POODLELOV KENNELS

                                          Defining a Teacup Poodle

What is a Teacup?

Simply put a Teacup is a weight category which means 4-pounds or less.

Are Teacups common?

No.  In fact, if you compare birth numbers and ratios of Teacups to all dogs, Teacup births are less that 1%  of all dog births.  In fact the number is substantially less.  Teacups, when compared to the general dog population, are very rare-and the demand far exceeds the supply.

Have Teacups always existed?

Yes, it just seems like they are more prevalent today because of all the publicity they have gotten recently.  Teacups have been highly publicizzed because of the exposure they've received as a result of their celebrity owners.

Why are Teacups so expensive?

They are difficult to bfreed, and they require a lot of extra attention at birth.  Since they are so fragile, often weighing 2-4 ounces at birth, they require a lot of care and 24 hour attention for 2 or 3 weeks.  Secondly, since the demand is so high for Teacups with demand far exceeding supply, the price is higher.

What are the benefits of owning a Teacup?

Because of their small size, Teacups are extremely portable, making them a great traveling companion for everyday activities like going to the mall or dining out.  Another thing to consider is that the airline companies allow Teacups to travel in the main passenger cabin as opposed to bigger dogs that are required to travel in the cargo area of the plane.  Teacups are great for senior citzens who cannot lift heavy dogs, and they are great for apartment owners beacuse they don't need to go for walks--an apartment provides all the exercise space they need.  They also can be trained to use disposable indoor wee-wee pads easily.

Lastly...maybe the biggest benefit is that everybody loves puppies, and many dog owneers equate Teacup Poodles to haveing a dog that always remains puppy size.

What is the life expectancy of a Teacup Poodle?

Contrary to popular belief, a Teacup Poodle will often live 15 to 20 years, which in many cased is a better life expectancy than bigger dogs.

                          Advantage and Disadvantages to Owning a Poodle

1.    Highly intelligent and adaptable.

2.    Delightful, clever temperament.  Highly personable.

3.    People-oriented.  Gentle and cuddly.

4.    Non-shedding, no hair on clothes or furniture.

5.    Virtually oder free.

6.    Breed of choice for many allergy sufferers.

7.    Many colors from which to choose.

8.    Less space is needed for exercise because of their small size.

9.   Poodles are considered the best therapy dogs for elderly, infirmed ,or handicapped. 

10.  Great lap dogs.

11.  Less potty to clean up than most dogs.

                                  Disadvantages to Owning a Poodle

1.    Demands grooming on regular basis, every 8 weeks it is necessary.

2.    Teacups can be fragile and may not be suitable in homes with very small children.

                    Toy, Tiny Toy, Teacup and Miniature Poodle Information

Lifespan

15-20 years normally.  If healthy, this is a long lived breed, living between 15-20 years if taken care of well.

Susceptibility to illness

Low

History

This size of poodle was known to exist at least 500 ago.  During the 17th and 18th centuries the poodle became a favorite with the nobility.  They wanted doge small than the Miniature variety, and so the Toy Poodle was devloped.  Today the Toy Poodle is exclusively a companion and lap dog.

Intelligence

The Poodle is an extremely intelligent and eager to please dog, thus he/she is inordinately easy to train.  As a result, the Poodle has a history of performance, appearing in circus and street acts for hundreds of years.  Poodles are unusually sensitive to vocal intonation, probably one of the reason they are so easy to train.  Many pet owner, using gentle and consistent training methods, have seen their poodles excel in ovedience trails, flyball, and agility.

Energy Level

Medium

Overall Exercise needed.

It is a good idea to include a poodle in some sort of activity so that the mind is stimulated along with the body.  Poodles can do well in obedience,  agility, and most dog sports.

Stress caused if left alone

This breed does need the companionship of people: in fact they prefer it over other poodles or other animals in general.  They do get very lonely when left alone a lot or for really long periods of time.  If your poodle will be left alone more that he is with you, then consider getting another poodle for him/her to grow up with and spend time with; besides you, this is the next best thing.

Ease of Transportation

High, they love to ride in cars and can be taken on planes in carry on bags.

Level of Aggression

Low, poodles are very easy going and are non-aggressive.

Gets along with other animals

High, they love all animals though they prefer your company to anything else.

Suitable for children

High, they love kids but children need to respect them and learn to care for them well.

General Character and Temperament

Getting along with the kids, the cat, and the guinea pig is no problem for the poodle.  Liverly and affectionate, they make wonderful companion dogs.  The poodle will adapt to life in more condined quarters.  They can be good quard dogs, announcing visitgors but never being aggressive.  Children should be trained to handle these small, delicate dogs carefully, though.

Coat Length

Medium/long.  It will need to be clipped every 8 weeks at least as poodles coats grow constantly.

Grooming Requirement

Brushing once a week or more is really needed.

Trimming

Occasional, every 2-3 months.

Requires Professional Groomer

True, unless you're experienced, you could really cause stress to both your poodles and yourself.  Grooming is not the easiest thing to do, but it is learnable.

Grooming

Poodles do not shed and are therefore often tolerated by allergic people.  Their coats do take a great deal of care, though generally reqiring professional grooming as well as combing and brushing at home.  The poodle should be taken  to a groomer about every 8 weeks for a clip of your choice.  The poodle's ears need frequent cleaning, or they will become infected especially in the smaller poodles.

Color

They come in a variety of colors such as blacks, blues, grays, silvers, brown, cafe-au-laits, and apricots.  The colors can be varying shades within the coat, for example, darker feathering on the ears and tipping on the ruff.  The color will fade on most all.

Non-allergic

Yes, poodles are non-shedding.  They have fit well into families with persons who have had pet allergies prior to owning a poodle.