We get many
requests for the "Teacup" Chihuahuas. Usually, these requests
refer to a puppy that, as an adult, will not weigh more than 2
to 3.5 pounds. For this reason, we felt the need to discuss our
viewpoint on these tiny little dogs and to pre-warn you about
the breeders who try to get rich on the smallest breed in the
world.
The official
A.K.C. breed standard describes the Chihuahua as a small dog
that comes in two varieties or coat types (The Long Coat and the
Smooth Coat) is the only official description used to identify
a difference within this breed. Their standard does not
categorize the Chihuahua by size. Fortunately, the additional
adjectives used to describe the size differences and physical
appearances are many and have been misused for way to long, that
now they seem legitimate. Teacup, pockets size, Tiny toy,
miniature or Standard, are just a few of the many tags and
labels that have been attached to this breed over the years.
There is concerns that these terms may be used to entice
prospective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this
way are of greater monetary value. They are not and the use of
these terms is incorrect and are very misleading. To attach any
of these additional labels to a particular puppy is to
misrepresent that Chihuahua as something that is rare or
exceptional and causes a great deal of confusion among those new
fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.
There are many
highly reputable breeders who breed for the smallest size
possible, there are many factors to consider when thinking of
purchasing a tiny, or "Teacup" Chihuahua. First and foremost,
"TEACUP" is simply a term....nothing more. Some breeders will
use this term as a way of asking more for their puppies, and
many of those puppies do not even end up being that small size
as adults. No matter what any breeder tells you, it is
impossible to say with absolute certainty what size a Chihuahua
will be until it is grown. Many breeders are very good at
predicting the size of their puppies, and a breeder of quality
puppies will never guarantee that your puppy will be a certain
size. Also, the term "TOY" refers to the A.K.C classification
of the breed, not necessarily that the puppy will be a tiny
one....though some breeders will also use the term in an effort
to charge more for their puppies. Just remember, all Chihuahuas
are classified as "toys"
Some breeders
do not breed for tiny puppies, occasionally, a smaller than
average puppy will appear in a litter, but usually it has just
gotten a slow start. It usually ends up being about the same
size as it's litter mates, give or take a few ounces. On
occasion that these puppies do not catch up with their litter
mates, it will not be sold until it is good bit older than the
rest, and then it will be placed carefully, in only the most
attentive of homes.
The reason why
some breeders do not breed for the tiny size, and reason why any
tiny puppy that they might produce will be placed very carefully
is that the tinier the puppy, the less likely it will be as
healthy as the average Chihuahua. The very tiny Chihuahuas
usually have a good deal of health problems as adults. They
tend to have shorter lives, and a great deal more complications
from puppy hood on to adulthood. They may have problems with
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This could take your puppy down
in a matter of a few short hours. you would have to be with
your puppy night and day for several months to get him/her back
in good health.
Also spay
contract for any tiny female that they place should be required
due to the fact that the tiny girls usually have a very
difficult time giving birth. It is not wise to breed these
little Chihuahuas unless you are a very knowledgeable breeder,
and even then, problems are likely to occur. Even the tiny
Chihuahuas need a good loving home for as long as they are able
to enjoy it, and many do live very close to a normal Chihuahua
lifespan, due to exceptionally good breeding, however, before
you purchase a tiny Chihuahua, please research the breed
extensively. Tiny dogs usually require a much greater amount of
care and attention, and are not suitable for every home. This
information can be referenced from any breeding related or
Chihuahua related book at your local Library.
Remember, it is
possible for a tiny puppy to come from a litter of regular or
"Standard" sized Chihuahuas, and it's possible for them to be by
and out of average sized parents. However, please be careful to
know when you are getting an unhealthy runt as opposed to a
healthy, well-socialized puppy that just happens to be smaller
than the rest.
Remember, most
(though unfortunately not all) breeders who have the tiny babies
will be solid breeders who care about their puppies. They have
taken good care of these babies, and they will expect any
prospective home and owner to do the same!!!
