tea cup yorkie breeder

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

It passed with Lyme disease and people have offered sympathy on another thread she posted.

Thanks for clarifying. :-) I confess that I sometimes get frustrated at how quickly some people are to jump to the lecture about smaller Yorkies. I apologize if I misunderstood people's messages in this thread.

I'm regularly stopped by strangers and asked if Sophie is a "tea cup," and I do explain that there's no such thing-- that "tea cup" is a marketing ploy used by unscrupulous breeders. That unethical breeders will breed dogs to be smaller than is healthy just so they can label the pups as "tea cup" and charge exorbitant prices.

However... I also think sometimes some people on YT can be a little quick to judge those of us with tiny dogs, assuming that we made a conscious choice to buy little ones, when really some of us just have dogs that surprised us by not growing up to be 5-7+ lbs. My mom's Yorkie is 11 lbs., not fat, just a big, healthy guy. The funny thing is that she gets stopped by people, too... only they tell her that there's no way her dog can be a full-blooded Yorkie because "he's too big."

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by mommyofsophie

Thanks for clarifying. :-) I confess that I sometimes get frustrated at how quickly some people are to jump to the lecture about smaller Yorkies. I apologize if I misunderstood people's messages in this thread.

I'm regularly stopped by strangers and asked if Sophie is a "tea cup," and I do explain that there's no such thing-- that "tea cup" is a marketing ploy used by unscrupulous breeders. That unethical breeders will breed dogs to be smaller than is healthy just so they can label the pups as "tea cup" and charge exorbitant prices.

However... I also think sometimes some people on YT can be a little quick to judge those of us with tiny dogs, assuming that we made a conscious choice to buy little ones, when really some of us just have dogs that surprised us by not growing up to be 5-7+ lbs. My mom's Yorkie is 11 lbs., not fat, just a big, healthy guy. The funny thing is that she gets stopped by people, too... only they tell her that there's no way her dog can be a full-blooded Yorkie because "he's too big."

Sometimes you just can't win for losing.

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by mommyofsophie

Thanks for clarifying. :-) I confess that I sometimes get frustrated at how quickly some people are to jump to the lecture about smaller Yorkies. I apologize if I misunderstood people's messages in this thread.

I'm regularly stopped by strangers and asked if Sophie is a "tea cup," and I do explain that there's no such thing-- that "tea cup" is a marketing ploy used by unscrupulous breeders. That unethical breeders will breed dogs to be smaller than is healthy just so they can label the pups as "tea cup" and charge exorbitant prices.

However... I also think sometimes some people on YT can be a little quick to judge those of us with tiny dogs, assuming that we made a conscious choice to buy little ones, when really some of us just have dogs that surprised us by not growing up to be 5-7+ lbs. My mom's Yorkie is 11 lbs., not fat, just a big, healthy guy. The funny thing is that she gets stopped by people, too... only they tell her that there's no way her dog can be a full-blooded Yorkie because "he's too big."

I hadn't posted in this thread but just read it & wanted to share a feeling - only based on the years of being here

People were warning her - similar to what you do when asked about Sophie - which is a good thing - many people have no idea what the word 'teacup' really stands for - which is a 'catch' word.....so it's just a matter of knowledge..

Many people have tinies - most of them really didn't know how small their puppy would be ....I've never seen anyone judged because they have a tiny -but sometimes yes - I do see people trying to warn others about what the possible issues can arise with a very small dog....and if I were looking for a very tiny dog - I'd want to hear the good and the bad I think...

My Chanel is on the larger side - I've been asked twice if she was the MALE (and Cheri would be the female) but never had someone question whether she was full yorkie - course it cracks me up cause I braid her hair alot & both times - it was in a braid with a PINK bow

[taconner]

Hi, I'm new to the site and have just lost my baby girl of 12 years. I would like to find a good breeder to get another little girl. Sassy was only about 3 1/2 pounds and I would like to find another one that will get about that size. She had a short nose and a beautiful dark coat. I'm from Henderson, KY and would like to find one close by that I could see the parents as well.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by taconner

Hi, I'm new to the site and have just lost my baby girl of 12 years. I would like to find a good breeder to get another little girl. Sassy was only about 3 1/2 pounds and I would like to find another one that will get about that size. She had a short nose and a beautiful dark coat. I'm from Henderson, KY and would like to find one close by that I could see the parents as well.

My advice would be to contact breedrs and tell them what you are looking for. I would avoid breeders who use the terms "teacup", "tinies" "micro minis" etc, as they are purposely breeding for the tiny ones and are not real concerned with the health of the dogs.

