Any super-tiny animal needs some special care, and Chihuahua teacup puppies are no different. But if you are all set up to handle your tiny new friend, everything can go well. The first thing you need to do is choose a reputable breeder that will sell you a healthy dog.
The term 'teacup' has no formal meaning, it is just used to denote an especially small example of the breed. Well-bred Chihuahuas are tiny dogs, but most that you will see on the streets are not well bred. The standard requires them to weigh no more than 5 pounds, so if you find a conscientious breeder, their pups should reach a maximum of 8 pounds or so.
When females of the breed are too small, they cannot safely carry a litter. The lower limit is somewhere around 3 1/2 pounds, depending on who you talk to. This means that larger examples of the breed are required in order to perpetuate it. Generally, a tiny male is bred to a larger female, or two 'large' Chihuahuas (4-6 pounds) are bred together.
Because pups are much closer to the same size at birth than they are at maturity, there is only room for a Chihuahua female to have one to two pups at a time. Four is a very big litter. Sometimes there will be a smaller pup, and sometimes they'll all be about the same size. The 'runt' may or may not stay smaller.
A good breeder can tell you approximately how big the dog will be, but no one can guarantee it. Much more important is health, which should not be compromised for size.
Choose a responsible breeder who aims to better the breed and does rigorous testing on her dogs before breeding.Tiny pups have several unique problems that your breeder should discuss with you. One of these is the propensity for low blood sugar. Pups should eat frequently and you should learn the signs of low blood sugar so that you can keep your puppy healthy until it gets a bit older. Most pups, even tiny ones, grow out of this issue.
A tiny puppy also has a tiny bladder. Many people chose to litter-box or paper train their Chihuahua teacup puppies, so that they don't have to take them out all the time. Either way, make sure your pup has access to his or her potty area at least every hour or two, until they are a bit older.
Chihuahua clothes are meant for practical reasons. Your household will be more relaxed if you make sure your pet has completed Dog Clothes Patterns.
