teacups health - YorkieTalk.com Forums

romeos mommy · 04-17-2006, 07:29 PM

i have a toy yorkie and i'm thinking of adding a teacup to our family. the one thing that bothers me is people say they have more health problems and a shorter life expectancy. is this true???

connied2 · 04-18-2006, 04:06 AM

That all depends on the dog and its genes.
I do know that after having a standard 6.5lbs yorkie and now my 3lbs teacup I much perfer the little bigger dog. They are a little more sturdy and less likely to break a bone. They do have a few other issue if they are below 3.5lbs, one being hypoglycemic. We havent had any problem with our 3Lbs puppy yet nor does he have any other healthy concern. But you can get those with any dog, they are just more noticable on a pooch that is so small.

sashajade · 04-18-2006, 12:55 PM

the so called teacup was just known as the runt of the litter a few years ago and no one wanted them as it ment they could have more health problems and were not as strong as the other bigger pups but now breeders breed 2 teacups(runts) together to get much smaller dogs and people pay much more money for them,strange how things change over time.

vainchick5 · 04-18-2006, 01:00 PM

I have a tiny runt of the litter yorkie. She's tiny but man is she tough. I haven't had a bad experience with a smaller than standard yorkie. She was breed from standard size parents though, that probably makes a difference because of the genes. Her parents are healthy, standard yorkies and she's tiny but has strong bones, strong health and I have never ever had any hypoglycemia problems or other health related issues. I'm just in love with her and the only issue she has is that she can't get away from my kisses

Adryana · 04-18-2006, 01:05 PM

Hi,
I have a 3lb. yorkie who is six months old... I'm hoping he gets bigger because 3 lbs. is TINY. If he ever got sick and needed surgery it would be quite an ordeal. His internal organs must be ridiculously small and would make him very vulnerable. So far he has been very healthy so I can't comment on health. However, regarding his size...It's a lot of work because he is EXTREMELY fragile. I have two other dogs and "teacups" are a whole different ball game. I love Preston and I'm so happy he's mine but at the same time I didn't realize what I was getting myself into with such a small individual. It's definitely something to think long and hard about...

Good Luck

Lillibelle · 04-18-2006, 01:25 PM

I have a 2.5 lbs yorkie and she is very healthy. I have not had any problems with her whatsoever. I never had any hypoglycemic problems or trachea problems

with her and she eats whatever food I give her. I've had her blood tested (chem 11) twice and it came out great! Yes, she is very little and I have to watch her because she is fragile, but she never gets into anything or on anything because she is too small to reach or climb.

oceanair27 · 04-18-2006, 01:31 PM

I have a 1 lb 12 oz yorkie that will be 5 months old tomorrow. Now we havent had ANY problems yet, and hope not ever (knock on wood). She is a real go getter. She gives my 12 lb Bichon a run for her money!! There doesent seem to be anything fragile about her, other than if you were to drop her or something to that effect. I think someone else nailed it ,when they said most of it depends on their genes and family background. This has just been our experience. Good luck in finding your new little bundle of joy!!

lisatodd · 04-18-2006, 01:35 PM

my vet advised me anything under 5lbs is an issue when they get sick. medicine and vaccinations are not made for pups that small. he has lost them during operations like being spayed or neutered.

hunniebunnie · 04-18-2006, 01:47 PM

i think the smaller yorkies are "typically more prone to health issues" than the bigger yorkies. just like yorkies as a breed are "typically hyper, yappy, hard to train and bad with little kids".

there are plenty of exceptions to what's "typical", but there are enough cases that is consistent with what's typical for a tiny yorkie, especially when it comes to health issues. you may get lucky and find one that is as healthy as a horse, but it's a risk you can decide if you want to take.

my bunjee is 7 lbs and that's still pretty small. he's not so fragile that i have to stop him from jumping onto and off the couch when he wants to sit by me. i'm more at ease when the vet had to put him under for the neutering. if he's fickle about food, i can just leave it out for him until he's ready to eat without worrying about him going into hypoglycemic shock. he can play with slightly bigger dogs (and most dogs are) without too much fear of getting hurt. i can walk him outside and he's usually big enough for people to see without stepping on him. i'm less likely to step on him when i'm at home. he's big enough not to be able to slip between the bars of the babygates.

i've always wanted a smaller dog, but i think 5-7 lbs is small enough. jmho.

shelbysmom · 04-18-2006, 01:52 PM

Some dogs are small because they are small, some are small because they are unhealthy and not growing as they should. If you go to a breeder who is reputable and breeding quality Yorkies, eventually they will have a small one. Any dog's health depends a lot on it's parents and it's breeder...more than it's size. I have a small Yorkie who is very healthy. Her shots and her spaying was a breeze.

