What’s the Difference?
Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies as we like to call them, are absolutely adorable—cute, sweet, and feisty, with a dash of quirky charm that’s hard to resist!
For those of us who adore small dogs, the allure of teacup Yorkies is real. They’re like little fluffy balls of cuteness that can thaw even the iciest of hearts.
I totally understand the temptation to scoop one up—imagine how cuddly they are! But, as much as I’d love to have one, I have to admit there are some downsides to these tiny treasures.
Exploring the Differences: Teacup Yorkies vs. Standard Yorkies
Teacup and standard Yorkies might belong to the same breed, but they differ a bit in size, weight, and sometimes even their personalities. Teacup Yorkies are the miniature versions, bred specifically to be tinier than the already petite standard Yorkies.
Size Comparison:
- Teacup Yorkies: Weigh between 2 to 4 pounds and stand about 6 to 7 inches tall.
- Standard Yorkies: Tip the scales at 4 to 7 pounds and stand a bit taller at 7 to 8 inches.
What About Health?
Teacup Yorkies: Prone to issues like hypoglycemia, respiratory problems, and fragile bones.Standard Yorkies: Generally sturdier with fewer severe health problems.
Eating Habits: What Do They Need?
Nutritional Needs:
- Teacup Yorkies: Need nutrient-packed diets to support their tiny bodies and delicate health. Puppies need about 55 calories per pound of body weight or 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of food a day. Adults need about 40 calories per pound of body weight or about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of food a day.
- Standard Yorkies: Thrive on high-quality, breed-appropriate diets to keep them healthy and energetic. The calorie needs are the same per pound of body weight as for teacups but being that standard Yorkies are larger, they will need a little more food than teacup Yorkies.
Feeding Tips:
- Teacup Yorkies: Small, frequent meals to prevent blood sugar dips—watch their intake closely! Puppies need 3-4 small meals a day. Adults need 2-3 small meals a day.
- Standard Yorkies: Regular meals are fine, but like Teacups, it’s all about portion control. Puppies need 3 small meals a day and adults need 2 small meals a day.
Taking Care of Your Yorkie
Both teacup and standard Yorkies require regular grooming to prevent mats and keep their coats shiny and healthy. However, teacups might need a bit gentler handling due to their size.
Exercise Needs:
- Teacup Yorkies: Light activities to avoid injury.
- Standard Yorkies: Can handle more vigorous play and exercise.
Training Tips:
- Teacup Yorkies: Gentle, patient training approaches work best given their sensitive nature.
- Standard Yorkies: Typically more robust and responsive, making training a bit easier.
Breeding: Ethical Considerations
Breeding teacup Yorkies often raises ethical concerns because of the health issues that can arise from prioritizing such small sizes. Responsible breeders focus on health over size, aiming for well-being and longevity.
Final Thoughts: Which Yorkie is Right for You?
Deciding between a teacup and a standard Yorkie is not just about size—it’s about understanding their health needs, grooming requirements, and how much energy they’re likely to have. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a lot of love from these charming little companions.
Make sure you’re prepared for the unique challenges of a teacup if you go that route, maybe even consider pet insurance. Either way, you’re about to add a whole lot of joy to your life with a new fur baby!
Cathy Bendzunas
Dog Blogger, Former Pet Groomer
I have had dogs all my life and have trained as a dog groomer. I also have been a kennel worker, worked in a pet hotel through PetSmart, and still am a pet sitter.
Check out my bio for more information about me.