Although the Teacup Yorkie isn't considered to be a breed of its own, this hasn't stopped them from capturing the hearts of thousands of American dog lovers. Small, energetic and personable, the Teacup Yorkie is one of the most sought after of all the Yorkshire Terrier types.
They were originally bred in Yorkshire, England to clear mines and factories of rats during the mid-nineteenth century, and were brought over to America in 1872. In 1878, the American Kennel Club accepted the Yorkshire Terrier as one of the first twenty-five breeds eligible for registration. The popularity of the breed has steadily climbed ever since, and is now the second most popular breed in the United States.
While they generally get along well with other dogs, they are also quick to try to establish leadership as the alpha dog. In keeping with this spunky personality, Teacup Yorkies aren't afraid to challenge larger dogs, and this can get them into trouble. It's also another reason they are not recommended for families with small children.
Their keen sense of hearing makes them excellent watchdogs, as they will alert the household of the slightest sound. This means that they can be a bit noisy, and this needs to be taken into consideration if you have close neighbors. Teacup Yorkies are also loyal to a fault, and are generally very protective of those that care for them.
Teacup Yorkies are charming and intelligent. However, because of their sharp minds, they can get bored very quickly. While they may not need a lot of room to run, frequent walks and a wide variety of toys and distractions are a necessity to keep them occupied. They tend to be very easy to train, as they pick up commands very quickly, and have even been shown to recognize and retrieve different toys by name. Despite this high level of intelligence, though, they are known to be very difficult to housetrain.
Yorkshire Terrier types of all kinds make wonderful household pets for families with older children. Due to its small size, the Teacup Yorkie is often a good choice for those who live in apartments. Weighing less than seven pounds, they are easy to carry and generally problem-free when it comes to family trips.
Although they're not recommended for homes with small children, they should get along fine with children who are older. They even make great traveling companions when it comes time to take a family vacation.
Researching the breed before you buy is recommended. Once you decide that you'd like to own one, a quick search on the Internet will provide hundreds of websites dedicated to providing Yorkshire Terrier information to prospective owners. You'll also find lists of reputable breeders and signs of illness to look for when you go to select your puppy. By arming yourself beforehand with the facts and health issues that Teacup Yorkies are prone to, you'll ensure that you're getting a healthy, happy puppy.
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