If you get a smaller Yorkie they do require a little more supervision and awareness. You have to make sure no one steps on them, make sure they eat, make sure they don't jump off of high places, make sure they don't run with little kids that can trip on them etc. For me, it is worth the extra effort at this stage of my life but they are not for everyone.

ALL Yorkies are Toys, some just come smaller than others (and some bigger). The word teacup is just used by some breeders to make you think you are getting a special model

. Many end up larger than they say and most of the breeders that use that term are not breeding for quality. Only size.

sandraj · 04-18-2006, 02:19 PM

I have a 3lb, 5,nearly 6 month old,who is very healthy and energetic. However, i had hoped she was going to be bigger.When she was little,she was a worry. I worried about her finicky eating,her being so slender,her not growing much , if my cat was going to eat her and if we were going to step on her!I hope she is going to grow a lb or so yet. She gets spayed on Monday--I am anxious about that. However,she is a little feisty bundle of joy. But if i get another Yorkie, I will insist on the biggest in the litter-less worry.

winnismom · 04-18-2006, 02:42 PM

Yes they are a lot of work. Mine is 3 months and real tiny..last week she weighed 1 lb 10 oz. The vet wants her to eat 5 times a day a/d science diet. If she doesn't eat i have to mix it with water to thin it out and give it to her in a syringe. I worry when she plays with my 20 lb. bichon/poodle mix but so far ok. She can't potty outside yet which isn't to my liking. I hate the pee pads, I know some people love them but they're not my thing. It's way more work than I ever expected and I'm tired. I hope she gets to 4 lbs...if she doesn't today I was thinking today I may have to place her somewhere else

I did NOT know what I was getting myself into. I wish I had seen some tinies in person before I got her. Thanks for letting me vent. I guess what I'm saying is be prepared for a lot more work than with a larger puppy. I do love her but today was a lot of work and I'm exhausted. Can you tell? LOL good luck with your decesion.

SnowWa · 04-19-2006, 08:52 PM

I bought my little pup when he was 8 weeks old ---and later learned that his mother was 12 pounds and his father was 4 1/2 pounds -- go figure!!
Anyway, the end result is that my little guy is 9 months old and weighs 8 1/2 pounds. I was honestly a little disappointed for a while that he wasn't going to be smaller, but I am being perfectly honest now when I say that I am just "thrilled with his weight."

I have a lot of people coming and going constantly, and my little pup and I are outside a lot - walking and visiting with the neighbors, etc., and he just couldn't be a nicer size.

I especially wanted a small dog because I have a bad back, but I can easily bathe, and lift this little guy and carry him around in one arm all day. With his weight, there is still "almost nothing to him."

I can actually let him out on his own (on a leash occasionally) and not worry about the small hawks in our area wanting to have him for lunch. He is almost as big as they are. He can easily play with other dogs and children and hold his own. I don't have to monitor their play constantly and be worried.

He can easily get on and off all the furniture in my house. I don't have to worry about his falling or injuring himself.

He is perfectly healthy - and, because of his size, I expect him to stay this way and weather any shots or procedures he may need to have very well --neutering, etc.

I am sure that most of you who have 6 or 7 pound Yorkies also appreciate their being "just a little bigger."

And - most of all - those of us who have 6, 7, or 8 pound Yorkies -- know they are still very small little dogs.

I totally love the size that mine has become. He's a "tough little tiger!!!," and oh - so cute!!!!

Almost every day I say to myself - "what a delightful size he has become."

Carol Jean

04-17-2006, 07:29 PM	#1
romeos mommy YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pennsauken , NJ Posts: 4,068	teacups health i have a toy yorkie and i'm thinking of adding a teacup to our family. the one thing that bothers me is people say they have more health problems and a shorter life expectancy. is this true???

