Teacup Dogs : Fashionable But Inhumane

These modern-day micro-puppies are sadly seen as fashion accessories.  Runts of a litter (the smaller or weaker ones), are often paired to create the so-called teacup dogs. This is not a natural breeding situation. Teacup dogs are not considered as a breed category, and there are no regulations when it comes to their breeding. 

Welfare organisations warn that the trend of miniature breeds is putting the lives of pets at risk as inbreeding increases the risk of health problems for both mother and her puppies.  There are no specific breeds that are used in this unnatural breeding process, although breeders devise new ways to shrink an already small breed like the Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Poodle, Beagle, Pug, Pomeranian and Yorkie.

Weighing 3.2 kg or less at maturity, the list of health issues is directly related to their unnaturally small size, and includes hypoglycemia, digestive trouble, liver shunts, hydrocephalus, heart defects, respiratory problems, not to mention the heartbreak of owning a fragile and chronically ill pet with a short lifespan.  

Teacup dogs are often left at shelters due to health issues and the disappointment and dissatisfaction of their owners.  Much to the surprise of some owners, teacup dogs cannot do all the things that normal-sized dogs do and treatments due to health issues can be very costly. Due to their size, they spend a life inside a purse, having very little exercise and even less interaction with other dogs. 

A more humane option would be to consider purchasing a toy dog breed, since it is a healthier version of a teacup dog, and help to decrease the questionable breeding trend and poor quality of life for these little dogs.