You have probably already seen the Dachshund breed in different colors and coats. But I bet you haven’t seen a Weiner dog sitting on a teacup yet.
Yes, you’re right about what you thought! I am talking about teacup Dachshunds! Lately, these pocket-sized Dachshunds have been a trending topic in the canine community because of their designer dog status.
If you are looking to buy a toy or teacup Dachshund, make sure to read this guide from beginning to end.
This article tackles everything you need to know about these cute little fellas and how to better take care of them! Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
What Is a Teacup Dachshund? Are Teacup Dachshunds Real?
The toy or teacup Dachshund is a small Dachshund variety that typically weighs eight pounds and below. They are called as such because their tiny bodies can apparently fit on a teacup.
To date, teacup Dachshunds are still not officially recognized by any major kennel clubs in the United States.
Technically speaking, teacup Doxies can also be categorized as miniature Dachshunds because they fall under 11 pounds.
Aside from the standard size, AKC only recognizes miniatures that are described as 11 pounds or under.
Interestingly, though, this is not the case for countries outside the United States like Germany. They recognize three varieties of the Dachshund breed which are the standard, miniature, and kaninchen Dachshunds.
The kaninchen, famously known as a rabbit Dachshund in America, is the smallest variety among the three.
It is the equivalent of the teacup or toy Dachshunds that are advertised in the United States. Similar to teacup Doxies, fully grown rabbit Dachshunds only weigh eight pounds and below.
Although teacups and kaninchen Dachshunds are seemingly the same, they don’t hold a similar reputation.
Kaninchen Doxies are known to be healthy and vigorous, while teacup Dachshunds currently have a reputation as an unhealthy variety.
Teacup Dachshund Size and Weight: How Big Do Teacup Dachshunds Get When Fully Grown?
So far, there is still no established standard for the teacup Dachshund’s height and weight. However, breeders typically describe them as a tiny dog that weighs less than eight pounds and stands not more than five inches.
If you compare the teacup Doxie (8 pounds) to the standard (16 to 32 pounds) and miniature (11 pounds and under), you’ll see that they are significantly smaller and should therefore be categorized differently.
Teacup Dachshunds grow small for various reasons. Some are purposely bred to be tinier than the standard Doxie, while others have a genetic condition that hampers their growth.
Unfortunately, some breeders even underfeed these puppies to stunt their development.
Teacup Dachshund vs. Miniature Dachshund: Are They the Same?
The AKC breed conformation dictates that Doxies that weigh 11 pounds and under are considered mini Dachshunds.
Since teacup Doxies weigh eight pounds and below — which is obviously less than 11 pounds — they are “technically” miniature Dachshunds.
Teacup Dachshunds replicate the exact appearance of a miniature Dachshund, although they are best described as a small miniature Dachshund.
Think of teacup Dachshunds as small-scale miniature Doxies. Both of them have sausage-like bodies, short legs, and long muzzles. They also enjoy the same range of coat colors and patterns.
Nevertheless, teacup Doxies are considered more unhealthy compared to most miniature Dachshunds and other dog breeds. The compromised health of teacup Dachshunds has something to do with the way they are bred.
Meanwhile, miniature Dachshunds are acknowledged as the healthier variety even though they are evidently tiny dogs.
Teacup Dachshund Appearance: What Does a Teacup Dachshund Look Like?
A teacup Dachshund replicates exactly how a standard Doxies looks like. These small dogs sport the iconic sausage body with their elongated torso and short limbs. Although they are small, their body is still compact and muscular.
They have a long muzzle that extends from the slightly arched skull. Their eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and dark-rimmed, which projects an energetic and pleasant expression.
They have hound-like dropped ears that are perfectly set near the top of the head.
Teacup Dachshunds also enjoy the coat closets of their standard siblings. They can exhibit any of the Dachshund coat colors and markings listed in the AKC breed standard.
What makes them unique from their other siblings is their tiny body that could fit on a teacup or your palm. They are “small dogs” in the extreme sense of the word.
Just watch in this video how everything seems to be gigantic when teacup Dachshunds are around:
Teacup Dauchund!! So ADORABLE 😀 Hersey - Rolly Teacup Puppies<a href="https://youtu.be/AUjDnNEAaGw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FAUjDnNEAaGw%2F0.jpg" alt="Teacup Dauchund!! So ADORABLE :D Hersey - Rolly Teacup Puppies" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Where Do Teacup Dachshunds Come From? The Process of Breeding Teacup Dachshunds
Toy or teacup Dachshunds are controversial not because they are ill-tempered or aggressive but because of how they are bred.
