Over the years I have heard many different phrases, terms, and slang used when speaking of this fun, feisty little dog know as the Chihuahua. I would like to take a few minutes of your time in an attempt to set the record straight…………..

The official breed standard describes the Chihuahua as a small well balanced little dog that comes in two varieties or coat types. The difference in coat types (the long coat and the smooth coat) is the ONLY official description used to identify a difference within this breed. The standard does NOT categorize the Chihuahua by SIZE, other then “ not to exceed six (6) pounds”.

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. (So legit that I have had several people ATTEMPT to argue with me on this very subject. I have even been told by a couple folks who called me looking for a “teacup Chihuahua” that they just bought a” TEA CUP CHIHUAHUA” and that was proof enough for them that they existed!)

TEACUP, POCKET SIZE, MINI, MICRO-MINI, TINY, TINY TOY, TOY, TEENY TINY, MINIATURE OR STANDARD - are just a FEW of the many labels, tags, & designer fad names that have been attached to this breed over the years. There are concerns that the use of the above terms are used to entice prospective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value. They are NOT and the misuse of the terms is incorrect and misleading to the average puppy buyer. To attach ANY of the additional labels to a particular puppy is a Misrepresentation of the Chihuahua breed.

Breeders might do this in an attempt to make puppy buyers think they have a puppy that is rare or exceptional when in fact it CAUSES A GREAT DEAL OF CONFUSION AMONG NEW FANCIERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A conformation correct Chihuahua.
There are many highly reputable breeders who breed for the smallest size possible.
There are many factors to consider when thinking of purchasing a very small Chihuahua. First and foremost, “teacup” is a slang term….NOTHING MORE. Some breeders will use this term as a way of asking for more money for their puppies, and many of those puppies do not even end up being that small at their adult weight. No matter what any breeder tells you, its impossible for them to say with absolute certainty what the exact size of a Chihuahua puppy will be at it’s adult weight. Chihuahua Breeders with years of experience are very good at PREDICTING (approximating) the size of their puppies, and a breeder of quality puppies will NEVER GUARANTEE THAT YOUR PUPPY WILL BE A CERATIN SIZE. Also, the term “toy” refers to the CKC classified of the breed, not necessarily that the puppy will be a tiny one. However, some breeders will use the term in an effort to charge more for their puppies. Keep in mind, all Chihuahuas are classified as “toys” even if they exceed 6 pounds.
Some breeders do not breed for tiny puppies but on occasion a smaller than average puppy will appear, Usually the puppy has just gotten a slow start and it will catch up to it’s litter mates and end up being about the same size give or take a few ounces.
On occasion when the pups don’t catch up with their littermates, they will not be placed into their forever home until they are a bit older then the rest, at which time he or she will be VERY CAREFULLY PLACED, IN ONLY THE MOST ATTTENTIVE OF HOMES!

However, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A TINY PUPPY TO COME FROM A LITTER OF REGULAR OR "STANDARD" SIZED CHIHUAHUAS, AND IT’S ALSO POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO BE OUT OF AVERAGE SIZED PARENTS. PLEASE BE CAREFUL TO KNOW WHEN YOU ARE GETTING AN UNHEALTHY RUNT AS OPPOSED TO A HEALTHY, WELL-SOCIALIZED PUPPY THAT JUST HAPPENS TO BE SMALLER THAN THE REST.
REMEMBER, MOST (THOUGH, UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL) BREEDERS WHO HAVE THE TINY BABIES WILL BE GOOD CONSCIENCE BREEDERS WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR PUPPIES. THEY WILL HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THESE BABIES, AND THEY WILL EXPECT ANY PROSPECTIVE HOME AND OWNER TO DO THE SAME.

I WISH YOU ALL.... GOOD LUCK IN YOUR QUEST FOR YOUR PERFECT FURRY FOREVER FRIEND:}


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