I owe readers here an apology. I wrote about Yorkshire Terrier puppies and other terrier puppies using language that suggested they were bred to fit in teacups and to be like tiny toys we could play with, dress up, carry around in our pockets (hence the name Teacup or Toy was used). But after much research, I have found that they are not bred by any legitimate, ethical breeder to be under the healthy and standard 4-7 pounds. Technically, there are no such breeds as Teacup Yorkshire Terriers. Not recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) or by any reputable breeders, anyway. And considered unethical by the YTCA (the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America) if bred smaller than their already small size. Teacup Yorkshire Terriers is evidently a label used to inflate prices and get more money from unsuspecting customers or customers who don»t do any homework before buying what they are sure is a Teacup.
«Teacup Yorkshire Terrier» is a redundant term. Yorkies are already small: they are of the standard, acceptable, and healthy small weight of 4-7 pounds, full-grown. The puppies advertised as Teacup Yorkshire Terriers, then, may not yet be full grown, or may be small, tiny, miniature, or fit in a teacup at 2.5 to 4.5 pounds because some breeders are creating an animal that»according to many knowledgeable breeders»is vulnerable to a number of health issues and problems.
According to those who know and urge people who want a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier to re-think, any so-called Toy or Teacup under 4 pounds is at risk for bone disease, as their bones are fragile; their internal organs are often weak and susceptible to failure; their teeth don»t fit in their mouths, so there are major dental problems; their blood sugar levels are finicky to the point that they are candidates for comas and hypoglycemic shocks; they are very prone to diahrhea and vomiting; and often they need surgeries that many die from, being unable to withstand the anesthesia treatments.
Now, I am not an expert, but I have studied a wide sampling, so as to avoid taking information, for example, from only one person with one one year-old that is «only 1.5 pounds!» and consider that a complete testimony. Yes, «tiny» Yorkies exist. Yes, there are small Yorkies (ahem) that people are calling Toys and Teacups, but their existence does not prove there is any such creature as a healthy, viable, lifetime-guaranteed Teacup Yorkie.
One of many people expressed joy over owning a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier. The same person, as did many others, described her/his experience to defend the point that Teacups are available and are healthy, first by saying that she/he had not had «any problems with her whatsoever.» But within a few sentences, the speaker did say, ««She»s been stepped on a few times»and never even whimpered», ««her baby teeth didn»t all fall out»,» ««she also has a collapsing trachea»,» and ««coughs every once in a while.» Hmmm. A «full grown» 2-pound dog with such problems»seems to me to be proof that a legitimate Yorkie»and one who doesn»t have to suffer--is not what this person paid for.
Another person said there are such things as Teacup Yorkshire Terriers, as she has one, though she also commented that $ 400 seemed so unfair when she paid $1500 for hers! This is exactly what she was expected to think about the existence of Teacups»so she would fork over the cash! Aha! Follow my drift»
Further, when another person expressing a desire for Teacup Yorkshire Terriers asked where Teacup Yorkshire Terriers come from, a self-proclaimed «Doctor of Veterinary Medicine» explained it thusly: «Teacup Yorkie puppies come from Teacup parents.» Hmm. So if you ignore the authorities, willingly pay 3 to 5 times the amount you would for an already small (healthy) Yorkie, and if you believe in circular logic»you will have yourself a Yorkie»or an underweight dog that doesn»t deserve the health problems it will probably incur. So please do a little research and find a reputable breeder, so your Yorkshire Terrier (which you can pretend is called Toy if you want) is one who will be healthy and happy for more than one or two years»for it»s whole life. And you can still dress it up, pose it in a teacup, and carry it snuggled in your pocket.
