Remy, at a little over 3 years old is 3 pounds. Her mother and father are both about 5 pounds. She was one of a litter of three. The breeder was up-front and honest and I knew she was the *runt* of this litter. I was told there was a good chance that she would be smaller than breed standard.
I researched, read and learned all I could about this breed, and the breeder was selective in who he placed his dogs with. I really felt honored that he trusted me to care for one of his *babies*
When I picked her up from the breeder's, her brother was still in the pen with her - omg - she was SO tiny next to him. It hit me then, seeing the comparison, just how tiny she was!
Although she is perfectly healthy, there are definite draw-backs that come with such a tiny girl. I had to potty-pad train her because she can't handle snow, freezing weather or even a heavy rain storm. The drenched lawn when mowed is enough to cause her to get soaking wet - and she gets cold very quickly. Surgeries (i.e. spay, injury etc..) anesthesia risks with any small animal - I'm lucky to have already had a good vet.
We have to be careful when she goes into exited *zoom* mode play
... I have to watch carefully when my young neices/nephews are here wanting to pick her up, etc...
But a little extra care is worth it because no matter what she weighs or how big/small she is - she's the best buddy/baby/cutest/gorgeous dog I've ever had. She was one of a 3 dog pack until we lost Jack our 11 year old Golden Retriever a few months ago. Now it's Remy and Max (Brittany) - and for a runt, she sure holds her own with bigger dogs
even though she can't run around free in the yard with them or come in and out all day at will.
Anyway - I think what I am trying to say is - big, small, chunky, tiny, teacup, teapot - it's still a Toy Breed - we all have small dogs - read, read, read - knowledge is power - I don't know how or why the tiniest of tiny became something to strive for... It makes me sad to know there are people out there taking advantage of the breed and the people who want to love and be loved by one of these amazing little dogs.
Hope that came out the way I wanted to say it
Linda