Want a Teacup Puppy... Know the cost of cuteness!

Teacup Puppy, Pocket Puppy, Beer Can Puppy. No matter what clever title they are given this doesn’t change that these little pooches are prone to multiple health issues and are the result of irresponsible breeding.

It seems to be in fashion to have a cute little pocket dog under the arm of many of today’s stars and the demand for them seems to be growing.

We feel at Suitable Puppies,we have a responsibility to let dog lovers know the risks associated with these tiny little dogs so you can make an educated and responsible decision when considering your next puppy.

The term “teacup” puppies is not one you’ll find listed at any legitimate dog show nor will you find a good breeder selling them.

You might be thinking, “Why not? They are so cute and adorable”.

Unfortunately these types of dogs are the result of breeding from the runts of dog litters, usually from Backyard Breeders. This can mean your cute little pooch, which literally fits in a teacup, may not be around for long and possibly be in pain during their shortened lives.

These tiny dogs are deliberately bred to be under sized for their breed standard. From the very beginning these dogs struggle. Everything from feeding difficulties to joint and bone issues due to their fragile state. Unfortunately even just normal puppy play can result in damage to these puppies’ bones.

Your veterinarian will most likely also point out the dental problems your Teacup puppy can face. Their small mouths can become over crowded and painful when they get their adult teeth, which I’m sure we can all imagine, is not pleasant.

A teacup puppy can also struggle with many conditions that may not cause a problem with another dog of normal standard size.

Something as simple as diarrhea can really have a huge effect on their little bodies. The dehydration this causes could even have fatal results.

Please don’t confuse “Toy” breeds with the “Teacup Puppies”. Toy breeds such as the Pomeranian, Maltese, Poodle, Chihuahua and many others are naturally small dogs in size and generally fit and healthy dogs when they are of breed standard.

Of course there can always be small dogs within a litter of puppies, but to breed these “runts” with other runts to get Teacup puppies is dangerous. For the purpose of profiting off a fashion statement, we feel it is wrong and will always do more harm than good. Not only will you be up for many veterinary bills with the Teacup Puppies, but the upfront costs that these Backyard Breeders and Pet Stores charge can be well into the thousands.

A tiny Tea Cup Puppy is adorable, but you have to ask yourself some questions…Do I want a pup with a shortened lifespan, possibly only 2 years? Am I supporting the irresponsible breeding of these puppies? Am I able to take care of one of these pooches who are accident and illness prone?

And most importantly…What kind of quality of life will this puppy have?

Our suggestion is to stay clear of anyone trying to sell a puppy using the term “teacup puppy”. There are many legitimate small breeds out there to choose from within breed standards that you can get from reputable breeders.