New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Many breeds of dogs are small, and are in the toy group. Some breeds even have various sizes, like the poodle for example, and the Schnauzer. However, with the recent trend of dogs/pets as fashion, has come a return of a phrase that makes my skin crawl..."Teacup."

The truth is, for many breeds, such a Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, the "Teacups" that breeders are selling are actually within the breed standard. As I was walking through a local petstore with Bruno, I was stopped and asked where did I get him. I rescued him & gave the info for the org I got him through. The woman actually said, "wow you are lucky to be able to adopt a Teacup...they are so expensive."

I sighed, took a breath and began my lecture. (Just what she wanted, I am sure.)

Bruno is exactly within the breed standard, and not a Tea Cup. The term Teacup is a marketing term to make it appear as though you are getting something rare, different, or "in demand." My 4 lb Chihuahua is exactly the size that is outlined by the AKC, and for what he was bred for - a ratting dog.

When other breeds begin to offer "Teacups" such as "Teacup" pugs, "Teacup" Rat Terriers, and such, they are breeding and over-breeding runts, or genetically deficient dogs. These dogs, although cute, are more prone to health issues, and can suffer from painful side effects of being too small for the breed standard. Some of these side affects can lend to a shorter life expectancy.

When choosing a dog, be sure to consult AKC.org to learn of the characteristics and breed parameters before deciding on a pet. A 2 lb Chihuahua is not a healthy dog, and you should not be charged more for a genetic defect.

Source 1

Source 2

Source 3

AKC Breed Standard for Chihuahuas

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Exactly

The breeder I bought my chihuahua from explained the whole myth to me that there is no such thing as a "teacup" and that most breeders just use that terminology to charge you more money!!

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Wow, thanks for sharing that. I did not know that. Good for you for giving that lady your speech.

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

you are welcome. I wish she was as happy as you that I gave her the speech

Message edited 1/22/2008 12:23:05 PM.

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Thank you for posting that!

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Thank you!! All of those "designer" terms really piss me off!!

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

WOW, I had no idea. Good info. Thanks!

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Thanks for the reminder!!!! The teacup and mini thing are quite interesting to dachshund people, too. My dog is a standard dachshund but he is on the small side for a standard. Many, many people stop me and tell me that my dog is so big, for a dachshund. They are so used to seeing mini dachshunds because those are more popular nowadays. People have forgotten that the standard size exists.

Message edited 1/22/2008 3:53:25 PM.

Re: New Issue: The Teacup Myth

Very good and important info