As a pet parent, have you ever wished that time would slow down so you can play with and take more pictures of your adorable puppy? Or have you ever wished that your dog will stay as cute as a puppy for life? Well, if you have a Teacup Miniature Dachshund that will definitely happen because this designer dog was intentionally bred to be tiny for life.
If you want to learn more about teacup dachshunds, whether or not they are a real breed, the things that you need to know before getting one, and more, then, you’ve got to stick around until the end of this article.
You can learn a ton about these adorable puppies down below, which should be useful in guiding your decision to adopt, rescue, or buy a teacup Doxie.
Breed At A Glance:
Size: Stands not more than 5 inches
Weight: Less than 8 pounds or 3.6 kgs at 12 months old
Energy Level: Strong stamina and enjoys being active
Lifespan: 13 to 17 years
Also read: Best Dog Food Brands for Small Dogs
History and Origin
The concept of teacup or toy Dachshunds is somewhat recent. Originally, standard and miniature dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs. They were bred to be a certain size so that they can get into tiny holes and flush badgers and similar animals, such as rabbits and rodents.
The toy or teacup dachshunds, on the other hand, got nothing to do with the history of this dog breed as a hunting dog.
The teacup dachshund was created by breeders as a modern variation of the ancient dog breed, for the sole purpose of being a domestic pet. And this tiny variety was made in response to the growing demand for extremely tiny dogs, handbag dogs, designer dogs, and lapdogs.
So, the sad reality about these adorable teacup dachshund puppies is that they were basically bred so that breeders can profit from their tiny size.
And in essence, breeders have used the designations “toy” and “teacup” to capitalize on the little pups in the litter, which are most probably the runts in the litter or dogs that were intentionally bred to be small for life.
By giving these tiny “unhealthy” pups a cute name and marketing them as rare and unique, the once least desirable puppies in the pack have now become valuable commodities for the breeders.
Today, they can charge as much or even more for these small and potentially sickly pups as they can for standard or miniature dachshunds.
Breed Overview
A toy or teacup dachshund is the smallest variety of dachshund available in the market today. And these terms are used to describe very tiny miniature dachshunds that weigh less than 8 pounds even at 12 months of age.
But, is a teacup dachshund an official dog breed recognized by any major kennel clubs in the US? The short answer is, “No.” There are only two official standard sizes for dachshunds, and these are the standard and miniature. As for their coat, the three official coat varieties are smooth, long, and wirehaired.
Technically speaking, since teacup dachshunds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, and other major clubs in the US, we can classify them under miniature dachshunds because they weigh less than 11 pounds.
Interestingly, this isn’t the case for some countries outside of the US. In Europe, they recognize three varieties of dachshunds, which are the standard, miniature, and kaninchen.
The kaninchen, famously known as a rabbit Dachshund in America, is the smallest variety among the three, and they are the equivalent of teacup or toy dachshunds in the US.
However, while they may look the same, there are notable differences between rabbit dachshunds and teacup dachshunds. Rabbit or kaninchen Doxies are known to be healthy and active, while teacup dachshunds currently have a reputation for being unhealthy.
How Are Teacup Dachshunds Bred?
In most cases, a Dachshund that is marketed as a teacup or toy dachshund will be the runt of the litter or the tiniest and weakest puppy of the litter. This puppy is small because it can’t drink enough amount of milk from its mom.
And this pup can’t feed from their mom properly because his sisters and brothers that are bigger and stronger than him always get in the way and end up consuming most, if not all, of their mother’s milk.
So, while this tiny and adorable pup can make a lovely pet, he may end up being sickly, costing you a lot in veterinary bills, and ultimately affecting your mental health, too.
Taking care of a healthy pup can already be stressful at some point, so, you can just imagine the toll it will have on your overall health to look after a sickly pup. And while you can afford the pup’s potential vet bills and special needs, you may find it harder to deal with the emotional pains of caring for a sickly pet.
