Are smaller, teacup dogs generally unhealthier? How did you choose?

[LadyGemma]

I'm pretty new to the small dog thing. Moxie was an unexpected rescue and I never thought I would own a yorkie, so never did much research on them beyond what was required for working with a rescue organization. I've been doing a lot recently, and reading this board, and I am seeing an odd sort of juxtaposition: many people seem to really want super super tiny dogs that are generally smaller than the breed standard. however, these dogs tend to have more health problems. Are both of these statements correct (generally speaking)? I find this very interesting (I also find it interesting people tend to dress these dogs up more in dresses and bows. I'm trying to imagine my neighbor's golden retriever in a dress and bow, and it's pretty funny). I want to know more about the breed in general and I ever get Moxie a companion, I want to be well informed. How did you choose what size yorkie you wanted, that you wanted a yorkie, etc? For me, she came in to my life unexpectedly.

PS
Anecdotally, I recently pet sat for my friend's 3lb chuhuahua, and while he was just adorable and tiny and the cutest little thing, I was always so worried about him getting hurt. When I took his (yorkie bichon) brother and him to the dog park, I was too worried to let him play with even the small dogs. I loved him very much and he is just my heart but I think I would worry too much to be his full time mom. I worry enough with Moxie and she's at least twice his size! You moms and dads of wee little yorkies- do they want to jump off furniture and rough house? Moxie does, I think she has no idea she is a small dog, haha

[yorkiemini]

The standard for the breed is 7 pounds are less - so there are no teacups of minis or any of those names. Generally health is genetics and breeding. That being said the very small Yorkies are often more fragile just related to their size.

My Cali is small - 3 pounds 23 ounces - healthy as a horse. Does agility and obedience. Do I watch her more carefully -- yes, especially around bigger dogs and children. She uses stairs to get on and off the bed - not allowed to jump.

Like I said standard is 7 pounds or less, however there are some great 10 and 12 pound Yorkies around.

So health is a breeding and genetic issue. So choose the breeder carefully to get a healthy dog. My Cali doesn't know she is small -- she has got that Terrier personality!

[lisaly]

There are some very healthy small Yorkies, but they need greater care to protect them. I've had five Yorkies through the years, and one of my little girls was very small. After my first Yorkie had a luxating patella, I was very protective of my next three, as I also am of Katie. I did not allow them to jump from the couch or bed, but we walked a lot, they swam a lot in the summer, and they ran and played both inside and out. I love the little ones, but I also am very happy that Katie is larger than all but one of my other four Yorkies. Her best weight is around 7-7.5 pounds, since she is more muscular and very athletic. She loves to walk and run, particularly when fetching her ball, an obsession of hers. She especially loves catching her tiny balls midair, and I would worry much more if she were smaller. I am still very careful when the grass is wet so she doesn't hurt her knees.

Small pups like Callie are wonderful in agility, and my other smaller Yorkies did well living an active dog's life also, but I feel a little better about Katie's jumping outside since she is larger. The thing that really worries me about the tiny dog fad is that many breeders who purposely breed for tinies breed for size as the most important trait rather than structure, health, temperament, etc. Of course that's not true of all breeders of small Yorkies, but it's true of many of the breeders who are breeding mostly for profit rather than improving the breed we love.

[LadyGemma]

I see, so it's more that they are fragile than they simply have more health problems. Should I worry about Moxie jumping She jumps CONSTANTLY, sometimes just for fun! Bed, couch, etc. Oh, dear. She is not tiny but still small.

[ironmike86]

They should jump. Often anyways. It takes a toll on there knees. The couch isn't to bad for Moki. He will jump up and down. Down is what is bad. But I put him down. M bed I have an ottomen that cuts the height in half. Hes trained to use that. Size = tinies can be genetic health reason. But even with blood work testing and good genetics they still can get a small ones in the litter with a strong heart and good health. But the Breeder won't lable them as "teacups" Sell them for an outrageous price. or keep them and try to bred more tinies.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Most teacup Yorkies tend to be fragile, more easily injured by larger dogs/cats, birds of prey such as hawks, children or careless adults. You are never relaxed when you leave yours with anyone else to care for during vacation, hospital stays, etc. Should they leave your tiny on the couch and walk away for a minute, a simple jump off the couch could be disastrous if she lands wrong. A bigger dog can break a paw by just standing on it. Any jump or unexpected fall from the bed, couch or chair could cause a serious sprain, fracture or dislocation, especially as the dog ages. Yearly dentals or spaying - any procedure requiring anesthesia - is especially hair-rising for the owner of a tiny dog.

