WHY does everyone want a "teacup"??????

[BakersDozen]

Originally Posted by cooperk

When I began my research into the breed, I had no idea how small a 5 lb Yorkie was. I think it's difficult for people to scale the actual size of the dog by the weight, unless they are more familiar with the breed.

This is a good point. Not everyone looking for a "tiny" dog really wants a tiny dog. The term is relative. As you say, the average person can't estimate weight very well. So someone may SAY they want a very tiny dog....but really mean they want a 5-6 lb. dog. As usual, boils down to lots of conversation.

[BakersDozen]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

Wow, this is a little harsh.

It is a little harsh, and could have been phrased less aggressively....although if I try to put myself in the OP's shoes, I can see why it would be aggravating for someone to assume that, as a breeder, I don't know the term teacup doesn't refer to the breed....and say it is scary for me to be breeding. Both posts could have been less provoking.

[cooperk]

Originally Posted by ILOVEYORKIES2

Many people that ask for 2 and 3 lb. dogs are really thinking eye weight. I have so many times heard someone say their Yorkie was 3 or 4 lbs but if you were to put it on a scale it would be over 5 lbs. Sometimes they look smaller then they really are. A 2 lb. Yorkie would be really really tiny or really skinny. People now days are living in a dream land.

That's an interesting point. I wonder how many people have actually weighed their Yorkie. I have a postal package scale so I keep an accurate weight on my Trixie as she grows (up to 4.1 lbs now, yea!). She's very small to me. I can't imagine an adult dog smaller than this - it would be very tiny to me.

[Marly Mathews]

Shylah, weighs about 6lbs and you wouldn't know it. She has such a delicate bone structure, Brynna, weighs 8lbs, and has a larger bone structure, they are littermates, and we think they are a nice size. It just goes to show that you can get different sizes from the same litter. Just like humans.

My sister takes them to the vet. The last time she took them, the vet tech, said she hadn't seen yorkies that big. She had a real one at home. She started to inform my sister that real yorkies, don't get above 5lbs and even then that is too big. Now my sister is not the type to politely ignore such ignorance.

Needless, to say the vet tech was quite succinctly informed!

Unfortunately it is people who are in these positions, ( that should know better) who perpetuate the problem.

I am very glad that you make sure that your prospective parents are properly informed.

Big or small we love them all.
Best
~Marly

[sheilajom]

Originally Posted by cooperk

That's an interesting point. I wonder how many people have actually weighed their Yorkie. I have a postal package scale so I keep an accurate weight on my Trixie as she grows (up to 4.1 lbs now, yea!). She's very small to me. I can't imagine an adult dog smaller than this - it would be very tiny to me.

I agree, when they weighed my yorkie and I looked at the growth chart and he's supposed to be around 4-5 lbs when full grown. I was like he's going to be bigger than I thought, but in reality that is very small! He is just a tad over 2lbs now and an XS is big on him! So if he gets to be 5 lbs so what, he'll fit in his clothes better and he can jump on the couch with me, which I'm so excited looking forward to the day he can do that! No I didn't go out searching for a quote "tcup", I just thought that all yorkies were small until I joined YT.

[cooperk]

It's true that alot of people don't know alot about the breed. This is another opportunity for us to kindly educate them a bit.

[C C Kent]

Originally Posted by DorkyYorkies

Ok so my puppies are now 7 weeks old and I have begun the process of trying to find them wonderful new homes. Right now I am just taking calls and letting people look at them if they are interested. The problem I am having is that everyone wants a "teacup". I try to explain to them about the health problems that the little ones tend to have and that "teacup" is just a label. The parents of my puppies are 7 and 8 pounds, which in my opinion is a good healthy weight. There is no guarantee that all of the puppies are going to be the same size as their parents. The fathers on both sides were only 4 pounds, so these pups could still be small. You can't even guarantee that a 3lb male and a 4lb female will produce pups that small. People don't seem to understand this and I don't know how else to put it. How do you all go about finding "quality" homes for your yorkies? I don't want my pups going to just anyone. What do you tell people when they start with the whole "teacup" issue?

I occasionally have very small puppies, it takes longer for me to place them because of the FBI background check I do on the potential new home. I ALWAYS point out to the new mommy that almost every vet procedure is going to be a big deal, involving extra expense. Finding a vet to perform simple anesthesia is only the first step. They will nearly always retain baby teeth and require anesthesia to have them removed at about 8 months, so the hope that everything will be OK begins there. The exceptionally small ones can happen with any size breeding pair, whether it's a gene copying error or simply differences in hormonal response regulating growth stages.

We should handle the uneducated with care because in order to actually educate them, we must show them common courtesy. I've heard it said that "A mind changed against it's will, is of the same opinion still." Very small Yorkies, according to the history I've read, have been prized companions of the affluent since the early days of the breed. The early breeders were likely not attempting to breed that small, given the job they were expected to perform, but genetic anomalies will always capture the attention of the casual observer, and the casual observer will likely be uninformed. It might be unrealistic to expect that to change. IMHO

[Olivier]

Peoples want smaller Yorkies and have a chance to make $$$$$$$$$$$$ with the pups they'll produce . They are always looking to have them for cheap , and making abusing prices for the suckers who buy from them .