Moreover, a teacup dachshund can also be a product of “runt breeding,” or the intentional pairing of the smallest pups from the litter to shrink any standard-sized pup in the future. This is highly unethical and unhealthy, followed by irresponsible breeders who only want to profit from this lucrative practice.
Aside from intentional runt breeding or choosing the runt of the litter to be sold, there are still several ways where breeders can make a hefty amount from these mini dachshund puppies.
Unfortunately, these ways are also unethical. Some breeders would deliberately starve the puppies to stunt their growth, or they will starve the nursing mother so she won’t be able to produce enough milk for her puppies.
Another way is by crossbreeding a dachshund with another smaller purebred dog. However, this isn’t a surefire way to produce a teacup doxie, since the pups can possibly inherit both of their parents’ traits.
The other dog breeds that are commonly bred with dachshunds to produce teacup versions are Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, as well as Toy Poodle, or a Shih Tzu.
Aside from these, you can also find a dog with the ateliotic gene or with a condition called Ateliotic Pituitary Dwarfism to get yourself a Toy Dachshund. This condition affects the pituitary gland, which is a major endocrine gland responsible for the dog’s growth.
Dogs with this condition will develop proportionally, but their bodies are smaller overall. Some dogs with Ateliotic Dwarfish are Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Appearance & Grooming
These puppies, as we already established, are a little version of the Wiener Dog, sharing both their size and behavior with their larger counterparts.
The tiny version also has the characteristic body shape that has given them the moniker “Sausage Dog.” The Teacup Doxie is a little dog with short legs, an elongated torso, and broad, paddle-shaped paws.
Just like standard and miniature Dachshunds, Teacup Doxies also have a long and black muzzle, as well as a pair of round eyes and large floppy ears.
This micro dachshund breed also has three coat types: smooth haired, wiry, and long. And you can also see them in various coat colors, such as black, brown, red, and cream. Also, as mentioned earlier, a teacup wiener dog stands 5 inches and below, and weighs up to 8 pounds.
As far as their grooming is concerned, the only factor that determines how often you need to brush them is the length of their hair. A brush a week should suffice for the dachshunds with soft hair.
Teacup Dachshunds are also light shedders, which make them perfect for people who dislike dog hairs or those that don't enjoy playing the role of hairdresser for their pup.
The wirehair and long-hair types usually need more grooming routines. Their lush coat needs to be brushed two to three times each week to keep it healthy. Occasional trimming of their coat is also advisable, and it's best if you can take your pooch to the doggie salon twice a year.
Additionally, these tiny dachshunds have soft nails. So, taking them for a walk outside on hard surfaces may already help in keeping their nails trimmed and free from sharp edges.
Pet owners often overlook the health of their dogs’ teeth and gums. To prevent dental problems in the future, it’s recommended that you brush your pup’s teeth at least twice a week.
And you can start training your pup to love his dental routine while he is still young because puppies are less resistant. Don’t forget to reward your pooch after, and you can also treat him to some tasty dental chews occasionally.
Personality & Temperament
The personality and temperament of teacup Dachshunds are comparable to those of their standard Dachshund sibling. Despite their diminutive stature, they are renowned for being brave and adventurous dogs at heart.
However, these characteristics are also known to be the root of their destructive inclinations. Due to their breeding as hunting dogs, they are naturally inclined to run, pursue other animals, and dig holes around the house.
Additionally, they appreciate the company of their folks and will feel most like themselves when surrounded by people who look after them. And while they may be smart pups, they also have a mind of their own and they can be obstinate.
So, when they don’t follow your command, it may just be them asserting their independence and intentionally ignoring what you want them to do.
Caring For a Teacup Dachshund
Exercise, Training, & Living Conditions
As mentioned earlier, these small dogs are capable of becoming stubborn, just like the Standard Dachshund. So, training them isn't the easiest task.
