Teacup Chihuahua Info And How To Take Care Of The Smallest Dog Breed

Teacup Chihuahua is considered the smallest dog in the world, but they still need special care just like any other dog breeds out there. Whether you own one or you are planning to adopt this dog, you have probably heard that most small dog lovers and fashion icons adore these Teacup Chihuahuas because they are easy to carry and they look unique once they dressed them up.

Small-sized dogs such as Teacup Chihuahuas are one of the most popular pet owners choices because their size makes them adorable as well as cuddly. As a pet owner or someone planning to adopt this dog breed, however, it should be remembered that this small dog needs high maintenance— they are not easy to take care of.

Teacup Chihuahuas are known to be a “long-lasting dog companion,” which means their lifespan is longer than any regular dog. Since they have a long life, they are more at risk of getting health issues caused by their current lifestyle. These dogs have special needs.

As a pet owner, you must know the need of your Teacup Chihuahua. In this article, I will share with you the essential information about Teacup Chihuahuas. Through reading, you will have an idea regarding their origin, the most crucial detail about how to take care of them and what are the health problems that they might encounter.

What is a Teacup Chihuahua?

A Teacup Chihuahua is smaller than a regular Chihuahua so don’t be confused between these two dog breeds. The name is used by breeders to describe a mini or micro-sized Chihuahua. The name of the dog breed is, according to Animalso, only a description or more likely a marketing strategy to attract pet owners or those who want to adopt a pup. Moreover, the name also refers to adult Chihuahuas that have smaller physique than the regular Chihuahua.

Teacup Chihuahua’s personality

Small but terrible – that’s how Teacup Chihuahua owners describe their small buddy. They are comical, playful, active, expressive, entertaining and loyal. Most dog experts who are familiar with this dog breed always advise their clients to not be deceived by the cuteness of their Teacup Chihuahua because they are mischievous small dogs.

This dog breed possesses all the personality traits of their cousin dogs, the Chihuahuas. They love goofing around BUT they are hot-headed, so be careful not to irritate them because they will not back out — they will irritate you back.

Even though they have a very small frame for a courageous type of superhero dogs, they are still a very good watchdog because they are brave and sometimes they think of themselves as the house leader. You should remember to limit them, however, because an improperly disciplined Teacup Chihuahua can lead to adverse conduct and a poor character.

How big is an adult Teacup Chihuahua?

Most first-time pet owners always have this question in mind. Unfortunately, no breeder or pet owner can predict how big a Teacup Chihuahua could be. In short, this dog breed does not have a widely acknowledged size. But if we base it on what Teacup Chihuahuas generally looks like then, their height is usually between 15 and 23 centimeters and their weight is 6 lbs.

Can I train my Teacup Chihuahua?

Like other dog breeds, it can be either simple and stress-free or difficult to train a Teacup Chihuahua. This depends on what kind of tricks you want them to learn. The level of difficulty of the training session that you intend to do to your small pet can affect the time they will spend on learning them. There is, however, a way to make your life easier and make your dog simpler on becoming a well-managed pup–start teaching them as quickly as you take your Teacup Chihuahua home.

It is advisable to begin with the most important trick when training them – the potty training. Furthermore, you should also teach them not to bark at anyone too often. If you let them do things their way, breaking down their habits will be difficult for you.

Remember: Never punish them in an angry tone. You should be calm and gentle when training and reprimanding them. Use a training method that suits you and your dog well. Training should be fun for you and your little buddy.

How long is Teacup Chihuahua’s lifespan?

Just like what I have mentioned above, Teacup Chihuahuas have a long life–they can grow old with you. While there is no actual record of how long they could live, most dog owners who are acquainted with this dog breed understand that if they are healthy and are closely monitored, these dogs can live for more than a decade–between seven to 12 years or more.

What are the common health problems of a Teacup Chihuahua?

According to the Animal Kennel Club, Teacup Chihuahua’s family line, the Chihuahuas, are genetically a healthy dog breed. However, just like what I have mentioned before since they live longer than some other regular dogs, they are more prone to lifestyle-related illnesses. Just like the standard sized Chihuahua, Teacup Chihuahuas are also at risk of different health issues – genetically or not. 

