THE MYTH OF THE TEACUP CHIHUAHUA

Our web site is designed to entertain our visitors. But we are also dedicated to informing and educating our visitors about the Chihuahua breed. It is true we do not personally breed or sell Chihuahua puppies, but we have been in contact with many reputable breeders and dog breed associations over the years who bring to our attention various facts about the breed and their recognized standards of perfection as accepted by The American Kennel Club as well as other registries throughout the world.

With this in mind we are publishing our personal views on an issue of great importance to perspective Chihuahua owners...the myth of the Teacup Chihuahua. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A TEACUP CHIHUAHUA! It is a term used by unscrupulous breeders to charge exorbitant prices for undersize puppies. This is not just our opinion, but also the opinion of all the governing bodies which recognize the Chihuahua breed. The American Kennel Club only recognizes "Chihuahuas - Long coated or smooth coated." They do not differentiate within the breed for various sizes, only that the breed itself is within The Toy Group. But many breeders and owners continue to use this label for their under-sized puppies in an attempt to attach a greater importance to them and subsequently a higher price. Do not be fooled by the claims of breeders who claim they have "Teacup Chihuahuas!" And please, if you have been telling people you own one, do us all a favor and stop using this incorrect term.

READ THE AKC CHIHUAHUA BREED STANDARD

Please read the official statement below by
The Chihuahua Club of America on this issue.

Sponsored by The Chihuahua Club of America

The official A.K.C. Breed Standard describes the Chihuahua as a small dog that comes in two varieties or coats types. The differences in coat type (the Long Coat or the Smooth Coat) is the only official description used to identify a difference within this breed. Our Standard does not categorize the Chihuahua by size.

For the purpose of showing and record keeping, the American Kennel Club includes the Chihuahua (along with 17 other breeds) in the Toy Group. Therefore, irrespective of their weight or physical stature, ALL Chihuahua registered with A.K.C. are considered to be a toy breed of dog.

As with all living things, there will be a size variance between individual dogs within this breed. Look within the human family - brothers and sisters will differ in height and in weight, as well as other physical attributes. They are described as humans, male or female, and there is seldom if ever a need to break the description down further. The same holds true in regard to the Chihuahua; they are Chihuahuas-Long Coat/Smooth Coat, Male/Female.

Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size differences and physical appearances are many; and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice prospective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value. They are not; the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading.

Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That pup is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct. To attach any of these additional labels to a particular pup is to misrepresent that animal as something that is rare or exceptional and causes a great deal of confusion among those new fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.

The Chihuahua Club of America does not endorse or condone the use of any of these terms and would caution the perspective puppy buyer not to be misled by them. We recognize that many Chihuahua fanciers do want the very small puppy. While they are adorable, and can be perfectly healthy, the buyer should be cautioned as to the extra care that may be required with regard to the general health and well-being.

The TEACUP puppy is, in reality, a premature puppy. Most females are bred on the ninth through the fifteenth day of their heat cycles. Eggs can be fertilized for up to 72 hours after any of these breedings. Therefore, it is possible to have puppies conceived up to a week or so younger than the puppies first Conceived in a litter. However, when the first puppies conceived are mature and ready to be born, labor starts and all the puppies will be born, no matter when they were fertilized.

This explains why you have some bigger and some smaller puppies in a litter. There are no "runts" In a litter, merely younger puppies. These younger puppies may not be fully developed. Their problems may be hidden until later in puppy hood.

Some of the problems that may be encountered are heart or lung problem, luxating patella's, or hydrocephalic or "water" on the brain. Some of the smaller, yet just as serious, problems that may occur are hypoglycemia, (low blood sugar) or seizures.

©The Chihuahua Club of America

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