Did you know Teacup Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs in the world? As suggested by their name, they can actually fit inside a teacup. Let’s get into the details to learn more about the Teacup Chihuahua breed.
Teacup Chihuahuas at a Glance
Teacup Chihuahuas are classified by the AKC as “purse dogs” or a “toy” breed. But don’t let their micro size fool you, as Teacup Chihuahuas have a “big dog” personality.
These bold and authoritative pups can be great companions if they get attached to you. Besides, their small size allows you to carry them around anywhere, which makes owning them a win-win.
However, with their playtime needs and the demand for constant washroom breaks, these micro chihuahuas can be slightly high-maintenance.
Since they literally are teacup-sized, their tummies get filled up pretty quickly and empty out even faster. You’ll need to give them food around the clock to keep up with their metabolic needs.
Lastly, just like with any dog of any breed, the teacup chihuahuas also need to be properly socialized and familiarized with different people and objects from an early age.
Teacup Chihuahua Stats
Breed: Toy/purse dogs.
Purpose: Companionship.
Temperament: Loyal, charming, and possessing a big-dog attitude.
Weight: Close to 5 pounds.
Height: Close to 6 inches.
Teacup Chihuahua: Physical Characteristics
The bodies and legs of micro chihuahuas are small, but they’re rather muscly. Aside from that, they have pretty delicate features like fine bones and an upwardly curling tail.
Teacup Chihuahuas have a lot of colors and classes of coats. The most prevalent coat colors are black, chocolate, blue, red, cream, and white. However, the majority of the chihuahuas are bi or tri-colored — a natural consequence of mating between differently colored dogs.
This makes for a variety of diversified color combinations a teacup chihuahua can have. The color, however, doesn’t affect the type of coat. Teacup Chihuahuas can have a smooth coat having short, soft, and shiny hair or a long coat with a slightly wavy texture.
An interesting point to note is that these dogs are a result of selective breeding by humans in an attempt to create a better emotional companion.
Personality Traits of Teacup Chihuahuas
Loyal and loving: Teacup chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and loving pooches that are certain to steal your heart with their adorable antics.
Playful: Suiting their cute looks, these dogs have a puppy-esque playfulness and are always enthusiastic to entertain and play with their owners.
Somewhat dependent: Teacup chihuahuas love being with their keepers too much to have a normal routine in their absence. If you own these mini dogs, you’ll know how dependent they can become on your love, affection, and attention.
Energetic, but easily tired: These adorable dogs have tons of energy, though only for brief periods. They like having a short walk or playtime but can wear themselves out just by jumping or running around in your home. Since teacup chihuahuas are so tiny, their daily play needs can be satisfied in just one room.
Protective and loud: Aside from being very loving, the micro chihuahuas can also be highly protective of their owners. They often loudly bark to alert you if they suspect approaching danger. Teacup chihuahuas are well-known to have bold personalities. They might aggressively snarl or bark at strangers to act in your defense.
Caring for a Teacup Chihuahua
Due to their unique personalities and requirements, owning a micro chihuahua can be a little demanding at times. They’re usually considered somewhat of a high-maintenance dog mainly because of three reasons:
1. They can be somewhat needy for your attention. They’ll be happy as long as they get it, but being away from you will make them go through separation anxiety.
2. Due to the small size of Teacup Chihuahuas, they have low exercise and playtime needs, and their daily calorific requirements are little in quantity. However, with a small size, comes a small abdomen. This means they’ll need food more frequently and will also need to use the washroom more often to discharge the digested food.
3. Grooming your Teacup Chihuahua pups can be a weekly requirement at best, and a headache at worst — all depending on the length of their coats. If your mini pooch has a short coat, it’ll be needed to be brushed once every 5 to 7 days or so, and you don’t have to go to a professional groomer. However, if your chihuahua has a long coat, you may need to brush their coat several times a week.
How Much Do Teacup Chihuahuas Cost?
Teacup Chihuahua puppies can be as costly as they’re adorable. Depending on your location and the breeder, a Teacup Chihuahua puppy could cost as much as $600-$1,800. Some breeders might charge even more than $2,000 for a Teacup Chihuahua with a rarer color.
Pros of Owning Teacup Chihuahuas
1. Suitable for city/apartment living due to their low playtime requirements.
2. Low food requirements.
3. Fiercely loyal and devoted to their owners.
4. Great traveling partners.
5. They’re forever cute because of their size.
Cons of Owning Teacup Chihuahuas
1. They can be needlessly antagonistic to strangers.
2. Socialization is exceedingly essential from a young age.
3. Extremely dependent on their owners as they suffer separation anxiety in their absence.
How to Adopt a Teacup Chihuahua
If you’re looking for a Teacup Chihuahua, we recommend starting your search at a nearby adoption center or rescue shelter. You’ll be helping reputable shelters do what they do best – giving dogs the love and care they need, along with a chance to find their forever humans and families.
Learn more about your favorite dog breeds at The Dog’s Avenue.
Editor’s Note
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for veterinary advice. Factors like a dog’s age, health, and diet can impact the safety of a food, activity, or product for the dog.
You should regularly consult with your dog’s veterinarian to learn how you can provide the best care for your dog. Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog a new food or trying out a new activity or product.