While some are born significantly smaller compared to the standard Dachshunds, others are products of irresponsible breeding. Hence, most teacup Dachshunds are plagued by various health issues.
In the succeeding sections, I will discuss the different processes in breeding a teacup Dachshund. You should keep on reading as this could guide you in deciding whether this Dachshund variety is worth buying.
Introduction to the Dwarfism Gene
The elongated body and short legs of Dachshunds are a result of achondroplasia. This is a genetic disorder characterized by the disproportionate growth of a dog’s body structure.
Due to this condition, the development of a Dachshund’s limb bones happens early on, which hampers their growth, making them dwarf-like.
This is also the same genetic condition that affects Basset Hounds, Corgis, and Pekingese.
The phenotypic extent of the dwarfism gene varies for each dog. Some may grow bigger compared to others, while others may be affected extremely by the mutation. Hence, we have the standard, miniature, and teacup Dachshunds.
The gene for achondroplasia is autosomal recessive. This means that a dog must inherit the gene from both parents to develop a phenotypic dwarf appearance.
A Dachshund that acquired only a single copy of the gene will be a carrier and pass it to its offspring.
Aside from achondroplasia, expert breeders suggest that toy or teacup Dachshunds also suffer from a condition called ateliotic dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism.
This condition is caused by an anomaly in the production of growth hormones in the pituitary glands.
The growth of Dachshunds with this condition is stunted because of the lack of growth-promoting hormones. Unfortunately, this condition also causes renal problems, thyroid issues, and possible sterilization.
Breeding Runts Together
A runt is a puppy that is significantly smaller and weaker compared to its littermates. A litter may contain several runts occasionally.
These puppies may grow healthy overall, but they will weigh less than their littermates even until adulthood.
Unethical breeders who are in the business of producing teacups pair the runt of the litter with another runt. By doing so, the small stature of the runt parents will be passed on to their offspring.
This practice is considered dangerous because aside from the small stature, the parent breeds’ weak traits and health issues may also be inherited by the offspring. This could jeopardize the health and life of the whole litter.
Purposely Limiting Nutritional Intake
Breeders who are only after profit go to great lengths of intentionally starving their puppies just so they can sport a small stature.
Breeders who practice this unethical procedure limit the amount of milk the puppy drinks from its mother. The lack of nutrition will stunt the puppy’s growth, making it smaller than the standard ones.
This process not only affects the Dachshund’s size negatively but also its overall health. The puppy’s bones could grow fragile, and its immune system could be compromised.
Breeding Dachshunds With Other Smaller Breeds
Crossbreeding a Dachshund with smaller purebred dogs can also produce teacup puppies.
Unfortunately, there is no way to ensure that the puppies will have the exact appearance of a Dachshund since they can inherit both of their parent’s traits.
The most common breeds crossbred with Dachshunds to produce teacups are the Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas.
Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier litter is called a Dorkie. On the other hand, a Dachshund that is mixed with a Chihuahua is called a Chiweenie.
Apart from these two, you can also achieve a mini Dachshund by crossing it to a toy Poodle or a Shih Tzu.
Are Teacup Dachshunds Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
The American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), World Canine Federation, and United Kennel Club (UKC) do not recognize teacup Dachshunds as an official breed variety.
The only Dachshund varieties acknowledged by these organizations are the standard and miniature Doxies.
Assuming that you bought a purebred ‘teacup’ Dachshund from a reputable breeder, and you applied for registration in AKC/CKC/UKC, your pup will probably be registered as a miniature Dachshund and not a teacup.
Similarly, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes three Dachshund varieties (standard, miniature, and kaninchen or rabbit Dachshund), and it does not include teacup Dachshunds.
Teacup Dachshund Temperament: Do Teacup Dachshunds Make Good Family Pets?
Teacup Dachshunds have similar temperaments and personalities with their standard Dachshund sibling. Despite their small size, they are known to be instinctively courageous and curious dogs.
However, these traits are also known to be the source of their destructive tendencies. Since they are bred to be hunting dogs, their instincts command them to run, chase other animals, and dig holes around the house.
Here is how teacup Dachshunds interact with their family, other animals, and strangers in general:
With Family: Teacup Dachshunds are loyal and affectionate to their families. They are alert to their environment; hence they are capable of being excellent watchdogs. When trained at an early age, these tiny Weiner dogs can become good companions for children. They are sensible and careful around their younger family members as long as they are treated well.
