Hi, I just thought I would shed some light on a somewhat touchy subject that a lot of people might not know about! Most here do I'm sure, but in case anyone was looking to purchase the ever-so-popular "teacup" Yorkie, OR purchase from a breeder who advertises "teacups", please read!
The term widely used describing some Yorkshire Terriers as Tea Cups is NOT a term that reputable breeders use. There is NO SUCH THING as a teacup Yorkshire Terrier! These are terms that certain breeders use to increase interest in their dogs (and most always the price).
It seems as though there is a plethora of people who are insistent on buying tiny puppies in the 2 to 4 pound range. Also commonly referred to as a "Teacup puppy". The word "Teacup" has been used to merely describe the size of a puppy, meaning it is very small and will probably be under the standard size which is 4 to 7 pounds for the Toy Group, Yorkshire Terrier breed. We cannot imagine anyone wanting anything smaller than that!
Many breeders, while tacking a whooping price on a puppy, "claim" to breed so called "teacups" as if they were a breed all their own. Don't be fooled! They are not a breed all their own. If a breeder says they specialize in "teacups," RUN, RUN, RUN for the hills! Most "TEACUP" puppies are in reality, a premature puppy.
Some of the health problems that may be encountered are both genetic and congenital in these tiny babies and the list is a long one. The risk of open fontanels, portosystemic shunts (PSS), hypoglycemia, cardiac problems, collapsing trachea, luxating patellas, Leggs Calves Perthes disease, seizures, hydroencephaly, blindness and digestive problems can be increased in these
tiny babies.
Problems such as respiratory problems can remain or worsen throughout their lives. These babies frequently are so fragile that they do not live more than a few years. So called "Teacups" fetch anything from $1000 to $10,000! This is ridiculous and shameful! There are a lot of chronically unhealthy puppies because unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills are inbreeding. Some poor darlings only live for a very, very short time!
They take the little teeny tiny Yorkies and they breed 2 1/2 pounders with 3 pounders ... well they’re playing with genetics. You should NEVER breed a female of any breed less than 5 pounds.
PLEASE educate yourselves before buying a tiny puppy whether it is a Yorkie or any other breed. You could be in for months or years of heartbreak not to mention staggering veterinarian bills!
Thanks for reading, this information came from this website:
The Tea Cup Phenomenon ... a MUST read!