Fun Teacup Yorkie Facts For Kids

Martha Martins
May 12, 2023 By Martha Martins
Originally Published on Aug 05, 2021
Edited by Natalie Rayworth
Fact-checked by Yashvee Patel
Read these Teacup Yorkie facts to learn more about these tiny dogs.
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Age: 3-18
Read time: 9.3 Min

As the name suggests, Teacup Yorkies (Teacup Yorkshire Terriers) are one of the tiniest dog breeds, and they can easily fit in a teacup. Yorkies are adorable with energetic personalities. Do not mistake them to be calm or timid due to their appearance.

Yorkies are quite feisty for their size. The most enticing characteristics of a Yorkie are that they are playful and training them is very easy. Like most dogs, they are extremely loyal and protective.

Overall, they have a similar personality to that of a Yorkshire Terrier. If you are looking for a tiny lap dog, look no further.

People often prefer small size dogs as they are meeker and more manageable. The maximum a Teacup Yorkshire terrier grows to is 6 in (15 cm) and 4 lb (1 kg). They require your constant care, attention, and love.

They also have many health problems due to their miniature size. The demand for Teacup Yorkie puppies is very high, especially among celebrities and people in the fashion industry. This is because they have become a style statement.

If you liked these Teacup Yorkie facts, you may also check out these fact files on Shikoku Dog and Dogo Argentino.

Teacup Yorkie Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Teacup Yorkie?

Teacup Yorkies are a variant of the dog breed Yorkshire Terrier. They are smaller dogs compared to regular Yorkshire Terriers but are not technically a separate breed. When you repeatedly mate any two small dogs of the same dog breed, you get a teacup breed.

What class of animal does a Teacup Yorkie belong to?

Teacup Yorkshire Terriers are mammals belonging to the family Canidae. They also belong to the tiny dog breed category. Like all mammals, Yorkies give birth to their young puppies.

How many Teacup Yorkies are there in the world?

There is no accurate estimation of their population.

Where does a Teacup Yorkie live?

Yorkies are ideal indoor pets as they take up very little space and live with their owners inside their houses. They are easily portable and convenient due to their size. They are territorial and will defend their homes from strangers by barking.

What is a Teacup Yorkies habitat?

They adapt well in temperate regions where the average temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. If you live in a warm place, it is safe to keep Yorkies indoors with a working air conditioner.

Who do Teacup Yorkies live with?

They live with people. The size of a Teacup Yorkie makes them fragile and is not well suited for families with children. They can also be temperamental towards children.

They require a lot of care and attention. Yorkies do not mingle well with strangers and other animals. But, they love taking short naps in a warm spot next to their guardian.

How long does a Teacup Yorkie live?

The average Teacup Yorkie's lifespan is around seven to nine years. In rare cases, they can live up to 15 years.

Teacup Yorkies' lifespan is shorter compared to Yorkshire Terriers due to their various health issues. Traumatic and accidental injuries are other significant reasons for the lower life expectancy. A prime cause of death in Yorkies is respiratory diseases like collapsing trachea.

How do they reproduce?

Healthy Teacup Yorkies mate and reproduce between three and five Yorkie puppies per litter. However, mating and pregnancy can affect the dog's health considerably. Many complications might arise during the process.

What is their conservation status?

The official conservation status for Teacup Yorkies is Not Listed.

Teacup Yorkie Fun Facts

What do Teacup Yorkies look like?

Teacup Yorkies are miniature dogs with black coats and tan markings around their ears, muzzle, and paws. The black hair of Teacup Yorkie puppies usually gains a silvery blue hue as they age.

Some also have gold markings instead of tan. The most common combinations of coat colors are blue and tan, black and tan, black and gold, or blue and gold. They have V-shaped ears which stand erect and their tail is a medium length.

A Teacup Yorkie on the road.

How cute are they?

How can a dog that can fit inside a teacup not be cute? They are so endearing and lovable with their big black animated eyes. Their resemblance to a stuffed toy is just an added charm. Their size and cute mannerisms make Teacup Yorkies capture every heart.

