“Teacup” is a buzzword you probably won’t hear in the circles of reputable breeders. That’s because it’s not formally defined. A general rule is that any dog deemed a “teacup” weighs under 5 pounds. The question of whether Teacup Dachshunds exist is a moot point. Undoubtedly, some people selectively breed them to fit this size category. However, the real concern is whether they should be bred this way.
The real answer is that these dogs shouldn’t exist because of how the animals are bred and the potential health consequences, and there is no accepted Teacup Dachshund per any kennel club.
People used to breed dogs for functional roles that often made large animals desirable for roles such as pulling carts or protecting property. Selectively breeding for conformation is a relatively recent phenomenon, resulting in the roughly 379 canine breeds we know today. It’s been spurred by the rise of the so-called designer dogs and dogs outside the breed standards. The Teacup Dachshund is one example. Let’s get into the details
How Does It Occur?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club recognize the Dachshund as a breed in two sizes: miniature and standard. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) lists the Rabbit or Kaninchen Dachshund as the smallest size. The standard for the dog’s chest circumference is 9.8–10.6 inches. By comparison, the miniature is 11.8–14.5 inches, a significant difference.
Individuals must breed two small dogs, typically runts, to get small pups. Suffice it to say they are the smallest puppies in a litter, putting them at a distinct advantage when it comes to maternal care and nursing. They may have a hard time competing with their more robust littermates, exacerbating these issues. However, that’s not to say a runt can’t develop normally with proper care.
Nevertheless, these dogs may not be the best breeding stock because of hereditary and congenital conditions they may carry and pass to their offspring. A Teacup Dachshund may look adorable because of their size. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll make ideal pets. Puppies that don’t get the proper nutritional support may not develop and grow as they should, but many other variables exist.
Image Credit: Svetlana Valoueva, Shutterstock
Why Do Breeders Encourage It?
Humans are naturally drawn to baby-like features. For example, almost everyone loves puppies, and we share kitten videos millions of times on the Internet. The Teacup Dachshund fits this bill. Sadly, unreputable breeders will sell these dogs at a premium despite the potential health issues they may face. Uninformed buyers may not realize the burden they incur if they bring one home as a pet. The cycle continues because someone is willing to pay for a pint-sized dog.
Fortunately, Teacup Dachshunds aren’t nearly as common as other toy-sized breeds. Other popular dogs include the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Toy Poodle. The Poodle Club of America only recognizes three sizes of the latter: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The organization is also a vocal opponent of designer dogs, which the Teacup Dachshund would be for its disregard for the official standard.
The Problem With Teacup Dachshunds
The problems with Teacup Dachshunds start soon after birth. The runt has a hard time competing to nurse, setting up the perfect storm for low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Puppies must feed often to support growth and provide the necessary energy. Other congenital issues include liver shunts, which can occur as the animal is developing inside the mother. Blood bypasses the organ because of improper blood vessel connections.
One sign of this condition is poor growth in an animal that is already at a disadvantage. The small size of Teacup Dachshunds negates surgery to correct, leaving the animal with a lifelong health problem. One must also consider the ethical issues of disregarding breed standards. Parent clubs work diligently to maintain their dogs, with professional input helping to decide veterinary matters.
Buying a Teacup Dachshund flies in the face of dedicated enthusiasts striving to protect the integrity and health of the breed.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Another concern rests with the physical nature of the breed. Scientists have determined that a genetic mutation causes the short legs in Dachshunds, corgis, and other breeds. They theorize that it interferes with fetal development, resulting in this physical manifestation. Science refers to this trait as chondrodysplasia (CDPA). It is dominant, so only one parent needs to contribute the gene copy or allele to appear.
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) describes a different mutation associated with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It is also dominant, requiring only one allele to present visually. It targets the cartilage discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae. The condition causes them to acidify or even rupture, resulting in excruciating pain for the animal. Dachshunds account for an estimated 40 to 75% of cases.
Teacups Dachshunds have a limited gene pool to ensure their desired size. However, that increases the risk of passing IVDD onto the dogs’ offspring. If one parent contributes the CDDY variant, half of the puppies will have a greater chance of developing the disease. Remember that breeding two runts—and possible carriers of IVDD—is necessary for Teacup Dachshunds. A small gene pool means less diversity in the alleles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Ensure I Get a Healthy Teacup Dachshund?
We strongly urge you to get a Miniature Dachshund if you want a small dog instead of a Teacup Dachshund. We also suggest only buying from sellers who conduct the recommended health screenings. The Dachshund Club of America advises sellers to have their breeding stock evaluated for patella luxation before breeding the animals. They should also have an ACVO eye exam because of the heightened risk of eye problems and a cardiac evaluation for heart issues.
You should only buy from sellers who offer a health guarantee to cover problems that may appear later in the pup’s life. Many breeders may also require you to neuter or spay your pet to prevent passing on undesirable conditions to future generations. It’s worth noting that these individuals may require the procedure for pet-quality dogs.
Are a Toy Dachshund and a Teacup Dachshund the Same Animal?
You may see the dog described using either term. It’s a marketing choice by the breeder. Remember that there isn’t an official designation for either one. You must rely on the individual’s integrity and knowledge of the unique needs of these pups to ensure you’re getting a healthy pet.
What Else Should I Know About Teacup Dachshunds?
Veterinary care can be challenging with these pups because of their small size. Dosing for medications or anesthesia for surgical procedures is uncertain with any pet under 5 pounds. You may also find it difficult to get pet insurance.
Conclusion
The Teacup Dachshund is another example of breeders seeking to capitalize on people’s desire for a smaller version of a favorite dog. No official registries in the United States recognize these animals. While genetic testing is available, it’s still a dicey game of genetic roulette when getting any pet from backyard breeders without the oversight of a national parent club.
We recommend getting a pup from a reputable breeder who conducts the suggested pre-breeding health screenings and offers a guarantee. Teacup Dachshunds are outside of the official standards developed by experienced individuals. We strongly urge you to reconsider getting a Teacup Dachshund as a pet.
Featured Image Credit: Akifyeva S, Shutterstock
