Teacup Yorkie puppies be prepared for a large price tag.

If you call a Yorkie Breeder and ask for Teacup Yorkie puppies be prepared for a warning or a large price tag.

Some advertised limited registration puppies are $900-1200 with some listing prices up to over $12,000.

Yorkie Puppies are not normally such high priced venture and to listen to warnings of Yorkie Breeders you may be wondering Does it matter? Why the fuss? The interest in very small dogs has driven some to producing extremely tiny dogs that are below the accepted normal of the breed.

The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America has a stated policy against any Yorkie breeder advertising "teacup" or "doll-faced" Yorkshire Terriers.

There is the widely accepted belief smaller is not better, and many breeders refuse to breed those females under four pounds due to the increased chances of whelping problems.

There are statements that indicate the teacup Yorkie is simply a marketing ploy to charge higher prices for runts and underweight not-to-the-standard breeding.

The AKC standard for the Yorkshire Terrier states the breed "must not exceed seven pounds".

There is no minimum weight stated, so those breeding the small sizes can do so and sell them as registered.

This doesn't discourage a Yorkie breeder from disagreeing strongly with the selling of "teacup" Yorkies with a higher risk of health issues.

A litter of Yorkie puppies, it's noted, can have offspring that mature at 3 pounds, 5 pounds and 8 pounds in the same litter.

The over 7 pound ones do not meet the standard but still make wonderful pets, with somewhat less risk of problems than their three pound littermate.

Breeds such as the poodle have various sizes from the very small to the standard - but no such designation exists for Yorkies.

Additionally a Yorkie breeder may advise that these "teacup" puppies are more prone to health problems.

Due to their tiny size they must eat several times per day rather than once or twice as the larger sized Yorkies do.

They are more apt to be injured playing or fighting as although they are tiny sized they are still dog and, as such, will issue a challenge they simply are not big enough to back up.

Because of this many a Yorkie breeder will insist they go to single dog homes or with only other small dogs.

As mentioned their tiny size means smaller bones, and more fragile stature.

They are small enough to fit easily in your purse for going to town as well as taking less space and food in your home.

Be prepared for the risk of higher levels of health problems, as advised by several Yorkie Breeders.

There is no official use of the term "teacup" in reference to Yorkies, thus it is generally accepted it refers to the very small ones, sometimes stated having health problems due to dwarfing.

Additionally, some advise those under two pounds at maturity may have shortened lifespans than their somewhat larger siblings.

Along with this information you may also understand that because many breeders do not breed for the tiny size and consider them pet quality there is also no need to pay outrageous prices for them.

According to the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America site there are increased chances for birth defects, hereditary issues and other problems.

Very small dogs have a harder time handling anesthesia, are a bigger risk of serious injury from being stepped on or falling.

The resulting veterinary bills can be substantial.

It's not unusual for a Yorkie breeder in the club consider females under five pounds unsuitable for breeding.

From a pet standpoint because they are "culls" they may be a more affordable option if the small size attracts you, but keep in mind the warnings about health issues.

Although there are Yorkie breeders who do breed for the teacup size despite the controversy, it is more often a source of warnings, with tiny sizes and off colors not to the standard accepted.

Understand that that pound or two smaller may cost you years with your pet as well as money at the veterinary clinic.

Here is a Great resource for yorkie articles. Enjoy!