Corgis are sometime known as “dwarf dogs,” due to their short stature. You may be surprised to find that there is an even smaller version of the Corgi, known as the teacup corgi. This breed is considered slightly controversial as may dogs end up with health problems as a result of being bred to be tiny.
If you’re looking for a small dog that’s cute and fun to be around, you may like to consider getting a tea cup corgi. These dogs have the same temperament as a corgi but a smaller size. They make the perfect family pet as they are playful and friendly.
Corgi’s are loved worldwide and are famously owned by the Queen of the United Kingdom. The teacup Corgi is a relatively new breed. Corgi breeders have worked hard to breed a dog that has all the benefits of the Corgi in miniature form. This guide to the teacup corgi will tell you everything you need to know about this breed. We’ll look at the breeds history, temperament of the breed and tell you what makes a teacup corgi a fantastic pet!
Teacup Corgi Breed Description
According to the American Kennel Club, there is no such thing as a miniature Corgi. You may have seen the term “teacup” in breeders adverts and this refers to a very small dog that’s been bred using runts. The smallest and weakest dogs in a litter are known as the runts. Often the runt finds it challenging to compete for his mums’ milk, as his brothers and sisters are much bigger. Runts are often more prone to health problems and many vets say that they shouldn’t be used for breeding.
Sometimes runts do grow up to be healthy, normal-sized dog if they are given extra nutrition, care and attention. Others will always remain small and it’s these dogs that breeders use to create the teacup Corgi. Many people think that breeding teacup Corgi’s is irresponsible as they are likely to have weaknesses such as brittle bones which can fracture or dislocate more easily.
Responsible dog breeders won’t sell or breed from the runts. If you’re considering getting a teacup Corgi you may like to think again.
Teacup Corgi Appearance
Corgi’s come in two varieties; Pembrokes or Cardigan Welsh Corgis and either variety can be used to breed a teacup Corgi. It’s most common that Pembroke Corgi’s will be used in the teacup Corgi’s genetic make-up as the latter variety is rare.
Pembroke Corgis are generally red, sable, and black in colour and a teacup Corgi is likely to be the same colour as his parents. Cardigan Corgis can also have tan coats or are brindle, or blue merle. Some Corgi’s will also have white markings.
Teacup Corgis generally look more like the Pembroke Corgi, but are a lot smaller than average. Teacup Corgi’s are bred to be small, so that they are cute and appealing even when fully grown. The average Corgi weighs between 25 and 27 lbs. whereas a teacup Corgi, is much smaller weighing in at less than 5 lbs. A teacup corgi will also have a much small stature than the average Corgi, which grows to between ten and twelve inches in height.
The appearance of the teacup is similar to a Corgi, but in miniature form. They have a long body with a deep chest, and short tail. Some breeders describe teacup Corgi’s as looking like a baby fox as, like the Pembroke Corgi, they have a fox-like head. Teacup Corgi’s have upright ears that are slightly rounded but form a point. Their eye are generally dark and medium in size.
Teacup Corgi Breed History
Corgi’s were originally bred in Wales as farm dogs. They are robust and energetic and were used to herd cattle and sheep. As mentioned above there are two types of corgi, with the Pembroke corgi being the newer breed. The Corgi later became popular with royalty and is Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite breed of dog.
The teacup corgi was created much later as a designer breed and was bred for its tiny size for those who wanted a cute lapdog. The breed has risen in popularity in recent years, but much controversy surrounds breeding practices.
Teacup Corgi Personality
Corgi’s are a great breed for families and many people choose the teacup corgi as they want a smaller dog. However, a small dog may not be the best for young children as they are likely to accidently injure their pet while playing. If you choose a teacup corgi, you should supervise it carefully at all times, especially when playing with children.
Teacup Corgi’s need extra care and attention and shouldn’t be subject to rough play. Teacups Corgi’s are often accident prone, as they are so small, they could easily be stepped on or may injure themselves jumping from high places. They shouldn’t be put on the sofa or bed as a fall could result in broken bones.
