Why do so many people support the puppy mills and backyard breeders making these godawful "teacup" Chihuahuas?
Are they really that clueless to the fact that reputable breeders do NOT make dogs like this? That these are animals being bred SOLELY to make money off a trend? I was just on Youtube and saw there's now "micro" teacup? Like "teacup" wasn't small enough? What's next - thimble-sized Chihuahuas? Fit it on the head of a pin Chihuahuas?
Because of the bad breeding to get them this small these animals tend to be VERY sickly with bad hearts, Hydrocephalus, Cystinuria, Hemophilia. I just don't get it.
Why do people want to support breeders that make dogs like this? Is having something "cute" or "trendy" really worth animal abuse?
2009-01-11T16:06:34Z
when I volunteered with the shelter in FL several pigs came in that were sold as "potbellied pigs" when they were babies. They were oh, several hundred pounds when they came into the shelter LOL People are pretty pathetic about "trendy".
2009-01-11T17:29:19Z
My Girls - a BIG thumbs up for buying REAL Chihuahuas! And not surprised people called them "big". Just tell them you prefer real dogs to popcorn shrimp!
Anonymous2009-01-11T21:00:00Z
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I wish those people were bred 'teacup' size, then maybe we could stamp on their heads?
If they want something tiny, then they get a mouse.
I totally agree with you here. I do not support BYB and puppy mills. Many toy breeds are already too small. They don't need to get any small. Honestly I wish my own breed was a little larger.
Earlier someone asked about having a pig as a pet. The potbellied pigs used to be a big hit until people found out how smart pigs were. The pigs would rip up their house or open up the refrigerator or cabinets and get into stuff. Then they realized they couldn't keep the pig as a pet. So now there are tons and tons of potbellied pigs in sanctuaries because people couldn't keep them. They were the latest trend at the time and now they are so out of style because people realized that they weren't such good pets after all. The same happens with all the dogs people follow the trends. They see someone famous with a ultra-tiny puppy and they have to have one. Specifically, the young girls wanting the "teacups or micro-mini puppies".
I was a child once and I wanted the teeny-tiny puppies as well. So, even I as a child was uneducated and guilty of wanting those undersized puppies.
But now I know what I know and I know they are unhealthy and I do not ever want one.
Add:I have never had pot bellied pigs. I wouldn't want one either.
I think a lot of people running out and getting these 'designer' dogs (IMO 'glorified mutts' with a high price tag) are doing so because so many celebs are also doing so. These poor sickly dogs are being bred like cockroaches all around the country because they are the latest 'fashion trend'. And who suffers from it? The dogs of course. Even if the puppy gets a good loving home, the parents are still suffering. The life is being bred right out of them.
A few months ago I went to a pet store with my brother-in-law. While he was picking out a new fish for his aquarium, I went and looked at the puppies. There was a Yorkie/Silky mix for almost a thousand bucks! (At least they didn't put a stupid name up.) The poor puppy looked sickly and way too young to be away from it's momma.
I just wish people would stop supporting BYB's and puppy mills. I've also gotten so sick of hearing "What's a good name for my Teacup Chiwawa" and "Is $2000 too much for a Morkie?" that I just want to scream.
Maybe the solution is making each person who thinks it's ok to support these scumbags pumping out these puppies work in the 'kill' room of a shelter for a day. (The scumbags should also have to work there. Undoubtadly they would have to end up euthanizing one of their puppies they sold years ago to a 'good loving home'.)
Instead of buying a sickly puppy, I wish they'd just go to their local shelter and save a life. I'm sure they can find a 'purebred Labradoodle' there!
My parents had a Pit/Lab mix. Maybe they should have told everyone they had a 'purebred Pitador Bulltriever'? *Rolls eyes...*
Anyways, I'm so glad that you have the same feelings I have towards these ignorant buyers.
And MICRO sized? Wow...I don't even know what to say...
I have noticed that more and more, people get animals as accessories or toys, not a member of the family. I had pets my whole life that were like family to me. The 2 dogs lived to be 13 and 15 and the 2 cats lived to be 23 and 27. I think with great care most animals have the chance to live long happy lives. But unfortunately many of these tiny teacup inbreds won't get the chance to see their 1st birthdays :( I also love shelter animals for this reason, they are not bred to look like anything, they are just a random mix of different genetics. Half of these breeder animals are bred for looks not health. Also many are crossbred and inbred. Its really sad.
NEVER EVER EVER EVER buy a dog from a pet shop or a breeder that will not show you where their dogs are housed!!! it doesn't matter whether it is a chihuahua or any other dog breed. the conditions that these animals are kept in are dispicable. not to mention, these dogs that are being bred are unhealthy. some are blind, malformed and carry many genetic diseases. there is a lemon law on dogs and you have the right to request the information on where the puppy was born. most puppies who come from the midwest are puppy mill puppies. i am a dog lover and i understand the desire to want to "rescue" these poor puppies from the pet store. don't do it!!! when you buy these dogs you are causing their parents to still suffer. this will never end until we stop feeling bad and purchasing these animals! the only way to save them is to get the word out to as many consumers as possible!