So-called Teacup dogs like the Teacup Chihuahua are not a breed of their own but small dog breeds bred to be exceptionally tiny. They are small enough to fit in a teacup when fully grown, hence “teacup”. As cute as the mini dogs look, their small size is associated with health problems for the animals themselves. Therefore, breeding teacup dogs is considered animal cruelty.
Teacup dogs are frowned upon among reputable breeders, but unfortunately, much money can be made with tiny animals. With its big wide eyes, big head, slim body and delicate little legs, a Teacup Chihuahua fulfils the childish scheme – and many people can’t resist that. Buyers are often unaware that this type of breeding could be cruel to animals.
Tiny, Tiny, Teacup Dogs
Teacup dogs can be in a litter of any small dog breed. However, the mini dogs do not meet the breed standard and are not approved for further breeding by reputable breeders. For example, an adult Teacup Chihuahua weighs no more than 1,000 grams, but a typical representative of this breed should weigh at least 2,000 to 3,000 grams according to the standard. The tiny animals are also found in the breeds Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu or Maltese, but Spitz and Poodles are also in miniature format.
Cruelty to Animals: Miniature Dogs Like the Teacup Chihuahua
Dubious breeders not only sell the random Teacup dogs from a litter at a completely overpriced price but also mate the tiny dogs with each other. The mother dog is too small to naturally give birth to her puppies because the babies’ heads are too big. The mini-puppies then have to be born by caesarean section – a significant burden for the mother animal.
Because of their small size, the Teacup Chihuahua and its fellow sufferers face significant health issues. For example, the skullcap is often only as thin as paper – or not there at all. The kneecaps in the slim little legs sometimes jump out with the slightest movement. This so-called luxating patella prevents the poor animals from behaving in a manner appropriate to their species. If a dog cannot run around, sniff out the area and recreation to its heart’s content, that is animal cruelty. On the other hand, Teacup Shih Tzus often have an underbite and cannot eat properly. Rapid hypoglycaemia, heart problems and a generally low life expectancy are often added.
I don’t support torture breeding.
Don’t be fooled into buying teacup dogs by their cute looks or out of pity. They certainly mean well, but the dubious breeders feel encouraged by every (for them) successful business to continue with this animal cruelty. Instead, plan a lot of time for the dog purchase to adopt a healthy four-legged friend from a loving breeder or – even better – a cute dog from the animal shelter. This is how you support people who care about the welfare of animals.
