I have a different take on the whole "teacup" thing.
Yes, here at YT, and many out there who are lovers of the yorkie breed know that there is
no AKC classification for smaller yorkies that are often referred to as "teacup." However, just like many of us at one time didn't know so much about these wonderful little doggies, the same can be said of people out there who you may meet.
The media is full of the buzz terms "teacup yorkie." And many people out there do not know about the AKC definitions. I think a lot of people are simply trying to find something to carry on a conversation about when they find out you have a yorkie. Just like I might try to mention a buzz word on another topic that I am not so familiar with. If this makes sense.
So I don't get all offended and defensive if a person asks me if Chloe is a "teacup," (all 6 pounds of her!
).
For the majority of the people out there, it is simply a matter of semantics. For all intents and purposes, and
outside of the world of not-so-reputable-breeders, the term is simply and innocently used to describe a smaller sized yorkie. In a longer conversation, it might be worthwhile to educate someone on the reality of the situation, but in a casual encounter, jumping to correct someone makes you look defensive and rude, and will often result in alienating the person who asked, rather than succeeding in the purpose that was intended.
In short, I realize that in most of such situations, people mean no harm in asking about teacups. They don't know what we all here at YT know about disreputable breeders and the practice of exploiting tinies for more money. They have often just heard the term here and there and don't know what it means to
us.
I like to keep that in mind when someone asks.