How do you politely tell someone - Page 4 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Cadens_mommy_22 · 03-21-2008, 01:02 PM

in my opinion, how you answer this question depends on the situation.
theres 2 ways i would handle it, and i've been through both

if someone in petsmart or somewhere else asks "is that a teacup?" when im holding Caden. he's 11 pounds, so they obviously just want to start a conversation

i just say VERYYY politely "this big boy? (and giggle) no, teacups dont really exist. breeders just say that to get more money." and they say "ohh" . so no one's feelings are really hurt, but the other person learned something new

this next situation definitely was nott my favorite...

in petsmart one day, i was holding Caden, and this other lady was holding a yorkie, too. she walked up to me in the toy aisle (mind you, her yorkie was about .000023 pounds) she said "wow!!! your yorkie is absolutely HUGE!! HES NOT NORMAL!! how much does he weigh?? 20 pounds???! you see, i have a teacup, so she will stay small. i got her for an expensive $10,748 (idr the price, but it was a large ammount)" she said it SOO stuck-up-ish (she was like 30 and thought she was initimidating me because im 13) so i said "thats a lot of money! too bad you didn't get her for the deluxe deal at $11,000 dollars, cause that might have bought you the knowledge that you were ripped off!" sure enough, she walked away with the knowledge that teacups dont exist =]

now i am NOT usually this mean . but when people try to be better than me or try to put me down, i do something about it

melanie daley · 03-21-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistyinca

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.

I like that and I think your right... And also for the most part they aren't asking because they are seriously considering getting a yorkie, they are just making conversation... If they told me they were seriously considering it, then I would probably take it upon myself to explain, only so they don't get ripped off!
But I really like your take on it an I think sometimes yorkie owners are so passionate about them they tend to snap back and get a little defensive...

JeanieK · 03-21-2008, 01:05 PM

Ask them to "define" "teacup"? Then you can tell them that it is just a marketing term and there is no show category for a "teacup".

You might also add that many yorkies are sold as "teacups" to people who know nothing about the breed. And those people pay ridiculous amounts of money for a "teacup" puppy that turns outs to be just an averaged sized yorkie.

JeanieK · 03-21-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadens_mommy_22

in my opinion, how you answer this question depends on the situation.
theres 2 ways i would handle it, and i've been through both

if someone in petsmart or somewhere else asks "is that a teacup?" when im holding Caden. he's 11 pounds, so they obviously just want to start a conversation

i just say VERYYY politely "this big boy? (and giggle) no, teacups dont really exist. breeders just say that to get more money." and they say "ohh" . so no one's feelings are really hurt, but the other person learned something new

this next situation definitely was nott my favorite...

in petsmart one day, i was holding Caden, and this other lady was holding a yorkie, too. she walked up to me in the toy aisle (mind you, her yorkie was about .000023 pounds) she said "wow!!! your yorkie is absolutely HUGE!! HES NOT NORMAL!! how much does he weigh?? 20 pounds???! you see, i have a teacup, so she will stay small. i got her for an expensive $10,748 (idr the price, but it was a large ammount)" she said it SOO stuck-up-ish (she was like 30 and thought she was initimidating me because im 13) so i said "thats a lot of money! too bad you didn't get her for the deluxe deal at $11,000 dollars, cause that might have bought you the knowledge that you were ripped off!" sure enough, she walked away with the knowledge that teacups dont exist =]

now i am NOT usually this mean . but when people try to be better than me or try to put me down, i do something about it

LOL. Good answer. she insulted your yorkie and she deserved to be put in her place.

katcarasella · 03-21-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCMom

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?

PCMom You are too funny!! I've got to remember this one

Thanks for the laugh.

dinolover · 03-21-2008, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

I think it is so rude to ask how much someone's dog cost. What's wrong with people??? It's one thing if it's someone I know and they are truly interested in buying a dog like mine...but some stranger off the street asking how much my dog costs..no way.. I just say "she was a gift" and leave it at that...and if they ask how much yorkies are I will say "normally between $1000-$2000 but you can find them for more or less"

Yeah I have had to resort to saying that to.. I just say that he was a gift. It is very rude. Ughh people sometimes upset me.

Nancy1999 · 03-21-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistyinca

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.

Very well put!

I guess I think it's rude when someone says, "there is no such thing as a teacup yorkie", it's like, who are you? the word police

I think it's better to add, "according to the AKC, there is no such thing as a teacup yorkie."

