[PrincessDiana]

Originally Posted by House

AKC Standard - It's been mentioned, it's been linked. If you don't believe me, google AKC and look up yorkies. The standard is "Must not exceed seven pounds." That includes everything from 0.0 lbs to 7 lbs. The average of 0 to 7 would then be 3.5-4 lbs. So if 4 lbs is about "averaged" size (used very generally), I don't see how a 3 lb dog is "tiny" or "teacup."

Teapot - Clearly a play on "teacup". Used to refer to Yorkies over 7 lbs since they are technically above the AKC standard. I do not think I have ever heard anyone use teapot in a non-joking/endearing manner.

Teacup - I loathe this word. Tiny is almost as bad, except when someone says, "You're dog is soooo tiny." I've had someone ask me if mine is a mini-yorkie before. Seriously.

Here's my problem with teacup and tiny (and mini) - it's not an official breed (like with poodles and pinchers) and it's not used on bigger dogs, which in my mind defeats the argument that is simply a size descripter. When talking about a smaller than normal lab, it's not called a "teacup lab." It's called small or "tiny for a lab", but usually just small. I have no problem with small.

Also, teacup is most commonly used to refer to smaller than normal dogs (yorkies) whose main purpose is a fashion accessory for some vapid psuedo-starlet. Just as breeders falsely advertise "teacups" to exploit people's ignorance, I think those same people purposely bought teacups as a fashion statement/accesory/whatever because it's the cool thing and "so hot".

I didn't get my dog because I wanted to be in style or fashionable or cool. (I actually wanted bigger dog, and Harls was the compromise. Now she's daddy's little girl). And I don't want people who see her to assume I'm trying to just follow the latest hollywood trends because I have a small yorkie.

BTW, Harley is 2.4 lbs and 4 months old. I am hoping she gets to 5 lbs because of the health risks associated with the smaller ones. I don't dress her up, I don't put bows in her hair, and I don't carry her in a man-purse. But she does get cold and shakes real bad when its cold outside, so I am rethinking some clothes just to keep her warm (oh and if I can find it, a football jersey for september).

And knowing how these dogs really do get cold, I do not think all people who put clothes on their dog are hypocritical if they criticize someone for carrying them in their purse. I personally don't care if someone has a dog in their purse, so long as the dog is properly taken care of. I wouldn't do it, but it doesn't bother me if others do.

I LOVE this post!