Yorkshire Terrier
Despite what you may see in many online advertisements and in your local newspaper, there is no such thing as a teacup dog of any breed. This term is often used to describe such breeds as the Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle. All three of these breeds are normally very small dogs, and those who deliberately breed them down in size for the purpose of simply selling tiny puppies are not doing these breeds justice at all.
Considering the Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the first place, weighing at a maximum of only six pounds, intentionally breeding them down in size can cause a great deal of health disorders. Many small breeds can easily succumb to low blood sugar if not fed every few hours as puppies, breeding them down in size only increases the risk of coma or death due to hypoglycemia.
Even reputable breeders will have the occasional small dog in litters, however they do not intentionally breed for this and take special care for these small puppies. They will also not tag them with the term "teacup" in order to rake in a higher profit, but will be even more selective on who they sell the smaller puppies to in order to protect the health of that puppy.
The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America states that the small "teacup" Yorkies are susceptible to hereditary and non-hereditary health problems including diarrhea, vomiting, severe reactions to anesthesia, easily injured by falls or being stepped on causing large veterinary bills.
The Poodle Club of America also discourages breeders from promoting the sale of "teacup" puppies and states that it is simply a marketing ploy to sell Poodle puppies for an increased price.
Another thing to consider is the lengths that some breeders will go to assure that they have these smaller sized dogs. Some have been found to deny adequate nutrition in order to stunt the puppies growth so that they can show you a very tiny dog with a high price tag.
If you're interested in a smaller sized dog, contact a reputable breeder and express your interest in a smaller dog. The breeder will help educate you on the extra care that may be needed with the smaller puppies and help guide you on what all you will need to do. Reputable breeders do not breed for tiny dogs, but there are occasionally smaller dogs that happen naturally in litters. A reputable breeder would never use these smaller dogs in their breeding programs in order to keep the size down, but will sell the puppy as a pet to a family who is aware of the extra care needed and has the ability and desire to provide that extra care. These puppies will be sold on a strict spay/neuter contract as well.
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