How do you politely tell someone - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MyFairLacy · 03-20-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindaV

Absolutely! I researched out the wazoolie, found a good breeder - and knew I was getting the runt!! She's amazing, but I do worry about her size! I know that being so small can pose risk, and I watch out for those things. Thankfully, I know her entire history, lineage, etc...

And to the previous poster - I can't even believe that someone would pay $10,000 for a puppy

Even if I had that kind of money... isn't the health, integrity and stability of the breed the most important thing? I love this breed for a reason, and it would be comforting to know that it's being preserved - the right way

Along the same note - my daughter's roomie paid $6,000 for a *teacup maltese* What!?? If I showed you a picture of this dog and asked you what breed it was I'd bet my last dime you would say it's a Westie. Again, I ask myself -what are people thinking? It's an adorable dog - but, not what was advertised, and she calls him a *teacup*

when asked what kind of dog he is... umm... he's about 15lbs, I guess *teacups* are getting bigger?

Education... read... know....

LOL that's how it normally goes too. A crappy breeder or petstore sells someone a "teacup" whatever and it ends up being HUGE

melanie daley · 03-20-2008, 10:18 PM

I do the exact same thing since Roxi is under 3lbs they always say "so shes a teacup" and I just explain the facts.. Sometimes they are appreciative for the info, and sometimes they catch an attitude.. And I honestly don' think it's about the topic, they just don't wan't to be corrected!!! Oh well!!

SgtPeppersMommy · 03-21-2008, 12:04 AM

I get asked if Sarge is a teacup, he's about 4 1/2 lbs now. I just say "teacup is a cute term to make uneducated people pay ridiculous money, but yes... in a bad breeder's terms he would be a 'teacup' I suppose..."

Quite honestly... I would be a wreck if I had a 2 lb dog. I'm already a worry-wart. hehe.

katcarasella · 03-21-2008, 12:18 AM

When people ask me if Bailey is a teacup Yorkie, I smile and say, No, she's a poodle that's having a bad hair day."

(Bailey is 4#s)

michiko · 03-21-2008, 05:55 AM

My response is

She is a yorkie and a little small. Yorkie has one standard and standard is 4 to 7 pounds. Haruka is 3lb so she is smaller than the standards. Teacup, the word is used for commercial purpose. So it sounds attractive. Some yorkies are smaller than others or bigger than others. But one standard.

deb22 · 03-21-2008, 07:08 AM

Penny was a gift to me. She WAS the runt of the litter. But that is the one my partner chose. Why? Because she fell in love when she saw her. And I love her no matter what size she is!

Quote:

The term "teapot" is used to sort of poke fun at the people who swear by the term "teacup". It's used for any Yorkies that are over the standard, 7lbs.

Thank you.

ash0248 · 03-21-2008, 08:37 AM

I know you can not register a yorkie using the term teacup yorkie, however I dont think people (non yorkie owners) are idiots for using the term, they have always heard the word teacup for very small dogs. So with yorkies being so small most people just use the term because of the size. I have a 3lbs so people ask ALL the time if he is a teacup, I dont tell them there is no such thing as a teacup I just tell them he weighs 3 lbs. Now people who are breeding and selling the babies using the term teacup knows better and needs to correct this. This is just my opinion and the way I deal with the situation.

MindieRose · 03-21-2008, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ash0248

I know you can not register a yorkie using the term teacup yorkie, however I dont think people (non yorkie owners) are idiots for using the term, they have always heard the word teacup for very small dogs. So with yorkies being so small most people just use the term because of the size. I have a 3lbs so people ask ALL the time if he is a teacup, I dont tell them there is no such thing as a teacup I just tell them he weighs 3 lbs. Now people who are breeding and selling the babies using the term teacup knows better and needs to correct this. This is just my opinion and the way I deal with the situation.

Thats true. My Grandma has always thought there was a such thing as a "teacup poodle" because she "had one" when her kids were growing up. In turn, my mother and her siblings have always thought there was a such thing too. They just never knew the difference at all. Its ignorance in most cases, but in breeder cases, its to make more money.
I tend to get frustrated when its people close to me that I have told that there is no such thing to, but they still continue to believe that there is. But, you cannot change what people believe, so if you tell them, and they still choose to believe it, its better to save your breath and walk away. I never correct my grandmother anymore. Whats the point? She's old and she doesnt breed or buy any dogs, so it would just cause unnecessary frustration in her few days she has left here.
Now my mom will still say stuff about teacup this and that, and I will say something, and she will get a little defensive. I try to understand though, because if you believed something your entire life and then are told something different when you are a grandmother, its hard to change that thought pattern.

