Teacup Pug Life Span and Health Issues

Recently there has been a lot of interest in obtaining Teacup canines of all different breeds.  This article focuses on the Teacup Pug Lifespan.  What are their origin and average life span? What issues impact the Teacup Pug life span?  How do genetics influence this breed? What colors do they come in? Major health issues will be addressed that may affect their life span. Are these Teacup Pugs recognized by the Kennel Clubs?  We will discuss exercise, where they can live, and what their standing is with breeders of full-size Pugs.

Origin Of The Teacup Pug

The Teacup pug is sometimes the result of inbreeding of a regular size Pug and a runt (the smallest pup) of the litter or smaller size one. They also can be produced by breeding two dwarf Pugs. There are some people who mix them up with a miniature pug. All of this affects the Teacup Pug’s lifespan.

The miniature pug is actually a cross between a pug and a chihuahua. Sometimes they are referred to as a mini-pug, pughuahua, chi-pug, and chug. However, they are not teacup pugs. The desire of people wanting these tiny little Pugs has added to the practice of some to manipulate the breeding of these dogs. They continue to try to achieve smaller and smaller Pugs.

Learn more about: Why Were Pugs Bred With Short Snouts? Discover The Truth

Irresponsible Breeding Of Teacup Pugs

The Teacups are actually a result of breeding two pugs as we have stated above. They can be a result also of breeding two adult teacup pugs.  Since they are unique Teacup pugs have been deliberately bred in a manner to make them abnormally tiny.  They are referred to as Designer dogs. They are not recognized by the AKC and they will not register them.

Size and Appearance Of The Adult Teacup Pug

These tiny pugs are only about 6 inches tall full-grown and weigh between two and four pounds.   The adult Teacup Pug looks very much like a regular-size Pug.  They are minuscular and compact in appearance.  Their faces look like regular-size pugs.  All Pugs have dark eyes and wrinkles the same as the bigger pugs.  Teacup Pugs have short muzzles as a result they actually can fit in a teacup or a pocket.  The Teacup Pug is so cute that they are very popular and in demand.

Teacup Pug Colors

Like the regular-size pugs, the normal color of teacup pugs is fawn and black.

However, there are variations of color just like the regular-size pug.

Some colors they can be found in are :

• fawn
• black
• silver
• white (which due to the lack of melanin are actually albino)
• brindle

Their markings are similar to the regular-sized pug. They can have a trace down their back (which is darker hairs down the middle of their back to the tip of their tails.)

Personalities Of Teacup Pugs

These little furry friends have great temperaments and are loyal, friendly, and love everyone.  Teacup Pugs get along well with other animals and want to spend time with their owners. They tend to be stubborn and can be a challenge to train. The adult Teacup Pug is also prone to excessive barking.

Pugs should be trained from a very young age so that they should not bark excessively.   The Teacup Pug will require regular exercise every day even though they are so tiny.  They are so cute and fun to be around.  This is the reason there is a great desire to own one, but their size also impacts the Teacup Pug’s lifespan.  They can live comfortably in an apartment as well as a home in the country.

Personalities  Of Teacup Pugs

The Teacup Pug lifespan is shorter than a regular-sized Pug.  Normally they can live for 6 years, however, with good care, some are able to live longer.  This is because these dogs are so tiny and they can have major health issues.  Most of these issues are caused by their having very small organs.

One of the main health issues is that of the respiratory system.  They have difficulty with a lack of moisture in their bodies.  The adult Teacup Pug also has Irregularities with blood sugar issues.  They can have some of the following issues:

Health Issues

1. Genetic issues with pugs such as brachycephalic cause them to have respiratory issues.
2. Hypoglycemia is a problem with their blood sugar.
3. They can have Pug Myelopathy—a medical condition with is only known to the pug.
4. Osteogenesis Imperfecta –is a bone condition mainly known as brittle bone disease. Patellar Luxation is a problem a lot of dog breeds can have.  This has to do with their kneecaps.  They can dislocate.
5. These little ones can have Collapsing trachea seizures.
6. Digestive issues.  Due to this, they should be fed a diet rich in fiber with omega-3 fatty acids, veggies, chicken, and fruits.  It is also suggested that they be given Karo syrup to help prevent low blood sugar problems.
7. Teacup Pugs have issues with blindness.
8. Heart defects also impact the Teacup Pug’s lifespan.
9. They can have Congenital Birth defects that affect their liver’s ability to flush out the toxins in their little bodies.
10. As tiny as the Teacup Pug is it is also prone to incontinence.  Especially as they get older, and it may be necessary for them to have to wear a doggie diaper.

Fragile Teacups

These are just some of the different problems that can affect these little Pugs. A lot of them are the result that they are part of the brachycephalic breeds.  (This means they have shorter snouts.)  However, some of these are the result of interbreeding.

These furry friends tend to be extremely fragile.  The Teacup can easily have bone fractures. They will need extra attention compared to a regular-sized dog. For instance, they are so small that if they fall off the bed or a couch, their tiny bones can break.  It is also easy to fall over them if they are running after someone.  They can be crushed if something heavy was to fall on them.

Conclusion

These adorable little furry friends are in great demand.  For instance, there are breeders who continue to endeavor to breed them smaller and smaller. Are they really trying to create a better pug or are they just doing it for monetary gain?

As you can see due to the fact, they are so small they have multiple health issues. They require more attention than a normal pug.  If they are taken care of correctly with regular vet checkups and good nutrition, they should be able to live at least 6 years.  Some may live longer with diligent care.

Please feel free to add your comments below. We’d love to hear from you. Also, feel free to share this article with anyone thinking about getting a Teacup Pug.

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