Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /home3/bowelaid/public_html/thebigchi/wp-content/themes/acabado/functions.php on line 1920
What is a Micro Teacup Chihuahua?
The Micro Teacup Chihuahua is a very small Chihuahua that weigh less than five pounds (typically no more than three pounds, however) and are less than six inches in height. This version of the Chihuahua is recognized by the American Kennel Club, and they are considered to be very tiny but loyal, even fiesty pups!
Some breeders will call these tiny Chihuahuas “micro Chihuahuas” or “micro Teacup” Chihuahuas. Therefore, the names all refer to the same tiny purebred dog. Some pet experts state that the term “Teacup Chihuahua” is really nothing more than a marketing tool.
The standard Chihuahua weighs between four and six pounds and stands six inches tall or less. However, the American Kennel Club does not recognize a minimum size requirement for the Chihuahua, which means some breeders will get a tiny puppy in a litter and promote this as a Teacup or Micro Chihuahua.
Is the Micro or Teacup Chihuahua recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Yes, the AKC recognizes a Chihuahua that meets other standards as a Chihuahua; the AKC classifies the dog as falling into the “toy” breed of dogs, which further adds to its appeal.
The name “Teacup” is given to this tiny pooch because the grown dog is so small that it could fit into a teacup.
The problem with Teacup or Micro Chihuahuas comes in when unethical breeders attempt to selectively breed in order to get the smallest dog possible. When they do this, many times, the resulting puppies will be unhealthy.
Why are some Teacup or Micro Teacup Chihuahuas so small?
Have you ever heard the term or phrase “the runt of the litter?” The “runt” is the smallest of the litter; often, for whatever reason, the runt may not live into adulthood due to health problems. However, the runt often rallies and lives past expectations.
This is when unethical breeders take advantage.
The runt is naturally smaller than her siblings. The unethical breeder will try to pair a smaller Chihuahua with a male that is also a runt in order to hopefully (that’s important!) get a litter of very tiny puppies the breeder can market as Micro Teacup or even simply Teacup Chihuahuas.
The issue becomes unethical as no breeder can guarantee the true size of an adult Chihuahua. The puppy marketed as a Micro Chihuahua or a Teacup Chihuahua may grow to be the same size as a “standard” Chihuahua. This leads to disappointment in the buyer.
If disappointment was the only negative outcome of this scenario, that would be bad enough. However, when a breeder purposely breeds for this smaller Chihuahua, there may be health problems in the puppy.
What type of health problems may a Teacup or Micro Teacup Chihuahua have?
Teacup Chihuahuas may be more prone to some of the issues a standard Chihuahua faces. This includes low blood sugar, patellar luxation, and tracheal collapse. Some Teacup Chihuahuas also suffer from problems with their skin and eyes.
Patellar luxation is also known as “bum” knees or loose knees. The kneecap of the dog will become loose from the proper position and shift inward. This is especially prevalent in smaller breeds; if they have fragile bones, the problem can become more evident.
It is not certain exactly why these smaller Chihuahuas tend to develop these problems more often than the standard sized dogs.
What should I look for in a breeder?
Reputable breeders ARE out there, and, with a little work, you will find a breeder who breeds for the betterment of the breed rather than breeding simply to make money.
A reputable breeder can be found online if you do not know any breeders local to your area. Once you make contact with the breeder, ask to visit their facilities. A definite red flag is a breeder’s lack of desire to allow you to tour his or her facilities.
When you get to the facilities, look for the parents. Keep in mind the mom may be the only parent on the premises, and this is acceptable. Regardless, you’ll want to interact with mom. Now, Chihuahuas are naturally skeptical of new people. However, you’ll be able to tell if Mom is healthy and fairly happy. This is a mark of a good breeder who takes care of her dogs.
Next, look around. Are the facilities clean? Are the other adult dogs locked in crates or in outdoor pens? Do they seem happy or do they seem unhealthy, skittish, and nervous? Unethical breeders tend to have multiple moms on site and many times they will be locked away with little interaction with the breeders. The facilities may even seem crowded with females for breeding.
If you contact the breeder online and he or she refuses to let you visit and only wants to meet you at a neutral location, this is often a red flag.
Another mark of a reputable breeder is the certification of the health of the parents. Good breeders will offer evidence of genetic testing and vaccination records. Some may even offer the health record of the mom from her earliest vaccinations to vet checks during pregnancy.
Would it be better to adopt a Teacup or Micro Teacup Chihuahua?
Again, that is a personal preference. However, the Chihuahua is the second-most abandoned dog breed (right after the pit bull). That means, should you choose to adopt, you are likely to find an adult Chihuahua that needs the love and care you can give her.
Another word should be said about breeders. Reputable breeders do not breed for the money; they breed for the standards of the breed and to better the breed. Those who would purposely breed the “runt” of the litter – even if it is a danger to her – aren’t typically doing so because they love the breed and want to improve it.
However, there ARE good breeders out there, and you can get a healthy puppy this way. Visit the breeder’s facilities. If you see both Mom and Dad on the premises (most often it will just be Mom, though), and the parents are happy and healthy, you can bet the puppies will be too. Breeders who will only share a few photos and do not want you on the premises may have something to hide.
If you choose to get a Teacup Chihuahua at the puppy stage, you have the advantage of being able to housebreak the dog and socialize him during the critical first year.
At the same time, many adult Chihuahuas are in shelters looking for their furever home, and they need loving pet parents too. The preference is truly a personal one, but make a well-informed decision either way.
How can I find a Teacup or Micro Teacup Chihuahua in a shelter or rescue?
You can make calls to your local animal control to inquire about any Chihuahuas in their facility; however, there are many shelters and rescues across the globe that are particularly devoted to the Chihuahua breed. Websites such as AdoptaPet.com and Rescueme.org can help you to find shelters that cater to Chihuahuas of any size.
You may need to pay a rehoming or adoption fee at one of these facilities, but this will include necessary vaccinations as well as a spay or neuter for the adult dog. This is a good idea for the Teacup Chihuahua as their small size really does not lend to good siring or whelping.
The Chihuahua is a sweet and cuddly pet, and, whether you decide to adopt or purchase from a breeder, the puppy will give you many years of loyal love.