Why We Do Not Breed Teacup-Sized Morkies or Yorkies

Toy Size Morkie Puppies

As a dog breeder for over two decades, we receive many calls from people asking about teacup-size dogs, especially teacup Morkies and Yorkies. While the idea of a tiny dog that fits in your hand might seem appealing, there are serious health and ethical reasons why we do not breed teacup-sized dogs.

At our kennel, most of our puppies range in size from 4 lbs to 12 lbs, which is healthy and within the natural size range for these breeds. Breeding dogs smaller than that often comes at a heartbreaking cost to their health and quality of life.

Teacup dogs are not an official breed or recognized size category. They are often produced by breeding the smallest (and sometimes sickest) runts from a litter to create even smaller offspring. This practice increases the risk of severe genetic and developmental issues:

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Tiny dogs cannot store enough glucose, leading to weakness, seizures, or even death.

2. Fragile bones: Their bones are extremely thin and can easily break, even from jumping off furniture.

3. Heart defects: Undersized dogs often suffer from heart problems or heart failure.

4. Organ failure: Their liver and kidneys are frequently underdeveloped and prone to early failure.

5. Respiratory problems: Many experience collapsed tracheas or breathing difficulties.

6. Digestive and urinary issues: Their small organs can’t always handle normal digestion or bladder control.

7. Shortened lifespan: Despite their small size, teacups often live shorter lives due to chronic health problems.

Our goal has always been to raise happy, healthy, well-balanced dogs -

not to create extremes that harm the animal’s wellbeing. Breeding for extremely small size is neither ethical nor responsible. Instead, we focus on maintaining the correct structure, temperament, and overall health that Morkies and Yorkies are meant to have.

While teacup dogs might look adorable online, their health risks and suffering are very real. We love our dogs too much to participate in practices that compromise their health for appearance. Responsible breeding means putting the wellbeing of the dogs first.