The Teacup Tragedy

Be kind to your companions…

Celebrities wear them like they’re the latest trend in jewelry, or as an eye-catching accessory in their designer bag. “Designer Dogs,” “Micro Pocket Dogs,” or “Teacup Dogs” are some of the names given to these adorable, and sadly exploited animals.

Today I read a very sad article about a local woman whose dog died. The dog suddenly became painfully ill and died within two days of being submitted to the emergency vet. I was able to read all of the woman’s posts and updates from the event. She was obviously devastated to lose her dog, and I feel so sad for the woman. But what disturbed me was the condition of this little dog.

The dog, “Li”, was a young adult female, only 1 1/2 years old, and was given what appeared to be a very lavish life- she had her own facebook profile with a large following, daily facebook updates and pics, professional pictures, fashionable outfits with jewelry and dog shoes, fancy portraits… from the looks of it, this dog had it all… Right? She had everything that a human might want. But what about her needs as a canine? She was a dog after all, wasn’t she?

It turns out that this adult dog weighed only 2.5 lbs. She was a mini-miniature dog, a grossly underdeveloped animal. When she was brought into the vet, she was diagnosed with anemia from poor digestion, protein deficiency, and ultimately suffered and died from massive heart failure all due to her tiny, undeveloped size. Sadly, what she was designed and purchased for is exactly what caused her death.

“Tea cup”is the unofficial term, first created by puppy mills, that refers to very small dogs (2-4 lbs) from underdeveloped or premature (runt) dogs that have been intentionally and excessively bred for their tiny size. These dogs are even smaller than the official “toy” size of their breed; these are mini-miniature dogs that have been bred smaller and smaller for their marketing appeal.

Now, the down-sizing of animals has been used for centuries without posing harm. People would take the smaller of their farm dogs and breed them for a smaller dog. These dogs were suited for specific types of hunting and as companions in the home. But the current rate of down-sizing has gotten way out of hand, and many animals suffer for the sake of a breeder’s profit and the buyer’s desire to be trendy, or to have a dog that they deem cuter than the other dogs who are a larger, healthier size. If the buyer simply wanted to have a companion dog, they could go to a local shelter or buy a normal-sized dog. But the conflict lies in the fact that the supporters (buyers) of these tiny dogs usually do not even realize the reality and consequences of the business until it is too late.

“Teacup” breeders take the Tiny dogs and breed them to design the tiniest of dogs.
Chart is from prouxchihuahuas.com.

“For the extreme animal abuser, some breeders will breed ‘teacup dogs’, which are the smallest of the small dogs. These dogs are tiny and suffer from severe health problems. Breeders who breed teacup dogs are cruel and irresponsible. So why would any dog lover want a teacup dog? It’s usually not dog lovers who buy teacup dogs but people who want a dog to use as a clothing accessory…”

Ringsurf.com- Small & Large Dog Breeds

Many teacups or excessively down-bred animals suffer from poor genetics, stunted development, and a lengthy list of other health problems. These health problems include:

Respiratory failure

Hypoglycemia as an adult

Organ failure (including heart and kidney failure)

Enlarged heart

Liver Shunt

Seizures

Hydrocephalus (excessive water in the brain due to underdevelopment)

Open Fontanels (Open soft spot from the cranial bone not fully forming)

Weak, thin bones that can easily break

In addition, these dogs are more likely to have a shorter lifespan.

It makes me feel sick to know that people select the very weakest animals and intentionally breed them simply to appeal to a certain look that humans desire. These are living, aware, life-seeking beings, not dolls; they don’t care if they weigh 5 lbs or 10 lbs, nor do they care about being cute or ugly; they just want to be happy and healthy. As a human being, we may regard a certain size or look as “cuter” than another, but, if you end up getting a teacup or micro dog, your human desire for a dog’s “cuteness” is at the expense of the dog’s health, happiness, and life-span. Imagine if people were bred to be underdeveloped because their parents thought they would look cuter that way. It seems selfish, does it not? Unfair, and cruel. Sadly, animals don’t have a voice, and their dignity is easily discarded. There are too many people who call themselves “animal lovers” or “dog lovers” who knowingly support this very cruel practice. It is important to ask ourselves then if we love the animals or if we love the look of the animals.

“..Why are we destroying these animals just because we like the way they look?”

Huffington Post- Bred for Looks, Born to Suffer

If you love animals (and would like to have a canine companion), go to a local animal shelter where loving and deserving animals are eagerly waiting for a home! Don’t buy from a breeder who is intentionally breeding weak, underdeveloped animals for profit. You are supporting the continuation of a cruel, unregulated, and harmful industry by doing so. Now you know, so please do something beautiful and adopt a pet.

Please see the following articles for more information. Authors include animal welfare advocates, veterinarians, teacup dog breeders, and impartial writers.
Pawnation.com- The Health Risks of Teacup Puppies
Huffington Post- Bred for Looks, Born to Suffer
Ringsurf.com- Small & Large Dog Breeds
Barktopia.com- Teacups
Health Issues- Teacup Yorkies
Thebombpoms.com-Teacups

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