You may have noticed teacup dogs have become trendy lately. While these tiny four-legged canines are certainly adorable, do they make the best pets? Here, we share the truth about teacup dogs.
What is a teacup dog?
Teacup dogs are pooches that have been intentionally bred to be as small as possible. However, the practices used to breed these dogs can lead to some health issues. Most dogs that are considered to be teacup size weigh 5 pounds or less.
Pugs, Yorkies and Shih Tzus are among the different breeds of teacup dogs. To create these tiny canine companions, breeders will breed runts from different litters together. This can lead to problems because dogs are sometimes runs due to birth defects or other medical conditions.
Why are teacup dogs so popular?
Dog breeds are one area where trends have a significant influence. Over the last decade, an increasing number of celebrities have appeared in media with teacup dogs, making them popular. There is also a cuteness factor—people love that their dog can fit into a small bag and go everywhere with them.
Pet owners who live in facilities with pet size restrictions or who can only provide short walks or other types of exercise may also find small dogs appealing. When healthy, day-to-day costs for these breeds are low since they don't require much food.
However, veterinarians will tell you that due to their breeding history, these pocket-size pets are predisposed to numerous medical conditions.
So, what are the health risks for teacup dogs?
Good breeding practices state that you should breed the healthiest pups, not just the ones you like the look of. Teacup dogs are at risk for a number of medical conditions, including:
- Hypoglycemia
- Heart defects
- Collapsing trachea
- Seizures
- Respiratory problems
- Blindness
- Poor liver health
- Dental and gum issues (often their baby teeth will not fall out on their own)
- Patella luxation (sliding kneecaps)
- Easily broken bones
As you can see, there is a range of issues that could affect your tiny pup and so diligent care is important. While you should bring every pet to the vet annually for a routine exam, your vet may suggest you bring your teacup pup in more often to screen for potential health conditions.
There is also the difficulty of treating teacup dogs. It is difficult to operate on teacup dogs as their bodies have a hard time with anesthesia and it can be challenging to get an IV into them.
If you're considering a teacup dog, it is important to buy from a reputable breeder who actively screens their dogs for medical conditions and only breeds healthy pups. You should also be sure that you are committed, both financially and emotionally, to your tiny friend.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.