Teacup Chihuahuas could suffer from arthritis, obesity, and diabetes. The most common illness that they experience is heart disease, corneal dystrophy, and hypoglycemia.

Are there other diseases that I should know?

The following list is the other health problems that Teacup Chihuahuas could experience:

  1. Dental issues
  2. Joint issues
  3. Skin- and coat-related health problems
  4. Hydrocephalus
  5. Pulmonic stenosis
  6. Molera
  7. Chronic bronchitis

Meanwhile, based on The Happy Puppy Site, these are the common health issues associated with the Chihuahua breed:

  1. Urolithiasis
  2. Periodontal disease 
  3. Idiopathic epilepsy
  4. Legg Perthes disease
  5. Atopy
  6. Tracheal collapse
  7. Luxating patellas

Teacup Chihuahuas are meant to be an ‘only child’ this is because they are fragile. If you let them play with other dogs or with children, there is a high possibility that they will end up getting hurt or injured. 

Teacup Chihuahuas are playful, but that doesn’t mean they can keep up with the children’s playfulness. Because children often play roughly, their game could damage your pup or worse, and it could even kill them.

Another reason why it is not advisable to adopt a Teacup Chihuahua when you are living with kids is because of its temperament. They get jealous easily because they love attention — they like being the star of the room all the time — so they might attack anyone who steals the limelight from them.

If you are eager to adopt another dog, getting the same breed is advisable because when you let them live with big dogs or even other small dog breeds chances are they’ll end up having bone fractures. Teacup Chis are fragile so they usually get injured when playing with other dogs.

How to take care of Teacup Chihuahuas? 

1. Grooming

This small dog breed’s grooming relies on the length of its coat. A short-haired Teacup Chis’ hair will need to be brushed once a week, while the long-haired ones will need to be brushed three times a week (they need a little higher maintenance).

2. Consult your veterinarian. 

Once you’ve adopted a Teacup Chihuahua, it’s advisable to take it to a doctor as quickly as possible so you’d understand the best way to care for your dog. It is best to follow the suggested measures of your veterinarian to look after a Teacup Chihuahua.

Don’t forget to ask the vet to vaccinate your pup

3. Feed them right

Teacup Chihuahuas are at risk of obesity. It’s easy to overfeed them because of their size so make sure you monitor their eating habits. Limit the daily quantity of food you feed your dog. Do not give him treats regularly. 

4. Do not stress them out 

Small dogs are more prone to stress. Keep in mind that while they’re small, it doesn’t mean carrying them all the time is alright. Teacup Chihuahuas like playing and running, so you have to offer them some free time to go around.

As a pet owner, it is essential to let your pup explore. Although they need supervision, Teacup Chihuahuas also need some time alone. 

  1. Give them a quiet and safe place where they can play and rest. 
  2. Try not to make any loud noises when you are with them because they get startled easily. Loud noises can be traumatic to small dogs.
  3. Do not let anyone hold your pup, especially if your pet does not know that person.
  4. Be sensitive to the needs of your Teacup Chihuahua. Be attentive and be affectionate.

5. Exercise is a must

You should monitor your dog’s health as a pet owner. Make sure he receives sufficient exercise. It is advisable to go outside when it is not too hot because the hot pavement may cause burns to your Teacup Chihuahua’s paws. 

In addition, when exercising, do not forget to bring water. It is also advisable not to use a collar because it may injure your little friend. It is best to use a harness because it is less likely to hurt your fragile pet.


There is an increased demand for Teacup Chihuahuas, which I think is good news because many pet owners would know more about this dog breed – there will be fewer mistakes and mishandling of this dog. 

It is true that sometimes they may cause trouble (like any other dogs out there), but one thing is for sure, Teacup Chihuahuas can keep you company in good days and bad days. 

Teacup Chihuahuas can certainly be a long-standing partner in crime with patience, love and care.

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