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teacup dogs

teacup dogs

I am looking to buy a teacup sized dog. I believe there are only a few types under this category. I can't find much information about them. Does this size breed really exist or is it a marketing ploy? If they do I would like some information on any extra care they might need and health problems. ANy information about teacup dogs that would aid me in a decision would be very helpful! I am most interested in the teacup poodle and maltese.

Hello, Julie! The decision to welcome a dog into your home is an important one, as you are obviously aware. I congratulate you for taking the time to consider possible health problems that may be associated with your new pet. Be sure to check with the breeder to make sure no skeletal or endocrine problems, eye, heart or other hereditary diseases are present in the dog's ancestry (I suggest that you pay particular attention to any history of "patellar luxation" or "luxating patella"; this is a crippling skeletal condition that can be inherited.) Once you find a dog that you'd like to adopt, ask to meet the dog's parents, and spend a little time playing with them; this will help you to evaluate the disposition and personality that your dog is likely to develop as he grows older. Ask whether the breeder offers a written guarantee that the dog is free of congenital health problems. Many breeders are willing to offer such a guarantee, usually for a period of one year. Below are a few online references regarding health. Maltese: "There is no such thing as a 'teacup Maltese.' Unknowledgeable breeders use this cutesy phrase as a 'marketing term' for the smallest Maltese, but in reality, there is only one Maltese breed, ranging from about 2 pounds up to about 10 pounds. You do NOT want a Maltese under 3 or 4 pounds, no matter how cute it is. These individuals are great risks in the health department. Their bones are fragile, there is not enough room in their mouth for healthy teeth, and their internal organs are often very weak. They tend to have lots of health problems and great difficulties regulating their blood sugar. Often they live a few years and then their owners wake up one morning and find them dead in their baskets from sudden heart or other organ failure. To make matters worse, some breeders actually charge MORE for these high-risk Maltese. There are breeders on the Internet taking advantage of naive buyers with prices of $1000, $1500, $2000 for "teacup" Maltese. Don't be taken! Stick with Maltese who will be 4 pounds and up at maturity. And don't pay more than $400 or $500." Your Purebred Puppy http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/maltese.html Poodle: "Smaller sounds easier than huge, right? Not really. While they won't break your teeth, they may break their own legs hopping off the bed or getting caught in a door by mistake. Stepping on a toy breed can cause serious injury to the dog. Trying to avoid stepping on one can cause injury to you. They are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and dehydration because they are so small. A bout of diarrhea inconsequential for a normal-sized pup can mean hospitalization for a 'teacup' poodle puppy. Dental problems are also significant, with retained puppy teeth and rotting adult teeth needing surgical attention. Again, their charms more than outweigh their downfalls, but anyone contemplating an extreme size should be aware of what they are getting into. Basically, the ancestors of the dog were 35-45 pound wolves with pointed noses, erect ears, short coat and long tail. The further you get from that general model either in size or shape, the more trouble problems you are likely to discover." Great Pets http://www.greatpets.com/home/dogs/new_dog/considerations/what_kind/tiny_or_huge_/d_article.jsp/d_article.jsp?articleId=341 "When you're buying a Miniature Poodle... Both parents should have OFA certificates (hips), yearly CERF (eyes), and be screened for luxating patella. A DNA certificate that shows whether they are affected, carriers, or clear of vWD (at least one parent must be clear) is extra security. Also ask about Legg-Perthes, low thyroid, seizures, allergies, and heart disease in the lines. Lifespan: 14-16 years." Your Purebred Puppy http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/miniaturepoodles.html Here is an excellent article about teacup dogs in general: Toy Puppies http://www.toypuppies.com/newsletters/teacup.html Search terms used: teacup maltese teacup poodle(s) teacup dog(s) teacup breed(s) health problem(s) disease(s) I am a dog-loving layperson, and I am active in an animal rescue group, but I am not a veterinarian. Please do not regard the material I have presented above as a substitute for advice from a veterinary professional. If anything that I've said is not clear, please request clarification before rating my answer; I'll be glad to offer further assistance. Best wishes, pinkfreud