Teacup Yorkie: Your Complete Guide

Teacup Yorkies are smaller versions of the Yorkie breed. While Yorkies are small dogs already, the Teacup Yorkie takes small to a whole new level. These dogs are small, unique, playful, and make great companions. Plus, these 5 to 7-inch Teacup Yorkies have a long lifespan of 12 years, so you can expect to make plenty of memories with your furry little friend.

Still, Teacup Yorkies have a lot of energy and require time and patience to care for. If you have the time to manage their temperament and training needs, Teacup Yorkies make fine pets. If you’re interested in adopting a Teacup Yorkie or want to learn more about the breed in general, you’re in the right place. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about Teacup Yorkies and how to adopt them.

Quick Look at the Teacup Yorkie

Below is a quick look at Teacup Yorkies as a breed. We’ll take you through some notable traits like height, coat type, shedding, and more.

What Is the History of the Teacup Yorkie?

Teacup Yorkies have a long history.  Yorkies were bred as ratting terriers, which likely consisted of a male and two females. There are also some indications that the Paisley Terrier and Maltese were used to provide a longer coat. While the history of Teacup Yorkies isn’t clear, there is evidence that suggests that Yorkies became popular in the 1860s, which is around the time when the breed was officially registered. Yorkies didn’t make it to North America until the mid 1870s.

Once Yorkies became common in the United States, the breed became popular for pest control and companionship. The only time the breed’s popularity dipped was during the 1940s (World War II) because demand for dogs declined. That said, Teacup Yorkies became popular when more people moved to cities. Because of their small size, they fit well in apartments and compact spaces.

What Do Teacup Yorkies Look Like?

Teacup Yorkies are small dogs that weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. Their small size is also evident in their height, which maxes out at about 7 inches. While Teacup Yorkies are small dogs, they have vibrant coats that help them stand out. Some common colors include gold, black, blue, and shades of brown. Their fur is typically short and shaggy but Teacup Yorkies can be groomed to have a less shaggy appearance.

Teacup Yorkies also have unique faces. Their skulls are rounded and they have a short muzzle. While their eyes are small they don’t pop-out and their faces don’t look flat like other toy breeds. Teacup Yorkies also have a sturdy build with short legs and a thick neck.

What Size Is a Teacup Yorkie?

Teacup Yorkies vary in size but are about as small as other toy breeds. The average Teacup Yorkie is between 5 and 7 inches tall. There are some exceptions but most Teacup Yorkies fall into this size range. Teacup Yorkies are also stocky for their size and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds.

What Is a Teacup Yorkie’s Coat Type?

Teacup Yorkies have short and fluffy coats. While the fur feels coarse like hair, they have a lot of it and can look shaggy when they’re not groomed for long periods. The good news is that Teacup Yorkies don’t shed more than other dogs. In fact, they shed less than some larger breeds like German shepherds.

What Is a Teacup Yorkie’s Temperament?

Teacup Yorkies have a playful temperament that revolves around affection. These are high-energy dogs that love to be vocal with their owners and they’re not aggressive with children or other animals. While some Teacup Yorkies become nervous around children and other animals, they’re harmless dogs that just want love, affection, pets, and attention.

Are Teacup Yorkies Affectionate?

Teacup Yorkies are affectionate dogs. They love to be loved and respond well to affection from people. Teacup Yorkies are also affectionate with their owners and love to be around people. While these dogs are affectionate, they become nervous when left alone for extended periods.

Are Teacup Yorkies Good With Kids?

Yes, Teacup Yorkies are good with kids. Teacup Yorkies are affectionate dogs that don’t have aggressive tendencies, which makes them safe to have alongside a child. While we always recommend watching over your child when they’re around a dog, a Teacup Yorkie will most likely want to entertain and play with your child. That said, Teacup Yorkies tend to act differently around children until they’re properly socialized. As long as you display clear boundaries, there should be no issues.

Are Teacup Yorkies Good With Other Animals?

Teacup Yorkies can be good with other animals but there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, Teacup Yorkies have a nervous disposition. This means that they may appear standoffish when other pets are introduced into your home. Furthermore, this can lead to issues that create anxiety and other mental health problems for your Teacup Yorkie if they’re not properly acclimated to new animals.

That said, Teacup Yorkies get along with most animals over time. The process might take weeks or months but you can have more than one pet if you own a Teacup Yorkie. If possible, we recommend pairing a Teacup Yorkie with a dog that has a more docile personality.

Are Teacup Yorkies Aggressive?

