Last Updated on October 13, 2021 by Marco
Wondering how big do Teacup Chihuahuas get? Then we have some excellent news! Our Mini-Chi feature will answer all your queries and more!
There’s nothing like the excitement a prospective dog parent feels before bringing home a new pet. However, when you’re thinking about adopting a toy breed canine, there’s also plenty of anxiety. That’s mostly because little doggos, like Teacup Chihuahuas, require extra TLC. If you’re worried about how big do mini Chihuahuas get and their upkeep – we’ve got you covered.
This article will walk you through how big you can expect your tiny Chi to get and other helpful Teacup Chihuahua information. All you have to do is grab a comfy seat and stick with us as we break down all there is to Teacup Chihuahua care and size!
Teacup Chihuahuas: Size, Lifespan, and Health Considerations
Standard Chis are renowned for being one of the smallest doggy breeds in the world. A regular Chihuahua can weigh anywhere between 2 to 6 pounds and reach a maximum height of 9 inches. That means a standard Chihuahua is about three inches longer in height than a U.S bill note. Pretty fascinating, right?
But what about a miniature version of Chihuahuas? That’s why asking – how big is a Teacup Chihuahua – is a pretty common question among fans of the breed. If you’re wondering the same, scroll down to learn all there is about the Teacup Chihuahua variation.
How Big Do Teacup Chihuahuas Get?
Alrighty. The information you’re about to learn maybe a little difficult to believe at first. A fully grown micro Chihuahua will measure about 3 inches in height and 3 pounds in weight. If you’re wondering how much 3 pounds feels like in real life, it’s about the same as half a gallon of milk.
Teacup Chihuahuas aren’t a breed unto themselves. Instead, breeders achieve the tiny dimensions of this Chihuahua variation by breeding the smallest-sized regular Chihuahuas. That means the size of Mini Chis isn’t an accident at all, and it’s achieved by breeding small-sized Chis over several generations. This is where genetics comes into play.
However, since science is still making discoveries about genetics and the fact that breeders aren’t precisely qualified geneticists – the process of breeding micro Chis can be a hit or miss. That’s also possibly why Teacup Chihuahuas are generally so pricy. A Teacup Chi can cost anywhere between $1400 to $5000 – which is quite a bit of cash.
How Long Do Mini Chihuahuas Live?
Generally, longevity trends in mammals dictate that the bigger the animal is, the longer it’ll likely live. That doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions to this rule. For instance, in the canine kingdom, it’s the bigger breeds that have smaller lifespans. All of which puts Chihuahuas at a distinct advantage as far as life spans are concerned.
An average Chihuahua lifespan can range from 12 to 20 years. Since Teacup Chihuahuas aren’t a different breed and more of a variation – that means they have the same lifespan as standard Chis. That’s excellent news for Teacup Chihuahua fans, we’re sure. However, you should note that lifespan guidelines aren’t exactly 100% precise.
Several aspects can affect your canine’s lifespan, such as illnesses, quality of life, injuries, diet, etc. So while Teacup Chihuahuas are expected to live longer than other canine breeds, it doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. In fact, micro Chis are prone to certain health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of.
Learn more about: Lifespan Of A Teacup Chihuahua; Everything Else You Need To Know
Common Teacup Chihuahuas Health Concerns
As we said at the beginning of this article – we’re here to help our readers learn more about the micro Chihuahua breed than just their size. That’s why this section will walk you through some of the common dangers Teacup Chihuahuas may face in terms of health.
- Fractures & Injuries
Considering the size of a Teacup Chihuahua, it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re at increased risk of facing fractures and injuries. Imagine how tiny the bone structure of an animal that weighs only three pounds can be. That’s why jumping off high surfaces, like chairs or even sofas, can cause your tiny pet to suffer bone fractures.
Aside from that, mini Chihuahuas can also hurt themselves by actions you wouldn’t see as harmful. For instance, did you know that Teacup Chis are especially prone to eye injuries? An act as simple as running in the grass can put your tiny Chihuahua at risk for eye trauma.
- Hypoglycemia
Even normal-sized Chihuahuas are prone to low blood sugar. That’s because their small bodies can’t produce and store enough sugar to ensure their energy levels aren’t affected throughout the day. Teacup Chis with even smaller bodies have a more challenging time controlling their blood sugar levels.
That’s why it’s best to be on your guard about this particular condition for all types of Chihuahuas. Consult with your vet about the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to tackle the situation at home.
Tips On Looking After Your Teacup Chihuahua
Before you get too anxious about caring for your micro Chihuahua or abandon the idea altogether – relax. Looking after a Teacup Chihuahua may require a little more effort initially, but it gets easier with time.
There are plenty of pet parents who’re doing an excellent job of looking after their mini Chis – so you should know it’s perfectly doable! Nonetheless, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to make your lives easier when it comes to looking after your Teacup Chihuahua.
- It’s best to doggy-proof your home before bringing your Teacup Chihuahua home. Take a good look around your premises and take care of anything you think poses a danger to your tiny furball. For instance, if you have any sharp-edged showpieces on ground level – you might want to move them to a higher surface.
- Clear your floor of any items that you think will appeal to your adventurous pup. For example, things like loose change, toys that pose a choking hazard, etc., should be out of range.
- Puppies like licking stuff – be it blankets, cushion covers, or anything else. For that reason, it’s best to invest in fabrics that are lint-free and don’t shed too much. Fibers swallowed from upholstery can cause a blockage over time, and that’s not something you want for your mini Chi.
- Keep anything that includes chemicals in cabinets, away from the prying eyes of your pup. This includes household cleaners, medications, and essential oils.
- Invest in cord organizers and make sure there aren’t any wires in plain sight of your pup. Puppies love chewing on wires and cords and be exposed to electrical hazards in this way.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks. We’ve given you the lowdown on Teacup Chihuahua size and care, and hopefully, you’re better prepared to take care of your tiny furbaby now. As always, don’t forget to take your pet to a qualified veterinarian as soon as you can after bringing it home. Doing so will help you learn more about your doggo and take better care of it.
