Last Updated on March 23, 2022 by Fabiola L.
If you’re a fan of teacup chis, make sure to give our seminal ‘The Average Price Of Teacup Chihuahua And Everything Else’ article a read!
Chihuahuas are pretty cute and dainty to look at, with an accepted weight of 6 pounds. But, can you imagine how much more adorable the breed may become if their maximum weight reaches only 3 pounds! What’s more, these tiny terriers are now a reality and becoming fast favorites of canine lovers worldwide. We’re, of course, talking about teacup chihuahuas.
If you’re a fellow teacup chi fan and want to join the teacup club, you’re likely curious about how much does a teacup chihuahua cost? That’s precisely why we’re here. In this edition of our chihuahua chronicles, we’re going to tackle all things teacup chi. So, grab a comfy chair and get comfortable.
Are Teacup Chihuahuas A Breed?
Here’s the thing – teacup chis aren’t exactly a breed unto themselves. In fact, they’re not even considered a variation of the chihuahua breed. So, what exactly are teacup chihuahuas?
The term ‘teacup’ can be a little misleading. With so many canine teacup varieties out there, you can’t blame people for thinking they’re a specific breed. However, in reality, the word teacup is more of a marketing gimmick used by breeders to add to the allure of pint-sized chis. That means teacup chihuahuas are basically regular chihuahuas who’re just a bit more diminutive than their doggy peers.
If you’re wondering how that’s possible, allow us to explain. According to the American Kennel Club, a chihuahua’s maximum weight shouldn’t exceed 6 pounds. However, there’s no set standard for minimum weight – meaning even teacup chis with their three or two-pound bodies qualify as standard chihuahuas (if all other qualifications match).
The average chi can measure anywhere between 5 to 18 inches from the shoulder – which leaves a lot of room for variation. And, teacup chihuahuas (aka micro chihuahuas) will typically measure about 6 inches in height – so that’s not a problem either. Consequently, that begs the question of how do you separate the regular chihuahuas from the miniature ones?
Unfortunately, here’s where things get a little tricky because there’s no clear answer. We’ve already mentioned that there’s a lot of wiggle room as far as set weight and height standards are concerned. So, whether or not a chihuahua qualifies as a miniature will depend on the breeder’s discretion.
Then there’s the fact that some breeders may select the runt of a litter as a teacup chi, while others actually breed chihuahuas to ensure the litter includes teeny characteristics.
Average Price Of A Teacup Chihuahua
Before we get on to discussing micro-chihuahua care, let’s take a moment to discuss the average price of teacup chihuahuas. Seeing as how teacup and miniature canines are already quite popular and very much in demand – the price of teacup chis can be quite high.
A standard chihuahua can cost anywhere between $500 to $1200 depending on details like pedigree, health testing, appearance, etc. On the other hand, teacup chihuahua prices can be as high as $2000 in some instances. And that’s just the initial cost of buying a pup.
The costs of taking care of your tiny pup (including vet visits, food, accessories, etc.) can run as high as $ 1500 to $2000 per year. That figure may seem exaggerated at first, but not when you think about the type of attention teacup chis need. To begin with, teacup chihuahuas need cautious handling because of their diminutive proportions.
Then there’s the fact that you’ll need to create safe environments for your miniature chi wherever you go. That means investing in things like a traveling crate, adequately-sized harnesses, etc. Plus, you need to factor in the fact that sometimes teacup canines are more prone to developing health conditions (discussed below) and may require more medical care.
Teacup Chihuahua Care Specifics
Not all canines are created equal, and that’s a fact. Nonetheless, you can figure out how much care a doggo may need depending on breed specifics as a whole. When it comes to teacup chihuahua care, here are some of the factors you need to keep in mind.
Health Considerations
Apart from the fact that miniature chihuahuas may be prone to some of the health problems standard chis face (like dental disease and obesity), they’re also vulnerable to the following concerns:
Read more about: Can Dogs Eat Without Teeth? Looking After Your Toothless Canine
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Eye Injuries
Miniature chihuahuas have protuberant eyes (like most chis), and that’s pretty normal. However, protruding eyes in micro chis are more prone to injuries because of their short height. That means something as relatively harmless as blades of grass or pollen can cause your pet harm. These injuries can range from moderate to severe and may require immediate medical attention based on the circumstances.
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Hypoglycemia
Toy breeds are susceptible to low blood sugar because their bodies are too small to store ample amounts of sugar. But, teacup chis who are even smaller than toy breeds are at increased risk of developing low blood sugar and require careful monitoring because of it. That’s why, if you’re the proud parent of a tiny chi, it’s best to speak to your vet about how to deal with hypoglycemia in chihuahuas.
Diet
Teacup chihuahuas are tiny, and their digestive systems are even tinier. That means you’re going to have to invest in top-quality dog food specifically formulated for small breeds to ensure optimal health for your furry pal. Generally, your vet will give you specific guidelines about the daily caloric intake of your micro chihuahua – which you should follow to make sure you avoid problems like digestive upsets. Oh, and feeding your tiny chi table scraps is an absolute no-no.
Exercise
One of the pros of owning a teacup chihuahua is that their exercise needs are almost non-existent compared to other canines. Generally, a daily walking session of 15 minutes will suffice, but it’ll serve your pet better if you cover this period over the course of the day. That means a seven and a half minute walking period morning and evening. It’s also best to limit the playtime sessions to 20 minutes because micro chihuahuas tend to get exhausted quicker due to their size.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of another one of your chi-centered articles and, as always, hope that everything was to your liking. Naturally, folks are concerned about the average price of teacup chihuahua and what its care requires. While the cost of micro chis may seem a little steep, it’s nothing compared to the joys these little canines can bring.
Nonetheless, we recommend in-depth research about the finer details of maintaining and looking after miniature chihuahuas. That way, both you and your little pet will lead a happier and more settled life – with little to no worries. Here’s us signing off and hoping all your chihuahua-related dreams come true.
Find more about Tea Cup Chihuahuas – 7 Amazingly Unbelievable Facts
