Does your Teacup Yorkie feel like the runt of the litter? You’re not alone. Many owners of Teacup Yorkies feel this way and are often surprised to learn just how big their dog can get. In this post, I’ll answer the question, “how big does a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier get?”
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How Big Does a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier Get?
When fully grown, the Teacup Yorkie will weigh between 2-4 lbs and as for their height, you can expect no more than 5 to 7 inches. Yorkies are sturdy, with long fur that can get up to 12 inches. This standard size of Yorkies makes Teacup Yorkies the epitome of small dogs.
Every Teacup Yorkie is different. Some may be small at birth and have a high growth rate, while others have a more leisurely growth rate. Yorkies are not teacup dogs.
Although many unethical breeders will try to tell you otherwise, there is no such classification for this type of dog.
Breed Standards of Teacup Yorkies
The American Kennel Club requires that a purebred Yorkie weigh between 4-7 pounds as an adult. Anything outside this range could spell bad news for your pup’s health; puppies who are advertised as “teacup” won’t even fit into their category because they’ll be less than 3 inches tall.
A teacup dog is usually just a pup grown too small for its breed compared to a usual Yorkshire terrier that is 8-9 inches tall. It’s not worth the price, and you’ll end up spending hundreds or thousands in vet bills because these dogs are undersized by nature and have many health problems.
It’s vital to receive papers and identify a reliable breeder the AKC has approved to ensure that your dog will conform to breed standards. You should also be aware of your Teacup’s lifespan so that you can know the time you will spend with your pet.
Teacup Yorkshire Terriers’ Lifespan
Many individuals think about the dog’s lifespan they want to get initially. Teacup Yorkies can live up to three years on average. However, the typical life expectancy is between 7 and 10 years and some Teacup Yorkies are fortunate enough to reach their 12th or 14th birthdays.
The longevity of any dog is determined by genetics, breeding procedures, health and skin issues. Like other dogs, this breed has ailments that are peculiar to it. Their smaller bodies and shorter limbs make them highly vulnerable.
- Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common problem in Yorkies. You can avoid this life-threatening disorder with specific nutrition and diet.
- Teacup Yorkies are also susceptible to liver shunts. This congenital health problem hinders the liver from adequately filtering poisons and wastes from the blood.
- They may also have a collapsed trachea, which causes them to restrict their ventilation. As a result, a Teacup Yorkie may experience respiratory issues such as chronic coughing.
- Before you bring a Teacup Yorkie home, make sure to ask the breeder about any existing health issues. The parents should be healthy and free of any pre-existing diseases to pass on to the puppy.
Why Do Teacup Yorkshire Terriers Need Special Care?
Because of their diminutive size, your Teacup Yorkie needs special attention.
- When placed in a large environment, they become easily overwhelmed. It is especially true if you’ve recently taken your new pet home. You may notice them barking more than usual, which is a common symptom of the ‘small dog syndrome.’
- Your pup may be intimidated by the enormity of the space. As a result, you should set aside a small and comfortable room for your Teacup to gradually acclimate without disrupting its sleeping pattern. The Yorkshire terrier bed should be freely accessible, allowing your dog to climb on and off without difficulty.
- Because these canines are so small, it’s all too simple to kick or trip over them. As a result, make it a point to remain awake and aware of your surroundings. It would be ideal if you kept an eye out for your Teacup while walking around.
- Teacups are prone to being cold very rapidly. Bathing your Teacup Yorkies is not recommended unless they are over eight weeks old. Alternatively, wipe your pup’s body with a moist towel or dog wipes to clean it up. To maintain the optimum body temperature, properly dry the body after that.
- Teacup Yorkies’ fragile bones are also likely to break. Once you leave your dog alone on the seat or at your desk, they may jump from such a high point, resulting in an accident.
If you must leave your Teacup Yorkie alone at any time, ensure that they are adequately trained and have access to everything they require. It will necessitate the correct positioning of potty locations and proper potty training.
Undersized and Oversized Teacup Yorkies
Teacup Yorkshire Terriers must meet specific size requirements. Your pet can get overweight if you overfeed them or don’t get enough exercise. On the other hand, a Teacup Yorkie that is too tiny may be undernourished.
In any situation, you should take your Yorkie to a knowledgeable veterinarian who can make suitable dietary and exercise recommendations. You should not get worried if your Teacup Yorkie is tiny or big. You can get back on track by making minor lifestyle modifications.
Related Questions
How Much Is a Fully Grown Teacup Yorkshire Terrier Worth?
A fully grown Teacup Yorkshire Terrier will cost you any amount between $1,200 and $2,500 when you buy it from a reputable breeder. The cost of your Teacup Yorkie will vary based on the breeder you choose and the parents’ quality.
Are Teacup Yorkshire Terriers Smart?
Yes, Teacup Yorkies are smart. The Teacup Yorkshire terrier is a charming and bright dog that is fast to learn new commands and tricks from its owner.
Are Teacup Yorkshire Terriers Hypoallergenic?
Yes, the Teacup Yorkshire terrier is hypoallergenic; therefore, they are gentle on allergy sufferers’ systems. This feature is a significant bonus for allergy sufferers who desire an indoor dog.
Final Thoughts
Teacup Yorkie dogs are usually just pups that have been bred to a very diminutive size. Their smaller bodies and shorter limbs make them highly vulnerable to diseases. It is essential to get your pup checked out by a veterinarian if they seem sluggish.