PCMom · 03-21-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katcarasella

When people ask me if Bailey is a teacup Yorkie, I smile and say, No, she's a poodle that's having a bad hair day."

(Bailey is 4#s)

Do you mind if I steal this???? It is the perfect response to those who are rude enough to ask how much I paid! "Yorkie????? Oh Dam* I thought she was a teacup poodle...I really got took!"

I always try to educate everyone who asks simply because they asked! LOL of course then I go into my "did you know about puppymills and the lies they will tell to sale these beautiful, mistreated babies?" speech...hmmm, wonder if that's why my neighbors don't talk to me?

shelbys_mom · 03-21-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindaV

my exact thought too at the time. WHY are people so obsessed with size - of dogs - and - how *expensive* they are? As if the more dollars they pay is some kind of insurance they are getting a teenie-tiny-teacup, or whatever they are calling them this week!!?? I honestly don't understand the whole "pocketbook dog" "Purse dog" thing - at all

And- how all of a sudden it's OK for total strangers to ask how much I paid for my dog?

Just tell them you paid 1 dollar

. (I know this is false)

Nancy1999 · 03-21-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MindieRose

Thats true. My Grandma has always thought there was a such thing as a "teacup poodle" because she "had one" when her kids were growing up. In turn, my mother and her siblings have always thought there was a such thing too. They just never knew the difference at all. Its ignorance in most cases, but in breeder cases, its to make more money.
I tend to get frustrated when its people close to me that I have told that there is no such thing to, but they still continue to believe that there is. But, you cannot change what people believe, so if you tell them, and they still choose to believe it, its better to save your breath and walk away. I never correct my grandmother anymore. Whats the point? She's old and she doesnt breed or buy any dogs, so it would just cause unnecessary frustration in her few days she has left here.
Now my mom will still say stuff about teacup this and that, and I will say something, and she will get a little defensive. I try to understand though, because if you believed something your entire life and then are told something different when you are a grandmother, its hard to change that thought pattern.

It's a little more confusing because poodles have 3 weight classes, standard 45-70 pounds, miniature 15-17 lbs, and toy 6-9 lbs. People got confused on which size was the smallest - - miniature or toy, so they nicknamed the toy group - - Teacup - - and you knew they were referring to the smallest group. So, I agree with your grandma on this one.

With yorkies you only have one group, our standard size is the toy group, and there are no other classifications.

MyFairLacy · 03-21-2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

It's a little more confusing because poodles have 3 weight classes, standard 45-70 pounds, miniature 15-17 lbs, and toy 6-9 lbs. People got confused on which size was the smallest - - miniature or toy, so they nicknamed the toy group - - Teacup - - and you knew they were referring to the smallest group. So, I agree with your grandma on this one.

With yorkies you only have one group, our standard size is the toy group, and there are no other classifications.

but there is no such thing as a teacup poodle either

Nancy1999 · 03-21-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

but there is no such thing as a teacup poodle either

Yes, I know that but it was just a descriptive word (nickname) given to distinguish between the two groups - - miniature and toy. No one could remember which group was the smallest. So, if someone said teacup you knew they meant it was a small poodle. Most dog owners had never seen a dog show, they knew about the AKC, but were not familiar with the classifications. We were mighty dumb back then! We didn't use the proper terminology for lots of things.

Keno · 03-21-2008, 12:44 PM

Tell people if they can find a teacup that your dog can fit in, then she/he is a 'teacup Yorkie'.

Most people simply do not know, since they have heard the term so many times.

Very unlikely. Except those cute ceramic planters that are like 3 liters and shaped like a teacup.

mistyinca · 03-21-2008, 12:54 PM

I have a different take on the whole "teacup" thing.

Yes, here at YT, and many out there who are lovers of the yorkie breed know that there is no AKC classification for smaller yorkies that are often referred to as "teacup." However, just like many of us at one time didn't know so much about these wonderful little doggies, the same can be said of people out there who you may meet.

The media is full of the buzz terms "teacup yorkie." And many people out there do not know about the AKC definitions. I think a lot of people are simply trying to find something to carry on a conversation about when they find out you have a yorkie. Just like I might try to mention a buzz word on another topic that I am not so familiar with. If this makes sense.

So I don't get all offended and defensive if a person asks me if Chloe is a "teacup," (all 6 pounds of her!

).

For the majority of the people out there, it is simply a matter of semantics. For all intents and purposes, and outside of the world of not-so-reputable-breeders, the term is simply and innocently used to describe a smaller sized yorkie. In a longer conversation, it might be worthwhile to educate someone on the reality of the situation, but in a casual encounter, jumping to correct someone makes you look defensive and rude, and will often result in alienating the person who asked, rather than succeeding in the purpose that was intended.

