The Tea Cup Poodle: Adoring and Adorable Miniature
Even the coldest heart will melt at the sight of a tea cup Poodle.
At only seven inches in height and weighing less than four pounds, these tiny dogs make great companions for people who live in small spaces or for animal lovers who can't properly care for a large dog. Teacup Poodles make loving and loyal companions. In this article, we'll tell you how to care for your little pet to make sure he or she lives a long and healthy life.
The tea cup is a much smaller version of the toy Poodle. The average weight of a tea cup breed is three and a half pounds but some are even smaller than that. Teacups are best suited to people who don't have children and spend a lot of time at home.
Unlike the standard Poodle, the miniature Poodle and the toy Poodle, the tea cup version cannot jump off of a sofa or bed, and cannot climb stairs. Because they are so small, they cannot play with other animals. The most dangerous factor of their size is their lack of body fat. Fat helps keep the body warm and stores energy. Teacup Poodles can be at risk of hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar levels) if they aren't fed regularly.
A well bred tea cup is just as healthy as a toy Poodle. If you follow the breeder's recommendations for specific tea cup care, then you will have a healthy pooch for many years. To properly care for your pet, you will need a playpen or exercise pen, a fleece blank, and water and food bowls. Most vets will recommend a breed specific, homemade dog food or a high quality commercial dog food. You should also get a body harness and leash for the safety of your tea cup. If the teacup wiggles out of your grip, a short leash will stop him before he lands on the floor.
While larger Poodles are sturdier, the tea cup Poodle is more delicate. Because of its tiny stature, tea cups need to rest and refuel with nutritious food approximately every two hours. It's best to place the dog in a playpen with a snug blanket to keep him warm. You should also make sure that his water bowl is filled with water that is room temperature. Cold water will drop their body temperature.
Although tea cup poodles are high maintenance, owners will tell you that you'd be hard pressed to find a sweeter dog. If a tea cup Poodle is your cup of tea, then be absolutely sure that you have the time to attend to his or her special needs. These precious pups deserve to be pampered.
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