04-18-2006, 12:55 PM	#3
sashajade YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: kent england Posts: 1,646	the so called teacup was just known as the runt of the litter a few years ago and no one wanted them as it ment they could have more health problems and were not as strong as the other bigger pups but now breeders breed 2 teacups(runts) together to get much smaller dogs and people pay much more money for them,strange how things change over time. __________________ Facebook group yorkies & small terriers worlwide needing fur-ever homes & deathrow Zac Brandi Suki

04-18-2006, 01:00 PM	#4
vainchick5 YT 6000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,588	I have a tiny runt of the litter yorkie. She's tiny but man is she tough. I haven't had a bad experience with a smaller than standard yorkie. She was breed from standard size parents though, that probably makes a difference because of the genes. Her parents are healthy, standard yorkies and she's tiny but has strong bones, strong health and I have never ever had any hypoglycemia problems or other health related issues. I'm just in love with her and the only issue she has is that she can't get away from my kisses __________________ Mommy to Coco and Rocco

04-18-2006, 01:35 PM	#8
lisatodd Little Boogers Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: virginia beach, va Posts: 4,460	my vet advised me anything under 5lbs is an issue when they get sick. medicine and vaccinations are not made for pups that small. he has lost them during operations like being spayed or neutered. __________________ lisa lisa and the cult jam yorkies

04-18-2006, 02:19 PM	#11
sandraj YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Zealand Posts: 370	I have a 3lb, 5,nearly 6 month old,who is very healthy and energetic. However, i had hoped she was going to be bigger.When she was little,she was a worry. I worried about her finicky eating,her being so slender,her not growing much , if my cat was going to eat her and if we were going to step on her!I hope she is going to grow a lb or so yet. She gets spayed on Monday--I am anxious about that. However,she is a little feisty bundle of joy. But if i get another Yorkie, I will insist on the biggest in the litter-less worry. __________________ Sandra J and Holly

04-18-2006, 04:06 AM	#2
connied2 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 61	That all depends on the dog and its genes. I do know that after having a standard 6.5lbs yorkie and now my 3lbs teacup I much perfer the little bigger dog. They are a little more sturdy and less likely to break a bone. They do have a few other issue if they are below 3.5lbs, one being hypoglycemic. We havent had any problem with our 3Lbs puppy yet nor does he have any other healthy concern. But you can get those with any dog, they are just more noticable on a pooch that is so small.

04-18-2006, 01:05 PM	#5
Adryana Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 68	Hi, I have a 3lb. yorkie who is six months old... I'm hoping he gets bigger because 3 lbs. is TINY. If he ever got sick and needed surgery it would be quite an ordeal. His internal organs must be ridiculously small and would make him very vulnerable. So far he has been very healthy so I can't comment on health. However, regarding his size...It's a lot of work because he is EXTREMELY fragile. I have two other dogs and "teacups" are a whole different ball game. I love Preston and I'm so happy he's mine but at the same time I didn't realize what I was getting myself into with such a small individual. It's definitely something to think long and hard about... Good Luck

04-18-2006, 01:25 PM	#6
Lillibelle Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 37	I have a 2.5 lbs yorkie and she is very healthy. I have not had any problems with her whatsoever. I never had any hypoglycemic problems or trachea problems with her and she eats whatever food I give her. I've had her blood tested (chem 11) twice and it came out great! Yes, she is very little and I have to watch her because she is fragile, but she never gets into anything or on anything because she is too small to reach or climb.

04-18-2006, 01:31 PM	#7
oceanair27 YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 271	I have a 1 lb 12 oz yorkie that will be 5 months old tomorrow. Now we havent had ANY problems yet, and hope not ever (knock on wood). She is a real go getter. She gives my 12 lb Bichon a run for her money!! There doesent seem to be anything fragile about her, other than if you were to drop her or something to that effect. I think someone else nailed it ,when they said most of it depends on their genes and family background. This has just been our experience. Good luck in finding your new little bundle of joy!!