However, once you've mastered the best methods and discovered how to avoid common blunders, you can easily succeed in disciplining and training your lively and independent small miniature Dachshund.
These little furry guys might be difficult to potty train, especially if you're a first-time pet owner, but if you follow these guidelines, the process will go as smoothly as possible:
- Be consistent.
- Take them out for a walk frequently, and stick to your schedule as much as possible. Ideally, you should let him out every two hours.
- Don’t forget to reward your pup if he does his business outside.
- Start a regular feeding schedule and stick to it.
And as far as exercise is concerned, a Teacup Dachshund doesn’t need that much. Taking your little dog for a walk twice a day can already cover his daily exercise requirements. This dog can be ideal for you if you don't enjoy playing fetch every day.
However, because of their small size, these pups can easily get tired and they won’t really care because they love to play and they are energetic. So, as a pet parent, you should learn to limit their exercise per day to prevent this from happening.
Moreover, small dogs like them may experience anxiety if often exposed to unfamiliar people and environments, so be sure that socializing begins early and happens gradually. They like to spend time with their owner, but with enough training, you can teach them to get along with other people as well.
Related post: Best Dog Food Brands for Dachshunds
Diet & Nutrition
These little dogs have an appetite that matches their delicate size. It's nevertheless advisable to pay close attention to their diet because, due to their small size, they tend to put on weight more quickly than larger dogs.
They only need half a cup to three-quarters of a cup of nutritious kibble each day. Just be sure to divide it up into two to three meals – because of their size, they shouldn't consume too much or they might have difficulties digesting it.
However, since they can only eat a small amount of food due to their small tummies, the food that they eat should provide them with enough nutrients that they need to promote growth and development. As a pet parent, you should also monitor their eating habits to make sure that they don’t skip a meal.
Common Health Issues
With a lifespan that goes up to 17 years, Dachshunds are without a doubt one of the dog breeds that live the longest. However, this doesn’t mean that they are immortal or that they are immune to illnesses.
As mentioned earlier, because of the way they were bred and raised, some teacup Dachshunds have weak immune systems. Additionally, they are more likely to develop congenital illnesses, which are sometimes fatal.
Some Doxies are genetically at risk of having seizures. Additionally, they frequently experience joint problems, as well as a propensity for back problems. If you are keen on having a toy Doxie, you should know how to maintain your dog's joints strong and healthy.
Compared to their regular size cousins, Teacup Miniature Dachshunds are prone to developing more health problems. Among the health concerns that you should watch out for are the following:
Digestive Problems
Digestive problems are usually categorized as acute or chronic. And the digestive issues that are most common among these tiny canines are bloat, pancreatitis, and foreign body obstruction.
Bloat is commonly seen in larger dogs, however, can occur in smaller dogs. Gastric distention causes the stomach to twist, which in turn, closes the esophagus and prevents dogs from expelling toxins or gas out of the body. This is an emergency that requires an immediate visit to a veterinarian.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation in the pancreatic tissue that occurs from diets high in fat. The common symptoms of pancreatitis are vomiting and diarrhea.
When a puppy ingests—or attempts to ingest—anything that cannot pass through the digestive system, a foreign body obstruction occurs. The Teacup Dachshund is more susceptible to this problem because of its small stature.
Two of the common chronic digestive problems that can affect tiny dogs are Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Hemorrhagic Gastritis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD has no known etiology. Mental distress, intolerance to specific foods, and the inability of the food to move through the digestive system are just a few of the probable contributing variables that are thought to be connected to this disorder.
Blood in the stool or vomit might be used to diagnose hemorrhagic gastritis. This is another emergency that requires veterinary attention immediately. Additional signs of hemorrhagic gastritis are:
- Weight loss
- Fluid loss
- Fatigue
- Hemoconcentration (Increased concentration of red blood cells)
- Hepatic Shunts
- Collapsing tracheas
- Hypoglycemia
This small breed pup needs ongoing monitoring for symptoms and frequent trips to the vet to receive optimal care.