[BakersDozen]

Originally Posted by C C Kent

I occasionally have very small puppies, it takes longer for me to place them because of the FBI background check I do on the potential new home. I ALWAYS point out to the new mommy that almost every vet procedure is going to be a big deal, involving extra expense. Finding a vet to perform simple anesthesia is only the first step. They will nearly always retain baby teeth and require anesthesia to have them removed at about 8 months, so the hope that everything will be OK begins there. The exceptionally small ones can happen with any size breeding pair, whether it's a gene copying error or simply differences in hormonal response regulating growth stages.

We should handle the uneducated with care because in order to actually educate them, we must show them common courtesy. I've heard it said that "A mind changed against it's will, is of the same opinion still." Very small Yorkies, according to the history I've read, have been prized companions of the affluent since the early days of the breed. The early breeders were likely not attempting to breed that small, given the job they were expected to perform, but genetic anomalies will always capture the attention of the casual observer, and the casual observer will likely be uninformed. It might be unrealistic to expect that to change. IMHO

[navygirl76]

i always assumed some people wanted "teacup" or "toy" (i know, i know lol) yorkies and other breeds like that because its so trendy, they just pull a paris hilton and slap it in a designer bag as a status symbol and walk around with their big sunglasses. just sad.

[nydia]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

Wow, this is a little harsh.

I admit that was harsh but I just get sick of the ignorant comments, you don't know me so don't assume anything and maybe if people really pay attention to what they read they wouldn't have to write such dumb comments. I'm sorry but I have been attacked on here a couple of times, so from now on if I feel I'm being attacked I'm not going to act like a victim and get all sad about it or complain, I'm just going to put you in your place and let you have it whether you like it or not.

[Wylie's Mom]

Um, I don't think there is any reason for the use of the word "dumb", or similar words, in this thread. If folks want to have a discussion, great. But I would respectfully ask that people be respectful.

[Woogie Man]

I placed a small girl with someone yesterday. It was only after several phone conversations and exchanging some e-mails with me sending her current pictures. This baby is 2pounds 2ounces at 4 1/2 months but surprisingly sturdy (for her size). Anyway, when she finally saw her in person, her reaction was "OMG, I didn't think she was THAT small!!". The point being that size is relative in someone's mind and when people ask for a 'small' or 'teacup' Yorkie, they may not realize just how small they can be. I feel comfortable with the buyer due to no children in the house and the fact that she is home all day. Also, she was receptive to caring for her properly and believe me, I went into detail about it and also sent her more info via e-mail including the suggestion she join YorkieTalk. I also let new owners know that they can call me ANYTIME and that no question is stupid. I won't place any of my pups, smaller or otherwise, with anyone that doesn't seem to want to take the extra care that a Yorkie requires. It's the only way I can sleep at night without worrying about them. They all will always be my babies even after they've found their forever home. p.s.......here she is

[tobysmom328]

WOW!!! Everyone really wants "teacups". I know when I first started looking last year I wanted one that would get atleast 6 to 7 lbs. Simply because my bf was worried he couldn't handle her..

We now have a 3.75 lbs girl and she's full grown.. she looks so tiny when he holds her but I think it worked out for the best.

I would say that anyone calling about "teacups" simply don't know much about the breed. Then again, I didn't know much about them 6 months ago and have learned so much since them.. I'd encourage you to urge them to read up on the breed, give them some websites to search around on.. (here for example) if they are really interested in your puppies, they will do their part and learn. And the only way to judge that they know their stuff is talking to them or meeting them. Get references...vet references. I would have a hard time selling any.. but that's why i'm not a breeder and will never attempt to be one!! Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great on finding them all loving homes!!!

[EmrldShdwQueen]

I personally don't mind the word "teacup", although I am aware that it's not an "official" or different type of yorkie. To me, it just refers to a tiny yorkie, one that will be smaller than what people typically think of (4-7 lbs). If someone uses that term that doesn't immediately turn me away, what matters more to me is if they'll have a good home for my baby. I check their references, read their application, and talk with them several times before one is placed, so whether or not they refer to it as a teacup, mixing bowl, measuring spoon, whatever...doesn't matter to me as long as they provide a loving forever home where the puppy will be happy and well cared for.

Now, back to the original post, it does make me sad that EVERYONE seems to be looking for the smaller ones now. I end up with several smaller puppies, but my moms are all standard size, so I don't per se breed for tinies, but have quite a few. I'm having a much more difficult time placing the babies that are going to be over 4 lbs full grown. Tinies ARE a lot more work, and as Woogie Man mentioned, they really are...TINY...a lot smaller than people think until they see them. I had a lady ask me the other day if a puppy would be alright to be left for 8 hours while they were gone to work. I told her that a standard size would be fine, but not a tiny...you just have to worry about 10Xs more things with the little ones. It used to be that nobody wanted the yorkies OVER standard 7 lbs, now they don't even want the standard size... I have no problem toting my 6-7 lb girls around, and they're still SMALL.