Teacup Yorkies sometimes like to act like bigger dogs but they’re not naturally aggressive. In some cases they can become aggressive but most Teacup Yorkies have a pleasant temperament and prefer cuddles and affection over violence and aggression. That said, some potential triggers that can cause aggression include leaving the dog alone for extended periods and being unpleasant to the dog.

Do Teacup Yorkies Bark a Lot?

Teacup Yorkies bark a lot; more than many dog owners expect. Their high-energy personality and need for attention makes them frequent barkers. While they do bark often, sometimes it’s possible to train them to bark less. Unfortunately, this depends on the Teacup Yorkie and how often you care for it. The more affection you provide the less barking the puppy will do.

Are Teacup Yorkies Intelligent?

Teacup Yorkies are intelligent animals in more ways than one. First and foremost, they’re emotionally intelligent. They respond well to affection and love to please their owner. Furthermore, Teacup Yorkies can provide comfort and understand when they do something wrong because they can read facial expressions.

On the other hand, Teacup Yorkies are also smart because they’re easy to train. With a few simple training techniques Teacup Yorkies are well-behaved and have an impressive level of self-control. While it’s hard to make them bark less, that’s just part of their vibrant personality!

Are Teacup Yorkies Easy to Train?

Teacup Yorkies are smart dogs that are easy to train. In fact, Teacup Yorkies are easier to train than other dog breeds in their size range. Teacup Yorkies are easy to train because the breed aims to please their human companions. Still, you need to make sure you have the right practices in place to ensure successful training. Because of their high energy, you also need to have some patience.

Below are some training tips for Teacup Yorkies.

• Provide potty access at night
• Practice reward-based training with food
• Provide lots of care and attention

Following these basic tips makes training a Teacup Yorkie hassle-free.

Are Teacup Yorkies Energetic?

Teacup Yorkies are high-energy dogs. They love affection, barking, and being around their human companions. For these reasons, Teacup Yorkies have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise. In fact, Teacup Yorkies are some of the most energetic puppies around when compared to similar dogs of their size.

Are Teacup Yorkies Good Apartment Dogs?

Teacup Yorkies are good apartment dogs because of their small size. Because of their small size, they can be raised in smaller environments without compromising their health. That said, Teacup Yorkies do bark a lot. If you have neighbors that dislike dogs or animals, the barking frequency of a Teacup Yorkie can be an issue.

Are Teacup Yorkies Good Watchdogs?

Teacup Yorkies are not the best watchdogs. While their vocal dogs have an affectionate personality, they tend to bark at almost anything. Moreover, they’re not large enough to deter threats or protect a home. Therefore, Teacup Yorkies are not the best watchdogs. Still, you can have one alert you to potential dangers with its bark.

Are Teacup Yorkies Good Service Dogs?

Teacup Yorkies can be good service dogs for the right conditions. While they’re not a great breed for guiding people, Teacup Yorkies are valuable for identifying medical alerts. Teacup Yorkies are also smart enough to remind people to take medication at certain times. In some cases, Teacup Yorkies can also be used as emotional support animals (ESAs) because of their affectionate temperament.

How to Care for a Teacup Yorkie?

Caring for a Teacup Yorkie is not too much work. These furry companions are straightforward to care for as long as you meet their needs. Teacup Yorkies are high-energy dogs, so you should provide frequent exercise and a good diet. They’re also smart dogs, so training them during their younger years makes them easier to care for as they get older.

When caring for a Teacup Yorkie there are also some things you need to consider. Make sure you groom them often if their hair is long and don’t leave them alone for extended periods. Because they suffer from isolation anxiety, leaving a Teacup Yorkie alone for a long time will lead to issues and they can damage your furniture or property by chewing as a form of stress relief.

Do You Need to Groom a Teacup Yorkie?

Teacup Yorkies should be brushed once per week if their hair is long. If you don’t want to brush a Teacup Yorkie once per week, we recommend a grooming routine that keeps their coat short. A Teacup Yorkie with a short coat is less likely to shed and experience knotting or matting. If your Teacup Yorkie likes to play outside (in the dirt or mud) we recommend frequent baths and grooming routines.

Do Teacup Yorkies Shed?

Teacup Yorkies shed but less than most other breeds. For this reason, Teacup Yorkies are great hypoallergenic dogs. This means that they’re suitable for people who have pet allergies. Still, their fur does shed in cycles.

What Should a Teacup Yorkie Eat?

