2 years ago I was given 2 "teacup "yorkies. Both were in excellent health. My female Izzy weighed just under 3 lbs and Elvis was just over 2 lbs. I was and am still very protective even though they still think they are pit bulls. However in the past year. Izzy has started to have seizures. She also missed the last step on her sofa stairs and broke the bones in her paw. She is so small they could not do surgery. She was seen by an othopedic specialist and all he could do was splint her foot. She is starting to have arthritis already. Elvis's knees are starting to pop and will need surgery in the next year or so. Both have lost teeth even though they have their teeth cleaned every 6months and are brushed daily. I hope your dog remains healthy but be prepared. I would make sure you get health insurance on your dog.If you can. Some companies will not insure a dog that small. By the way my dogs are both altered. Izzy was when I got her and Elvis after. They did fine just make sure you have a vet used to the tiny ones.

I just don't understand the draw to anything under three pounds. They are so delicate that small. I hope every day that Sheldon breaks the five pound mark at maturity...I am scared of him staying any smaller.

I feel like if I wanted a pet that small, I'd get a guinea pig or a rabbit. They are supposed to be that small. Jmo.

That's what I'm curious to know, as well. I used to think smaller was better, but now that I have a 3 lb dog, I gotta admit- I wish she was at least 1 lb bigger.

Having to make her specialty ramps, watching her like a hawk everywhere we go so she doesn't fall off anything or get injured. She can't play outside alone because we have hawks and owls here and she's small enough to snatch and run. Larger dogs want to attack her because they think she's a squirrel. Hell, just finding play dates for her is tough because she is so playful, it's easy for a bigger dog to hurt her on accident. I can't let kids play with her because they'll very easily hurt her. I have a rule that they can't even hold her unless they're sitting down. It sounds crazy, but these are precautions I have to take with her.

I get it, people think purse dogs are cute. There's no reason why a 4 or 5 lb dog can't be a purse dog. My stepdaughters Pomeranian is 4 lbs and goes everywhere with her. My 3 lb dog can't because she's too fragile. I understand wanting a small dog, but not at the risk of their health and safety. And don't get me started on the health thing... She's 1 1/2 and already has luxating patella and skin allergies...

She's my baby and I'd do anything for her, and it sucks to see her uncomfortable in her own skin all the time. Something that could have been avoided if her breeder, who appeared reputable at the time, would have bred for her health and not for her size. I'm so glad I know the red flags now: don't ever buy from a breeder who advertises teacups!

Ugh, sorry for the rant. Just makes me sad that people are so caught up on a number and not the personality, the health, the comfort of the dog...

While I have no desire to get a guinea pig( been there, done that). I took Elvis and Izzy from a friend of a friend with health issues but when I bought mine others I made sure they were larger. My yorkies are 5-7 lbs and my biewers are only 14 and 16 weeks and should be aroung 5-6 lbs. I didn't even know how big Elvis and Izzy were when I agreed to take them. One again good luck with your baby.

I give up!

I wasn't trying to call anyone out in particular, sorry if it came off that way. I just don't understand people that specifically go out and look for teeny, tiny pups. Know what I mean?

Don't be offended! I'm sure no one is really trying to intentionally upset you...it's just that regulars see A LOT of the same topics rotate on here. The true fact is, really, the "teacups" really means nothing. It is not an accepted term by any reputable registry or breeder because, again, it's not a real thing. It is a marketing ploy to get more money for, what often turns out to be, substandard bred dogs.

Hope this topic doesn't drive you away. There are disagreements here, but all in all, it is a very nice, knowledgable community.

I cringe @ the word 'teacup'...
 

You say your little 2 pounder can't go under anesthesia bc she is so small...what if something life threatening happens & she needs to go under for surgery? Isn't that reason enough as to why having a 'teacup' is so risky?

No reputable ethical breeder will purposely breed for these tiny fragile ones. Yes, it can happen naturally. Most unethical breeders will breed very small females (2.5-3#'s) to beget tinies. This is the problem. They will put their precious female in danger, even put her life @ risk just to make $$$. Health, which should come foremost, takes a back seat w/these unscrupulous breeders.

The word 'teacup' Yorkies (& other breeds) is a made up word by unscrupulous breeders, brokers who purchase 5-6 week old pups- sells them as 8 week & older pups to unsuspecting buyers & puppy millers to make $$$. I do not understand the fascination & ignorance of intelligent dog loving people using this word (i.e celebrities)...it makes me cringe.

I wish you many happy healthy years w/our little one. When & if AKC ever recognises the word 'teacup', hopefully I'll be in my grave resting peacefully.:rolleyes:

From wikipedia:
Yorkshire Terrier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Teacup" Yorkshire terriers is a term used to describe very small Yorkshire terriers. The AKC and other Kennel clubs doesn't acknowledge the Teacup as a variation of the breed or recognize as a separate variety.[55] Usually a teacup is any dog weighing less than 4 lbs (1.8 kg) when fully grown, when the actual breed standard is given at 7 lbs maximum. Breeding for "Teacup" is a controversial practice that is not encouraged by responsible breeders.[56]

A fashion pressure, they are bred to appeal with their puppy-like features, rather than bred to expel health issues. There is great risk to a dam (mother) during pregnancy who is too small, most of these litters are a result of cesarean sections and have a high mortality rate .[57] There are many health issues associated with teacup dogs, such as luxating patella, heart disease, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, open fontanels and seizures.[58]

My pup is 4.5-5 pounds and I think she is too small. Hoping she gains another pound, but it's unlikely!

Just to lighten up a little! I rename my teacup to teneweny Yorkie. It's funny, my teneweny is more energetic then my bigger Yorkie. She can jump higher run faster. You should see Tawny try to catch Tinker bell! Can't be done. When I take them for a walk, Tinker bell is one step ahead and Tawny is moping along 10 feet in back. Yes there on leashes ,Bobbi. There most be something good about TENEWENYS, if people are willing to pay the big$$.

Honestly, getting a tiny pup and SEARCHING for a tiny pup are different to me. Clearly, as evident by my posts, I'd prefer an over 5lbs dog, but I will be lucky of Sheldon gets there. He's tracking on four pounds now. I don't have a problem with small pups, per se...just breeders and consumers TRYING for super small pups. It's just not good for the breed.

And, as a second thought...I'm trying to be nice, but re-reading your reply makes it hard. So, I'm going to be frank, and hope that I don't get banned.

Yes, people look for tiny dogs. BUT...that's not because it's a good choice. It's because, in a general sense, people are STUPID. They don't educate themselves, they let other people tell them. If people WERE educated, they'd do their best to avoid it. Period.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I was one of those people who had to have a teacup... Once I learned about what that really means, or doesn't mean, it changed my mind big time and I know there's a lot of people on YT to can attest to that, as well.

I'm not even saying what I did as a "super educated Yorkie person". I'm saying it because, although I didn't search for tiny, Sheldon is very likely going to be a bit smaller than I'm 100% comfortable with. Smaller DEFINITELY comes with it's own set of challenges.

I think they are adorable and I understand the attraction but they are more delicate and there are VERY few people that have the ability to give them the care they need. It's quite a responsibility, everything about their health is magnified. I wish the best for your little pet.