Health being the imperative issue to me, not a kennel club standard...here (hilarious right TEACUP bashing by a designer dog expert) I know nothing about this lady BTW, but was just saying health is the issue for some not a kennel club standard...so even if you like outside the box Yorkies...you should still be concerned with health and breeding a dog to small to be bred is a virtual death sentence and should be considered cruelty on so many levels.
When Yorkshire Terriers are too small - under 4 pounds - there are at least
five serious problems owners face.
1. Very fragile
Their bones are extremely fragile; a jump from the couch or other pets in the household can seriously injure the super-tiny dog and of course, they're not for children. Besides very fragile bones, the Teacup's organs are often underdeveloped and can suddenly fail.
2. Dental problems
Every breed has weaknesses, and Yorkies are known for dental problems like baby teeth that don't fall out and huge tartar build-up. For Teacups, add another issue: there's often not enough room in their mouths for healthy teeth to grow. That makes feeding a challenge and you may be faced with costly dental work almost immediately to relieve your dog's pain.
3. Hard to potty train
It makes sense that since the Teacup's bladder is much smaller than 'regular' Yorkies, that house-training can be almost impossible no matter how hard you and your puppy work at it.
4. Difficult to feed properly
Extra-small Yorkies must have a very high quality dog food made specifically for puppies, or food that you make yourself... and they must eat at least 3 times a day, if not 4 or 5 times.
That's a big responsibility. 5. Low-blood-sugar shock
If Teacup Yorkies don't eat often enough, they risk
hypoglycemia --
a drastic drop in blood sugar that can lead to shock and even death! There is a risk of hypoglycemia in all toy breeds when they are puppies, but once they're a bit bigger that danger fades. However, the threat is always there for Teacups.
These are just 5 reasons why ethical breeders don't try and produce extra small Yorkies. To them, the Teacup is simply a too-small runt who, by cause of today's better vet techniques, happens to live. And unfortunately for the owner, the Teacup, however cute, brings a whole slew of problems.
Deb Gray is a self-taught expert and confessed lover of Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese and their crossbreed, Morkies. Learn more about making these dogs your perfect animal companions at Deb's sites
http://www.growingupyorkie.com and
http://www.yorkie-maltesemix.com You'll find practical advice, hints and down-to-earth tips; resources; forums and unique sources for gifts, equipment and more.
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