| Yorkshire Terriers are a small breed of dog classified | | | | The majority of Yorkshire Terrier breeders are |
| in the toy group. Standard Yorkies typically weigh | | | | responsible and ethical and focus on maintaining health |
| between four and eight pounds, with the AKC's | | | | and temperament in the bloodlines. Teacup breeders |
| standards for show dogs being a more stringent range | | | | should be no different, taking every effort to ensure |
| of five to seven pounds. You may have heard of a | | | | proper health and stability of the breed, but focusing on |
| "teacup" variety of Yorkshire Terrier, but this is not a | | | | small size. In litters of normal-sized Yorkshire Terriers |
| different version of the breed. Teacups are simply | | | | there will occasionally be a runt who can be |
| bred to be smaller versions of their particular breed, | | | | considered teacup size, but teacup Yorkie breeders |
| with teacup Yorkies usually weighing under four | | | | actually breed small dogs to keep their litters tiny. |
| pounds at adult weight. | | | | When dealing with the teacup variety of any breed, it |
| Many people like the teacup varieties of certain breeds | | | | is very important to research your breeder. The |
| for several reasons. The cuteness factor of tiny dogs | | | | popularity of breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier has led |
| certainly plays a part, but often times people want a | | | | many to try to "cash in" on the craze, breeding |
| dog that is portable and can come everywhere with | | | | unethically and often inbreeding their dogs to turn a |
| them. Some teacup owners prefer their smaller pets | | | | quick profit. A reputable breeder will be able to provide |
| because they live in small apartments, while many just | | | | references and detailed information on the bloodlines |
| like to have a tiny little dog. | | | | of their sires and dams. |