Tuesday, August 25, 2009

What does "Teacup Yorkie" really mean?


"There is is only 1 Yorkshire Terrier breed. There is no official breed known as the Teacup Yorkie. This holds true for just about all dog breeds. (The Miniature Poodle is an example of an exception)

However, with the Chihuahua, Pomeranian and other dogs including the Yorkie, there is only 1 dog breed. There is not a separate variety which is a Teacup, Miniature, Toy or other name which implies a smaller sized breed, separate from the standard breed.

Until rather recently, the AKC standard did not mention a minimum weight for the Yorkie. This left breeders the window of breeding down to any weight that they felt comfortable doing.

Now, there is a minimum weight stated in the AKC standard: 4 pounds ( 1.81 kg).

The term teacup refers to a dog on the smaller end of the weight standard. It may also refer to a dog under the weight standard.

There is no clear line. The media has taken this word and pushed it into the mainstream of those purchasing puppies. One breeder may call a 4 (1.81 kg) pound Yorkie a Teacup and another will refer only 2 or 3 pound (.90 kg or 1.36 kg) dogs as Teacups.

The public wants very small 'Teacup' Yorkies, but breeders know that very tiny dogs= health issues."
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1 comment:

yorkies for adoption said...

What a cool post. Thanks for sharing. i am a yorkie lover too.