teacup dog

teacup dog, unofficial name for any of several breeds of dogs that are bred to be less than 4 to 6 pounds (1.8–2.7 kg), often through pairing the smallest members of a litter. Such dogs are typically one of six breeds: Maltese, Chihuahua, Poodle, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, or Shih Tzu. Teacup dogs are at higher risk of suffering from certain health conditions as a result of unethical breeding practices. They are often characterized under the toy dog breed grouping but are not officially recognized by American dog breed registries. For example, the American Kennel Club, a nonprofit organization with a registry of dog breeds, does not recognize or endorse the teacup dog classification.

Although toy dog breeds have existed for thousands of years, teacup breeds did not start to gain popularity until about 2005. Toy dogs were bred to be small, portable, good-natured companions. They were traditionally pampered and treasured by aristocracy around the world, and several breeds are ancient.

Teacup dogs are a newer development than toy dogs and have been popularized by social media and celebrities. Seeing the rise in consumer interest, breeders increasingly began to breed the runts, or smallest puppies, of a litter rather than casting them aside or neutering them, as has traditionally been the practice. Although runts of different litters are paired, some breeders go as far as to breed runts with their parents or siblings. Such inbreeding leads to genetic disorders and other health issues. In order to create more teacup dogs, breeders may purposely underfeed puppies to stunt their growth.

Teacups are prone to a myriad of health issues. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, leads to symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, and seizures. They also suffer from heart and respiratory conditions, fragile bones, and liver shunts. Some teacups have open fontanelles, or soft spots on their skull that never close, leaving them more vulnerable to head injury and sudden death. Teacups are also at higher risk of accidental death from owners stepping on them, as well as from falling from heights that an average-sized dog could withstand.

As teacup dogs are more prone to health issues, owners must be aware of the likelihood they may incur increased veterinarian bills and upkeep costs. Also, because of their tendency toward hypoglycemia, teacup dogs must eat at least three or four times per day with gaps of three to four hours between meals. Teacup dogs tend to sleep about 14 hours a day on average.

Teacup dogs tend to have similar personalities to their average-sized counterparts but may become weak or tired faster due to their health issues. They sell for prices between $500 to $3,000 on average. Teacup dogs are popular for both their rarity and the ease with which they fit into bags and purses for those who are on the go. Though it is possible to find a teacup dog through an ethical breeder, the teacup dog industry is largely unethical. For example, The Dodo, a prominent source for animal stories and wellness, advises against adopting teacup dogs.