Have you heard the phrase teacup Chihuahua? Maybe you’re curious about them or thinking of adopting one. Either way, this article will discuss teacup Chihuahua facts vs fiction, so I hope it will interest you.
Teacup, mini, micro, toy, miniature and pocket are all terms used by Chihuahua breeders to make a potential new puppy parent feel they are getting a ‘special’ type of dog, and because of that, has to be more expensive.
This leads unsuspecting buyers to believe there’s a breed called Teacup. When the reality is something different, completely. The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies Chihuahuas as either ‘smooth hair’ or ‘long-coat’ there is no teacup, and as far as the AKC seems to feel, never will be.
It really has now come to where families looking to adopt a Chihuahua, or any of the small breeds, such as Yorkies, specifically ask if they can buy a teacup.
What Is A Teacup Chihuahua?
Everyone has heard about the feisty and overly brave little Chihuahua. They’re the stuff of legend, after all. They are a wildly popular companion dog and have been for many, many years.
When a litter of puppies is born there’s usually one that’s termed the runt. Smaller and frailer than his brothers and sisters. If a potential buyer comes along its far more attractive to call him a teacup, than the runt. Plus, it’s a clever way of getting a higher price for the weakest of the litter.
Nowadays it’s quite common to breed tiny Chihuahuas, so their offspring will all be teacups.
Teacup Chihuahua Vs. Normal Chihuahua
A Chihuahua is tiny. The breed standard states up to 6lbs. Of course, there are many Chihuahuas that weigh more than that, but still, a tiny dog. This makes it tricky with a teacup, it’s really down to who breeds them whether they call them a teacup. While there is no set size, a teacup Chihuahua’s weight shouldn’t be over 3-4lbs.
The term teacup itself is misleading because not all teacup Chihuahuas will fit in a teacup, no matter how big the cup is. But a teacup is never likely to grow higher than 5 or 6 inches.
Do Teacup Chihuahuas Make Good Pets?
All puppies are incredibly cute, they’re small cuddly, bundles of fur. I’m sure many dog owners would love to keep the puppy looks but have a fully grown dog. Therefore, teacup dogs are so popular. It’s like freezing time on the way a dog looks.
Something that I think many pet parents forget when they want a teacup for a pet is their size. I’m not talking about their body size, I mean their stomach and bladder size. An average Chihuahua needs to eat at least 3 to 4 times a day. And needs many toilet breaks.
If you think about how small a teacup is, then it’s easy to see maybe 5 to 6 feeds a day and a real issue toilet training one. I’m not suggesting for one second cannot train them. I’m looking at this from the dog’s point of view. This is perhaps why so many teacup Chihuahuas wear diapers.
Because they’re smaller in stature doesn’t mean their personality will be different. They are still going to be that feisty, precocious and to be blunt, bossy little dog. But now in a body, dare I say it, even cuter than the original Chihuahua. I can see a teacup being even more spoiled.
In a study by Psychology Today, they interviewed over 8000 dog owners and found that smaller dogs are more badly behaved, had more serious attachment issues, and were more frightened or aggressive to other dogs, than larger breeds. I think we all know this to be true.
It does not suit teacup Chihuahuas to exercise or take long walks, but they are mentally still dogs, with boredom issues the same. Finding the right balance here can be very trying for pet parents.
How Long Does A Teacup Chihuahua Live?
A normal size Chihuahua has an impressive lifespan. Some living upwards of twenty years. The genuine concern is not how long a Teacup Chihuahua will live, it’s what quality of life he’s going to enjoy.
Some health concerns plague Chihuahuas, and we’re going to talk about them in the article. I think it’s safe to assume that a teacup will be susceptible to all those health issues, but possibly worse because of their mini size.
Not just illness and disease. A tiny dog means, I’m sorry to say, a more fragile one. Bones that break more easily, joint problems, more dental issues, tiny tummies and bladders, as I mentioned, makes them prone to incontinence and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Teacup Chihuahuas have other health issues. Patellar luxation, a common problem with small breeds, exacerbated by the teacup Chihuahua’s even smaller size. Diabetes and heart disease. Caring for a teacup Chihuahua will take time, patience and many visits to your vet.
How Much Does A Teacup Chihuahua Cost?
They might be tiny, but there’s a raging business built up around them and for them. One thing is certain: a teacup is going to cost you much more than a normal Chihuahua.
From what I can find out, the minimum you can expect to pay is over $1200 and I’ve heard some owners pay many thousands of dollars for one. Truly amazing. Remember, this is only the purchase price.
You will pay a lot of money over the lifetime of a teacup, please refer to what I said about their health issues and accidents where they might get kicked or trodden on and then broken bones will need repair.
I would always advocate health insurance for every pet. But it’s essential for a teacup. You might find your premiums will cost more. Insurance companies are well aware of how fragile these tiny dogs are.
The Last Word
If you read through this article where we explain teacup Chihuahua facts vs fiction, it’s natural you’ll want to form your own opinions. What we want to do in this article is to advise potential pet parents buying a teacup Chihuhua to give it more thought. So, they have more information available helping to make an informed decision.
The issue with these tiny dogs is not about them being a Chihuahua. The issue is with all teacups. I think there’s a reason the AKC will not recognize any breed of dog called a teacup.
Tiny Chihuahuas will be as loving, affectionate, faithful and fun as normal-sized Chihuahuas. But you need to take into account how fragile they are. How their health issues could hinder their lives, and the cost involved in taking care of one properly.