Various Heart Diseases
Small dogs, such as the Teacup Miniature Dachshunds are predisposed to acquiring congenital heart diseases, such as the following:
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Pulmonic or Aortic Stenosis
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Some of the common symptoms that you should watch out for include:
- Coughing
- Lack of energy
- Fainting or collapsing
- Abdominal swelling
- Shortness of breath
You should consult your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Breathing Issues
Teacup Mini Dachshunds are also prone to several breathing issues, including rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s best to take your pup to the vet:
- Wide-open mouth when breathing
- Shallow breathing
- Extended tongue
- Faster than normal breathing (tachypnea)
Oftentimes, breathing problems are indications of an underlying medical condition. Hence, it’s important to consult your vet immediately if your pup is having issues with his breathing.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVD)
When a dog's spinal disc ruptures or herniates, IVDD results. When a disc ruptures, its contents seep out, leaving the toy or teacup Dachshund in excruciating agony and inflammation. Being overweight is among the main contributors to this condition in different dog breeds.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For?
Think twice before purchasing a toy or teacup Dachshund that you see advertised online. In fact, avoid dealing with anyone who uses adjectives like “rare” or “unique” when describing Dachshunds in an internet advertisement.
If they are marketing several “toy” or “teacup” Dachshunds, that is a huge red flag. This demonstrates that the dogs are being bred specifically to be small. Alternatively, they might be exaggerating the Dachshund's size, or the puppy might not even be there.
The best course of action is to locate a reputable breeder and seek their opinion if you want to get a miniature Dachshund but would like one that is on the smaller side. Alternatively, you can also check out your local shelter to adopt a Dachshund that you fall in love with.
As they always say when rescuing or adopting a pup, “Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
Price
Teacup Dachshunds often cost between $300 and $4,000. The price of a puppy varies from breeder to breeder depending on several variables, including the health and ancestry of the puppy, as well as the reputation of the breeder.
Teacup Dachshunds from champion bloodlines cost more than those with more common ancestry. Additionally, the price of dachshunds registered with well-known kennel clubs will also be higher than the price of unregistered puppies.
A Dachshund, however, cannot be registered as a “teacup” because no significant American club has given them official recognition. As mentioned earlier, purebred Dachshunds marketed as teacup-sized are more likely to be registered as miniature Dachshunds.
Where to Find Teacup Dachshund Puppies for Adoption or for Sale?
How a teacup Dachshund is bred and raised has a big impact on its quality and health. For this reason, you should only purchase puppies from reliable and experienced breeders.
Fortunately, you may find teacup Dachshunds from a variety of reliable breeders in the United States. Instead of teacups, you will most likely see them marketing their puppies as miniature Dachshunds.
Below are some of the reputable breeders where you can find healthy teacup Dachshund puppies for sale:
If you are leaning towards adoption, below are some rescue facilities where you can adopt this tiny dog breed:
- Dachshunds and Friends Rescue
- Dachshunds Rescue of Los Angeles (DRLA)
- Denver Dachshunds Rescue and Transport (DDRT)
If none of the aforementioned rescues were able to help you find a teacup Doxie, you can try going to the closest shelter or rescue in your region to look for this unique breed of dog.
Conclusion
There you have it, then! There are no toy or teacup Dachshunds. Simply speaking, they are extremely tiny miniature Dachshunds that weigh less than 8 pounds or 3.6 kg.
Small Dachshunds can be more susceptible to health issues because they are frequently the runts of the litter. And because of their high price tag, some breeders intentionally produce them to the point of starving the pups or the mother dogs to stunt their growth.
So, avoid falling for online ads that purport to sell “special” or “rare” puppies since no ethical breeder would ever do this. No matter their size, dachshunds are perfect, so love them unconditionally and just save the teacups for your afternoon tea.
