The Teacup Yorkie is a small, active dog breed that’s full of energy and personality. If you ever find yourself with one of these cute adorable balls of energy, you're in for a real treat! They can literally fit into a teacup, so they're perfect for pet lovers with small homes.
Intelligent and loving dogs, Teacup Yorkshire dogs make great pets and companions. But you may need to take a lot of precautions on handling them since they are tiny and fragile. Read on to know more about Teacup Yorkies and how to care for them.
Teacup Yorkies: History and Origin
Teacup Yorkies came from the family of Yorkshire Terriers, but were bred to be smaller than the average Yorkie. Originally bred in England as ratters in clothing mills and coal mines, Teacup Yorkies were brought to America in the early 1900s.
Since then, Teacup Yorkshires have been around as a designer dog, though they’re not recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official breed. Yorkshire Terriers are already small, but Teacup Yorkies are bred to be even smaller, weighing only 4 to 6 pounds and standing no taller than 9 inches.
What Do Teacup Yorkies Look Like?
Teacup Yorkies look like regular Yorkshire Terriers but are much smaller in size. They have a long, silky coat that is usually tan or black in color.
Teacup Yorkies have compact, sturdy bodies, long, narrow heads, and small, erect ears. And with their adorable small, dark eyes, they can surely get anyone's attention. Generally, Teacup Yorkies are one of the most beautiful and photogenic dogs out there!
How to Groom Teacup Yorkies
Teacup Yorkies require daily grooming to keep their coats clean and free of tangles, and you can trim their hair to keep it from getting too long. Teacup Yorkies also need to have their teeth brushed daily to avoid dental problems.
Because of the spacing of their teeth, it's easy for Teacup Yorkies to develop tartar buildup and gum disease. Brushing should be done with utmost care as this buildup can cause complications like infections and tooth loss.
How Do I Care for Teacup Yorkies?
Teacup Yorkies are very active dogs that need a lot of exercise. You’ll need to take them on walks daily and play with them regularly to keep them healthy and happy. Another thing to remember is to never overfeed Teacup Yorkies as they are prone to obesity.
Bathing should begin by 8 weeks, and you must dry them properly afterward so they don't catch a cold. Teacup Yorkies also need their nails trimmed regularly to avoid painful ingrown toenails.
Teacup Yorkie Temperament
Teacup Yorkies are energetic and playful even though they tire easily due to their small size. They make great companion dogs and love being around people. However, they can be quite yappy and may bark at strangers.
Teacup Yorkies would rather stay with strangers than be left alone. They hate being isolated and may become anxious and stressed when left alone for too long. Give them lots of attention and have someone check on them if you are not home.
Teacup Yorkies also need a lot of socialization to prevent them from becoming too shy or aggressive. They should be introduced to different people, places, and other animals early. You should give them this training as early as possible to avoid any behavioral problems in the future.
Any Health Concerns?
Teacup Yorkies have more than their fair share of health challenges. Because of their small size, they are more prone to injuries and health complications. So, you don't want to leave them in the care of children or around bigger dogs.
This breed of pup also has a high risk of hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar levels. Patellar luxation, in which the kneecap slips out of place, is another common health problem in Teacup Yorkies.
They’re also more prone to colds and respiratory infections, including collapsed tracheas, a condition in which the windpipe collapses. If your Teacup Yorkie starts to act tired, sluggish, or confused, it could be a sign of any of these health challenges, and you should take them to the vet immediately.
How About Adoption?
If you're considering adopting a Teacup Yorkie, be prepared to spend a lot of money on their care. Teacup Yorkies are not cheap dogs and can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.
There are some ethical issues surrounding their breeding, making Teacup Yorkies somewhat rare to find. Being at risk of multiple health problems and having a short lifespan of 12 to 15 years is not something many breeders want to deal with.
Thus, finding a Teacup Yorkie to adopt can be quite a challenge. The best way to find one is to check with Teacup Yorkie rescues or look for responsible breeders who health test their dogs.
Conclusion
Any desire to own a Teacup Yorkie should be tempered with the knowledge that they are high-maintenance dogs. They require a lot of time, energy, and money to care for properly, and they are also at risk of suffering from multiple health problems.
That said, Teacup Yorkies make great companion dogs for those who are prepared to take on the challenge of their care. They are loving, playful, and energetic dogs that will bring great joy to your life. Just be sure you are prepared for the commitment before bringing one home.