My late 3 lb. Jilly managed pretty well orthopedically(she did have a Stage I Luxating Patella) until at age 13 she was going down her doggie steps and a shoulder joint spontaneously dislocated from repetitive jumping stress on her delicate joints(according to her surgeon), requiring emergency reduction/casting under anesthesia by an orthopedic surgeon way across town - a terrible, nerve-wracking drive through heavy, fast-moving traffic with a tiny, beloved, suffering dog with a freshly dislocated shoulder - and her dislocation still didn't hold after casting was removed, x-rays follow-up done. Tiny dogs do tend to have many more vet visits for one reason or the other though some are undeniably hardy and healthy throughout their lives.

Google "medical problems in teacup Yorkies" and several variations of that search criteria and you can read for yourself testimonials and stories from many, many Yorkie owners of tinies. Nothing cuter, sweeter or more endearing than a tiny Yorkshire Terrier but be prepared to potentially deal with a series of problems and issues should you decide to get one.

[yorkiemini]

I aggressive that the smaller Yokies has to be more protected, like I said before, mostly against larger and aggressive dogs and other critters.

My first Yorkie was 3.5 pounds. My current Caliis 3 pounds 14 ounces (we usually say 4 pounds).

Both were not breed to be "teacups" just turned out that way. My current Cali was a confirmation show dog, however, no good breeder will breed a bitch smaller than 5 pounds, and it becMe evident as Cali was being shown that she was not make the 5 pounds. That is when I got her. I finished her, with no intention of breeding her, and we started obedience. She gets CHIC tested routinely (and has her #). What that means is that her patellas are I great shape and tight.

She is I great shape! Muscular and has a lot of energy. She competes in agility, tracking, barn hunt, and earth dog trials. She has titled in obedience, agility and tracking. Most athletes tend to be I good shape - and Cali definitely in great shape. We just recently had her joints X-rays for validation of no problems.

I believe keeping her active is doing her a favor and as long as she is eager and enthusiastic we will continue to do so.

Did you see the Yorkie that competed in the Masters Agility today at Westminster - gee she was good! I think she placed second or third.

Cali came to me with a stellar breeding background by a breeder who breeds to improve the breed -- ii strongly believe that although she is considered tiny that he breeding and active life has been, as it is for all dogs, the reason for her healthy life.

Having had several small or tiny Yorkies does not mean I advocate breeding small Yorkies - NO - but it doesn't mean they need to be overly pampered lap dogs either. Cali gets her lap time, cuz she is rotten, but it is a joy to see her tear up an agility course and turn in faster times than those big dogs.

My vet believes the only reason Cali survived the hawk attack was because mod her active, healthy and athletically challenging life. Didn't mean to make this so long -- keeping this little dogs challenged and active is good for their minds and bodies even though they are diminutive. I believe good breeding is the key!

[Lovetodream88]

Well teacup is a word frowned upon in the yorkie world. It was a word made up by bad breeders to make money. No reputable breeder will use the word. The standard is not to exceed 7 pounds so tiny ones are still in the standard. I wish yorkies were like poodles though because I have a 17 pounder and I love her size. I really didn't know that much about yorkies or size when I got mine and she just grew to the size she is. There can be healthy tiny ones it's really about genetics and the breeder. Obviously there are different cautions you take with smaller ones then bigger ones.

[Lovetodream88]

Cuteness Kills: The Case Against Teacup Dogs - Terribly Terrier

[yorkiemini]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Well teacup is a word frowned upon in the yorkie world. It was a word made up by bad breeders to make money. No reputable breeder will use the word. The standard is not to exceed 7 pounds so tiny ones are still in the standard. I wish yorkies were like poodles though because I have a 17 pounder and I love her size. I really didn't know that much about yorkies or size when I got mine and she just grew to the size she is. There can be healthy tiny ones it's really about genetics and the breeder. Obviously there are different cautions you take with smaller ones then bigger ones.

I, too, like the bigger Yorkies. In England it seems I have seen more bigger Yorkies than in the US. I think the purse puppy idea is bigger here!

[LadyGemma]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Most teacup Yorkies tend to be fragile, more easily injured by larger dogs/cats, birds of prey such as hawks, children or careless adults. You are never relaxed when you leave yours with anyone else to care for during vacation, hospital stays, etc. Should they leave your tiny on the couch and walk away for a minute, a simple jump off the couch could be disastrous if she lands wrong. A bigger dog can break a paw by just standing on it. Any jump or unexpected fall from the bed, couch or chair could cause a serious sprain, fracture or dislocation, especially as the dog ages. Yearly dentals or spaying - any procedure requiring anesthesia - is especially hair-rising for the owner of a tiny dog.