How do they communicate?

Teacup Yorkies are very expressive dogs who bark in various tones to communicate. A low-tone bark can be perceived as a warning when they feel threatened.

High-pitched barks are for catching their owner's attention when they want to play or go outside. They howl to communicate with other dogs. When they are sad, hurt, or lonely Teacup Yorkies will whimper.

How big is a Teacup Yorkie?

Teacup Yorkies are miniatures of the standard Yorkshire Terrier. They grow only up to 6 in (15 cm) in height. Fully grown Teacup Yorkies have small-size heads and medium-sized muzzles. They are three times smaller than a Great Dane.

How fast can a Teacup Yorkie run?

With their tiny paws, the fastest a Teacup Yorkie can run is 10 mph (16.09 kph). They take quick but short steps. They may be lightweight but it is hard for them to keep up with bigger dogs.

Yorkies can run fast for very short distances. Running is a good exercise for your Yorkie to keep them active and healthy. Do not over-strain them as they have small and weak respiratory systems.

How much does a Teacup Yorkie weigh?

These tiny dogs weigh no more than 4 lb (1 kg) while standard Yorkshire Terriers often weigh up to 7 lb (3 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male Teacup Yorkies are called dogs, and females are known as bitches.

What would you call a baby Teacup Yorkie?

Like all other dogs, baby Teacup Yorkies are called puppies.

What do they eat?

Yorkies can be picky eaters. Your Yorkies diet should be comprised of a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Be aware of their general dietary requirements.

Protein should be the primary source as this is required for their health and growth. Puppies need approximately 250 calories a day and adults need around 200 calories. This can vary among individuals because of their age and activity.

Feed them in small quantities but frequently to avoid the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Due to their sensitivity, it is best to make sure you feed them high-quality food that helps prevent digestive issues. Also, provide them bite-sized kibble to prevent chances of choking.

The size of a Yorkie Teacup dog can lead to them being mistaken for rodents, this leads to a lot of threats from predators like hawks, eagles, and coyotes.

Are they hypoallergenic?

Yes, Teacup Yorkies are the best pet option for people with allergies. They have hair instead of fur, which they will shed minimally with regular grooming. They also drool less and produce fewer allergens compared to other pets. But keep in mind no dogs are 100% hypoallergenic.

Would they make a good pet?

All pets require care and attention, so if you have a lot of time they are an ideal option. Yorkies are fun and engaging, making them an ideal companion for single owners.

Families with little children should look for a bigger dog breed as Teacup Yorkies tend to playfully nibble or bite. You can even get a standard Yorkshire Terrier instead.

Did you know...

Yorkshire Terrier dogs are originally bred in Yorkshire, England. They were first bred to help get rid of rodents from farmlands. Their size was an added advantage to farmers. During the 19th century, the demand for Yorkshire terriers increased among royalty and nobles, due to their cute fluff-ball image and lack of needing a large space.

Breeders started to selectively breed dogs to make them smaller and hairier. These new types of Yorkshire Terriers became the first Teacup Yorkies. Yorkshire Terriers were previously known as Broken-haired Scotch Terriers.

Yorkshire Terriers were recognized as fearless hunters. They were used for hunting small animals like badgers, foxes, and moles.

They were introduced in America around 1880. Teacup Yorkies are so high in demand that unethical breeders have increased in numbers over the years. Always buy a Yorkie Teacup dog with a certificate from a licensed breeder to avoid devious breeding methods and capitalization.

Some Yorkies eat very little and can develop seizures due to hypoglycemic attacks. This is a genetic issue seen in the Teacup Yorkie breed.

There are medications available to prevent seizures. The need to create a genetically small dog breed like Teacup Yorkies has brought on many health issues for these dogs. Though they satisfy the aesthetics of a lap dog, Yorkies have become very weak genetically.

Teacup Yorkie prices range from 1200 USD to 2000 USD. Maintaining them can also be expensive as they have strict dietary requirements, training, require constant health check-ups, and regular grooming. Do not buy cheaper puppies because they might be bred through unethical means and will be more prone to genetic and health risks.

