Teacup Yorkie

Teacup Yorkies are known by many different names, including miniature yorkie and toy. Unfortunately, this means that there is no standard definition for what a Teacup Yorkie is. However, if you are purchasing one as a puppy, you should expect that it will only grow to be around 6 pounds but you can find ones that will only grow to be around 2 to 3 pounds. This is why you need to make sure that whenever you are purchasing a Teacup Yorkie they are the specific size that you are looking for.

These dogs have a compact, athletic build that is suitable for their active lifestyle. Their head is small and flat. They have dark eyes, which are not too prominent but nevertheless do sparkle and show a sharp, intelligent expression as they are placed to look directly forward. Then their small, V-shaped ears are set high on their head, not too far apart, where they are carried erect.

A Teacup Yorkie has long, straight hair with no undercoat, so they do not shed much and they also carry less dander. This coat is a dark steel blue from the back of their neck to the base of their tail, and then their tail is a darker blue. On their head, chest and legs they are a bright, rich tan color that is darker at the roots than in the middle. Of course, there are also some that range from a very light blonde to a darker brown, while their body is black or silvery gray.

Despite its Toy classification, the breed retains much lively terrier personality. Generally speaking, these are intelligent, independent and courageous dogs that are quick to determine where they fit into your household's "pack." However, you will find that their behavior towards outsiders will vary. Oftentimes they are inclined to bark at strangers but some of them are outgoing and friendly. This difference in behavior is largely based upon how the owner trains or conditions and socializes their Teacup Yorkie. Most of these dogs are quite confident and vigorous with a self-important personality.

These are one of the very few types of dogs whose claws are usually removed. Oftentimes, their tail will also be docked to a medium length. This is especially true in America where almost all breeders dock the tails of puppies. However, since the 1990s there has been a growing movement to ban this practice even though this is part of the AKC, ANKC, CKC, NZKC and UKC breed standards for Teacup Yorkies. The KC will allow for an undocked tail but it must be “as straight as possible; length to give a well balanced appearance”.