ChiChiBabies Statement On Teacup Chihuahuas

We get many requests for "teacup" chihuahuas. Usually, these requests refer to
a puppy that, as an adult, will not weigh more than 3 or 3 1/2 pounds. For this
reason, we felt the need to discuss our viewpoint on these tiny little critters.

While there are many highly reputable breeders who breed for the smallest size
possible, there are many additional factors to consider when thinking of
purchasing a tiny, or "teacup" chihuahua. First and foremost, "teacup" is simply a
term...nothing more. It is not a special breed, or anything else other than a word.
Many not so reputable breeders will use this term as a way of asking more for
their puppies, and many of those puppies do not even end up being that small size
as adults. No matter what any breeder tells you, it is impossible to say with
absolute certainty what size a chihuahua will be until it's grown. Many breeders
are very good at predicting the size of their puppies, and a breeder of quality
puppies will never guarantee that your puppy will be a certain size. Also, the
term "toy" refers to the AKC classification of the breed, not necessarily that the
puppy will be a tiny one...though some breeders will also use the term in an effort
to charge more for their puppies. Just remember, ALL chihuahuas are classified
as "Toys".

Next, the vast majority of our puppies have grown to be at least 4 pounds. In
other words, we do not breed for tiny puppies. Occassionally, a smaller than
average puppy will appear in a litter, but usually it has just gotten a slow start. It
usually ends up being about the same size as it's littermates, give or take a few
ounces. On the rare occassion that these puppies do not catch up with their
littermates, it will not be sold until it is a good bit older than the rest, and then it
will be placed carefully, in only the most attentive of homes, which brings me to
my next point...

The reason why we do not breed for the tiny size, and the reason why any tiny
puppy that we might produce will be placed very carefully is that the tinier the
puppy, the less likely it will be as heathy as the average Chihuahua. The very
tiny Chis usually have a good deal of health problems as adults. They tend to
have shorter lives, and a great deal more complications from puppyhood on to
adulthood. We also require a spay contract for any tiny female that we place due
to the fact that the tiny girls usually have a very difficult time giving birth. It is
not wise to breed these little Chis unless you are a very knowledgable breeder,
and even then, problems are likely to occur. Even the tiny Chis need a good
loving home for as long as they are able to enjoy it, and many do live very close
to a normal Chihuahua lifespan, due to exceptionally good breeding, however,
before you purchase a tiny Chihuahua, please, please, please research the breed
extensively. Tiny dogs usually require a much greater amount of care and
attention, and are not suitable for every home. This information can be
referenced from any breeding related or Chihuahua related book at your local
library.

Finally, if you do settle on bringing a tiny Chihuahua into your family, try to
research your prospective puppy's parents, grandparents and siblings. You will
need to evaluate their size in relation to their health and well-being. Any good
breeder would be more than willing to answer your questions, because they know
the added responsibility of owning a tiny baby themselves. Remember, it is
possible for a tiny puppy to come from a litter of regular or "standard" sized chis,
and it's possible for them to be by and out of average sized parents. However,
please be careful to know when you are getting an unhealthy runt as opposed to a
healthy, well-socialized puppy that just happens to be smaller than the rest.
Remember, most (though unfortunately not all) breeders who have the tiny
babies will be solid breeders who care about their puppies. They will have taken
good care of these babies, and they will expect any prospective home and owner
to do the same.

More Information

Click HERE for a MUST READ article about where the desire for tiny
puppies could leave us, complete with real life information and one vet's
comments.