About Teacup Yorkies

About Teacup Yorkies

A common misconception is that an extremely small Yorkshire terrier (more lovingly referred to as a Yorkie) is called a teacup Yorkie. This is not an official AKC breed or classification, however; Yorkies of any size are classified only as toy (very small) terriers. Undersized Yorkies tend to have serious health risks and physical complications. Anyone who is looking to buy a Yorkie should be cautious of breeders or pet stores advertising teacup Yorkies; these are probably not reputable sellers.

1. Problems With Teacup Yorkies

   • A healthy Yorkie puppy at 4 weeks old

     Any Yorkie with a predicted adult weight of less than 4 pounds has many risks of health complications. These tiny dogs tend to have fragile bones and health conditions such as hypoglycemia. Also, their tiny mouths do not allow for proper tooth development, resulting in early tooth loss and eating difficulties.

   Breeding for Profit

   • Despite these warnings, many kennels and dog breeders risk breeding unhealthy puppies because of the high price these tiny Yorkies can fetch. These breeders have been known to charge up to $10,000 for puppies that have a very high risk of serious health problems.
     The puppies are not the only ones at risk, either. The bitches, or mother dogs, are also extremely small, so pregnancy can be turbulent and dangerous. If you buy a "teacup" Yorkie, you are risking high vet bills and heartbreak over all the health issues your puppy may face.

   Why Breeders Advertise Teacup Yorkies

   • A healthy adult Yorkie of standard size

     Breeders like to use the term "Teacup" to attract buyers to a special product, when in fact, undersized Yorkies are less desirable and not accepted among the Yorkshire terrier breeding community. Respectable breeders will never use terminology such as "teacup Yorkies," "t-cup Yorkies," "micro mini Yorkies," "babydoll Yorkies," "teddy bear miniature Yorkies" or "pocketbook puppies."
     The only accepted small classification for Yorkies is the toy terrier classification. Adult Yorkies should weigh in at 4 to 7 pounds. There are naturally smaller Yorkies born of average adult-size dogs, and these Yorkies don't tend to have the same problems as the unnaturally bred smaller Yorkies.

   Gauging Your Yorkie's Size

   • To estimate how big a Yorkie will get, triple the weight of an 8-week-old puppy or double the weight of a 12-week-old puppy. An average Yorkie will weigh about 2 pounds at 12 weeks old. If you are unsure of the dog's weight, ask the seller to weigh the dog in front of you. Any breeder who refuses to do so may be unscrupulous.

   Buying a Yorkie

   • Be wary of buying your Yorkie online. Online breeders don't allow you to meet the dog and ensure that it is a healthy weight and temperament. Many times, the dogs pictured on those sites are not even the dogs the breeders actually are selling.
     Always visit the breeder in person to make sure the puppies are bred in a clean, healthy environment. You wouldn't to end up with a sick puppy right away. A good breeder will interview you just as much as you interview her, and this is a good sign of a respectable, responsible breeder.
     Also be wary of ads that advertise free puppies for the cost of shipping. Often, these ads ask you to send a money order or wire transfer under the guise that they are moving and can't keep the dog. These are scam artists looking to make free money off your wire transfer.
     Buying from pet stores might mean you are supporting puppy mills that tend to breed dogs with no regard for their health or well being. For example, most separate the puppies from their mothers long before the recommended 12-week mark. The best way to buy a Yorkie is directly through the breeder, with an in-person visit to the facilities.