With Other Pets: The mini Doxie is a social pet. That’s why they get along very well with the other family pets they grew up with, especially other Dachshunds. However, this is not the case for pets that are new to them. They are known to be aggressive towards new pets, even if they are relatively larger. Don’t worry, though; the teacup Dachshund’s aggressive tendencies can be tempered through early socialization and training.
With Strangers: These adorable teacup Doxies can be suspicious and wary with strangers. It is not in their DNA to be friendly and accommodating with other people aside from their family. Thus, socializing them at a younger age would greatly help in developing their social skills.
You should keep in mind that a teacup Dachshund’s temperament and personality can be shaped through training and proper rearing.
Although behaviors are inherited, they can also be tempered, modified, and improved through socialization and guidance similar to a standard Dachshund.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Dachshund: Which Is Better?
Teacup Dachshund Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Teacup Dachshunds Healthy Dogs?
On average, teacup Dachshunds can live for 13 to 17 years. Their lifespan is relatively longer than the other small breeds, but this does not make them immune to sickness and death.
As mentioned in the earlier sections, some teacup Dachshunds have compromised immune systems due to the way they were bred and raised.
They also have a higher risk of acquiring congenital diseases that are most of the time fatal.
Here are some of the common health issues teacup Dachshunds can have:
Patellar Luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its original position. The extent of the pain varies depending on the severity of the disease. You will observe that a toy or teacup Dachshund experiences patellar luxation skips or hops when it runs. It will also occasionally kick its legs sideways in an attempt to reposition the kneecap.
Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD): IVDD happens when a disc in a dog’s spine is ruptured or herniated. The contents of the disc leak from the rupture, which causes extreme inflammation and pain to the toy or teacup Dachshund. One of the major causes of this disease in various dog breeds is being overweight.
Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, which restricts blood circulation. This leads the heart to work harder in order to pump blood. A teacup or toy Dachshund with this disease may show lethargy, shortness of breath, coughing, and collapsing.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Generally, UTI is a bacterial infection that requires immediate medical attention. Teacup Dachshunds with this infection urinates frequently. Their urine might have a strong odor, and in severe cases, it includes blood discharge. Teacups with UTI also cry out when urinating as it is painful.
Bloat: This fatal condition occurs when the teacup Dachshund’s stomach is filled with gas, making it twist. A bloated stomach will pressure the surrounding organs and decrease the blood flow from and to the organs around the diaphragm. Bloated dogs may also experience difficulty in breathing as their tummy gets distended.
Prevention and early mitigation are the keys to ensuring a healthy and happy life for your teacup or toy Dachshund. You should make it a habit to regularly monitor your pet’s condition so it will grow to be a healthy dog.
Teacup Dachshund Puppy Prices and Expenses: How Much Are Teacup Dachshunds?
The price range for teacup Dachshunds is around $300 to $4,000. The puppy cost varies from breeder to breeder due to various factors such as the puppy’s lineage, the breeder’s reputation, puppy documents, and health condition.
Teacup Dachshunds with champion bloodlines are more expensive than the teacup Doxies from a common lineage. Healthy puppies, of course, have a higher value compared to sickly ones.
Dachshunds that are registered to major kennel clubs will also cost more than the unregistered pups. However, a Dachshund can’t be registered as a ‘teacup’ since any major club in America does not officially recognize them.
Purebred Dachshunds that are advertised as teacups will more likely be registered as miniature Doxies.
Some breeders may also take advantage and sell the runts of the litter as ‘teacups’ at a much higher price. This is why you should be careful in choosing the breeder.
Aside from the puppy price, you should also consider the initial expenses of owning a teacup pup.
The primary supplies you need to buy includes puppy food, crate, beddings, toys, leash, collar, microchip, and food bowls. These supplies will set you back around $300.
Places to Find Teacup Dachshund Puppies for Sale or Adoption
The quality and health of a teacup Dachshund are greatly affected by how they are bred and raised. This is why you should only buy puppies from reputable and professional breeders.
Fortunately, there are many trusted Dachshund breeders in the United States where you can look for teacup Dachshunds. However, they might advertise their puppies as mini Dachshunds and not teacups.
Here are some of the reputable Dachshund breeders where you can find healthy teacup Dachshund puppies for sale:
Nuforest Dachshunds – Nuforest Dachshunds is a breeder and exhibitor of top-quality miniature Dachshunds that can pass as teacups. They are breeding dogs that are longhaired, smooth-haired, and wire-haired. Their puppies also come in a variety of colors.
