Teacup dogs are a handful (quite literally) of furry cuteness. It’s no surprise that their popularity continues to soar
From being celebrity-favorites to finding stardom on countless social media accounts, teacup dogs seem to have a “must-have” ribbon wrapped around their tiny bodies. If you’re thinking of getting yourself a teacup canine companion, and wonder what their average life expectancy is like, here’s what you need to know.
What is the average lifespan of Teacup puppies?
The average life expectancy of teacup dogs is nine to 15 years. While some teacup pups are lucky enough to live for over nine years, more often than not, these dogs don’t live for nearly as long as their normal-sized counterparts. This is largely due to three main reasons:
- The host of health issues that teacup dogs are prone to.
- Their risks of being victims of unhealthy breeding practices.
- Their fragile sizes.
Typically, teacup dogs are at higher risk of developing serious health issues that not only come with hefty vet bills but also shorten their lifespan significantly. These health problems include: hypoglycemia, liver shunts (characterized by the liver’s inability to flush out toxins), hydrocephalus (build-up of fluid in the brain), heart defects, and respiratory issues.
Due to their fragile sizes, teacup dogs are prone to getting seriously injured at the slightest accident. These injuries ultimately impact their overall well-being and, eventually, their lifespan. Moreover, teacups have fragile bones, which makes them prone to early arthritis.
It’s also worth noting that since teacup dogs are often in high demand, most breeders usually resort to risky inbreeding practices to produce and sell as many teacup pups as possible.
Unfortunately, this greed results in teacup dogs that have chronic health issues from birth. Ultimately, they die way earlier than their average lifespan. For this reason, it’s highly advisable to get your teacup dog from a trusted, ethical breeder.
