What is a Teacup?
This word is, simply put, an adjective. It is no different than the word pretty, cute, small, baby doll, etc… A great deal of breeders and buyers get caught up in the controversy of subjective advertising. Let good common sense be the judge rather than allowing creative adverting to determine the type of Yorkie you would like. I've run across many 12 lb "tea cups" as puppies fluctuate so much in the interval 12 weeks of development. Sometimes, the very smallest Yorkie in a litter will end up being the largest and vice versa.
A Yorkie that looks fragile and sickly probably is. Tea cups or toy Yorkies simply do not exist, though the size difference of two Yorkies can vary to a large degree. Be aware that most Yorkshire Terrier clubs strictly prohibit the use of such terms as a description used by the membership of their organization.
We use the following formula to approximate size at maturity: 3 x the weight at 8 weeks or 2 x the weight at 12 weeks. We use a growth chart on which we track weight from birth. No one can do any better than an educated guess as to the size of a mature Yorkie purchased at 15 weeks old. It is simply not a realistic expectation. However, many breeders can give an average or approximate weight. Any guarantee of size is sure to disappoint in the end.
Good quality breeders with lots of references produce well adjusted, healthy puppies regardless of size. Remember, size can NEVER be guaranteed. Always do your homework. Descriptive words are never a guarantee.... You may end up with a 6 lb "tea cup" if you aren't careful. If size is a determining factor, using the formula above will help approximate size. Also, breeder records are invaluable as to what size dogs any Dam / Sire combination may produce. A good quality breeder will know the answer to this question readily. You can be the judge of the breeding program upon your visit.
Yorkshire Terriers are expected to weigh less than 7 lbs. AKC does not designate a beginning, just an ending. Some breeders occasionally have puppies that may weigh less than 3 lbs at maturity. The word "teacup" is sometimes used to describe a Yorkie that will be less than 3 lbs. Be aware, you are just getting a description and nothing more, nothing special. However, if a small Yorkie is healthy and well adjusted, adoption shouldn’t be a problem. These tiny puppies do require more time and occasionally more frequent vet checks. Reputable breeders do not gear their program around producing puppies that are less than 3 lbs, but selling a Yorkie that will make a quality pets is acceptable no mater the size. The key is finding a reputable breeder. Puppies on the small side from really good kennels tend to fair much better than those from kennels that focus their breeding program around producing “teacups.” The best reference guide is a veterinarian specializing in small breed animals. They can give you the information you need to decide if a very small Yorkie is for you.
Very, very small dogs do exhibit more problems with illnesses such as hypoglycemia and can be more prone to genetic disorders. Also, behavioral and neurological problems can also manifest as the Yorkie ages. Focus on the needs you or your family has in obtaining a Yorkie . If small children are in the house, a very small Yorkie is not for you. If the Yorkie is purchased as a companion for a single person, then considering a smaller dog is not a bad idea. Often persons without children can devote the needed time and care to a tiny Yorkie.
