Is a Teacup Dog Right for You?

Teacup dogs are tiny little fluff balls (5 pounds or less) that look like living stuffed animals; however, are they really the right dog for you?

Whether it is a teacup Yorkie, Chihuahua, Maltese, Poodle, Pomeranian, or any other dog breed, there is no doubt that these dogs can be truly adorable.

Here are some key factors to consider before deciding to adopt one of these furry friends.

Jump to:

• Why do you want to adopt a teacup dog?
• Can you afford a teacup dog?
• Will you be going to a reputable breeder?
• Do you understand how fragile they are?
• Health Concerns
• Final thoughts

Why do you want to adopt a teacup dog?

Are you making the decision to adopt a teacup dog because you want there to be a new addition to your family?

What inspired your interest in these adorable little dogs? Was it celebrities like Paris Hilton and her teacup Chihuahuas? Or, perhaps Rihanna and her teacup Poodle?

If so, it is totally understandable; however, before you decide to adopt any dog, you will want to make sure that it is because you truly WANT a canine friend and that it will fit your lifestyle.

Too often, dogs end up in shelters because they are just trendy to have at the moment.

Always remember that a puppy is a long-term commitment.

Can you afford a teacup dog?

One of the most important things that you will need to think about is whether or not you can afford to purchase one of these dogs.

Although these dogs are incredibly small, they are also incredibly expensive - mainly due to the high demand for them.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 - $6,000 or more for a teacup dog. This does not include:

• Teacup dogs most often come with hefty veterinarian visits and bills
• Food
• Grooming
• Accessories
• Toys

Will you be going to a reputable breeder?

While we advocate for rescue and adoption, we recognize that some people do purchase certain breeds of dogs.

When purchasing a dog, it is essential to find reputable breeders. However, this is even more important if you are planning to adopt a teacup dog.

The reason is that many of these small dogs are mistreated by breeders.

The majority of the time, teacup puppies are taken away from their mothers earlier than they should be. They are also not allowed to eat a proper amount of food to stunt their growth.

In order to avoid mistreatment, be sure to go to a reputable breeder.

Do you understand how fragile they are?

As cute as teacup dogs are, they are also incredibly tiny. What this means is they are also very fragile.

If you step on your dog's paw or drop him, it is possible to break bones.

People who have children or other pets that may be rough with smaller pets should think twice before getting one.

It is a good idea to consider finding people who raise larger-sized teacup dogs. For example, instead of a dog that is predicted to be 2 lbs, try to opt for one that will be 5 or 6 lbs when full-grown.

If you are still in doubt about how fragile they are, consider opting for a toy or miniature-sized dog instead.

Health Concerns

Teacup dogs are prone to various health problems, including:

• Fragile bones - bones that are easily fractured and/or broken
• Hypoglycemia - low blood sugar
• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) - can cause seizures and/or blindness
• Heart disease
• Liver shunts - these are abnormal blood vessels that skip past the liver, which leads to problems, including poor growth and seizures

Final thoughts

These are just some of the different factors that should be taken into consideration if you are considering a teacup dog.

Although they may be the right choice for some people, there are others who should probably avoid choosing one as their pet.

It is important to do a little bit of research about the specific dog breed, as well as teacup-sized dogs, before deciding to adopt one.