PrincessDiana · 03-21-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistyinca

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.

That was the whole point of this post.. how to politely respond to such things. I understand (and said) that most people are simply misinformed and trying to start conversation.

HyunSo · 03-21-2008, 02:53 PM

I too am chatty and try to educate people. My little one is about 5 lbs and I get that question all the time. Usually I start with...Would you like the short answer or the long answer? Short answer= No she's not a teacup. Teacup is a marketing tool some breeders use to charge people more money. I then ask if they want to know more, if they say no then I say have a nice day if they say yes I go on with...Long answer=No, she's not a teacup. The yorkie belongs to the toy breed and the "standard" (yes I make the little finger wiggles for quotes) is abou t 3-7 lbs. If they're interested in getting a Yorkie I always let them know that "teacup" yorkies are normal yorkies that are either the runt of the litter or use the word dwarf. I let them know that the ones under 3 pounds tend to have more health issues and encourage them to look for larger yorkies. Having said all that. I love all yorkies, regardless of size!!

AmyChristine · 03-21-2008, 05:19 PM

I was just thinking about this the other day and wondering if maybe i am alittle too rude because every time I hear this from some one, weather they are asking if my dog is a teacup or showing me thier "teacup" yorkie that is the same size as copper and trying to convince me that he is infact a teacup,

my answe is always the same; I smile and tell them that I have never seen a dog that you can drink from and I never hope too. Smlie again and walk away. Hope that isnt too rude but some people just drive me crazy

BLowry · 03-21-2008, 06:19 PM

I hear people talk about wanting a tea cup yorkie all the time...especially when I have the girls with me. I just tell them that this is no such thing. What I would really like to say to them is..."If you have done your research on this breed you'd know there is no such thing as a tea cup yorkie"

flamingokid · 03-22-2008, 07:49 AM

I'd answer just like Luv My Yorkie would...she's educating people which I think is really important. And I, too, am chatty, so I'd take every opportunity to share the information. And...while I know there are a lot of idiots out there, I don't really think any question is stupid...if they don't ask, they'll never know. As a soon-to-be yorkie momma, I'm sure I've been asking some "hair-curling" questions over the past few months and I'm so appreciative of people on here, and off this site as well, for being patient with me. I'll be bringing home my baby boy in about two weeks!

ash0248 · 03-24-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistyinca

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.

Could'nt have said it better myself. Most people use this as a way to start a conversation with a stranger so, why be rude.

SueNCricket 2 · 03-24-2008, 03:18 PM

I try to politely tell them that there is no such thing as a teacup anything...and then give them my business card to refer them to my informative yorkie website.
If I think they want to chat a bit, I might go a little farther.
I try to educate people politely and always keeping in mind that they asked me a question, so they muct want an answer.
When people ask how much I paid for my dogs I tell them "a million dollars, at least that is her replacement value" lol
It usually gets a smile out of them...it keeps it friendly and light...

Sue & Cricket
Crown Royal Yorkies
doglady21@comcast.net

southernchick · 03-24-2008, 05:08 PM

usually here people do not mean anything by it- except only for a reference for size so I don't pay any attention to it, to me it's no different than say for instance my aunt used to raise miniature pinchers there'fore I knew they were no "teacup" doberman in any way, shape or form & I've heard many many times people refer to them that way but as far as I'm concerned it's just not worth the argument to try and make when they really just don't know what they are saying, they only repeat what they've heard so I just don't say anything so that I don't seem rude.

03-21-2008, 01:02 PM	#46
Cadens_mommy_22 YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: new jersey :] Posts: 348	in my opinion, how you answer this question depends on the situation. theres 2 ways i would handle it, and i've been through both if someone in petsmart or somewhere else asks "is that a teacup?" when im holding Caden. he's 11 pounds, so they obviously just want to start a conversation i just say VERYYY politely "this big boy? (and giggle) no, teacups dont really exist. breeders just say that to get more money." and they say "ohh" . so no one's feelings are really hurt, but the other person learned something new this next situation definitely was nott my favorite... in petsmart one day, i was holding Caden, and this other lady was holding a yorkie, too. she walked up to me in the toy aisle (mind you, her yorkie was about .000023 pounds) she said "wow!!! your yorkie is absolutely HUGE!! HES NOT NORMAL!! how much does he weigh?? 20 pounds???! you see, i have a teacup, so she will stay small. i got her for an expensive $10,748 (idr the price, but it was a large ammount)" she said it SOO stuck-up-ish (she was like 30 and thought she was initimidating me because im 13) so i said "thats a lot of money! too bad you didn't get her for the deluxe deal at $11,000 dollars, cause that might have bought you the knowledge that you were ripped off!" sure enough, she walked away with the knowledge that teacups dont exist =] now i am NOT usually this mean . but when people try to be better than me or try to put me down, i do something about it __________________ Kelli Marie loves her PrinceCaden baby <3 member of the Dirty Furkid's Club, The little Gentlemen's club, The CrAzY cLuB , and the smack dab in the middle club