Teacup Yorkies should eat a balanced diet to promote longevity and reduce the risk of health complications. Because Teacup Yorkies are small, a balanced diet of about 22% protein and 8% fat is the best option.  While their diet should consist of protein and fat, it’s also important for Teacup Yorkies to eat a diet rich in fiber. A balanced diet for Teacup Yorkies consists of eggs, chicken, veggies, and fruits. If you can feed your Teacup Yorkie a diet that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids that’s also beneficial.

What Health Problems Do Teacup Yorkies Have?

Teacup Yorkies suffer from many of the same health issues that other teacup breeds face. Due to their small size, there is a high risk of organ issues and heart defects. Below are some of the most common issues that Teacup Yorkies face:

• Respiratory problems
• Collapsing trachea
• Seizures
• Blindness (in old age)
• Dental problems
• Digestive issues (diet can improve these)
• Heart defects
• Heart failure
• Hypoglycemia
• Liver shunts

While some Teacup Yorkies suffer from these ailments, providing your puppy with a proper diet and exercise routine can help alleviate some of these issues.

How Long Do Teacup Yorkies Live?

Teacup Yorkies have an average lifespan of 12 years. 12 years is old for dogs and the breed typically lasts longer than larger dogs like retrievers. In some cases, Teacup Yorkies can live for more than 15 years. Some other factors that contribute to lifespan include exercise level, diet, and chronic conditions.

Are Teacup Yorkies Expensive?

Teacup Yorkies are expensive because some puppies come from show-winning bloodlines. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to see Teacup Yorkie puppies selling for $5,000 from some breeders. That said, the average cost for a Teacup Yorkie is between $1,000 and $3,000. The large price range is based on several factors like the coat type, color, and even the genes of a Teacup Yorkie.

How Can I Find a Teacup Yorkie Breeder?

You can find a Teacup Yorkie breeder in-person or online. The best method to find a breeder is to look around online. Before visiting a breeder, you should check to male sure they’re legitimate. This includes reading reviews, asking local shelters about dogs that come from that breeder, and speaking with people who have worked with the breeder in the past. You can also visit reputable websites that provide listings of the best Teacup Yorkie breeders.

Can You Adopt a Teacup Yorkie?

Yes, you can adopt a Teacup Yorkie. That said, finding a Teacup Yorkie is easier said than done. Toy breeds have a lot of demand, so finding them in shelters is challenging. With the average cost of a Teacup Yorkie being higher than other dogs, people are also less likely to give them up or send them to shelters. If you want to adopt a Teacup Yorkie, we recommend checking social media pages in your area or visiting local shelters. Some shelters can give you a call when a Teacup Yorkie is brought in.

Are Teacup Yorkies Purebred?

Teacup Yorkies are purebred dogs. The breed was established to create an even smaller Yorkie, which led to Teacup Yorkies. Teacup Yorkies were specifically bred to create teacup puppies, which are classified as a toy breed. Therefore, Teacup Yorkies are not a mixed breed dog.

Are Teacup Yorkies Good for New Dog Owners?

Teacup Yorkies can be good for new dog owners. That said, there are some things to consider; specifically if you’ve never owned a small dog before. While Teacup Yorkies are easy to train and like attention from their human companions, they also have a lot of energy. Because they’re high-energy dogs, you have to be patient throughout the training process. Training also takes time but they’re smart little dogs so they catch on fast.

Another factor to consider is the barking. They have a high-pitched bark and bark frequently because they’re vocal dogs. While you can train a Teacup Yorkie to bark less, there’s a good chance that the bark is there to stay. That said, their small size makes them easy to care for in homes of all sizes, even apartments.

Is a Teacup Yorkie the Right Dog for Me?

Teacup Yorkies are fine animals. These high-energy dogs make great companions and they live a long life. While they’re great dogs, they’re not right for everyone. We’re going to take you through some pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about adopting a Teacup Yorkie.

We’ll start with the good. Teacup Yorkies are great dogs for new owners who have the time to care for them. Here are some of the traits that make them great dogs:

• High-energy
• Small and easy to care for
• Affectionate
• Intelligent
• Easy to train
• Not big shedders
• Colorful

If you’re comfortable with these traits, Teacup Yorkies are a great dog for you. On the other hand, there are some factors you need to consider. These are listed below.

• Frequent barkers
• Loud barkers
• Isolation anxiety
• Likes to chew on things
• Coarse hair requires grooming to look good

If you’re not comfortable with the drawbacks of Teacup Yorkies, than it might not be the best breed for you.