TEACUP INFORMATION

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Teacup Size: Since teacup is just a name given by breeders to describe an extra

small dog, there is no universal standard. Each breeder has their own definition of

what size a teacup should be. Most breeders agree that a teacup should be 4 pounds

and under, with some saying 5 pounds and under. But since poodles are measured

by height and not weight, this should also be a factor. Most breeders also agree that

a teacup should be less than 8 inches tall. This is because, even though a poodle

should be built square, some poodles are built tall and thin and might only weigh 4

pounds, but can be 10 or 11 inches tall. Some are built short and fat and might only

be 8 inches tall, but could weigh as much as 7 or 8 pounds. We believe a true teacup

to weigh up to 4 – 4 1/2 pounds full grown and less than 8 inches tall.

Health: Many people have the mistaken idea that teacups are not healthy. While it

is true that some teacups can have health problems, if a teacup is bred from a

healthy line, and bred from a line that is specifically bred to be small, then they can

be just as healthy as any other size dog. Sometimes a puppy will be born extra small

out of a litter of regular or miniature size poodles that have all regular or large

dogs behind them, and the breeder will call this a teacup. However, the real reason

that the pup is so tiny is because there is something wrong that prevents him/her

from growing to normal size. This pup could be sickly and may have many health

problems, or might even seem to be healthy, but only lives for a short time. This is

not a true teacup! This is just an unhealthy pup! Unfortunately, this is where many

people mistakenly get the idea that teacups are not healthy. That is why it is so

important to purchase a teacup from an experienced breeder that has the

knowledge to know the difference.

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Care: Teacups are not suitable for everyone’s lifestyle. Many people get toys and

teacups confused. Most people think that they want a teacup, when all they are

really looking for is a nice toy or tiny toy. They do not realize the extra care that a

very tiny teacup requires. Most true little teacups cannot and should not jump on to

or off a couch or bed, or climb stairs. If they are put on a bed or couch, they must be

watched carefully to ensure they do not fall or jump off as they can easily be

injured. As puppies, teacups should not have free run of the whole house and

should be confined to a small area (playpen, gated room, etc.) when alone. Because

they are so tiny, some teacups are prone to hypoglycemia/low blood sugar. When a

puppy expends more energy than he/she has the ability to store, low blood sugar

results and the effects can be fatal. As a puppy matures (usually by about five

months), they are able store sugar so this becomes less of a problem. So if you

decide to get a teacup, make sure you know the warning signs. Hypoglycemia

prevention requires that tiny pups have small frequent meals and get plenty of

rest. You should keep Nutri-Cal or Karo syrup on hand just in case.

 

 

Please click on

the link for more information, http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hypoglycemia-indogs/

page1.aspx.

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