Look at a chihuahua and it is impossible to fall in love, look at a teacup chihuahua and you might as well be in heaven. Chihuahua’s are naturally small breeds of dogs, but just recently the designer “teacup” craze has made its way to chihuahuas. These extra small, extra loveable dogs are highly desirable in the teacup dog world, but many don’t understand what they are or how they came to be.
What is a teacup chihuahua?
The name is simply just a fancy way to say that a dog is very small. The term being coined in reference to the dog being able to fit into a teacup. Breeders searching for runt chihuahuas are breeding them together to create these teacup chihuahua puppies and selling them for a premium price. The weight of full grown chihuahuas can be anywhere from 3-7 lbs with the teacup chiwawa on the lower part of the scale. They are regular chihuahuas, just small ones.
Important teacup chihuahua information
If you own one of these tiny teacup pups there’s a few important things to keep in mind regarding their health.
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Smaller, more frequent meals may need to be served to prevent any health issues that may arise from this condition. Rubbing honey on their gums in case of emergencies. Low blood sugar can be very dangerous for small toy dogs like chihuahuas and should monitored carefully.
- Fragile bones
The tiny size of these dogs also means small fragile bones. It should be common sense, but extra caution should be practiced so as to prevent any injuries to the Chihuahua.
- hydrocephalus or (water on the brain)
hydrocephalus in dogs is an excess of spinal fluid in the dogs skull. The symptoms to look out for include seizures, blindness, hyper excitability, excessive vocalization. And sleepiness. If you notice these symptoms in your teacup chihuahua, bring it to a vet immediately.
heart problems, and respiratory problems are also common health risks for teacup chihuahuas. Regular checkups for your teacup chiwawa to a local vet to make sure it’s in good health is never a bad thing.
Buying a teacup chihuahua puppy
Understand that all chihuahua puppies are small in size. Be weary of a breeder claiming that a puppy is a teacup chihuahua. Many breeders will claim to know the size the puppy will be when it grows to full size, which is just their efforts to fetch a higher price for the sale. Actual teacup chihuahuas can bring in a price tag of a couple thousand dollars.
Owning a teacup chihuahua
Don’t put that wallet away just yet. Owning a teacup pup can be expensive after the price tag gets popped off. Don’t forget about medical expenses, vaccinations, toys, food, and any clothes you want to dress your toy puppy in to look cute. Owning a chihuahua, especially a teacup chihuahua can be one of the most expensive dogs to own. It will all be worth it for the happiness your chiwawa will bring you.
Caring for your teacup chihuahua
Just like every other pet, your little chihuahua has a few basic needs. Understanding how to care for such a small dog is important to keep it happy and healthy.
- Keep your chi warm
Being very small dogs, they get cold much faster than larger ones. Some clothing for warmth is a popular way to solve this while also dressing them up adorably. Also get your chi used to being under blankets. You can put little blankets on their beds or wherever you allow them to sleep.
- Groom your teacup chi
They may be small, but that doesn’t mean they don’t shed. Daily brushing can help minimize the amount of hair that will be shed all over your household. With long haired chihuahuas and being outside you may need to do a quick brushing after returning back indoors.
- Other dogs may be dangerous
Owning other larger dogs may be dangerous for your little teacup chihuahua. Some large dogs can be clumsy or hyper to the point your chihuahua may be injured. Chihuahuas can also be very aggressive to other dogs, but are more docile to their own breed.
- Regular exercise
Just like every other dogs, chihuahuas need regular exercise. Take them out on short walks once or twice daily. Regular playing is good, but don’t overdo it. Excessive heart rates can be dangerous for such small dogs.
Quick info
- Teacup isn’t an official breed type, just a way to describe their small size.
- Can be long haired or short haired
- Can be many colors including Merle and brindle
- Chihuahuas can become very jealous
- Needs extra caution to prevent injury due to their small size
- Average life span of 15-20 years
Teacup chihuahuas are amazing pets and will capture your heart forever. If you’re considering adopting one, you will instantly fall in love with the breed.
They are all adorable ❤️