My late 3 lb. Jilly managed pretty well orthopedically(she did have a Stage I Luxating Patella) until at age 13 she was going down her doggie steps and a shoulder joint spontaneously dislocated from repetitive jumping stress on her delicate joints(according to her surgeon), requiring emergency reduction/casting under anesthesia by an orthopedic surgeon way across town - a terrible, nerve-wracking drive through heavy, fast-moving traffic with a tiny, beloved, suffering dog with a freshly dislocated shoulder - and her dislocation still didn't hold after casting was removed, x-rays follow-up done. Tiny dogs do tend to have many more vet visits for one reason or the other though some are undeniably hardy and healthy throughout their lives.

Google "medical problems in teacup Yorkies" and several variations of that search criteria and you can read for yourself testimonials and stories from many, many Yorkie owners of tinies. Nothing cuter, sweeter or more endearing than a tiny Yorkshire Terrier but be prepared to potentially deal with a series of problems and issues should you decide to get one.

I do not plan on it, mostly just wanting to learn/ understand. I will always rescue rather than go to a breeder and I imagine ppl rarely surrender tinys and also, I experienced what you described while caring for that sweet Chihuahua I mention in my OP. I loved little Oliver but was always a bit worried. He hurt his leg jumping off the bed while I was sleeping and he even limped a bit after I gently moved his leg to get his coat on. I like that Moxie is small enough to be portable but large enough to roughhouse a bit. That experience with Jilly sounds harrowing, bless her little soul.

[LadyGemma]

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

She is I great shape! Muscular and has a lot of energy. She competes in agility, tracking, barn hunt, and earth dog trials. She has titled in obedience, agility and tracking. Most athletes tend to be I good shape - and Cali definitely in great shape. We just recently had her joints X-rays for validation of no problems.

Wow, great job, that is so cool! How did you get involved in all of that? Where do I find it? I bet all of that is so fun and good for them. Moxie is bored, she needs that sort of stuff in her life! Not competing but all those activities to interest and excite her.

[LadyGemma]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Well teacup is a word frowned upon in the yorkie world. It was a word made up by bad breeders to make money. No reputable breeder will use the word. The standard is not to exceed 7 pounds so tiny ones are still in the standard. I wish yorkies were like poodles though because I have a 17 pounder and I love her size. I really didn't know that much about yorkies or size when I got mine and she just grew to the size she is. There can be healthy tiny ones it's really about genetics and the breeder. Obviously there are different cautions you take with smaller ones then bigger ones.

Ah, I didn't know that, ty for that info. Moxie is about 7lbs and I like that she is portable and I can take her around w/ me & carry her but that she is not so delicate I am too afraid to take her out for fear for her getting injured. I want her to be able to romp around and play with other dogs.

[Owned by Marco]

My two year old ten pound rescue is a fabulous dog but when strange men come to the house he turns into a little monster and has actually nipped some of them. This worries me, it's unacceptable behavior and could get him into big trouble. Honestly, he turns into a crazy dog. He is not like this with women. He's such an intense little guy! I've had terriers before but he is my first Yorkie. As a rescue, I don't know his background.. He is so loving and sweet and has selected me as his person so he's very protective. But he cannot act this way around strange men! He weighs almost eleven pounds so he is not tiny and can do some damage.
Any suggestions?
Owned by Marco

[LadyGemma]

Originally Posted by Owned by Marco

My two year old ten pound rescue is a fabulous dog but when strange men come to the house he turns into a little monster and has actually nipped some of them. This worries me, it's unacceptable behavior and could get him into big trouble. Honestly, he turns into a crazy dog. He is not like this with women. He's such an intense little guy! I've had terriers before but he is my first Yorkie. As a rescue, I don't know his background.. He is so loving and sweet and has selected me as his person so he's very protective. But he cannot act this way around strange men! He weighs almost eleven pounds so he is not tiny and can do some damage.
Any suggestions?
Owned by Marco

Hey Marco, I think you accidentally posted this as a response in my thread instead of as it's own post. Try re-posting on it's own. As for your issue- congrats on rescuing! I just did as well and work with rescue orgs you did a wonderful, compassionate thing! Mine is having some adjustment issues as well (mostly with housebreaking, which is a pain but not dangerous) and I am going to schedule an apt with an animal behaviorist/ trainer who specializes in small dogs and then possibly obedience school because I don't want these habits ingrained and for new ones to develop, etc. I am sure people here will have great advice to try before you have to go there, but if you are in nyc, I have a great rec for you. Otherwise, I am sure there are books and articles and experienced people here with some advice. It's great you recognize this is an issue instead of brushing it aside because your dog is small.