In recent years it seems that teacup Chihuahuas are gaining in popularity. Why do so many people prefer them to any other dog? Well, Chihuahuas are already the smallest dog breed in the world and owning one means that they will be the smallest of the smallest and many people think they are the cutest.
What most people don’t know is that common terms like “teacup,” “toy,” “deer head,” or “apple head” are not defined as a Chihuahua breed by any of the major canine organizations like AKC, CKC or UKC. In fact, the only different official Chihuahua breeds are the longhaired and shorthaired. The term is often used to define a Chihuahua that weighs less than the standard. It seems to be a popular term that is used by most people and Chihuahua breeders and will probably be here to stay, even if it is not recognized as a Chihuahua breed.
If you’re looking for a teacup Chihuahua, don’t always listen to the breeder or seller. Chihuahua sellers often claim to have puppies for sale. The fact is that no one can tell if a puppy under 10 weeks will be the size of a teacup or not. Checking if the parents of the puppies are teacups won’t work either. It’s nearly impossible to tell if a Chihuahua is going to be a teacup based on the size of its parents.
If you decide to buy a teacup Chihuahua, be prepared to expect more health problems. Being the world’s smallest dog comes with its fair share of health issues, including blood sugar regulation (hypoglycemia), dehydration, and respiratory problems. They will need extra care and special attention, especially as puppies, and should always be checked by a licensed vet for thyroid and liver problems.
Being so small, they are much more likely to sustain serious injuries. Children often like to play rough with them or may even step on them. If you have kids, don’t buy a chihuahua teacup.
Dogs often lick the ground, sometimes ingesting fertilizers, cleaning agents, and other harmful chemicals into their system. This can be especially dangerous for teacup Chihuahuas. Being so small, their body is much more vulnerable to low doses of toxins.
The weather will also affect teacup Chihuahuas more than others. Consider getting your Chihuahua a winter sweater for a little extra warmth and protection.
Teacup Chihuahuas can make wonderful pets. Just remember that smaller is not always better. Make sure you have a healthy chihuahua over the smaller one.
