Teacup Dachshund Not AKC Approved

by admin | February 11th, 2010

A Teacup Dachshund is usually a runt from Miniature Dachshund litters that are too small to pass off as regular size. The AKC (American Kennel Club) only recognizes two divisions of Dachshunds: regular and miniature. The AKC is the authority on dog breeds and standards. But, Teacup Dachshunds are out there nonetheless.

Small teacup varieties are very popular today with celebrities and are seen as a trendy designer dog. You have seen Paris Hilton parading around Hollywood with her Chihuahuas. Some where along the way, somebody decided to create the label “Teacup Dachshund” to market smaller than normal miniature Dachshunds. Breeders have taken this one step further by intentionally breeding the runts and creating a teacup variety. This is irresponsible breeding – to breed for the sake of one characteristic – being undersized and underweight. Breeding toy and teacup dogs is very hard on the female dog – her body simply doesn’t have the frame or size to handle many pregnancies.

Keep in mind that Dachshunds were originally bred to chase rodents and they their natural instinct is to chase their prey. They do not give up until the task is completed and usually have no fear of any animal. These traits are not necessarily a good thing with a teacup variety. Do we really want a Teacup Dachshund who is going to chase, bark, dig, hunt, and burrow? These traits seem contradictory to what a toy or teacup variety should be – a calm pet who will be your friend and companion. Not a hyperactive chasing, barking machine!