04-18-2006, 01:47 PM	#9
hunniebunnie Follower of Yorkietology Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cali-fo-nee-ya Posts: 1,325	i think the smaller yorkies are "typically more prone to health issues" than the bigger yorkies. just like yorkies as a breed are "typically hyper, yappy, hard to train and bad with little kids". there are plenty of exceptions to what's "typical", but there are enough cases that is consistent with what's typical for a tiny yorkie, especially when it comes to health issues. you may get lucky and find one that is as healthy as a horse, but it's a risk you can decide if you want to take. my bunjee is 7 lbs and that's still pretty small. he's not so fragile that i have to stop him from jumping onto and off the couch when he wants to sit by me. i'm more at ease when the vet had to put him under for the neutering. if he's fickle about food, i can just leave it out for him until he's ready to eat without worrying about him going into hypoglycemic shock. he can play with slightly bigger dogs (and most dogs are) without too much fear of getting hurt. i can walk him outside and he's usually big enough for people to see without stepping on him. i'm less likely to step on him when i'm at home. he's big enough not to be able to slip between the bars of the babygates. i've always wanted a smaller dog, but i think 5-7 lbs is small enough. jmho.

04-18-2006, 01:52 PM	#10
shelbysmom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,394	Some dogs are small because they are small, some are small because they are unhealthy and not growing as they should. If you go to a breeder who is reputable and breeding quality Yorkies, eventually they will have a small one. Any dog's health depends a lot on it's parents and it's breeder...more than it's size. I have a small Yorkie who is very healthy. Her shots and her spaying was a breeze. If you get a smaller Yorkie they do require a little more supervision and awareness. You have to make sure no one steps on them, make sure they eat, make sure they don't jump off of high places, make sure they don't run with little kids that can trip on them etc. For me, it is worth the extra effort at this stage of my life but they are not for everyone. ALL Yorkies are Toys, some just come smaller than others (and some bigger). The word teacup is just used by some breeders to make you think you are getting a special model . Many end up larger than they say and most of the breeders that use that term are not breeding for quality. Only size.

04-18-2006, 02:42 PM	#12
winnismom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 223	Yes they are a lot of work. Mine is 3 months and real tiny..last week she weighed 1 lb 10 oz. The vet wants her to eat 5 times a day a/d science diet. If she doesn't eat i have to mix it with water to thin it out and give it to her in a syringe. I worry when she plays with my 20 lb. bichon/poodle mix but so far ok. She can't potty outside yet which isn't to my liking. I hate the pee pads, I know some people love them but they're not my thing. It's way more work than I ever expected and I'm tired. I hope she gets to 4 lbs...if she doesn't today I was thinking today I may have to place her somewhere else I did NOT know what I was getting myself into. I wish I had seen some tinies in person before I got her. Thanks for letting me vent. I guess what I'm saying is be prepared for a lot more work than with a larger puppy. I do love her but today was a lot of work and I'm exhausted. Can you tell? LOL good luck with your decesion.

04-19-2006, 08:52 PM	#13
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	I bought my little pup when he was 8 weeks old ---and later learned that his mother was 12 pounds and his father was 4 1/2 pounds -- go figure!! Anyway, the end result is that my little guy is 9 months old and weighs 8 1/2 pounds. I was honestly a little disappointed for a while that he wasn't going to be smaller, but I am being perfectly honest now when I say that I am just "thrilled with his weight." I have a lot of people coming and going constantly, and my little pup and I are outside a lot - walking and visiting with the neighbors, etc., and he just couldn't be a nicer size. I especially wanted a small dog because I have a bad back, but I can easily bathe, and lift this little guy and carry him around in one arm all day. With his weight, there is still "almost nothing to him." I can actually let him out on his own (on a leash occasionally) and not worry about the small hawks in our area wanting to have him for lunch. He is almost as big as they are. He can easily play with other dogs and children and hold his own. I don't have to monitor their play constantly and be worried. He can easily get on and off all the furniture in my house. I don't have to worry about his falling or injuring himself. He is perfectly healthy - and, because of his size, I expect him to stay this way and weather any shots or procedures he may need to have very well --neutering, etc. I am sure that most of you who have 6 or 7 pound Yorkies also appreciate their being "just a little bigger." And - most of all - those of us who have 6, 7, or 8 pound Yorkies -- know they are still very small little dogs. I totally love the size that mine has become. He's a "tough little tiger!!!," and oh - so cute!!!! Almost every day I say to myself - "what a delightful size he has become." Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.