How small is too small?

[Jennie]

Not sure if that's even the right question, but I'm not sure how to better word it. I'm just wondering if there is a size that is considered smaller than what is healthy. I have a friend who got a mini from a BYB (but he's convinced she's wonderful - she had "so many dogs, and they were so cute....."). At 6 months, she's less than 4 lbs, and their vet doesn't think she'll get above 5 lbs. This just seems unbelievably tiny to me. I was just curious if there's any health issues with these guys so small? While I think this little one is adorable, I wonder if my friend really understands the breed and what he could be in for down the road with her.

[lotsadox]

I have heard to breeders breeding "teacup" dachshunds. I don't really know that much about it, but I've heard that they do tend to have health problems.

[Patt]

Have to agree with Patrice, there is a breeder down south that has many different breeds in teacup size, although they may be out of business by now. I also believe in time this little one may have lots of problems. Then again look on the bright side your friend just might be the lucky one to have a healthy pup.

[Heide]

but have never seen one.
I think its awful, that these so called breeders are doing that.
Hopefully his doxie will be healthy.

[FOREVER A DAXIE]

Purposely breeding "Tea Cup" "Tiny" breeds is really sad. How small do you really want your dog to be??? It's a DOG not some other animal.

Charlie's Mom was very tiny but 'naturally' so. You know what I mean. She wasn't purposely breed that way. His Dad was an average Mini.

I was very happy when Charlie started filling out a bit more. I don't have to worry about stepping on him etc!!!

[Jennie]

One of the reasons I'm so concerned is that there was a female there that she was breeding and the female was extremely tiny. He didn't know how small, but said that she was the smallest dog he had ever seen.

He doesn't see where I'm coming from - says that he visited the breeder many times, and knows her way better than I know the breeders of either of my guys. I also bought Bailey sight unseen and the first time I met the breeder was when I picked him up. BUT, both breeders of my guys show and came highly recommended from several sources in the field. Just can't make him understand. My concern is for the little one down the road. Especially since he's given dogs away before when they got inconvenient. I typically don't discuss this topic with my friend as we see it so differently. So, think I'll just make sure he knows that down the road he better let me know before he does anything! In the meantime, we'll hope for the best.

BTW, I've seen that teacup breeder's site, and he all but says "my pups may not be healthy, and that's not my responsibility". Made me sick!

[TessieMom]

My reaction is the same as the others. That is too small, but breeders do breed them because they can ask more money. From what I have heard, they are not as healthy as larger dogs, but I don't know specific problems.

[Patt]

"my pups may not be healthy, and that's not my responsibility".

Now that's a dumb statement, who in the heck does he think is responsibile. This guy is a sicko and needs out of the business yesterday.

[My3Dachsies]

When we had Speck out this weekend, someone asked me if I knew anyone who bred teacup doxies. :confused: I don't get this...why would you want such a tiny frail animal? Aren't the minis small enough?

Speck's mom was rather small, but his dad was about 10 lbs, so I'm guessing he'll be a normal weight. He was 3.1 lbs this past Friday at the vets (at 8 1/2 weeks).

I hope the teacup doxie phase goes away...but I guess if there's money to be made it won't happen any time soon. :(