Adopt a Teacup Yorkie in California
How Do You Adopt a Teacup Yorkie in California? The process of adopting a teacup Yorkie in California isn’t the...
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Teacup Yorkie
Breed Stats
Weight:
2 to 4 pounds
Height:
5 to 7 inches tall
Coat Type:
Short, fluffy, colorful
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Affectionate, attention-seeking, isolation anxiety
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
12 years
Adopting a Teacup Yorkie: An Overview
Teacup Yorkies may be small, but very few pups out there can match their larger-than-life personalities. They’re spunky, bold, and have plenty of love to give. They make great family companions and can truly liven up a home with their antics and adorable, aww-worthy fluff.
If you’re interested in adopting this playful, lovable pup, then you’ll need to get in touch with local animal shelters in your area. Adoption fees are typically a fraction of the cost of buying directly from a breeder, with most shelters charging in the range of $50 to $250.
However, do be prepared for a long wait: Toy pups like teacup Yorkies are always in high demand and tend to get adopted quickly.
You can improve your chances of finding a pup by browsing adoption websites like Petfinder regularly, contacting Yorkie rescue organizations, and calling veterinarian offices. You can also search through animal rescue groups on social media platforms.
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How to Care for an Adopted Teacup Yorkie?
Bringing home a teacup Yorkie can (understandably) be an exciting time, and you no doubt want to show the world just how adorable your new forever companion is! However, it’s important to take things slow and allow your pup to settle into their new home before anything else.
For the first week, provide a quiet, calm environment and help to make them comfortable with plenty of toys and affection. Once your teacup Yorkie has settled in — and their famous feisty, playful side is showing — you can start to train them.
Yorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak, no doubt due to their stubborn streaks, so it’s important to start housebreaking early and be patient with them.
Crate training can be an immeasurable tool when it comes to housebreaking stubborn pups, as it taps into their natural instincts (most dogs won’t soil where they sleep). Frequent walks, positive encouragement, and keeping their schedule consistent will all help with housebreaking too.
Despite their slowness to housebreak, teacup Yorkies are incredibly intelligent. They respond well to training and can pick up both simple and advanced commands quickly. Begin with vital basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “lie down,” and “stay,” and gradually move on to more complex tricks.
Teacup Yorkies respond best to praise and high-value rewards. Never use punishment-based methods during training; studies have shown that it can cause significant distress and even exacerbate destructive behaviors. This is especially the case for Yorkies, who are often people-centered and extremely sensitive to harsh punishments.
As a new pup parent, you’ll also need to be mindful of the breed’s dietary needs. Teacup Yorkies thrive on a balanced, high-quality diet that consists of a protein content of at least 20%. The kibble should be tailored to their size, age, and activity level.
Due to their small size, teacup Yorkies are more susceptible to blood sugar drops than other breeds. They should be fed frequently throughout the day to keep their blood sugar at a healthy, stable level.
Teacup Yorkshire terriers are also bundles of energy and need to be exercised for around 45 minutes daily to keep their zoomies (and love for barking) at bay. Supplement this with plenty of fun, interactive games. They’re usually big fans of chase and fetch as it taps into their high prey drives!
We can’t provide an in-depth overview of the teacup Yorkie’s care needs here — something which they, and both you as a potential owner, deserve. That’s why we recommend checking out our dedicated teacup Yorkie care guide for some further reading.
Adopt the Right Teacup Yorkie for You
It can be difficult to find teacup Yorkies in rescue shelters. Not only is this size variation rare, but they’re also in high demand and sought after by pet owners around the world. The American Kennel Club (AKC) for example, puts Yorkies at the 13th spot in their most popular dog breeds list.
However, that doesn’t mean you should rush the process and immediately adopt the first teacup Yorkie you come across. It’s important to consider their temperament, age, and history to determine whether they’re a right fit for you and your family:
- Temperament: The breed may be predisposed to certain traits, but every teacup Yorkie is unique in their own way. Some will be more lively and energetic while others will be a lot quieter. Consider which traits best align with your lifestyle. For example, if you’re active you’ll likely do best with a teacup Yorkie who can match your love for outdoor activities.
- Age: Puppies can be a handful, especially for first-time owners. Consider whether you’re fully prepared to take on puppy duty, which would involve the likes of housebreaking, socialization, and bite inhibition training.
- History: Unfortunately, some pups in rescue shelters have been poorly socialized or experienced neglect under their former owners. These pups aren’t suitable for first-time owners as they’ll often have behavioral issues and require specialized care.
With an owner that can meet their care needs, the teacup Yorkie makes a loyal, spunky, and playful companion who’ll quickly become a forever best friend (and show you just how fulfilling pup ownership can be!).
