Miniature and Teacup Pomeranian Puppies: Are They For Real?
Unscrupulous breeders claiming that there is a breed variation called “Teacup Pomeranian” are fooling many amateur dog lovers who want to buy Pomeranian puppies. To make the long story short, there is no such thing as a Teacup Pomeranian. There is no smaller breed of Pomeranian aside from the standard breed size. Some dog breeders use the term “Teacup Pomeranian” just to exaggerate the diminutive size of Pomeranian puppies. They use it as a marketing term to deceive pet buyers. The truth is that they use the term to describe those unethically bred dogs that are underweight and below the standard size of Pomeranian puppies.
Busting the Myth of Teacup Pomeranians
Registered breeders do not recognize the existence of Teacup Pomeranians because there is no such breed. The only accepted breed is Pomeranian, nothing more nothing less. The standard Pomeranian breed is small enough to be part of the toy dog group. Breeding a smaller version is already unacceptable because it will have negative effects on the dog’s health. Even breeders who join dog shows will not attempt to produce smaller Pomeranians, because the American Kennel Club show rings will not accept dogs that fall short of the breed standards.
Pet lovers who wish to purchase Pomeranian puppies should know the standard size before actually purchasing one. The accepted height for Pomeranians is 8 to 11 inches (20.32 to 27.94 cm) from paw to shoulder and the recommended weight is between 3 to 7 pounds (1.36 to 3.175 kg). Some pet stores use the term “Toy Pomeranian” or “Teacup Pomeranian” claiming that they have a special breed of Pomeranians, which are smaller and exceptional.
Consequences of Breeding Small Dogs
Pomeranian toy dogs were large dogs before. In the past, Pomeranians were the same size as medium to large sled dogs that we see today. As time passed by, Pomeranians were bred to be small toy dogs and stopped at the standard weight of 3 to 7 pounds. Having tiny dogs became a fad in modern times because it serves as a status symbol; the smaller, as they say it – the better. However, many people do not understand that a dog that is 3 to 7 pounds is already diminutive and breeding a much smaller size can result to more harm than good.
Pomeranian puppies are already fragile at their accepted current standard size. Their toy size is prone to many health risks, such as collapsed trachea, luxating patella and hip dysplasia. Collapsed trachea happens to dogs if there is too much stress on their neck caused by the leash and collar. To avoid this, a pet owner should use harness and leash instead. Small dog breeds are prone to have collapsed trachea because they have smaller windpipes compared to other type of dogs.
Luxating patella is a slipped kneecap while hip dysplasia is hip joint and socket that has slipped out of place. Toy dogs like Pomeranians are prone to these two health issues because of their smaller limbs. These occur whenever toy dogs jump too high because their small limbs cannot support their weight.
If you want to buy Pomeranian puppies, you must get them from trustworthy breeders only. Always make sure that the Pomeranian that you buy is within the standard breed size. Do not be fooled by false terms used by unscrupulous breeders such as “Teacup Pomeranian” or “Miniature Pomeranian Puppies.”
It is also important that you visit the breeder’s site to check if it is not a “puppy mill.” Puppy mills are unhygienic breeding grounds where breeders breed or mate adult dogs more times than what is appropriate. This results in puppies with genetic defects or diseases that might not be visible to the eye but seen later on when the puppy reaches adulthood.
This site dedicated entirely to the Pomeranian breed offers you valuable information in case you are looking for Pomeranian puppies for sale. Browse through the articles on the right to learn more about this interesting and lovable dog breed.