What is the difference between toy and teacup dogs

It's incredibly important to do your research before bringing any dog into your home. Be sure to find an ethical, reputable breeder, or consider adopting from your local animal shelter. Not only are teacup dogs extremely expensive, but adding an unhealthy pet to the family can have serious consequences for your family members, other pets, and the dog. The short answer? Yes, it is possible to find an ethical breeder that has teacup dogs—the keyword being "has.

This may be a rare occurrence, but it is the most ethical way to find a teacup. Because it is hard to know the origin of puppies at the pet store, you cannot be certain that those puppies weren't unethically bred. If you're having a hard time locating an ethical teacup dog, you might want to consider toy dog breeds, which are smaller dogs, but a healthier size and weight for their standard.

Different dog breeds experience different health issues, but heart disease, diabetes, and issues with vision, like cataracts, are common among all breeds. Because teacups are so small, however, they often experience health issues related to their size.

Some common concerns among teacups include:. Teacup dogs are also more prone to being stepped on, sat on, or dropped simply because they're so tiny. If you have young children, a teacup dog might not be the right choice for you. It's important to note that not every teacup dog will experience these health issues, but potential teacup pup parents should be well aware of the risks. When it comes to teacup dogs, research and maybe even a little bit of patience is key.

However, because teacups are so small, they frequently suffer from health problems as a result of their size. Some of the most common issues among teacups are as follows:. Certain little breeds, such as Yorkies, are more prone to hypoglycemia, but they usually outgrow the risk as they become older.

Finally, if you must purchase a puppy from a breeder, ensure that the breeder is trustworthy, that they treat their dogs well, and that they only use healthy bloodlines. Toy dogs are commonly known all over the world, although teacups are not.

Unhealthy weight — smaller dogs have a faster metabolism than average dogs; thus, they need frequent feedings. However, you must pair constant feeding with regular exercise. Otherwise, your pet can lead to an unhealthy weight for its size. Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis HGE — health studies conducted on smaller dogs also revealed that they are more likely to have HGE or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

While the exact cause is still unknown, tiny pets with this condition may experience vomiting, decreased appetite, bloody diarrhea, and lethargy. Fragile Bones — because of their tiny size, teacups also have smaller and frailer bones than their standard counterparts. Thus, they are more susceptible to fractures and breaks. These dogs are also more prone to being trampled and stepped on.

They can be sat on or dropped because they are so tiny. These are not ideal pets for families with very small children. It is important to remember that not all teacup-sized breeds will experience these health conditions.

If you are a potential pet parent, you should be aware of these risks before getting involved with teacup dogs. Teacup-sized pooches are pretty much rare. Although they are trendy, you cannot easily find a teacup puppy of the breed you want. Likewise, breeders find it hard to produce a healthy yet tiny puppy that can pass as a teacup version. As potential pet parents, you have to do your research before bringing in any pet home.

Find ethical and reputable breeders or try adopting one for your local rescue shelters. In case you find your teacup pup, expect to pay a hefty price for them. More so, if you get an unhealthy pooch, you will have a severe expense to cover their veterinary requirements. Although finding a legitimate teacup version of your desired breed is challenging, it is very much possible to find ethical breeders with a teacup pup.

In some cases, an ethical breeder will find smaller-than-average puppies in a litter. If they can give you a health guarantee for these, it is the most ethical way of finding your teacup. If you are searching for a teacup-sized pooch, avoid pet stores and puppy mills at all costs.

These venues mass-produce puppies with little concern for the health and happiness of their dogs. Likewise, some breeders use unethical techniques that endanger the health and life of dogs. In case you are having a hard time finding an ethical breeder, you may consider getting a toy breed instead.

They are also smaller than usual, but they pass the healthy weight and size standard for their breed. But there are distinct differences between these two that not many people notice. Their compact size makes them a favorite choice among city dwellers. Some examples of breeds belonging to this group include Shih Tzus, Italian greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. Generally, toy dogs are 18 inches or less when they reach adult age.

Their standard weight is 18 pounds or less. Likewise, the average lifespan for this dog group is 14 years. But of course, it can extend longer with proper care, good nutrition, and mental stimulation. Toy dogs do not require large spaces, and they are easy to train.

These dogs have a quiet, loyal, affectionate, and friendly demeanor. They make great companions and pets for modern families with children. On the other hand, AKC still does not recognize teacup dogs. Breeders refer to these types of dogs as those who are extremely small. These pooches usually weigh around four pounds or less and measure around 17 inches when they reach adult age. Teacups are much smaller than the toy group.

Potential pet parents may find them rate because not many ethical breeders have them. Similar to Toys, these dogs are also suitable for pet owners in small homes or apartments. But they might not be the right choice for families with very young children. These two types of dogs are prone to health problems common in small dogs. Always be on the lookout for signs of hypoglycemia and heart problems. Regular visits to the vet, proper care, and a healthy lifestyle will mitigate these health problems.

When it comes to teacup dogs, potential pet parents should do plenty of research and be extra patient. If you want to find ethically bred teacups, avoid pet stores or puppy mills. It is possible to find a healthy and happy teacup-sized pooch that will complete your home and your heart! Disgusting cruel money grabbing bastards!! You know the health problems these dogs suffer. We have owned a Multipoo teacup dog for over 7 years and she is happy and healthy. We picked her out as a pup when she was the size of a hamster.

She has the sunniest disposition of any dog I have ever seen. We kennel her in the same crate as our full size lab and leave them with our vet when we vacation. The only challenge of owning a teacup dog is in the first three months of life.

The have to be constantly cared for and fed through a medicine dropper until they are ready for solid food. Toy and teacup dogs may share that smallness of size, but puppies sold as teacups are often those that were born prematurely or those that were bred from two exceptionally small parents.

In most cases, breeders select abnormally little dogs to breed with each other, and usually also watch out for mutations leading towards stunted growth that can be manipulated.

Some backyard breeders and puppy mills breed teacups for the sole purpose of producing the smallest dog possible for the simple fact that they assume tiny dogs will fetch higher prices. This does often seem to be the case, particularly among clientele who want to use the dogs as something of an accessory. Families and individuals may also be willing to pay a bit more for teacups because they look cute or seem like something of a novelty.

Most toy breeds, by contrast, are small simply by their nature.