All breeders will occasionally get a smaller one but you want to avoid those who breed specifically for them.

Another thing to consider, would a pound or two really make that much difference? a 4 to 5 pound dog is still a very small dog, they easily be carried around and are not so fragile.

[Twinkie2Cute]

Originally Posted by taconner

Hi, I'm new to the site and have just lost my baby girl of 12 years. I would like to find a good breeder to get another little girl. Sassy was only about 3 1/2 pounds and I would like to find another one that will get about that size. She had a short nose and a beautiful dark coat. I'm from Henderson, KY and would like to find one close by that I could see the parents as well.

Hello and welcome! I can't help you with your search, but I want to wish you good luck.

[BamaFan121s]

First off, welcome to YT! I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your little one.

Secondly, as others have pointed out, there are no reputable breeders of "teacup" Yorkies. Ethical breeders strive for healthy dogs that adhere to the breed standard--they do not purposely breed to achieve extremely tiny dogs. So you will be hard pressed to find someone recommending a reputable breeder purposely breeding tinies. If you want a smaller dog, then I would suggest that you talk with some breeders and ask to be put on a waiting list in case they have a smaller dog born. It does happen, just not purposely.

[BellaMoon]

here is a website on teacups that you might want to read!
The sad truth about "teacup dogs"

Thanks everyone, give people time to learn, thats life!!!

[yorkieusa]

I'd like to add this:

Toy/ Miniature/ Teacup Yorkies
Overview

The AKC standard for the Yorkshire Terrier used to state that the dog was to not exceed 7 pounds (3.17 kg).

Many sites will still relay this information.

However, the AKC now has an official weight of 4 to 7 pounds (1.81 to 3.17 kg)

Before this change, breeders could breed for a 2 pound Yorkies without causing any stirs. Now, most attempt to stay within breed standards. Let's discuss what a Teacup Yorkie actually is.

What does "Teacup Yorkie" really mean?
An Official Breed of the Teacup?

Information regarding Teacup Yorkies can sometimes seem conflicting. Most dog breeds which are classified in the Toy group such as the Pomeranian, Chihuahua and the Yorkie are dogs in which people, the media, breeders and others will refer to Teacup varieties of the breed.

There is is only 1 Yorkshire Terrier breed. There is no official breed known as the Teacup Yorkie. This holds true for just about all dog breeds. (The Miniature Poodle is an example of an exception)

However, with the Chihuahua, Pomeranian and other dogs including the Yorkie, there is only 1 dog breed. There is not a separate variety which is a Teacup, Miniature, Toy or other name which implies a smaller sized breed, separate from the standard breed.

Until rather recently, the AKC standard did not mention a minimum weight for the Yorkie. This left breeders the window of breeding down to any weight that they felt comfortable doing.

Now, there is a minimum weight stated in the AKC standard: 4 pounds ( 1.81 kg).

The term teacup refers to a dog on the smaller end of the weight standard. It may also refer to a dog under the weight standard.

There is no clear line. The media has taken this word and pushed it into the mainstream of those purchasing puppies. One breeder may call a 4 (1.81 kg) pound Yorkie a Teacup and another will refer only 2 or 3 pound (.90 kg or 1.36 kg) dogs as Teacups.

The public wants very small "Teacup" Yorkies, but breeders know that very tiny dogs= health issues.

Ethical breeders who refer to Teacup Yorkshire Terriers breed to the lower end of the weight scale and usually would not attempt to breed dogs under 2 or 3 pounds when fully grown.

Ethics

The smaller a dog is bred to be, the more health issues that dog will have. Hypoglycemia occurs more often in 2 pound (.90 kg) dogs than in 7 pound (3.17 kg) dogs. A 2 pound (.90kg) dog will not recover from health conditions as fast as a 6 pound (2.72kg) dog.

Ethical, professional breeders who are devoted to the love of the breed will focus on breeding Yorkies who fit the breed standard. Can an ethical breeder sell Teacups? Yes. Why? It is a breeder who decides which puppies will be labeled as a Teacup and the word is not a noun, it is an adjective. Therefore, Teacup = small.

A breeder may carefully pair dogs in order to produce litters of puppies, who when fully grown will be at the bottom end of the weight standard, this generally ranges from 4 to 5 pounds (1.81 to 2.26 kg). In doing this, a breeder is in the range of the AKC standard and is not breeding unnaturally small dogs. These dog are often referred to as Teacup Yorkies and this is fine...the dogs are within the standard and not so small as to be overly fragile with health issues.

