TEACUP DOGS: YES OR NO?

At Sidelick, we love and look after all dog sizes. In recent years, Instagram celebrities and influencers have popularized ‘teacup dogs’ – dogs that stay micro in size all their lives. Lebanon is no exception to the trend and our pet sitters are being asked to look after an increasing number of teacup dogs. While they’re undeniably cute and look super cool on social media, the major argument in their favor is their tiny size. In other words, it’s much easier for children to convince their parents to get a dog at home when the dog can fit in a purse! But if you’re thinking of getting one, read this post to make sure you ask yourself the right questions.

In Lebanon, many “breeders” will tell you that they’ll import teacup puppies from Eastern European countries. Unfortunately, there is a high probability that your puppy will come from a puppy mill, which is an absolute red flag. In our experience, many pet parents who had been promised ‘teacup puppies’ were scammed: they were charged a high fee for a puppy that ended growing to a regular size. Therefore, always make an informed decision and make sure to ask all the right questions.

DO THEY MAKE GOOD PETS?

Teacup dogs are dogs and as such, are excellent family pets (although children should be monitored around them). However, getting a dog is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Big or small, dogs require a certain level of commitment from pet parents – walks, training, energy management, feeding, etc. If you’re willing to commit to this routine, why not consider adopting a small sized dog instead from your local shelter? Try BETA to find a suitable furry friend, you’d save big money and do a good deed.

ARE TEACUPS HEALTHY?

Veterinarians generally agree that historically, teacup dogs are more predisposed to some health conditions. We’re discussing dogs bred for the way they look, not by filtering their best genetic stock. Consequently, they face common issues such as hypoglycemia, heart defects, brain conditions, collapsing trachea, seizures, respiratory problems, digestive malfunctions and blindness.

These conditions add up to regular small dog frequent medical conditions such as patella luxation and arthritis. In short, teacups can be healthy but they are harder to treat due to their small size; there are many healthier alternatives out there.

TEACUPS? YES OR NO?

If you’re still considering getting a teacup dog, make sure you do extensive research about ethical breeders first. It’s your best chance to get a happy, healthy dog. Not all teacups will face health issues but as prospective pet parents, you need to be well aware of the risks.

We’ve asked our most experienced pet sitters and dog walkers about their experience with teacup dogs and we’ve had mixed results. They’re so lovable it’s hard to resist but they’re also so fragile it can be scary.