Have you ever seen how an adult Teacup Yorkie compares to a newborn of a traditional Yorkie in terms of size? It’s so surreal that they are almost as big as each other.
Just how big will Teacup Yorkies get? Depending on the size of your Teacup Yorkie at birth, it will reach about 1 to 2 lbs and 2 to 3 inches during the first 12 weeks of growth, and 2 to 4 lbs and 5 to 6 inches at week 24. A full grown Teacup Yorkie can weigh between 2 to 4 lbs and grow to a height of 5-7 inches.
Teacup Yorkies, due to their small body sizes, are extremely susceptible to health issues. We will take a look at them in a bit. First, let us see exactly how big these adorable breeds can get.
Teacup Yorkies, just as the name implies, are a miniature version of Yorkshire Terriers. They are popular among pet owners who are fond of small dogs or the so-called “toy” breed due to their cuteness. Some owners would even spend a fortune on grooming these little pooches so that they look like teddy bears, which I would say is complemented by their small body size.
Unlike the Biewer and the Parti Yorkie that have some genetic differences with the traditional Yorkie, the teacup Yorkies are exactly the traditional Yorkie, but a smaller version of it. Breeders usually undergo selective breeding among the smallest of Yorkies to achieve this small body size. Often, their tails are also docked to complement its cuteness.
Although these tiny dogs are not AKC-registered, teacup Yorkies remain as one of the most well-loved dog breeds in the US and in many parts of the world where these miniature pups exist. They are popular as companion dogs because of their sweet and gentle demeanor.
When placed side by side, there is not much difference between a standard-sized and a Teacup Yorkie… With the exception of the size, of course.
Teacups have a round skull and a short muzzle. They also have that distinct button nose, V-shaped ears that stick out of their head, and medium-sized round eyes. They shed and stink as much as their standard Yorkie counterparts.
Teacup Yorkies are very light dogs and have a compact body that is proportionate to their heads. In fact, the average weight of a fully grown, adult Teacup is between 2 and 4 pounds. On the other hand, a standard Yorkie can weigh up to 7 pounds.
Another distinct feature of Teacup Yorkies is their bright and cheery temperament. Every step has a spring and bounce to it. They move fast… As fast as their tiny legs can take them.
Since Teacups are very small, they can easily fit in your hand or a very small dog bag. These canines barely grow over 7 inches! Many Teacup Yorkies are only 5 to 7 inches tall, which makes them so easy to place in your palm!
Many people first consider the lifespan of the dog they plan to own.
For those looking to care for a Teacup Yorkie, it is important to know how long these canines live.
At a minimum, Teacups live up to 3 years. But the average lifespan ranges between 7 and 10 years. Some Teacups are lucky enough to celebrate their 12th or even their 14th birthday!
As with any dog, the lifespan depends on a number of factors. These include genetics, breeding techniques, health and skin problems, and certain natural traumas.
And just like most canines, there are diseases that are unique with this breed. Their shorter limbs and smaller bodies make them quite fragile.
In fact, Yorkies in general are susceptible to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This is a fatal condition, which can be prevented through a specialized feeding and diet.
Moreover, Teacups are prone to liver shunts. It is a congenital health issue that prevents the liver from efficiently filtering toxins and wastes in the blood.
They may also suffer from a collapsed trachea that results in a limited airflow. Thus, a Teacup may undergo respiratory concerns including chronic coughing.
Before you bring home a Teacup Yorkie, be sure to check carefully with the breeder any existing health complications. The parents should be healthy and without pre-existing conditions to pass on to the puppy. Otherwise, you will have a hard time taking care of these puppies.
Then, it is all up to you to extend your pet’s lifespan. With plenty of TLC, you can help your Teacup live as long as possible.
With their miniature size, it is very important to provide special care to your Teacup Yorkie.
They get overwhelmed too easily when placed in a very big space. This is particularly true when you have just brought your new pet home. You may find them barking unusually more, which is a typical behavior associated to the ‘small dog syndrome’
The vastness of the space can be intimidating for your tiny pooch. Therefore, you should designate a small, yet cozy area for your teacup Yorkie to adjust slowly without affecting its sleeping cycle. The bed should be accessible – one that easily allows your pup to climb on and off comfortably.
The fragile bones of Teacup Yorkies are also prone to breakage. Accidents often arise when you leave your pooch alone on the couch or your desk, which may trigger your pet to jump from such a high place.
This means that if you have to leave your Teacup Yorkie without supervision at any time, you need to make sure they are properly trained and be able to access what ever they need without having to become Indiana Jones and jump through potential dangers around the house. This will not only require proper placement of, for example, potty spots, but also adequate potty training.
Keep in mind that these dogs are barely the size of a 12-inch ruler! They are incredibly tiny, so it is easy to accidentally kick or trip over your pet. This is particularly true if they come running towards you so swiftly that you don’t notice them coming. Thus, make it a point to stay alert and attentive to your surroundings. You should always be on the lookout for your Teacup as you walk around.