There are breeders who aim to please the demand of the pubic and not please those who show dogs. However, if a breeder purposefully breeds for dogs who are under 2 pounds (.90 kg) when fully grown, this is not in the best interest of the puppies, owners or the breeders. You will find that most ethical breeders will not do this. It is illogical to do so, as these very tiny puppies will struggle to survive. An ethical breeder invests a lot of time and money into their lines. Breeding dogs who do not survive is not their goal.

Therefore:

If a breeder sells Teacup Yorkies and tells people that it is a separate dog breed (saying that they do not breed Yorkies, they instead breed the Teacup Yorkie breed) this is not ethical (as there is no such dog breed).

If a breeder refers to dogs on the lower side of the accepted breed weight standard and using the word as a verb (small), this is ethical and widely accepted.

One must remember that a 7 pound dog (3.17 kg) is very little dog.


YorkieInfoCenter | Minature, Toy and Teacup Yorkie Information

[AMD]

Originally Posted by passante

I was wondering if anyone can help me find a reputable breeder of tea cup yorkies? We lost our three year old and are thinking of looking again. Help.

Welcome to YT! And I am so sorry for the loss of your baby.
You've received some good information and advice in this thread and I hope you stick around and learn all that YT has to offer. There is an abundance of knowledge here, and with so many unscrumptulous breeders these days you cannnot be too careful or too educated. Please be sure to find a reputable breeder for your new puppy.
Good luck with your search and please keep us updated!

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

However, the AKC now has an official weight of 4 to 7 pounds (1.81 to 3.17 kg)

No, they don't. The weight still recognized by the AKC is 'must not exceed 7 pounds.' There has not been a change. There is no set weight minimum for the breed that has been officially changed by the AKC.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/yorkshire_terrier/index.cfm

I see this stated quite often and I'm not sure why. It is incorrect.

[Lorraine]

It is true in my opinion that a reputable breeder will not purposely be breeding for tiny.
It has also been my considerable years of experience that my sires, dams and puppies haven't read the breed standard and when I have bred a very acceptable 5-7 lb to a 5-7lb and at times have gotten one pup or in one case both in a litter of two that finished size was 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 lbs, kind of blew all the theories about breeding for size out the door along with theories about breeding certan size sire and dams will produce certain size.
If I do have a small one, I dont sell as a teacup. I also don't even think of looking for a home until close to a year old or more and then it is spay/neutered and health tests done that can be done.
However, unfortunately, things can crop up as the pup gets older even beyond a year that will not manifest a problem in any health test.
The small ones are more expensive to own as any little thing that comes up cannot be dealt with without vet intervention while a larger yorkie can can often easily fend off without Vet intervention only because of size.

[Mardelin]

Since the YTCA is the owner/keeper of the standard I'll post this way too.

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America

One must keep in mind the standard is written for those of us who breed/exhibit as a guideline. It is what we should be striving for.

For the OP who is looking for a tiny, and requesting a reputable teacup breeder....well it is an oxymoron.....What I do suggest if this is what your heart is set on, is go to the YTCA.org breeder referral page....My reasoning is this.....to be pretty assurred that you will get what you want.......Many exhibitor/breeders hold on to dogs that have all the qualities that we are looking for in a show dog, but size......we hold on to them in hopes that they will grow and they don't.....so, we'll place them. These pups can be anywhere from 6 months to a year......gorgeous pups in full coat or near that....that just didn't grow. What is great about this, is that they are pretty much trained.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

No, they don't. The weight still recognized by the AKC is 'must not exceed 7 pounds.' There has not been a change. There is no set weight minimum for the breed that has been officially changed by the AKC.

American Kennel Club - Yorkshire Terrier

I see this stated quite often and I'm not sure why. It is incorrect.

I think people are just reading the first part where it says:

If you are considering purchasing a Yorkshire Terrier puppy, learn more here.

Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
Ranging in size from four to seven pounds.
Companion, ratter.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

They aren't looking at the standard, just that first section. I do know that the Yorkietalk sticky FAQ says, "The Yorkshire Terrier breed standard classifies Yorkies as up to 7 pounds. They may weigh from 4 to 7 pounds."
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/63423-post2.html

Anyway, that's where some people get the idea, and then you read it on here all the time too.

[Thomas J]

when I adopted my Thomas..his previous owner was told he was a 'teacup'. He is now a 13 pound teacup!