Teacup Yorkies are the smallest version of the Yorkshire terrier dog breed, and these dogs only stand between five and seven inches tall. Teacup Yorkies are loved for their small size and their sweet dispositions, though the tiny size of these dogs can lead to certain health issues and questions about ethical breeding. Our article gives you more details about the teacup Yorkie breed, including how many puppies a teacup Yorkie might be able to have and where to adopt a teacup Yorkie.
What to Know About Teacup Yorkies
Teacup Yorkies are very small dogs, and the history of the Yorkshire terrier is somewhat hard to pin down. It’s generally accepted that these dogs were bred for hunting and ratting, with the standard-sized Yorkshire terrier becoming popular around the 1860s. As cities and urban areas grew, people began wanting smaller dogs, and the teacup Yorkie became a popular choice for those living in small spaces.
It’s important to note that teacup Yorkies, and teacup dog breeds in general, have a controversial place in the dog breeding world. These pups are very small, and they are often created by breeding the smallest of litter or the runts of a litter.
This can lead to severe health issues for the dogs, and the tiny size of teacup dogs makes them more prone to injury and other genetic health problems. If you absolutely must have a teacup dog in your life, it’s important to rescue one in need of a loving home or to work with an ethical breeder who understands how vital the health of the dogs involved is. You should also educate yourself on their potential health issues so you can keep an eye out for any early symptoms; this teacup yorkie guide gives you a good starting place.
How Many Puppies Can a Teacup Yorkie Have?
In general, a healthy teacup Yorkie can have between one and four puppies at a time. However, the number of puppies does vary quite a bit, and the health of the puppies born can also be an issue. These tiny dogs are not necessarily suited to breeding, and both the mother dog and the puppies may encounter health problems or genetic issues during the pregnancy and birthing process.
On average, you can expect a teacup Yorkie to have two or three puppies.
How Do I Find an Ethical Breeder?
If you are interested in adopting a teacup Yorkie, it is essential to find an ethical breeder. Breeders who try to create the absolute smallest possible teacup Yorkie and backyard breeders are most likely not putting the health of the dog first, and this can cause issues for both the puppies and the parent dogs.
Finding an ethical breeder involves ensuring their space is supportive of the dogs in addition to being clean and comfortable. You should also make sure that the breeder has the necessary licenses or certifications and that you can meet the dogs ahead of time to ensure everything is in order before adopting your pup.
Can I Breed My Own Dog?
While it is technically possible to breed your own teacup, Yorkie, this is not recommended. Breeders who work with teacup Yorkies have extensive knowledge about this dog and proper breeding practices, and it can be dangerous for both you and your teacup Yorkie to allow your dog to be unspayed and unneutered before reproducing.
Spaying and neutering improve your dog’s health and happiness, and stopping your dog from becoming pregnant can ensure that they live a healthy and happy life at your side.
Can I Adopt a Teacup Yorkie From a Shelter?
It may be possible to adopt a teacup Yorkie from a shelter, but these dogs rarely end up in local shelters and adoption agencies. Teacup Yorkies are almost always purchased from a breeder due to their small size and need to be purebred, and this results in people who do not willingly give their dogs up to the shelter. You are also unlikely to find a naturally occurring teacup Yorkie that ends up in a shelter.
That being said, there are agencies and organizations dedicated to saving teacup Yorkies that may be able to place one of these pups in your home without needing to work with a breeder.
Tiny, Lovable Teacup Yorkies
Teacup Yorkies are very small and very lovable, and many people interested in a tiny dog that fits in a small living space may be interested in this pup. However, it’s important to keep in mind the fragile nature of these dogs and ensure that you adopt your dog from an ethical and responsible source to ensure your dog is as healthy and happy as possible as they spend their life at your side.