Lastly, Teacup Yorkies get cold too easily. It is not recommended that you bathe your Teacup Yorkies until over 8 weeks of age. Instead, you can keep your Teacup puppy clean by wiping the body with a damp towel or dog wipes. Be sure to dry the body thoroughly afterwards to help maintain the desirable body temperature.
As mentioned earlier, Teacup Yorkies are predisposed to certain health issues.
They have delicate bones that can break easily when you allow your pooch to jump off the chair or run up and down the stairs.
Teacup Yorkies may also suffer from Patellar Luxation. It is typical among teacup varieties due to their very small knees. As a result, their bones may not form properly.
A good supplement from a reputable company can help strengthen your dog’s joints. For instance, the Doggie Dailies Glucosamine provides key nutrients, like glucosamine and chondroitin, and essential enzymes to promote strength and energy to your active Teacup. It improves mobility, reduces inflammation, supports joint health, and repairs cartilage.
This glucosamine supplement is made of soft chews which is perfect for teacup dog breeds and their small mouths. You can also use it as training treats when teaching your pooch tricks to make themselves look cute.
Not sure if this is the best glucosamine dog supplement for you? No worries. We have collated the best glucosamine supplements for dogs in the market and save you from the hassle of research and price comparison. Check out the most value for money glucosamine supplements for your Teacup Yorkie right here!
Another concern with this miniature pooch is hypoglycemia. When left unaddressed, it can lead to vomiting, seizures and even death. This condition may arise when your Yorkie is a fussy eater and has poor appetite.
The TOMLYN high-calorie nutritional gel helps prevent hypoglycemia. This helps your pet who constantly refuses food by boosting the appetite and nourishing the body with key nutrients.
Daily feeding at regular intervals is of paramount importance for Teacups. It is also advisable that you only give your Teacup Yorkies 40 calories for every pound of their total body weight. This helps prevent health problems caused by overfeeding that lead to overweight issues with these micro dogs.
The Health Extension Little Bites is an excellent dog food specifically formulated for Teacups – both puppies and senior adults. It contains natural probiotics for healthy digestion, fiber for an efficient waste elimination, and all essential vitamins and minerals for optimum health.
With the increasing popularity of Teacup Yorkies, it is interesting to know how a baby Teacup is born.
Miniature Yorkies or Teacups do have babies.
But because of their delicate bodies and fragile bones, they only give birth to a few puppies per litter. In fact, it can be dangerous for them to have several babies due to their physical structure.
This is probably why they are encouraged to be spayed to prevent them from getting into heat once they are sold.
As with miniature dog breeds, selective breeding is applied to obtain smaller puppies. Breeders usually combine the genes of two smaller Yorkies. This is why their puppies turn out to be smaller than the parents.
But the whole experience with a female Teacup’s pregnancy and giving birth is very tricky. This is true with all micro dogs.
A healthy, Teacup Yorkie mother can only hold up to 2 puppies per litter. However, birthing can be a risky situation. This is why it is advisable that delivery is done at a vet hospital unless the breeder has experience with canine delivery.
After giving birth, the mother would require great health care and medical attention. Be sure to provide the right supplements and feed your pooch with high-quality food for proper nourishment. This way, your pet will be able to recover quickly after giving birth.
If you wish to purchase a Teacup Yorkie, it is important to check the breeder’s background. You should take several visits to the breeder in question and learn more about the mother. Someone with a solid reputation and practices ethical and correct breeding techniques is a notable choice.
What Is A Teacup Yorkie Price? Many factors determine the cost of a Teacup Yorkie such as bloodline and genetics of the dog. But when you purchase from a registered AKC breeder, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 for a Teacup. This is the typical and reasonable price for a purebred. You may also get these Teacup Yorkies for a cheaper price or even free from rescues but they are usually hard to come by.
Teacup Yorkies VS Normal Yorkie VS Toy Yorkie Size – What’s The Difference? A standard-sized, “normal” Yorkie is the same as a Toy Yorkie, which weighs up to 7 pounds and grows up to 9 inches long. On the other hand, a Teacup Yorkie is a miniature version of this dog. The average weight of a Teacup Yorkie is 2 to 4 pounds and can grow no longer than 7 inches.
Is A Teacup Yorkie A Good Pet? Teacup Yorkies are sweet, adorable pets. They are also very compact, which is great when you have a small space at home. With proper care and attention, you can keep your Teacup healthy for years. The right supplements and food will also support the overall wellness of your pooch.
Pete Decker is the Lead Editor at The Goody Pet. He is a passionate wildlife educator and loves to share his experiences on pets. During his free time, you can find him cozying around his 2 adorable Labradors (Tobi & Kobi).
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