What is a Teacup?
Simply put, a Teacup is a weight category which means 4-pounds or less.
Are Teacups common?
No. In fact, if you compare birth numbers and ratios of Teacups to all dogs, Teacup births are less than 1% of all dog births. In fact, the number is substantially less. Teacups, when compared to the general dog population, are very rare -- and the demand far exceeds the supply.
Have Teacups always existed?
Yes, it just seems like they are more prevalent today because of all the publicity they have gotten recently. Teacups have been highly publicized because of the exposure they've received as a result of their celebrity owners.
Why are Teacups so expensive?
They are difficult to breed, and they require a lot of extra attention at birth. Since they are so fragile, often weighing 2-4 ounces at birth, they require a lot of care and 24-hour attention for 2 or 3 weeks. Secondly, since the demand is so high for Teacups, with demand far exceeding supply, the price is higher.
What are the benefits of owning a Teacup?
Because of their small size, Teacups are extremely portable, making them a great traveling companion for everyday activities like going to the mall or dining out. Another thing to consider is that the airline companies allow Teacups to travel in the main passenger cabin as opposed to bigger dogs that are required to travel in the cargo area of the plane. Teacups are great for senior citizens who cannot lift heavy dogs, and they are great for apartment owners because they don't need to go for walks -- an apartment provides all the exercise space they need. They also can be trained to use disposable indoor wee-wee pads easily.
Lastly... maybe the biggest benefit is that everybody loves puppies, and many dog owners equate Teacup Poodles to having a dog that always remains puppy size.
What is the life expectancy of a Teacup Poodle?
Contrary to popular belief, a Teacup Poodle will often live 15-20 years, which in many cases is a better life expectancy than bigger dogs.
• Highly intelligent and adaptable.
• Delightful, clever temperament. Highly personable.
• People-oriented. Gentle and cuddly.
• Non-shedding, no hair on clothes or furniture.
• Virtually odor free.
• Breed of choice for many allergy sufferers.
• Many colors from which to choose.
• Less space is needed for exercise because of their small size.
• Poodles are considered the best therapy dogs for elderly, infirmed, or handicapped.
• Great lap dogs.
• Less potty to clean up than most dogs.
Disadvantages to Owning a Poodle
• Demands grooming on regular basis; every 8 weeks it is necessary.
• Teacups can be fragile and may not be suitable in homes with very small children.
Lifespan
15-20 years normally. If healthy, this is a long lived breed, living between 15 and 20 years if taken care of well.
Susceptibility to Illness
Low
History
This size of poodle was known to exist at least 500 years ago. During the 17th and 18th centuries the poodle became a favorite with the nobility. They wanted dogs smaller than the Miniature variety, and so the Toy Poodle was developed. Today the Toy Poodle is exclusively a companion and lap dog.
Intelligence
The Poodle is an extremely intelligent and eager to please dog, thus he/she is inordinately easy to train. As a result, the Poodle has a history of performance, appearing in circus and street acts for hundreds of years. Poodles are unusually sensitive to vocal intonation, probably one of the reasons they are so easy to train. Many pet owners, using gentle and consistent training methods, have seen their poodles excel in obedience trials, flyball, and agility.
Energy Level
Medium
Overall Exercise Needed
It is a good idea to include a poodle in some sort of activity so that the mind is stimulated along with the body. Poodles can do well in obedience, agility, and most dog sports.
Stress Caused if Left Alone
This breed does need the companionship of people; in fact they prefer it over other poodles or other animals in general. They do get very lonely when left alone a lot or for really long periods of time. If your poodle will be left alone more than he is with you, then consider getting another poodle for him/her to grow up with and spend time with; besides you, this is the next best thing.
Ease of Transportation
High, they love to ride in cars and can be taken on planes in carry on bags.
Level of Aggression
Low, poodles are very easy going and are non-aggressive.
Gets Along with Other Animals
High, they love all animals though they prefer your company to anything else.
Suitable for Children
High, they love kids but children need to respect them and learn to care for them well.
General Character and Temperament
Getting along with the kids, the cat, and the guinea pig is no problem for the poodle. Lively and affectionate, they make wonderful companion dogs. The poodle will adapt to life in more confined quarters. They can be good guard dogs, announcing visitors but never being aggressive. Children should be trained to handle these small, delicate dogs carefully, though.
Coat Length
Medium/Long. It will need to be clipped every 8 weeks at least as poodles coats grow constantly.
Grooming Requirement
Brushing once a week or more is really needed.
Trimming
Occasional, every 2-3 months.
Requires Professional Groomer
True, unless you're experienced, you could really cause stress to both your poodles and yourself. Grooming is not the easiest thing to do, but it is learnable.