Harlequin Dachshunds – This breeder has been raising a small variety of Dachshunds for 20 years. They have been granted “Breeder of Merit” by the AKC and they strictly conform to the breed standard to produce an excellent bloodline of teacup Dachshunds.
Daisy-Hill Dachshunds – Co-owned by a veterinarian, this breeding facility specializes in mini Dachshunds that could grow as small as a teacup dog. They breed smooth and long-haired Doxies that come in different coat patterns.
Adopting a teacup Doxie could also be a great option. Here are some rescue facilities where you can adopt this dog breed:
Dachshunds Rescue of Los Angeles (DRLA) – DRLA dedicates its effort to rescuing homeless Doxies and finding them their new forever homes in the surrounding area of Texas. It is a non-profit organization composed entirely of volunteer staff.
Dachshunds and Friends Rescue (DFR) – DFR takes in different dog breeds but focuses mainly on Dachshunds. They occasionally have tiny Dachshunds that are available for adoption.
Denver Dachshunds Rescue and Transport (DDRT) – DDRT has been rehabilitating Dachshunds for almost a decade. They welcome any adult dog and Dachshunds in need from any part of the United States. There is a great chance that you will find a teacup wiener dog in this rescue.
If you weren’t able to get your teacup Doxie from any of the mentioned rescues, you could try visiting the nearest shelter or rescue in your area for this unique dog breed.
5 Tips for Caring Small Sized Dogs Like the Teacup Dachshunds
Tiny dogs like teacup Dachshunds require more care and attention compared to their standard-sized siblings. Their tiny bodies make them susceptible to injuries and common health problems.
Here are the five tips which you should consider in taking care of teacup Dachshunds:
Provide them with a nutritious diet. Teacup Dachshunds can only take in a small amount of food. This is why you should make sure that the food they eat provides sufficient nutrients to promote growth and development. You should also monitor their eating habits to ensure that they are not skipping their meals.
Always have someone look after them. These adorable tiny beings are prone to injuries. A simple fall from the stairs or couch could hurt them badly. You should always look after them and guard them, especially outdoors where they can be hit by running cars or fall on sewage.
Do not leave them with children or big dogs. Teacup and toy dogs tend to be playful with children and large dogs. However, they could be unintentionally injured when left unsupervised with children and larger dogs.
Groom them regularly. Most teacup and toy dogs are bred to have fluffy and long coats. Hence, they require regular grooming to make them feel comfortable and presentable.
Socialize them early on. Since teacup Dachshunds and other toy breeds will interact with other people and pets, they should be exposed to socialization at a young age. This practice will help them get along well with others, be it a human or an animal.
Teacup Dachshunds and other tiny dogs might seem demanding to take care of, but eventually, you will see that it’s all worthy. They will surely pay you back with their cuteness and loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Teacup Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
Teacup Dachshunds, just like their standard and miniature siblings, are not hypoallergenic. This means that they are not advised for people with allergies. Their danders and shed could trigger an allergic reaction.
Do Teacup Dachshunds Shed?
Teacup Dachshunds are moderate shedders. This means that they shed a little more than hypoallergenic dogs but less than heavy shedders like Golden Retrievers and Huskies.
Nevertheless, the amount of shedding also varies depending on whether a teacup Dachshund or wiener dog has smooth, long, or wire hair.
Do Teacup Dachshunds Bark a Lot?
Barking has been a part of the Dachshund or wiener dog breed. Since they were bred as hunting dogs, they needed to be taught to chase their prey and bark a lot for communication.
This is why teacup Dachshunds love to bark, especially when strangers and unfamiliar pets are around.
Do Teacup Dachshunds Stay Small Forever?
Most teacup Dachshunds reach their adult height and weight at the age of 12 to 18 months. After that, they can only gain a few more centimeters and grams.
If your Dachshund has a teacup stature after 18 months, it’s more likely to live its life as a small dog.
Final Thoughts: Is the Teacup Dachshund Right for You?
Teacup Dachshunds are indeed one of the most magnificent small dog breeds. They have a cuteness that could melt the hearts of many pet owners and courage that could match larger canines.
All dogs indeed deserve to be loved. However, we shouldn’t patronize designer dogs produced through unethical breeding as it only encourages irresponsible people to continue what they do.
You should remember that trusted breeders will never advertise teacup or toy Dachshunds because they know no such Doxie exists.
If you’d like to buy a small Doxie, then you should look for a miniature Dachshund breeder instead.
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