In short, I realize that in most of such situations, people mean no harm in asking about teacups. They don't know what we all here at YT know about disreputable breeders and the practice of exploiting tinies for more money. They have often just heard the term here and there and don't know what it means to us.

I like to keep that in mind when someone asks.

03-20-2008, 10:18 PM	#32
melanie daley Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Belmont Shore SoCal Posts: 852	I do the exact same thing since Roxi is under 3lbs they always say "so shes a teacup" and I just explain the facts.. Sometimes they are appreciative for the info, and sometimes they catch an attitude.. And I honestly don' think it's about the topic, they just don't wan't to be corrected!!! Oh well!! __________________ Melanie Roxi & Rocco

03-21-2008, 12:04 AM	#33
SgtPeppersMommy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N Ridgeville, OH Posts: 235	I get asked if Sarge is a teacup, he's about 4 1/2 lbs now. I just say "teacup is a cute term to make uneducated people pay ridiculous money, but yes... in a bad breeder's terms he would be a 'teacup' I suppose..." Quite honestly... I would be a wreck if I had a 2 lb dog. I'm already a worry-wart. hehe. __________________ Sgt. Pepper, AKA "Sarge" & his mommy, Lacey.

03-21-2008, 05:55 AM	#35
michiko The Yorkie Sitter Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 2,350	My response is She is a yorkie and a little small. Yorkie has one standard and standard is 4 to 7 pounds. Haruka is 3lb so she is smaller than the standards. Teacup, the word is used for commercial purpose. So it sounds attractive. Some yorkies are smaller than others or bigger than others. But one standard. __________________ Michiko (Ethicist) and Haruka(Fragrance of Spring Flowers) [/URL][/COLOR]

03-21-2008, 08:37 AM	#37
ash0248 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Al Posts: 195	I know you can not register a yorkie using the term teacup yorkie, however I dont think people (non yorkie owners) are idiots for using the term, they have always heard the word teacup for very small dogs. So with yorkies being so small most people just use the term because of the size. I have a 3lbs so people ask ALL the time if he is a teacup, I dont tell them there is no such thing as a teacup I just tell them he weighs 3 lbs. Now people who are breeding and selling the babies using the term teacup knows better and needs to correct this. This is just my opinion and the way I deal with the situation. __________________

03-21-2008, 12:44 PM	#44
Keno Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: sunny CA Posts: 789	Tell people if they can find a teacup that your dog can fit in, then she/he is a 'teacup Yorkie'. Most people simply do not know, since they have heard the term so many times. Very unlikely. Except those cute ceramic planters that are like 3 liters and shaped like a teacup. __________________ Dogs are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms, they do not borrow money, they only beg for food and love.

03-21-2008, 12:18 AM	#34
katcarasella BANNED FOR STEALING YORKIETALK CONTENT! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Area Posts: 1,175	When people ask me if Bailey is a teacup Yorkie, I smile and say, No, she's a poodle that's having a bad hair day." (Bailey is 4#s)

03-21-2008, 12:54 PM	#45
mistyinca No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 4,143 Blog Entries: 2	I have a different take on the whole "teacup" thing. Yes, here at YT, and many out there who are lovers of the yorkie breed know that there is no AKC classification for smaller yorkies that are often referred to as "teacup." However, just like many of us at one time didn't know so much about these wonderful little doggies, the same can be said of people out there who you may meet. The media is full of the buzz terms "teacup yorkie." And many people out there do not know about the AKC definitions. I think a lot of people are simply trying to find something to carry on a conversation about when they find out you have a yorkie. Just like I might try to mention a buzz word on another topic that I am not so familiar with. If this makes sense. So I don't get all offended and defensive if a person asks me if Chloe is a "teacup," (all 6 pounds of her! ). For the majority of the people out there, it is simply a matter of semantics. For all intents and purposes, and *outside of the world* of not-so-reputable-breeders, the term is simply and innocently used to describe a smaller sized yorkie. In a longer conversation, it might be worthwhile to educate someone on the reality of the situation, but in a casual encounter, jumping to correct someone makes you look defensive and rude, and will often result in alienating the person who asked, rather than succeeding in the purpose that was intended. In short, I realize that in most of such situations, people mean no harm in asking about teacups. They don't know what we all here at YT know about disreputable breeders and the practice of exploiting tinies for more money. They have often just heard the term here and there and don't know what it means to us. I like to keep that in mind when someone asks.