Everything You Need to Know About the Teacup Yorkie

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Teacup YorkieTeacup Yorkie is a smaller version of the same pure breed Yorkie, also known as Toy Yorkie or Micro Yorkshire Terrier. It’s a tiny dog breed at about 5 to 7 inches tall, weighing between 2 to 4 pounds. The average lifespan of the Teacup Yorkie is around 12 years.

If you have the time and patience to handle that, they’re most certainly worth adopting. They’re adorable companions!

Continue reading to reveal more about these beautiful creatures!

What Does a Teacup Yorkie Weigh?

First things first, there isn’t an official definition for Teacup Yorkies. However, breeders strive to produce pups that’ll weigh no more than 4 lbs (1.8 kg) once they reach their full ‘adult’ weight after a year.

This is considerably less than standard Yorkshire Terriers. On average, these weigh 7 lbs (3.1 kg); making the size difference between the two fairly substantial.

To get a feel for how small they are, check out this video:

How Do Breeders Produce Such Small Dogs?

It’s hardly surprising that dogs of such a small size suffer a multitude of medical complications. When it comes to breeding teacup-sized dogs of any breed, there are no guarantees. Occasionally these occur naturally.

However, more often than not breeders intentionally breed using two undersized dogs to produce a smaller sized litter. Naturally, this is a risky business for both the mother and her pups. It’s unlikely the mother can bear more than two puppies at a time, and even that can be dangerous for her.

As such, we only suggest adopting these pups rather than fuelling the industry. Breeding such puppies are fraught with unethical practices such as inbreeding and starvation to achieve such results.

6 Tips to Help You Care for Your Teacup Yorkie Pup

Tiny Teacup Yorkshire Terrier on White Bathing

Like we’ve already said, Teacup Yorkies require special care and attention. In light of that, here are a few pieces of advice to help steer you in the right direction:

  1. You need to monitor your puppy very carefully. Particularly within the first two weeks of getting him. It’s essential that you make a special effort to note how much he eats, drinks, whether he has enough energy to play, and how regularly he goes to the toilet. Teacup Yorkies suffer from hypoglycemia so any changes to the above could be an indicator that a fatal seizure is imminent.
  2. Don’t allow your Teacup Yorkie access to the entirety of your house straight away. Instead, designate a specific room where they’ll feel warm and comfortable. It’s best for them to adjust to their new surroundings gradually, so he doesn’t get too overwhelmed. Teacup Yorkies are easily panicked, be sure to ease them in.
  3. Offer him a comfortable, cozy bed he can climb on and off of easily. It’s of paramount importance your Toy Yorkshire Terrier pup isn’t forced to jump to reach his sleeping area. Their bones are fragile and easily break, the last thing you want is a nasty accident. This also means you shouldn’t leave him alone with furniture he could jump from, i.e., a chair or a sofa.
  4. Keep your eyes peeled. These dogs are incredibly small, so they’re easy to trip over and accidentally kick if you don’t see them coming. Take particular care when walking around your home.
  5. If your Teacup Yorkie is between 4 to 8 weeks old, you shouldn’t bath him. Instead, use baby wipes or a damp towel to clean him gently. After you’ve washed your pup, dry him thoroughly. This is vital because they get very cold, quickly. This can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable for your puppy.
  6. Teacup Yorkies hardly shed so their coats are super easy to maintain and they considered “hypoallergenic

How To Feed a Teacup Yorkie and What To Feed Them?

Teacup Yorkie pups should eat once every 3 to 4 hours. However, because of their tiny size, they don’t require massive portions.

Rest assured, you don’t need to wake him in the middle of the night to feed him. It’s enough to ensure he eats just before you go to bed, and then again first thing in the morning.

They should never skip a meal. If your pup lacks an appetite, consult with your vet as soon as possible. It’s essential you take this seriously because Yorkshire Terriers quickly suffer from low blood sugar levels. If left untreated, this could be fatal.

Tiny dogs like this need at least 40 calories per pound of their body weight. Therefore, it’s essential you select food that’s formulated for smaller dog breeds; this is the best way to ensure your Yorkie gets their dietary requirements.

Plus, Toy Yorkies are prone to both sensitive stomachs and liver shunts, this again makes choosing the right food imperative for their comfort and health.

Black and brown teacup Yorkie walking

Are Teacup Yorkies Healthy Dogs?

Sadly, Teacup Yorkies are prone to all sorts of health conditions, so you need to swot up and do your research. The quicker you can identify their symptoms, the better. So here are a few ailments associated with this breed:

Hypoglycemia: this is just a fancy term for low blood sugar levels. If your pup is between 8 and 16 weeks old; it’s particularly prevalent. Sadly, this ailment can cause seizures, and in the worst case scenario, death. If you think your Teacup Yorkie is suffering from this, call a vet immediately.

Top Tip: while you’re waiting for professional help, grab a clean towel and wrap it around your puppy to keep him warm. Rub honey on his gums, this will help the blood absorb glucose, and you should attempt to get him to eat.

Collapsed Trachea: Like humans, the trachea is the passage that transports air from the nose to the lungs. Fortunately, the phrase; “collapsing trachea” sounds much worse than it actually is. A collapsed trachea mainly causes chronic coughing.

Dogs may also suffer from other symptoms such as wretching, difficulty breathing, trouble exercising, blue colored gums and passing out.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: This refers to the deterioration of the top of the femur bone in the back legs, causing discomfort and inflammation in the hip joint.

