The Truth about Teacup Pets
Most animals come in a general range of sizes, but for some reason or another, people are continually trying to manipulate those sizes. Either large animals are made small, or small animals are made large. We can never seem to be happy with the size things already are.
Most domestic animals, from horses, to dogs, have been bred to reach size extremes, both large and small. To this extreme we see “giant” animals and on the other side, ones sold as “teacup” or even “shot glass” pets. As bad as the giant ones are, it is the abnormally small ones who have the most problems.
A hand measures 4 inches. A typical riding horse may be between 15 and 16.2 hands high. On the other hand horse have been bred smaller, and cuter than ever, to the point that miniature horses are now often under 5 hands high. This extreme is prone to health problems. Miniature horses often die during pregnancy or when delivering, and generally have shorter lifespans when extremely small.
Chihuahuas are generally considered one of the smallest breeds, with one dog standing less than 5 inches tall. When dogs are intentionally stunted through poor genetics or poor nutrition they are often called “tea-cups”. This is a sign that a dog will probably have a lot of health problems and a short lifespan. No reputable breeder would intentionally breed, or market, “teacup” dogs.
A cat breed was recently started when a cat was born with a mutation of having very short legs. This breed is now known as Munchkin. Typically their body size is normal, but their short legs give them a kitten like appearance, this breeds was not intentionally stunted through poor breeding although cats have since been selected to have shorter and shorter legs. They are not as unhealthy as animals bred to be small all over. A breed for known to be small all over is the Rusty Spotted cat. These cats may weigh under three pounds. Otherwise any abnormally small cat is usually the result of poor breeding or poor nutrition. Allowing a cat to breed too soon may stunt her growth. Cats who are tiny have short lifespans plagued by health problems.
Intentionally stunted pigs are sold as pets. Typically these are miniature potbelly pigs stunted further because “cute” sells. They are given the name of “teacup” pot bellied pigs and are often sold at a high price tag. Ultimately the pet suffers because while its outsides stop growing, its insides do not.
Animals marketed as “Teacups” tend to have many health problems as a result of being poorly bred. Also consider that these pets are usually sold at a higher price tag because of being “cute” but will generally have more costly health care associated with them too.
Here are just some of the problems seen in Teacup pets:
- Heart complications (often not living more than a few months).
- Digestive system complications (again contributing to a shorter lifespan).
- May be born with liver deformities, known as shunts.
- They are prone to hypoglycemia, and need smaller feedings more often.
- They are prone to dehydration.
- Their soft spot on their skull may not harden correctly, thus putting them at risk for injury.
- When they get sick it is more difficult for them to recover.
- They are more at risk for broken bones.
- They often have an increase in dental problems.
- An increase in rates of epilepsy.
- If they survive to adulthood, they may have difficulty with pregnancy, many cannot deliver naturally.
- They can be easily hurt through regular handling, by other pets, or by children.