Teacup Yorkies need to drink lots of water to keep them hydrated at all times. They are hyperactive and get easily dehydrated. To prevent heat stroke make sure your Yorkie drinks well.

A dog crate of 12 in (30 cm) can be used to transport your Yorkie to the vet or on flights. You can also fashionably carry them in your hand or a bag like celebrities. Due to their small size, they are hard to notice. This leads to high chances of accidents.

Be careful when you move around. They are playful but have weak bones. Teacup Yorkies are more prone to injury due to rough handling, accidental falls, and spats with other animals.

While training your Teacup Yorkie, be extra patient. They have tiny bladders and it is hard to detect their pee around your house. This often leads to a smelly home and pet. This also means you will have to walk your dog more frequently.

Train them with love and patience. Initially, it will be as hard as caring for a baby, but all puppies are the same. Yorkies are smart and quick learners. Training them from when they are puppies can help.

Some of the health conditions that Teacup Yorkies are predisposed to include portosystemic shunt, patent ductus arteriosus, tracheal collapse, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, distichia, legg–calvé–perthes syndrome, and luxating patella.

Are Teacup Yorkies high maintenance?

Yes, Teacup Yorkies are designer dog breeds with a long silky coat of hair. They require regular grooming to maintain a neat and clean coat.

Trimming their hair once every four to six weeks will promote new hair growth and prevent excess shedding. Grooming also prevents tangles and gives your Teacup Yorkie puppy a neat look. Regular grooming also means brushing and bathing them frequently.

They are also physically very delicate. Teacup Yorkies are prone to various health issues like respiratory troubles, fragile bones, and bladder ailments. They can also develop serious complications like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and liver problems. Teacup Yorkies require early and consistent training to be well-disciplined. They get easily stressed and suffer from psychological issues.

Do Teacup Yorkies bark a lot?

Yes, they are a highly vocal dog breed. Though they are not loud, frequent and unnecessary barking is an issue found in this breed. They get easily triggered by disturbances, strangers, and doorbells.

Yorkies are wonderful dogs that are loved by dog lovers around the world. They are unbelievably cute with a sassy personality. Despite the controversies in breeding and selling, Yorkies are still high in demand. Having a Teacup Yorkie can be equally challenging and entertaining. It is also advisable to get pet insurance for this costly little breed.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including Black Mouth Cur or Lhasa Apso.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one of our Teacup Yorkie coloring pages.

Teacup Yorkie Facts

What Did They Prey On?

Mice, rats, and rodents

What Type of Animal were they?

Omnivore

Average Litter Size?

2-5 pups

How Much Did They Weigh?

2-4 lb (1-2 kg)

What habitat Do they Live In?

pet shops, dog breeders, rescue shelters and homes

Where Do They Live?

england, us

How Long Were They?

5-7 in (12-18 cm)

How Tall Were They?

4-6 in (10-15 cm)

Class

Mammalia

Genus

Canis

Family

Canidae

Scientific Name

Canis lupus familiaris

What Do They Look Like?

Black and tan

Skin Type

Hair

What Are Their Main Threats?

health issues

What is their Conservation Status?

Not Listed

england us

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Sources

https://animalso.com/breeds/teacup-yorkie/

https://www.perfectdogbreeds.com/teacup-yorkie/

https://petponder.com/teacup-yorkie-facts/amp

https://gooddoggies.online/teacup-yorkie-facts-info-lifespan/

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Written by Martha Martins

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha Martins picture

Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.

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Fact-checked by Yashvee Patel

Bachelor of Business Management

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Yashvee PatelBachelor of Business Management

Yashvee has won awards for both her writing and badminton skills. She holds a business administration honors degree and has previously interned with social media clients and worked on content for an international student festival. Yashvee has excelled in academic competitions, ranking in the top 100 in the Unified International English Olympiad and placing second in an essay-writing competition. Additionally, she has won the inter-school singles badminton title for two consecutive years.

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