Grooming
Poodles do not shed and are therefore often tolerated by allergic people. Their coats do take a great deal of care, though, generally requiring professional grooming as well as combing and brushing at home. The poodle should be taken to a groomer about every 8 weeks for a clip of your choice. The poodle's ears need frequent cleaning, or they will become infected especially in the smaller poodles.
Color
They come in a variety of colors such as blacks, blues, grays, silvers, browns, café-au-laits, and apricots. The colors can be varying shades within the coat, for example, darker feathering on the ears and tipping on the ruff. The color will fade on most all
Non-Allergic
Yes, poodles are non-shedding. They have fit well into families with persons who have had pet allergies prior to owning a poodle.
Predicting a puppy's adult size and weight is not an exact science. This chart, developed over many years of experience by long-time poodle breeders and experts, is a helpful guideline at predicting future weight. (Example: If your 6 week old puppy weighs 20 oz., it's projected adult weight would be 4.5 lbs.)
MSNBC November 15, 2005
A study has shown that visits from therapeutic dogs can lower anxiety, stress, and heart and lung pressure among heart failure patients.
Researchers studied nearly 80 heart failure patients, with an average age of 57, who got either a visit from a volunteer, a volunteer plus a dog, or no visit at all.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety, as measured by a standard rating scale, dropped 24 percent for those visited by the dog and volunteer team, 10 percent for those visited by just a volunteer, and not at all for those who received no visit.
Epinephrine, a stress hormone, dropped 17 percent in patients visited by a person and a dog, and 2 percent in those visited just by a person -- but the levels actually rose about 7 percent in the unvisited group.
Reduces Heart and Lung Pressure
Heart pressure dropped 10 percent after the visit by the volunteer and dog, increased 3 percent for those visited by a volunteer, and increased 5 percent for those who got no visit.
Lung pressure when down by 5 percent among those visited by a dog and a volunteer, while it rose in the other two groups.
The researchers hope that the study will show that pet therapy is a credible addition to patient care.
Dr. Mercola's Comment:
Having a pet can bring great value to your life, both spiritually in terms of unconditional acceptance and physically when it comes to having an always-willing-and-able exercise partner. It's not surprising that the benefits they bring are measurable and quantifiable.
Other studies have also shown that owning a dog can play a significant role in the survival rates of heart attack victims.
In one study, researchers discovered that the patients who were alive one year after the heart attack were more likely to own a dog. Another study, on the psychological factors contributing to the recovery rates for heart-disease patients, ranked pet ownership on top in terms of determining the patient's likelihood of long-term survival.
Studies have also shown how the calming and soothing presence of dogs helps with keeping your blood pressure levels in the healthy range.
The State University of New York at Buffalo conducted a study involving 24 stockbrokers taking medication for high blood pressure. The researchers found that adding a dog or cat to the stockbroker's lives helped stabilize and reduce their stress levels.
Related Articles:
Why Dark Chocolate is So Toxic... For Your Dog
Keeping Your Dog Healthy with Natural Treats: Chewing For Your Pet's Better Health
Structural Joint Problems in Dogs
For more health-related articles about dogs, visit www.Mercola.com.
Are there any size or weight restrictions on dogs within your condominium or community? Many won't allow dogs over 30-pounds.
Do you keep your home very warm? Some dogs are bothered by warm room temperatures. A Poodle would be a better choice than a Shih Tzu in that case.
How much dog can you lift? A Pug is a happy-go-lucky companion but may weigh 18-pounds, while a Poodle usually doesn't exceed 7-pounds, and a Teacup only weighs 4-pounds.
How much grooming can you do? If arthritis is a problem, avoid longhaired breeds such as Pekingese or Maltese, and look at short, smooth-haired dogs. Beautiful coats are beautiful because they're groomed daily.
How much exercise does the dog need? Any Terrier is a high-energy dog requiring outdoor exercise. On the other hand, a Teacup Poodle can get all the exercise they need inside an apartment.
Is the breed's temperament a good match with you? Some people find Terriers challenging and would do better with the sweet-tempered Poodle.
Are you prepared for the costs of dog ownership? The minimum estimate for Teacup Poodle ownership is $1.00 a day.
Can you acquire pet insurance? Some companies offer group rates to their employees and retirees, or you can purchase it through the AKC.
Would being a "foster" owner satisfy your need for canine companionship? Even if you don't want to take a dog into your home full-time, shelters always need people who can walk and play with the dogs or provide temporary housing.
Finally, have you considered what happens to your dog if you can't care for him? Toy breeds often live 15-years or longer. Be sure to include instructions in your will on how your pet should be placed.
With a little forethought and planning, you can select the right breed of dog for your lifestyle and enjoy many happy years together.
