| Teacup and Teacup designer dogs are not "special" | | | | 100.2-102.8 degrees Fahrenheit so they warmed beds |
| Toy dogs. This designation is not recognized or | | | | in cold castles and palaces. Dogs sat on laps (hence |
| endorsed by the major canine associations. Owners | | | | the term "lapdogs") until the advent of central |
| of Toy dogs believe that Teacup dogs should be | | | | heating diminished the need for the warming duties |
| referred to by their correct Group name, Toy. | | | | of these pets. Selective breeding developed a small |
| Dog owners and breeders describe a Teacup as | | | | dog to aid the lifestyle of and provide pleasure to |
| being a dog smaller than the Toy group. To describe | | | | the wealthy. |
| small dogs that belong to the Toy breed is | | | | A "Teacup" dog is just a marketing term. |
| redundant. It suggests that the breed comes in | | | | Some people consider Teacup dog a derogatory |
| different sizes. There is no such thing, for example, | | | | term for Toy dog. But, others obviously like using the |
| as a "Toy Chihuahua" since all Chihuahuas are Toy | | | | term so it's here to stay! |
| dogs. A Teacup is a descriptive term for a Toy dog | | | | Teacup dogs are bred specifically to appeal to people |
| which might be smaller than the official size standard. | | | | as companions. |
| There is no firm agreement on what height or weight | | | | The price of a Teacup dog should not reflect a rare |
| makes a dog a Toy. The upper height limit of some | | | | or special dog and it may come with some health |
| Toy breeds is over 12 inches at the withers, which | | | | problems. Because of its small size, it may require |
| places these dogs within the height range of some | | | | extra care for its health and general well-being. These |
| other Groups as well. | | | | canines generally need lots of attention, and cannot |
| Teacup dogs were considered status symbols. | | | | be left alone for long periods of time. |
| Toy dogs are also referred to as Pocket Size, Tiny | | | | Examples of dog breeds often referred to as |
| Toy, and Miniature. Oriental royalty carried them | | | | Teacup dogs: Chihuahua, Dachshund, English Spaniel, |
| around in their large sleeves for warmth. This dog | | | | Fox Terrier, Maltese, Poodle (smaller version of the |
| Group had limited duties but performed tasks | | | | Toy Poodle), Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, |
| specifically utilized by Oriental and European courts of | | | | Yorkie. |
| nobility: A Teacup dog's temperature is between | | | | |