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Teacup Yorkie Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Personality & Facts

Ed Malaker

By Ed Malaker

Teacup Yorkie on bed

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lauren Demos

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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The Teacup Yorkie is the world’s smallest dog, and they are also a fun pet that’s suitable for small homes and apartments. However, before purchasing a dog, many people like to learn as much about them as possible. If you are considering buying this breed, read on for a look into their temperament, exercise and grooming needs, and common health conditions, so you can decide if they are right for your home.

Height: 5 inches
Weight: 3–5 pounds
Lifespan: 7–9 years
Colors: Black, brown, tan, gold, blue
Suitable for: Large and small homes, individuals, families
Temperament: Gentle, playful, stubborn

The Teacup Yorkie is a miniature version of the Yorkshire Terrier. Despite their tiny stature, they have a big personality and require plenty of attention. They’re not a distinct breed, as the Teacup Yorkie is usually bred from small Yorkshire Terriers through careful selection to achieve their specific size. Their traits include a fluffy coat, a playful personality, and unwavering loyalty. They fit well in small living spaces and thrive on human companionship, making them perfect for urban environments.

Teacup Yorkie Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

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Teacup Yorkie Puppies

Teacup yorkie puppy laying in shaggy dog bed
Image By: Ilona Lablaika, Shutterstock

Teacup Yorkie puppies are adorable, resembling living stuffed toys. Their early days are full of playfulness and curiosity. However, their tiny size requires gentle handling and care to ensure their safety.

Finding Teacup Yorkie puppies can be easy and challenging. Due to their popularity, many people want them, so it might be easier to find a reputable breeder, but it can also lead to increased costs and long wait times.


Temperament & Intelligence of the Teacup Yorkie

Teacup Yorkie Face_C Lee Parrish_shutterstock
Image By: C. Lee Parrish, Shutterstock

Many owners describe the Teacup Yorkie as having a temperament that is a mix of confidence, affection, and a touch of stubbornness. Despite their size, they often display a larger-than-life attitude and are always ready to take on the world. They are incredibly intelligent and learn and adapt quickly to their surroundings. However, their stubborn streak can sometimes make training a bit challenging. Patience and positive reinforcement are vital for the best results.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Teacup Yorkies can be suitable for families, but their small size and delicate build lead them to be more susceptible to accidental injury, especially if young children are not aware of how to handle them gently. Otherwise, they enjoy being part of the family and make wonderful companions. Their small size enables them to be active indoors without hurting themselves, so they can be entertaining to watch.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Teacup Yorkies can get along well with other pets if they get plenty of socialization and training as puppies. However, since they are so small, they often take a defensive posture against much larger animals, which can lead to conflict.

teacup yorkie dog outside with bokeh
Image Credit: James Beene, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a Teacup Yorkie

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Choose high-quality commercial dog food for small or toy breeds with real meat as the primary ingredient. Avoid brands with excessive fillers or artificial additives and preservatives. These dogs have small stomachs and limited caloric needs, so you will need to watch portion size carefully to avoid weight gain. Scheduled feeding times can help get them into a routine that helps prevent your pet from looking for food at other times of the day.

Exercise 🐕

Teacup Yorkies are generally content with short walks and don’t require too much activity to stay healthy. Aim for two to three 15–20-minute daily walks, along with indoor interactive toys and short play sessions.

teacup yorkie dog standing on the grass
Image Credit: Mary Dimitropoulou, Shutterstock

Training 🎾

Training a Teacup Yorkie can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Begin training as early as possible, preferably during puppyhood, and keep the training sessions short and fun so your pet will look forward to the next one. Holding your sessions at scheduled times and staying consistent will help your pet get into a routine, making it easier to keep them focused.

Grooming ✂️

Your Teacup Yorkie will need daily brushing to keep the coat looking its best and help prevent tangles and knots. They may also need trimming around the eyes, ears, and paws to prevent discomfort. Regular nail trimmings, ear cleanings, and manual tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste are crucial for keeping your pet looking and feeling their best.

Teacup yorkshire terrier dog on fields
Image Credit: AnyaIC, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions 🏥

Minor Conditions
  • Teacup Yorkies are prone to dental issues like overcrowded teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular dental care, including brushing and dental chews, is important to maintain dental health.
  • This breed can experience digestive problems like gastroenteritis and food sensitivities. Providing a high-quality diet and monitoring their digestion is essential. Signs of issues can include diarrhea, vomiting, and a disinterest in food. Contact your vet if the signs last more than a day.
Serious Conditions
  • Low blood sugar levels can be a concern in Teacup Yorkies due to their small size and high metabolism. Feeding them small, frequent meals and monitoring their energy levels is vital. However, contact your vet if you notice signs like disorientation, vomiting, lethargy, and tremors.
  • Patellar luxation is a condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of its normal position, causing discomfort and lameness. Regular exercise, a good diet, and appropriate breeding can help prevent this issue.
  • The delicate trachea of the Teacup Yorkie can be prone to collapse, leading to breathing difficulties and a cough. Using a harness instead of a collar and avoiding excessive pulling on the leash can help reduce the risk of injury. Signs of tracheal collapse include a strange cough that resembles a goose honk, difficulty breathing, and blue gums.

Male vs. Female

Male Teacup Yorkies are typically slightly larger than females, though the size difference may not be significant because these dogs are so small. Males may also be somewhat more energetic and push to play more often. Female Teacup Yorkies can be more independent and focused, which might influence their training and interaction style. However, both sexes will form strong bonds with their owners and be affectionate to family members.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Teacup Yorkie

1. Unusual Origin and Naming

The name Teacup Yorkie is not an official breed name, but rather a description of the size of a miniature Yorkshire Terrier. This name comes from their small size, often compared to a teacup, and breeders create them by selecting smaller-than-average Yorkshire Terriers to mate.


2. Various Health Considerations

While Teacup Yorkies are incredibly cute, their small size can lead to various health concerns. They are more fragile and susceptible to injuries compared to larger dogs. They also tend to have delicate bones and dental issues and sometimes experience difficulties when anesthetized.


3. Longevity

Like standard Yorkshire Terriers, Teacup Yorkies have a relatively long lifespan compared to other dog breeds. On average, they can live between 12 and 15 years or even longer with proper care.

teacup yorkie terrier resting in its basket
Image Credit: morrison, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

The Teacup Yorkie can make a great pet for large and small families, and they are especially well suited to small living spaces like apartments. They form strong bonds with their owners and are affectionate and playful. However, their small size means that rough play with children and larger pets can easily injure them, so it’s important to supervise them carefully during interactions and educate family members about their fragile nature.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: lauramp, Pixabay

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