Just out of interest, I have seen an add for tea cup poodles, which the add says grow is 6inches tall. When I have been too crufts I had noticed that they had 3 different types of poodle, but I didn't notice this one.
Is this just another way of saying they have a runt?
Thanks.

Teacup poodles are 'found' in America and are I believe, a 'designer dog'. That is why you will not find them at Crufts :-)

Think it is an American term, they seem to like the undersize. In the UK there are only the 3 sizes and something under 6" would not be bred for. Unless of course you can create a market for it and make lots of money and then I expect it would be bred. I am led to believe that undersize dogs do suffer from more than the normal health problems.

Hi,
In the USA, as in every country, there are unscrupulous breeders. The AKC recognizes only the same three varieties of Poodle as the KC does. However, some people will sell an undersized (and sometimes, perhaps only "undersized as a pup!) poodle as a "teacup". I have even heard this term used with other breeds, such as Yorkies and Shih Tzus.
It's just another sales gimmick used by those out for the buck and not concerned with the individual's or the breed's welfare.
TiaLee

Well this was a uk ad, asking for £1500 for one of these 'teacup' poodles. Mmmmmmm.

Teacup Yorkies sell for $3000 and up in the states!!! Unbelievable! (just a tid bit of info) Shirl :D

I have seen this advert and my mother-in-law would be interested as she loves poodles and has a couple. Would the puppy be prone to health problems being this small and do you think it is overpriced.Thanks any help would be appreciated for all we know the pup might be gone.

Hi Mittens,
Generally undersized (for their breed) animals are less healthy than their normal-sized kindred, so in theory you would expect to pay less. However, prices are determined by the buyer - if they can be convinced they are getting a rarity, they will pay well over the sensible price.

This is one of those Americans who breed "designer" pups. In the US, we also recognize only three sizes of poodles through AKC. These are Standard, Miniature, and Toy. However, breeders who specialize in "downsizing" poodle pups are not necessarily unscrupulous people. A toy poodle is generally one who, as an adult, weighs ten pounds or under and is no more than ten inches at the withers. Yes, it is true that a "runt" or a sickly pup from a toy litter could be passed off as a "teacup" poodle. That however is not, nor ever was, the aim of the reputable breeder. A true "teacup" size poodle will have come from a long line of small poodles, preferably at least five generations. The terms for these very small poodles vary from breeder to breeder, with the intention of illiciting visions of a diminutive snipet of a pup. A "teacup" weighs 2-4 lbs at maturity(with those under 3 lbs being referred to as TINY teacups). A "tiny toy" weighs from 4-6 lbs at maturity(with those between 4 and 5 lbs referred to as POCKET poodles).Anything over 6 is just a toy. As a breeder of teacups and tiny toys, I have had no more extraordinary health problems than might occur in normal size toys. My pups are as vigorous and sassy as any toy. I am familiar with those breeders who have considerable problems with hypoglycemia(low blood sugar) in very, very tiny lines. These would be poodles who barely break 2 lbs at maturity. A poodle is a poodle is a poodle. The personality and intelligence of these little critters remains intact.

Hello all new here but I must jump in in the deep end here!

I would be interested in seeing your 'teacup' poodles as I have yet to see one which actually looks like a poodle should. All the ones I have 'seen' to date have very poor conformation such as bulging eyes, domed heads, short muzzles, fly ears, short legs and long bodies.

Sadly most, if not all, people breeding these 'downsized' poodles are doing so at the expense of breed type which is abhorant in my eyes. A breed standard is there for a reason after all what is the point of a standard if you are not going to adhere to it?

Jesse

Your right they are deformed.

