The facts covered in the following article will help you learn all about teacup Yorkies. Read some useful information and understand how you could take better care of your dog.
First things first, there is no such thing as teacup Yorkie. It is a misleading marketing gimmick by some dog breeders. According to the American Kennel Club, a teacup Yorkie is a dog that weighs no less than 4 pounds and no more than 7 pounds. All Yorkshire terriers belong to the toy group of dogs. If someone tries to sell you any dog smaller than 4 pounds, beware. The animal will be extremely frail and bred using unethical practices.
You find many celebrities photographed with a small dog sitting either on their lap or peeping out of their shoulder bag. One of these cute little dogs is the teacup Yorkie, which is a darling for many high society personalities. If you would love to have a dog and are interested in getting a tiny Yorkie as a pet, then it’s better to get more facts. As easy as it looks, this breed is one of the most difficult to train.
History
The history of this breed is kind of sketchy, as it is thought to have developed in the 1800s. This dog was developed in Yorkshire, England, by people belonging to the worker class. They bred it to catch rats and small vermin in the mills. Ever since, it has caught the fancy of people of the upper class and become a style statement.
Physical Appearance
This breed weighs no more than 7 pounds when fully-grown. It has a black-and-tan coat as a puppy, that turns into a blue-tan shade as the dog matures. The hair is long, fine, silky, and rich, and falls smoothly on both sides of the body. Many people tend to grow their dogs’ hair long, gather it together, and tie it as a ponytail on the head. This dog stands at just 6 to 7 inches above the ground in height.
Temperament
Do not mistake it to be a calm, timid, and placid creature. It is a powerhouse that comes in small package. It will jump around and chase anything that moves, like an insect, its own shadow, or the neighbor’s cat. It is a very high-strung breed that is very sensitive to loud sounds or fast movements. It is small in size, but very loud. It will bark continuously at strangers and become aggressive towards them. It is an extremely-intelligent dog who is confident, full of energy, and playful. It requires training from the very start, even though it may look extremely cute and cuddly. If you show any kind of leniency towards its behavior and training, the dog will turn dominant. This will cause plenty of barking, aggression, and socializing problems for you.
Grooming
This dog has a long coat that requires regular grooming. You need to brush its coats regularly to reduce mats and tangles. Clean the ears to prevent an ear infection and regular teeth brushing will avoid plaque. You need to take good care and follow regular grooming sessions if you want the coat to remain silky and shiny.
Health
Due to its extremely small size, this breed is prone to many health ailments. It may suffer from dental problems due to its very small mouth. It may also have many eye, ear, and respiratory complaints. This breed is at risk of developing digestive problems and suffering from bone fractures due to rough play or mishandling by the owner.
It is a suitable pet for elderly couples or for a single owner. It is not suitable for children due to its tendency to nip and bite. Besides, children will tend to treat it like a soft toy, resulting in stress to the dog. It proves to be a great watch dog as it is wary about strangers. It was originally bred as a hunting dog, and will fight tooth and nail to protect its territory. It bonds very strongly with a single person in the family. If you feel you have ample time for grooming, and don’t mind listening to frequent barks around the house, then this is the best dog for you. It will prove to be an extremely loyal and dedicated pet with a very adaptable personality. A great dog for people with less home space. However, be very careful so as not to accidentally kick or step on your tiny little Yorkie.
