Over the past decade, teacup dogs, aka miniature dogs, have become increasingly popular, and we can frequently see their cute little bodies on social platforms. Admittedly, this type of dog is very cute, but is the size of the teacup dog really the size of a teacup? Are they easy to keep? Are they healthy? There are a lot of rumors and misconceptions about teacup dogs, especially about their health, so if you want to take them home, it's important to do a good job of research.
<h3 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" >why is a "teacup" size? </h3>
Dogs that are considered teacup-sized are not a single teacup poodle, but there are many breeds, such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Maltese dogs, which can all be miniature-bred to grow into the size of a teacup. According to the American Kennel Club, if the dog weighs between 1.8 kg and 4.5 kg and grows at a height of less than 43.18 cm in adulthood, it can be considered a teacup dog. What's more, "toy" breeds include any dog that weighs less than 13 pounds, so teacup dogs can also be considered part of the "toy" breed classification.
<h3 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > how are "teacup" dogs bred? </h3>
There is a great deal of controversy about this technique of miniature reproduction in society. Some micro-breeding methods can bring harm to the health and happiness of dogs, and unscrupulous breeders usually use some techniques to obtain teacup dogs in batches, such as inbreeding with shorts, hoping to produce a whole litter of dogs smaller than ordinary dogs. Inbreeding increases the risk of genetic diseases, such as blindness or epilepsy. Because malnutrition can hinder the growth of puppies, many unscrupulous breeders will also restrict the dog's nutritional intake, which may cause puppies to fail to thrive, causing serious problems with bones, digestive systems and nervous systems.
So it's important to do plenty of research before deciding to keep a teacup dog. Be sure to find an ethical, reputable keeper or adopt from a local animal shelter. Not only are teacup dogs extremely expensive, costing between $750 and $3500, but having an unhealthy pet at home can have serious consequences for you, your family, and your dog.
<h3 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > healthy teacup dogs? </h3>
Yes, a healthy teacup dog can be found by finding an ethical breeder. An ethical breeder has the ability to raise a litter of pups smaller than the average puppy and still guarantees their health. This may be a rare phenomenon, but it's the most ethical way to find a teacup dog. When you want to keep a teacup dog, be sure not to look for it at a pet store, as they are usually provided by puppy farms, where machines are used to mass-produce puppies and rarely consider the health or well-being of the dog.
<h3 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > common health problems</h3>
Different dog breeds have different health problems, but heart disease, diabetes and vision problems, such as cataracts, are common and can occur in all breeds. However, due to the size of the teacup dogs, they often experience size-related health problems. Some common problems include:
1. Hypoglycemia: The extreme drop in blood sugar can lead to symptoms such as tremors, weakness and epilepsy;
2. Unhealthy weight: Smaller dogs have a faster metabolism, which requires more frequent feeding. Frequent feedings coupled with little or no exercise can lead to unhealthy weight.
3. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE): According to some studies, smaller dogs are more likely to develop hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The exact cause of HGE is unknown, but it is often characterized by bloody diarrhea or vomiting, drowsiness, and decreased appetite.
4. Fragile bones: The bones of teacup dogs are smaller and more fragile than those of other size dogs, making them prone to fractures.
5. Prone to accidents: Teacup dogs are also more likely to be stepped on, sat or dropped because they are too small. If you have small children, teacup dogs may not be suitable for breeding.
Not every teacup dog will experience these health problems, but these are potential risks.
Although teacup dogs are very cute, they need to be more carefully cared for and cared for, and if you want a less stressful breeding life, it may not be a good choice~