small breeds in the toy group classification should be monitored with very young children and even older children to ensure their safety. Toy dogs, which include "teacups," are intelligent and sometimes yappy dogs who can nonetheless be very loyal to a family -- or just one person in that family. Do your research into the breed and the breeder before choosing one to bring into your household. How a dog is raised can also be a major consideration in how it behaves around people and other dogs and in your life.

    Size Considerations

    • Toy dogs are typically smaller and more delicate than their larger brethren. A German shepherd puppy at 18 weeks old might miss a step it's going down and roll over on the ground none the worse for wear. An 18-week-old Yorkshire terrier, especially a teacup, could do the same and break bones in its legs as if they were twigs. Because of the dogs' size, many reputable teacup breeders caution all new owners to keep an eye on their dogs when letting them outside and while letting them play around children. A very young child can pick up a normal-size toy dog and hurt it by dropping it on the ground -- a teacup would be injured even worse. Children must be taught to watch their feet and how they play with small dogs of any breed. Once they do so, they can find a tiny friend who is always ready to follow them around on their adventures.

    Health Issues

    • Another reason for researching breeds regards health concerns. As with bigger dogs, many smaller toy dogs and teacups share similar problems such as patellar luxation (where the kneecap pops out of place). Other common issues can be gas, bloating, arthritis and epilepsy. Some toy breeds such as Shih Tzus have large, slightly bulging eyes that can cause problems particular to the breed. Always check out your chosen breed's particular health issues and how to avoid and recognize them, and, once again, check out your breeder. If possible, go to the facility to see its dogs and the condition everything is in. Reputable breeders understand this and welcome visitors for that very reason. A sick puppy is not only more prone to snapping and biting at children, but also at everyone else in the family. Also watch the health of your children -- sometimes allergies to dogs can crop up only after you've brought the newcomer into the family.

    Training

    • As with any puppy, a teacup needs to know the humans are the boss. This is especially important for them, given the tendency of most people to coddle or spoil their toy dogs due to how small and cute they are. Behind every chihuahua or Maltese stands the genetics of their wolf ancestors. Proper training goes a long way to making a teacup dog into a well-adjusted member of the family. Because of the dogs' size, any older children should be a part of the training so they know how to behave around them without harming the tiny animals. Very young children should be taught not to handle or pick them up at all, and they should never be unsupervised around such tiny pets. Giving the teacup a place to go to both hide and get away from rambunctious play is a necessity; the use of a crate or pet carrier is therefore required in a family setting. Children should be taught that once their pet goes into its "home," they are to leave it alone. This should help avoid any injuries on either part.

    Conclusion

    • A teacup dog is really just a toy dog that has been bred to a smaller size. Common breeds are Yorkies, poodles, Pomeranians, chihuahuas, Maltese, pugs, Shih Tzus and silky terriers. Each breed has its own way of interacting with humans, and even then individuals within the breed might not conform to the general personality traits. A good owner does her research to figure out how well the breed will fit with the situation at home, including the children, and ensures that the new tiny addition lives a long, happy life as a family member.