The AKC standards for a chihuahua does not recongnize titles like "teacup", "minature", "tiny toy", etc.
The official Breed Standards describes the Chihuahua as a small dog that comes in two varieties or coat types , the long coat
or smooth coat. These are the only officially recongnized differences in the breed. AKC does NOT categorize the breed
by size. For the purpose of showing and record keeping, the American Kennel Club includes the Chihuahua ( along with 16 other
breeds) in the Toy Group. Therefor, irrespective of their weight or physical stature, ALL Chihuahuas registered with
the AKC are considered to be a toy breed of dog. As with all living things, there will be a size variance between individual
dogs within the breed. They are Chihuahuas- Long Coat/Smooth Coat, Male/Female. Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used
to describe the size difference and physical appearances are many; and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate.
Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Minature or Standard - are just a few of the many labels that have been attached to the breed
over the years with new ones popping up daily as marketing tools to sell pups. The use of these terms is incorrect and misleading.
Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a pup that is unusually small. That pup is a Small Chihuahua and any other breakdown
in description is NOT correct.
The average weight is around 3 - 6 lbs. Puppies from the same litter can vary in size, weight & type.
The size of the puppy when fully grown is an estimate only. Some start out small only to hit a growth spurt later on and surpass
pups from the same litter in weight and size. I can only give you the Best Estimate based on growth charts as to the final
weight as an adult.Pups estimated as adults to weigh 3 to 6 lbs. are normally much healthier. If you ask how big your pup
will get, I will get you an estimate that the average weight is around 3 to 5 lbs. for most puppies, if he grows to be less
great, if that is what you want. How will you feel if it grows to be 7 lbs.? Will you still love your dog? Please do NOT purchase
a pup from me if you will not love and spoil it regardless of it's size! Love is unconditional and if that is not how you
feel, then maybe you should not get a dog. A Chihuahua is small, no matter how much it weighs since it is a toy breed.On occasion
I do have a tiny pup but these happen naturally. I do not do anything to try to create smaller puppies and I never breed very
small females as it is NOT safe for the female dog and puts her and the pups at risk. These pups in most cases would be considered
"runts" and would be weak & most often not survive. Extremely small pups are prone to health problems as pups and through
their adult life. They can require extra care, some die. Please think about what you are asking for....Your "dream" may end
up being a "nightmare" in reality. Educate yourself before you purchase a very small Chihuahua.
There is NO such thing as a "teacup Chihuahua" or a "minature Chihuahua" or any other adjective used to
describe a Chihuahua. Unknowledgeable buyer's use these phrases when looking to purchase a (what size?) Chihuahua.Some Breeders,
to take advantage of the public, us marketing tools such as cute phrases and terms to be able to ask
for higher prices, just as saying "rare" colors. READ the Standards put out by the AKC and included in my site. A reputable
and knowledgeable Breeder will NOT use these terms. There is only One Chihuahua breed ranging in sizes from 2 to 6 lbs.
You do NOT want a Chihuahua that is less than 3 lbs. no matter how cute it is!! Thoroughly research what
health problems a very small Chihuahua may endure. Keep in mind that any Chihuahua within the breed standard of 2 to
6 lbs. is a small toy dog. These very small Chihuahuas have greater health risks. Their bones are fragile, there is
not enough room in their small mouths for proper tooth growth and alignment, and their internal organs are often weak. They
tend to have a lot of health problems including regulating their blood sugar levels which can cause seizures and even death.
Often they live a few months or maybe a few years and then their owner wakes up to find their beloved Chihuahua has died of
sudden heart or organ failure. So if you really want an extremely small Chihuahua or this mythical "Teacup" be aware of what
you may have in store for your future with your dog.
This is why I tend to place my dogs a little latter that 8 or 9 weeks in their new approved homes. I have
them gone over by my vet who specializes in Chihuahuas past 20 years and goes over each pup before issuing a health certificate.
I want you to love and spoil your Chihuahua for many years to come and know it went to a loving approved home.
