Many breeds of dogs today come in a range of sizes. To help prospective dog
owners determine what size dog they are looking for, breeders will classify
their litters in various ways. Dogs that are expected to grow to average size
for their breed are generally referred to by their breed name only. Slightly
smaller dogs are often referred to as a "toy" variety and even smaller animals
are categorized as "teacup" dogs. This is the case with the teacup Yorkshire terriers,
which are Yorkies that maintain a very small size even when fully grown. This
article will cover the basics of teacup
Yorkshire terriers, including the
question of whether these animals make good pets and how to go about choosing
the best dog for your family.
Size
The average Yorkshire terrier will generally reach a weight of five to seven
pounds when fully grown and stand six to seven inches high. Because the average
weight and height of the dog is relatively small, this breed is placed into the
toy category by the American Kennel Club. However, some Yorkie owners want a dog
that is even smaller. A Yorkie that weighs in at less than five pounds when
fully grown is considered to be a teacup Yorkie by many breeders today. Teacup Yorkshire terriers
can be bred intentionally for owners looking specifically for a smaller size
dog.
Teacup
Yorkshire terriers
usually weigh between three and five pounds when fully grown. The tiny size of
these pets makes for some interesting challenges when caring for them. The
frailty of teacup Yorkshire terriers
means they can be easily hurt if they are stepped on or sat on. They can also
get injured by jumping out of their owners arms or off the living room sofa.
These little dogs need plenty of supervision and care to ensure they do not get
hurt. By the same token, these feisty little pets don't recognize their small
size and enjoy a daily walk or romp in the backyard. A careful combination will
ensure these pets get both the exercise and care they need.
Health
Smaller dogs can be prone to more health issues, which is why it is important to
find a responsible breeder when shopping for teacup Yorkshire terriers.
Some less scrupulous breeders might try to sell the runts of their litters as
"teacups". However, these smaller dogs are often less healthy than the rest of
the litter, and should not be sold as a premium Yorkie. Instead, look for
breeders that specialize in these smaller animals, and breed them responsibly.
This will ensure that the teacup
Yorkshire terriers you look at
will be healthy. It is also important to get these tiny creatures to the vet as
soon as possible if they become ill, since their small size can make any illness
more serious.
Temperament
Teacup
Yorkshire terriers
may be small in size, but they are big in personality. These energetic pups are
bold and active, but they can also be quite affectionate with their owners. Most
require plenty of time with their families and do not do particularly well if
left on their own too often. Some will become bored and destructive if they
don't get enough attention. This is not the best breed for families that are
gone all day long.
The dogs also do not do particularly well with small children, who cannot be
gentle enough to avoid injuring the animal. Children also tend to move fast and
talk loud, which can make teacup
Yorkshire terriers quite nervous
and even prone to snapping. There is a misconception that all teacup Yorkshire terriers
are nervous, high strung creatures. However, purchasing your Yorkie from a
responsible breeder will help to ensure that your dog does not have these
negative characteristics as a rule.
Training
Prospective owners of teacup Yorkshire
terriers need to be prepared for
the fact that these little dogs are not the easiest to housebreak. Most experts
recommend that Yorkie owners practice quite a bit of crate training to teach
these pups good potty habits. It is also important to establish yourself as the
leader of your dog's pack from day one. Otherwise, you might be shocked to find
that your four-pound dog is running your household in no time!
Teacup
Yorkshire terriers
are precious little beasts that can bring plenty of delight to their families.
If you are looking for a
teacup
yorkie for sale, make sure you select your pet from a responsible breeder to
ensure your new dog is happy and healthy.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Yorkshire Terrier,
get a copy of this Yorkshire Terrier Guide
NOW!