It "is" really sad because I,too, have seen too many of the short-legged, bug-eyed mutants (carrying such appropriate names as "Munchkin" and "Gremlin"). But I've also been privy to veiwing some exquisite teacups that will take your breath and amaze you. I would be more than happy to share these pictures with you. I would also like to add that I was a tad bit surprised by some of the responses I've received. The tone of some were truely offensive. I've always thought the Brits to be extraordinary when it came to courtesy and manners. I didn't realize a subject such as teacup poodles could so touch a nerve. Responding now to "Rolleyes", I've yet to have my hamster shimmy up my chest to give me a good morning kiss or roll over for a belly rub.

Well please e-mail with details as I'd love to see a well constructed 'small' poodle.

Jesse

Just let me know where to send the pics.

Just click on my name my e-mail is in my profile.

Jesse

a tiny teacup? why bother - just get a hamster :rolleyes:

HI, ANOTHER NEWCOMER BUTTING IN,
I OWN CHIHUAHUA'S AND WHEN I HAVE A UNDERWEIGHT OR WEAKLEY PUP, THE FIRST THING " SOME PEOPLE" SAY TO ME IS "GET IT ON A PLANE, IT'LL BE WORTH A BOMB IN U.S.A." NEEDLESS TO SAY I DON'T EXPORT.

I also have chihuahuas, i dont breed but buy and do rescue, i have a larger one who weighs over the standard @ 8 lbs but is not fat, and two tinies @ between 2 1/2-3 pounds, i get so fed up when people say are they teacups or is that the mother? Rosie rescue the tiniest one was all skin and bone with a bendy spine which now looks 100% better now shes got a bit of meat on her, and Fynn was only 1 and 1/2 ounces when born, siblings mumified and didnt think she would make it, but apart from poor little wide back legs and sometimes when you pick her up very carefully she squeals, 'they are fine' but who knows what health problems they might have when they are older, im glad ive got them at least i know im going to look after them!

IT'S SO NICE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,("ADAM" FIRST SON)WAS THE SOLE SURVIVER
OF A LOST LITTER. HE IS 3lb. AT HIS BEST AND LOVES NOTHING MORE THAN COMING WITH ME TO COMPANION DOG SHOWS,WHERE HE NEVER FAILS TO GET A PLACING IN DOG WITH THE WAGGIEST TAIL,
DOSEN'T THAT SAY IT ALL. HE IS PRICELESS.
OH BY THE WAY ADAM IS 2 IN SEPTEMBER

Welcome to the forum. Please may I ask you to take your CAPS LOCK off. It makes your posts hard to read and indicates shouting on the net.

How can anyone ask so much for a dog that in reality has been born with a problem (undersized). In Pomeranian's we do occasionally have very small pups which before now we've kept or sold for under £100 to someone who will be able to give it a good life for the short time they usually are around. By short time I don't mean a few months or so, but when I've had tiny ones they don't last the 12 - 14 years that my other poms do. I've not had many small ones but the ones I have had have only lived for about 4 years!! When I say small I mean small.

Hi Amberlea, nice to meet another chihuahua owner, especially with a 'tiny' one too. Sully is 5 years old, Rosie rescue will be 4 in November and Fynn will be 3 in September, what date in September is Adam 2? We live in Essex, where are you from?

hi sullysmum,lovely to her from another chi addict, adam is 2 on 11/9/03
he is registered as "adam new sense" (pardon the pun) as he is so spoilt and can be very naughty sometimes but I wouldn't change him for the world. we're in Derby by the way.

Hi Sullysmum,
Sorry I've taken so long to get back to you, no Adam is not an only child in fact I've got quite a bad addiction problem (LOL) but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love all my dogs and wouldn't be without any of them, they are my life. I work for them,rest with them and play with them(and we don't eat mars bars) I really enjoy showing but don't mind being beaten (by a better dog)I enjoy the buzz of going in the ring to show off the best dogs in the world in my eyes,and the dogs that I show love it too
they can't wait to get in the ring.
I've got a litter due on 1st.August,I'm really excited but worried at the same time, if you know what I mean.
Anyway I could ramble on all night,so I better shut-up
Look forward to hearing from you on email