The term “Teacup” in the world of dogs is used to describe a dog that is smaller than a toy dog. It is very much an unofficial term & not one recognized by the American or British Kennel Clubs.
Toy dogs have been called many different names including pocket size, tiny toy, miniature, lapdogs & even sleeve dogs. The term “Sleeve Dogs” originated from oriental emperors as they used to carry their little dogs around in their copious sleeves.
The smaller dogs throughout the canine family are correctly termed “Toy” dogs; the delicate size of these particular dogs is due to selective breeding. Toy dogs were initially “developed” to provide the rich & wealthy people of the world with pleasure. They were owned by only those that could afford them & were then viewed by others as some sort of status symbol, an “accessory.”
Just because you may see a dog deemed as a “Teacup” dog this does not indicate that it is special in any way, it is purely a toy dog & the term is a sales pitch.
Some breeders will refer to the smaller puppies within a litter as “Teacup” puppies it is really just simply an adjective used to describe an especially small dog within the litter. They have been known to use other descriptive words too such as teddy bear face, t-cup, baby doll & many more.
There is no specific breed of dog as a Teacup breed, the collective group name of the smaller dogs is, as stated earlier, the Toy group.
The Yorkshire Terrier falls into this group as does the Chihuahua, Pekingese, Chinese Crested, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Poodle & several others.
It is a common sad fact that generally within a litter of puppies you will discover the odd one that is perhaps smaller & unfortunately weaker than its siblings, this is the one that is then labelled as a “Teacup” puppy. Potential buyers are not informed, of course, that the puppy is considerably smaller than the others & probably a fair bit weaker, no they are informed that this special puppy is a breed within its own rights.
This is unfair on the new owners & on the puppy; it will undoubtedly experience some health problems due to its size. Their bones will be much weaker & they could encounter respiratory difficulties.
People need to be made aware of these facts & then if they still decide to purchase the puppy then they have made that choice knowing everything. This way they can ensure that the puppy receives the extra care that it will require.
So to summarize then, no the Yorkshire Terrier, or any other breed of dog for that matter, does not belong to the supposed Teacup group of dogs. This is simply because this group does not technically exist.
Yes, the Yorkshire Terrier does belong to the Toy dog group as it is a small breed of dog, intended to be small. It is not unhealthy or underweight it has been selectively bred to be a small breed of dog & is loved the world over for being just that, small!
July 14th, 2009 at 7:37 am
estou entersada
August 9th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
i am very interested in a yorkshire terrier male puppy please contact me as soon as possibly,i want this as a gift for my sister’s birthday.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:13 am
hey an i maybe het a dog for less gthan 100
September 13th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
how much for a teacup yorkie and do you ship contact me please i am very interested in a teacup
October 14th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I am interested in a T-cup yorkie for my moms 50th birthday … can you please help me locate a yorkie for a decent price
October 15th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
hi im really interested in a female or male yorkshire terrier please contact me ! thank you
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 am
i want a teacup yorkie dog.. there are so cute! if you have any please contact me at {email removed to protect user from con artists} my name is Ashley!!
thanks
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
please please have a look on puppy mills and pupper rescue before buying. these dogs go to them all the time.
thanks
November 12th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
HELLO I want to buy a puppy please I LIVE in BERMUDA and would need to have shipped or I can pick up in NEW YORK . PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
November 18th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
im interested in the tea cup yorkie please give me more info. on them.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
i am from guam and i have been wanting to buy two teacups of any kind really for my mother…she loves all sorts but more especially teacups..yorkies or anykind…but the only way we can bring them in is thru australia because it is rabbies free..can anyone help us please i have been searching for over a year and almost gave up till now..hope to make a wonderful and caring mom happier they happy…please help me make her wish come true..thx caring daughters…norma
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:02 am
I am very interested in a teacup yorkie. Please contact me with information. I would like to pay no more than $500 for the puppy and shipping. Thank You.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
hey may you please contact me my num is {removed to protect commenter from spam} beause my daughter wants oe soooooooo bad talk later bye!
March 25th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
i am interested and i want to buy this dog or puppy i will be willing to pay extra i need this dog now
March 25th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
sir or maim i need this dog now i am 11 now for my birthday my dad is going to get me a puppy he said that since i was 8 years old ive been serching and serching for the perfict dog please i need it write me on aim or aol to find out how to do this at {removed for confidentiality}.
March 30th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I have wanted this pup for years. I have alwalys been a dog lover for many of years! I would like to spend between $300-$500. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP1!!!!!! THANK U DESPERATE
March 30th, 2010 at 9:44 am
I NEED THIS TEACUP YORKIE SO CUTE I WILL LUV IT,HOLD IT,HUG IT,FEED IT AN PAMPER HER PLEASE CONTACT ME!
April 17th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
I need a yorkie puppy so much. I have been wanting a teacup yorkie, but i cant afford them please sell me one. Here is my number, {removed for confidentiality}.
September 13th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I am very interested in a teacup…… Please get ahold of me asap
February 14th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Hi I am interested in 2 teacup yorkies for me and my mom. Male
Thanks
February 28th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
that is a cute little thing.
February 28th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
you a cute littlething.
February 28th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Hey!!!!! Do you know where they are selling yorkies so I can buy one for my porjecct that I need for.
February 28th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Sharpay on high school musical has I thing a teacup yorkie.
February 28th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!teacup
April 24th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
can i have a dog for less then 100 dollars
August 16th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Hay I love the dog I what this for my LIL girl how much would u seal it
September 17th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
I am very interested in a teacup yorkie puppy…could you please write me back and let me know if you have any available and how much
September 21st, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I want to get a teacup yorkie soooo badly cause they r just sooo cute i want to pay no more than 450 for one though!!