Usually, standard Yorkies have a lifespan of 12-15 years. But due to their smaller size and additional health issues connected with it, Teacup Yorkies have a shorter life expectancy – around 12 years.

Where to Get a Teacup Yorkie?

The best age to buy a pup is around 6 months; this is usually the safest time to bring a Teacup Yorkie home. By this stage, it’s easier to tell how well the pup’s growing and whether it’s suffering from any health issues.

Teacup Yorkies are typically more expensive than standard Yorkshire Terriers. If you’re thinking of buying one, the average teacup Yorkie costs anywhere between $1,200 and $2,000. Two factors usually influence the price:

  1. The reputation of the breeder.
  2. The quality of the pup’s health papers.

Ensuring you get a healthy pup will save you a ton of money in the long run, so don’t skimp on the cost!

To find a Teacup Yorkie for sale or adoption, check out the links below:

Black and brown Teacup Yorkie face close up

Don’t Get Caught Out

Unfortunately, there are loads of unreliable and unethical breeders about. They’ll advertise the sale of Teacup Yorkie pups and take advantage of vulnerable buyers who aren’t familiar with the breed.

By convincing someone they’re purchasing a “teacup” Yorkie, the breeder makes them feel they’re getting something more unique than the standard breed. Therefore, devious breeders are capitalizing on this and using it as a sly marketing trick– not cool!

In light of this, it’s worth doing your research and getting a few referrals before you decide on a breeder.

If you have your heart set on a Yorkie, you can also consider the following Yorkie mixes:

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading this blog post, we hope you enjoyed it!

If you already have a Teacup Yorkie, please feel free to let us know in the comments box. We’d love to see how you’re getting on, and whether you have any advice for new owners.

12 replies on “Everything You Need to Know About the Teacup Yorkie”

  • Barbara J Mckenzie says:

    I have a 3 lb teacup Yorkie who is 14 yrs old. I haven’t had any health problems except losing her teeth. She started having the collapsed trachea so I switched to a harness and no problem since. I’ve treasured her loving & happy personality. She has had a 5 lb yorkie companion for 12 yrs. Of course the littlest one is boss

  • Jennifer Williams says:

    We have a baby yorkie that we bought at 8 weeks before understanding a whole lot. We did luck out that the Breeder was very informative and kept checking up on us. He is overall a great puppy but what was learned from this is to learn as much as you can about the breed up front. I would have been ok at purchasing him older at a safer age and am disappointed at people insisting on younger pups giving a push for them to be adopted out too young.

  • Angie Wilson says:

    I am getting my first Tina’s teacup Yorkie in July when I have all the money up I’ve never had a Tina’s tea cup I’ve always wanted one it will be my first I can’t wait to get her I hope I do right for her

  • Rosalynn says:

    Thank you for all your information about miniature yorkies. I found it most interesting. I have had standard Yorkies before, but never a miniature. I am going to look at one who is nine months old. Your write up has given me alot of food for thought. Thank you.

  • Willi Asencio says:

    I was just gifted a teacup Yorkie and trying to educate myself on what to look for in puppies. I have always had small dogs from Shih Tzu to Maltese but seems that Yorkies have some medical concerns I should be aware of. Please reply or leave a comment with any information you want to share about your Teacup Yorkie. TIA

  • Steve McPherson says:

    We’ve had our little Gizmo for 13 years now. She is starting to show her years with loss of hearing and vision. She did have an occasional GI issue but other than that she has been pretty healthy – she has been a delight and great little companion , I appreciate the info shared on this site

  • De Talin says:

    Casse’ was my third Yorkshire Terrier. He was a small Yorkie and came to me at 3 months and weighed only 2 pounds, He was only 4 years old when he died 7/17/22. The vet was very difficult to get to. I tried to call many vets and they all said they were booked. I live on CAPE COD. I took him to an Emergency Vet on Thursday and he was not diagnosed by the Vet. I kept saying that my Yorkie going to die.

  • Karen Hill says:

    I just got one from a nephew She was 8 weeks Born June 18 I got her August 18 so far she seems ok I took her for her first shots August 19

  • Mike says:

    Do they suffer from separation 3? Our puppy has a STRONG!! Personality and Will to do what He wants to do. Also alot of Energy is there anything we Can do to calm him down?

  • Davona Sanders says:

    Hello, this was very helpful information. I’m waiting for my new little teacup to be born and I’m very excited. I found a breeder who has been breeding teacup yorkies for over 30 years and she ranks 4th in Ohio. I’ll be purchasing from Amanda’s Adorable Yorkies. She has given me a lot of information and what I’ll need when I bring my little yorkie home. She will also send home food for weeks etc which is helpful. She will also send home a 10 page information book she put together.

  • Denise Mochi says:

    Bought a tea cup Yorkie. Today visit to vet. He very healthy. He perfect for me. Very smart and loveable. His Name is Tater tot. Yes I spoil him rotten.

  • Shannon Wade says:

    I have a teacup yorkie. I got him when he was 9 weeks old. He doesn’t eat well at all. I’ve tried several different puppy foods. He will eat it a day or two then he doesn’t want it. I think since he doesn’t eat well he has hypoglycemia. I have to make sure he eats every 2-3 hours. If he doesn’t eat it’s like he passes out. I give him nutrional calorie and he perks back up in about 20 mins. I need help. What can I do? I have to wake up throughout the night each night to make sure he eats. If not I’ll wake up to him unable to move. I didn’t read anyone else mention this. He’s 3 months old and weighs a 1.3lbs Thank you

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