03-21-2008, 05:19 PM	#55
AmyChristine YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 1,184	I was just thinking about this the other day and wondering if maybe i am alittle too rude because every time I hear this from some one, weather they are asking if my dog is a teacup or showing me thier "teacup" yorkie that is the same size as copper and trying to convince me that he is infact a teacup, my answe is always the same; I smile and tell them that I have never seen a dog that you can drink from and I never hope too. Smlie again and walk away. Hope that isnt too rude but some people just drive me crazy __________________ My belongs to Copper and Maddie Mae RIP Sweet Rocky Mommy misses you

03-21-2008, 06:19 PM	#56
BLowry My furkids Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,625 Blog Entries: 1	I hear people talk about wanting a tea cup yorkie all the time...especially when I have the girls with me. I just tell them that this is no such thing. What I would really like to say to them is..."If you have done your research on this breed you'd know there is no such thing as a tea cup yorkie" __________________ Brenda

03-22-2008, 07:49 AM	#57
flamingokid YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 6	how I'd answer... I'd answer just like Luv My Yorkie would...she's educating people which I think is really important. And I, too, am chatty, so I'd take every opportunity to share the information. And...while I know there are a lot of idiots out there, I don't really think any question is stupid...if they don't ask, they'll never know. As a soon-to-be yorkie momma, I'm sure I've been asking some "hair-curling" questions over the past few months and I'm so appreciative of people on here, and off this site as well, for being patient with me. I'll be bringing home my baby boy in about two weeks!

03-24-2008, 03:18 PM	#59
SueNCricket 2 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MICHIGAN Posts: 214	teacups I try to politely tell them that there is no such thing as a teacup anything...and then give them my business card to refer them to my informative yorkie website. If I think they want to chat a bit, I might go a little farther. I try to educate people politely and always keeping in mind that they asked me a question, so they muct want an answer. When people ask how much I paid for my dogs I tell them "a million dollars, at least that is her replacement value" lol It usually gets a smile out of them...it keeps it friendly and light... Sue & Cricket Crown Royal Yorkies doglady21@comcast.net

03-21-2008, 01:05 PM	#48
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	Ask them to "define" "teacup"? Then you can tell them that it is just a marketing term and there is no show category for a "teacup". You might also add that many yorkies are sold as "teacups" to people who know nothing about the breed. And those people pay ridiculous amounts of money for a "teacup" puppy that turns outs to be just an averaged sized yorkie.

03-21-2008, 02:53 PM	#54
HyunSo Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: King George, VA Posts: 14	I too am chatty and try to educate people. My little one is about 5 lbs and I get that question all the time. Usually I start with...Would you like the short answer or the long answer? Short answer= No she's not a teacup. Teacup is a marketing tool some breeders use to charge people more money. I then ask if they want to know more, if they say no then I say have a nice day if they say yes I go on with...Long answer=No, she's not a teacup. The yorkie belongs to the toy breed and the "standard" (yes I make the little finger wiggles for quotes) is abou t 3-7 lbs. If they're interested in getting a Yorkie I always let them know that "teacup" yorkies are normal yorkies that are either the runt of the litter or use the word dwarf. I let them know that the ones under 3 pounds tend to have more health issues and encourage them to look for larger yorkies. Having said all that. I love all yorkies, regardless of size!!

03-24-2008, 05:08 PM	#60
southernchick Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: God's Country Posts: 398	usually here people do not mean anything by it- except only for a reference for size so I don't pay any attention to it, to me it's no different than say for instance my aunt used to raise miniature pinchers there'fore I knew they were no "teacup" doberman in any way, shape or form & I've heard many many times people refer to them that way but as far as I'm concerned it's just not worth the argument to try and make when they really just don't know what they are saying, they only repeat what they've heard so I just don't say anything so that I don't seem rude.