Here’s Why The ‘Teacup Puppy’ Craze Is Actually Incredibly Cruel

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As an animal lover I‘ve always thought those tiny little pups sat inside teacups are just absolutely adorable.

Well, I feel guilty for thinking that now!

The miniature dogs, who are owned by the likes of Paris Hilton are said to be suffering greatly.

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The craze of the ‘teacup puppy’ has grown over recent years, with their popularity increasing all over the world, including the UK, the U.S. and South Korea.

However, according to many animal welfare bodies, the tiny little creatures are suffering from a number of deformities and illnesses, reports the Telegraph.

Dr Rowena Packer, a research fellow at the Royal Veterinary College said the tiny dogs are facing a number of health problems.

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She said:

The trend for breeding ‘teacup’ puppies, miniaturised versions of breeds that are already considered small, is a real concern for canine welfare.

Although they may be considered cute and baby-like, there are a number of health and behavioural problems associated with their small body size.

Evidence from veterinary studies suggests that miniature dog breeds are at an increased risk of a number of health disorders, including patellar luxation, where the dog’s kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness and pain; tracheal collapse, where the windpipe collapses causing coughing and breathing difficulties; dental disease, which may lead to bad breath, but also chronic pain and tooth loss; and syringomyelia, a painful brain disorder where the brain is too big for the relatively small skull.

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Organisations such as the RSPCA and the Kennel club have also warned dog lovers against purchasing the tiny breeds.

The RSPCA revealed they have seen an increase in the number of ‘popular, fashionable breeds such as teacup dogs’ coming into their care and are advising people who already own them not to breed them.

Teacup dogs are created when breeders purposefully breed the runts of the litter with each other over and over again – creating dogs which are unnaturally small.

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Teacup breeds are not recognised by the Kennel Club – mainly because of the health problems they suffer.

The organisation said:

The Kennel Club does not recognise any teacup breed and will not record dogs as being teacup on its register.

There may be breeders who take care and breed a smaller-than-average dog responsibly, or who mistakenly use the term ‘teacup’ to describe a small dog, but the Kennel Club would advise puppy buyers to take extreme caution if considering buying a dog advertised in this way.

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The RSPCA is now calling for stricter legislation in regards to breeding and selling dogs, including regulating intensive breeding of them.

Unfortunately for dog-lovers, those who have bought teacup puppies are finding that they become sick and in some cases, have died within a short time after purchasing.

These types of cases are unfortunately becoming more and more common in the UK.

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Natasha Langmaid, from Wales, bought a puppy for £650 back in 2014 from Jamie Parvizi.

Within days the tiny dog, Bailey, had fallen ill and needed intensive treatment at a veterinary surgery.

To date, Bailey has needed around £7,000 worth of treatment, which thankfully has been covered by his insurance.

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The dog breeder – Parvizi – was sentenced to 33 months in prison at Warrington Crown Court after being found guilty of breeding the sick teacup puppies.

Natasha said:

I have to remember I am one of the lucky ones who bought from these awful people because my fur-baby pulled through, some others weren’t so lucky.

Hopefully word will spread and the craze will come to an end.

UNILAD