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I get so many calls and emails from people looking for "Teacup"
Chihuahuas or super tiny Chihuahuas (I have even had people asking for a puppy that won't get over 1 lb. ) that I decided
it was necessary to add this page. Please read this if you are looking for one of these super tiny puppies.
There are
no size divisions for Chihuahuas. A Chihuahua is considered toy in size if it weighs 2 lbs. or 6 lbs. It is not unusual for
a Chihuahua to be over 6 lbs. especially as they get older. An average size Chihuahua is between 4 and 6 lbs. and that is
a very small dog. In fact the larger Chihuahuas, 6 lbs. and above, are often much more suitable for family life than the tiny
ones. Personally I do not breed for the super tiny size. The health and well being of my puppies and my adult dogs is much
more important to me than producing a super tiny puppy. I would never breed a female that is under 4 lbs. I do sometimes have
super tiny puppies that don't get over 2 and half or 3 lbs. as adults but not often.
Many times there are health reasons
that keep a puppy from getting over three pounds. Hydrocephelus, liver problems, heart problems, and hypoglycemia are often
found in these tiny little ones. These health issues can lead to early death for these tiny little ones and huge vet bills
for their owners.
These tiny dogs (teacups) need to have constant supervision. They are very prone to hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar). They should have food available at all times. They are so tiny they can not consume enough food in one feeding
to maintain their little bodies for long periods. They get cold easily because their tiny bodies can not retain heat as well
as a bigger dog. Their bones are tiny so a simple jump from couch or bed to the floor could easily lead to a broken bone.
They are not suitable for small children no matter how gentle the child is. Small children fall down and a small child falling
on one of these super tiny babies could be disasterous.
Beware of breeders who advertise their puppies as teacups, micro
teacups, purse puppies, pocket pets, ect. Often this is just a way to get you to pay an outrageous price for a puppy who in
fact will actually grow up to be a six pounds or more as an adult. Often a dishonest breeder will lie about the age of a puppy
saying a 4 or 5 week old puppy is 12 weeks or older in order to trick buyers into thinking the puppy is smaller than it actually
is. This is a horrible thing to do, not only because it is dishonest. It also puts the puppy at risk. A puppy needs to stay
with her momma until she is at least 8 weeks old. Smaller puppies may need to stay even longer. Selling a puppy too young
puts the puppy's life at risk and may lead to socialization problems as well. I have been contacted by many puppy buyers over
the years who have purchased a "teacup" Chihuahua that ended up being 8 to 10 lbs. as adults. Also beware of breeders who
claim the puppy has been certified a teacup by either a breed club (AKC, APRI, CKC, ect.) or a vet. There is no such certification.
It is simply a sales ploy.
I do not like giving size estimates and I will not guarantee the adult size of a puppy. There
is no way that anyone can honestly guarantee the adult size of a puppy. If asked for an adult weight estimate I will give
an estimate based on the size of the parents, the Chihuahua weight chart, and past litters but it is only an estimate. Even parent size is not a guarantee of adult size. Grandparents and great grandparents for many generations back can
affect the adult size of a puppy. I have seen 6 lb. parents produce puppies that did not get over 2 lbs. as adults and I have
seen 6 lb. parents produce a puppy that grew to 12 lbs.
The demand for these super tiny dogs is leading some unethical
breeders to breed super tiny parents in an effort to produce super tiny off spring. This is very dangerous to the mothers
and can lead to many health problems in the puppies. In these cases health, temperment, and conformation are not even considered.
All they care about is producing super tiny puppies that they can sell for ridicules prices.
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