Teacup Yorkie puppies require an observant, dedicated owner.
While no reputable registry recognizes any variety of teacup dog, breeders occasionally call their smallest dogs teacups. Yorkshire terrier breeders are no different; they consider many of these small dogs teacup Yorkies. These tiny dogs are delicate and may require specialized care due to their small size.
Instructions
1. Purchase your puppy from an experienced breeder. Experienced breeders have years of experience with the breed and make sure their dogs are healthy and free of any genetic defects before breeding. Disreputable breeders might not perform health testing and might have little experience with Yorkies, which can produce unhealthy puppies.
2. Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian as soon as you bring home your teacup Yorkie. He will need routine puppy shots, and your vet will check for worms. Teacup Yorkies are prone to issues such as hypoglycemia, and your vet may run blood tests to check for other genetic anomalies.
3. Create a safe sleeping area for your Yorkie. Place a small dog crate in a quiet spot in your home, and add a soft dog bed to the kennel. The space should be large enough for the dog to rest comfortably, but not so large that he can walk and play. Put the puppy in his kennel at bedtime and when you are unable to closely watch him.
4. Fit your puppy with a collar or small harness. Teacup Yorkies love to play and explore, and they may wander away if not properly controlled. Keep the puppy on a leash when outside and during trips to the vet's office or pet store.
5. Play with your puppy often to burn off excess energy. Yorkies are a terrier breed and are rowdy if not well-stimulated, so take the dog for frequent walks and toss his favorite toy in short, five-minute play sessions.
6. Housebreak your puppy from day one. Teacup Yorkies are notoriously difficult to potty train, and putting it off only makes the process more difficult. Fence off a small area and keep a close eye on the dog to keep him from wandering off and going potty in the house. Take the puppy outside at least once every hour and after naps and meals, and watch him quietly until he goes potty. Praise him with a small treat, repeating the process every time until he is potty trained.
7. Feed your puppy three small meals a day. Teacup Yorkies are prone to hypoglycemia, and feeding small meals several times a day evens out the dog's blood sugar. Pick a high-quality food specifically designed for small breeds, and feed the dog according to the instructions regarding the individual food. Keep fresh water available at all times to prevent dehydration.
8. Groom your dog every day. The long, silky coat of teacup Yorkies is prone to tangling, and daily brushing will prevent mats. Loosen any knots with your fingers, and brush the coat with a pin brush. Wipe the dog's face with a damp cloth to remove food residue, and clean the area around the eyes with warm water to prevent tear stains. Clip the dog's nails with a small pair of nail clippers, snipping just a little from each nail to prevent cutting the quick.
9. Brush the dog's teeth at least once a week. Teacup Yorkies are notorious for bad teeth, and frequent brushing will lessen tooth decay. Take a close look at the teeth when the puppy starts teething, at approximately 5 to 6 months of age. Puppy teeth should fall out naturally as the adult teeth grow in, but Yorkies often retain their puppy teeth. If you notice any stubborn teeth, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
10. Spay or neuter your dog. Intact Yorkies are more likely to develop prostate cancer and mammary tumors, and female Yorkies are prone to life-threatening infections including pyometra. Many Yorkies are sensitive to sedation, so request that alteration and any other medical procedures that require anesthesia be performed at the same time.
Related posts
Teacup Yorkie Puppy InformationYorkshire Terriers (Yorkies for short) have become a popular dog breed because of their small physique and inquisitive personalities. The American Kennel Club (AKC)...
Yorkshire terriers are small dogs.Teacup Yorkshire Terriers are bred with one another to maintain the small size, referred to as "teacup." Because of their small size, Teacup Yorkies are...
Care for a Teacup MalteseAlthough the term "teacup" is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (www.dog-names.org.uk/teacup-dogs-puppies.htm), the dog popularly known as Teacup Maltes...
Animal rescue groups have Yorkies of all sizes available for adoption.Many people shell out hundreds, even thousands of dollars for a purebred dog, but that isn't always necessary. In fact, you ca...
The Yorkshire terrier is a small breed. Teacup Yorkies are even smaller.The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known to breed enthusiasts as the Yorkie, is a very small breed of dog. Yorkies are po...
