WHEN SMALL ISN’T BEAUTIFUL ★
Tiny dogs may look sweet — even irresistible — but the truth about them often leaves a bad taste in the mouth, as Julie Hill discovers.
They may look cute, but the truth about them can leave a bad taste in the mouth. Julie Hill investigates ‘teacup’ dogs.
Increasingly, unscrupulous puppy producers promote tiny dogs on social media — often describing them as ‘teacup’ to emphasise their diminutive size — where the cute factor wins them many admirers.
But does the desire to own a dog who may well gather a large social media following drive the demand for these tiny dogs? Whatever the cause, this is a growing problem, often with health implications for the pups involved.
The fact is the term ‘teacup’ has no official meaning; the label is actually a cynical marketing ploy.
“The Kennel Club does not recognise any ‘teacup’ breed, and will not record dogs being described as ‘teacup’ on its register,” explained Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at the Kennel Club. “We believe that the ‘teacup’ label can promote exaggerated and potentially unhealthy characteristics.”
“Basically, it’s a selling tool,” warned Julie Pike, secretary of The Pomeranian Club UK, “because the moment the ‘teacup’ label goes on, commercial/puppy farm breeders can ask extortionately high prices. They tend to breed from the very small dogs and produce tiny puppies — almost with the attributes of dwarfism.”
Gwen Oliver, secretary of The Maltese Club, added: “The deliberate, paired mating of two small dogs, of the same or different breeds, is used to produce abnormal ‘teacup’ examples of many toy breeds. There has been a huge increase in deliberate cross-breed matings, concentrating the health issues of each parent into their progeny.”
With cross-breeds not being registered by the Kennel Club, the scope for abuse is even more worrying.
Health issues are the crux of the ‘teacup’ problem, as leading practising and media vet Pete Wedderburn explained: “The main issue is the same as for many pedigree dogs: the strong focus on the physical features of the dog is sometimes at the expense of the good health of the animal.”
“The fact is the term ‘teacup’ has no official meaning...”
FRACTURE RISK
Unfortunately, these dogs’ appealing appearances blind some to their suffering, which can be extensive. RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens pointed out: “Their fine bones are very vulnerable to stress fractures and they are at risk of painful fractures from minimal trauma such as jumping. Dislocation of the kneecap is also common in very small toy breeds, leading to pain and lameness. Dogs bred to be extremely small can also suffer from respiratory problems, which can severely limit their ability to run and exercise.”
Research has also indicated that the disadvantages ‘teacup’ puppies suffer may lead to behavioural issues later in life.
However, due to the complete lack of regulation, this is a complex issue, with some dogs marketed as ‘teacup’ maturing into surprisingly large animals.
Julie Pike explained: “The other side of this issue is the unethical breeders, who breed a Pomeranian to a larger spitz-type dog and still sell the puppies as ‘teacup’ Poms at far too early an age to leave their mothers, so the pups still look small and fluffy. If the pups survive, they can grow up to be anything but tiny!
“A short time ago a lady rang me, saying she needed to rehome a dog.
She said it was a ‘teacup’ Pomeranian and she had Kennel Club papers for him, but on questioning her, he was 10 kilos in weight!”The Kennel Club’s Pomeranian breed standard gives a weight range of 1.8 – 2.5kg.
Gwen Oliver echoed these concerns, advising any buyers wishing to own a small breed to look at images of the standard conformation of the breeds they are interested in, and research them well. “Speak to responsible breeders, local vets, and breed dog clubs in order to make an informed choice,” she said.
Many issues divide the dog world, but on the topic of ‘teacups’ the unified message is loud and clear. The Kennel Club, the small dog breed clubs, and the major charities all agree — the ‘teacup’ label causes suffering for dogs, and heartbreak and financial loss for people.
For worried potential puppy owners,
Bill Lambert advised: “The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme is a good way to find a well-bred and adjusted puppy. Breeders on the scheme are regularly inspected to ensure they adhere to certain high standards, and it’s the only organisation accredited by UKAS to certify
dog breeders in the UK.”
“There are many possible health issues that can affect these little dogs...”