Teacup Corgi’s are loyal, affectionate and like to be with their owners. They are smart little dogs that are generally easy to train. However, they are also vulnerable to many medical conditions. A teacup corgi that’s suffering from a medical condition won’t be able to display his best traits.
Teacup Corgi Health
Corgi’s are generally a healthy breed of dog that live between twelve and fifteen years. However, the tea cup variety can be suffering from many different health problems which often shortens their life.
If you own a teacup corgi and think it may be suffering from a health condition, it’s best to see your vet as soon as possible. The vet might prescribe a special diet that can help you teacup corgi maintain his health and can also rule out any severe conditions.
Many teacup corgis have been breed using dogs that aren’t as healthy as they could be. They are bred using runts, in order to create very small puppies and this can cause health issues. Some teacup Corgis only live months rather than years as they are at risk of the following conditions.
Hypoglycemia
Small breeds of dog such as teacup corgis are prone to developing a condition called Hypoglycemia. This causes abnormally low blood sugar levels and can affect teacup corgis if they aren’t fed regularly enough. Miss even one meal can be enough to cause problems.
Toy dog breeds are generally more prone to hypoglycemia as their bodies use up more glucose than they are able to store. Dogs with hypoglycemia can be very sick and the condition can be fatal as it causes a loss of consciousness.
Many small breeds of dog are born with cardiovascular problems. Heart murmurs are common in teacup corgi’s and many of these dogs suffer from chronic heart valve disease. The condition causes symptoms such as an irregular heart beat and coughing. Teacup Corgi’s with heart conditions are also likely to suffer from regular fainting and will lack energy.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections are also common in teacup corgis and other teacup varieties. These dogs have tiny bladders and are more prone to infection. It can be challenging to housetrain a teacup corgi. Tea cup corgi’s that suffer from frequent urinary tract infections, are likely to have blood in their urine. They will need to urinate more frequently and are likely to lick their genitals often.
Liver shunts
Teacup corgis are often born with underdeveloped livers which aren’t able to effectively flush out toxins. This problem is caused by congenital portosystemic shunt, symptoms include stunted growth and weight loss. Dogs with this condition are also often thirsty. Here’s more on liver shunts.
Osteoporosis
Many teacup Corgi’s suffer from osteoporosis, due to mineral deficiency. Puppies need minerals and vitamins to for proper bone growth and if they have been deficient while growing up this can cause issues. Signs that a dog has osteoporosis include lameness or a reluctance to exercise as well as a high fever. Vets can help teacup corgis that have osteoporosis by providing medication and exercise to strengthen the dog’s bones.
Worm infestation
Like all dogs, teacup corgi’s can suffer from worm infestation, which in the worse cases can be fatal. Teacup corgi breeders are likely to say that they have dewormed their puppies. However, a single dose won’t remove all the worms. Puppies and dogs should be regularly given worming treatment. Signs of worm in teacup corgis and other dog breeds include vomiting and diarrhea as well as coughing and reduced appetite.
Teacup Corgi Feeding
Teacup corgi’s should be fed little and often. The exact amount of food a teacup corgi requires will depend on his weight. You should also take into account other factors such as activity level, and how many calories are included in each serving of food. If you own a teacup corgi and are unsure whether you are feeding the correct amount, you should consult your vet to find out.
Teacup corgis should be fed a good quality dog food that’s been designed specifically for smaller dogs. As a general rule, if the dog food contains 400 kcal per cup and the average teacup corgi weighs 5 lbs. the dog should be fed half a cup a day. A teacup corgi with an average energy level, needs to consume around two hundred kcal a day. Teacup corgi’s should be fed three times a day and eat a small amount at each meal. This means that you should divide half a cup of food per day into three meals.
The above calculation is for guidance only and may vary depending on the size of dog and the number of calories in the food. Teacup corgis shouldn’t be given any type of human foods. They often find digesting food difficult, so it’s best to stick to a dog food that’s been designed for toy varieties.
Teacup Corgi Grooming
Corgis, including the teacup variety generally shed a lot. They are a double-coated breed that sheds more at certain times of the year than others. Seasonal shedding usually happens twice annually.
Corgis should be washed and brushed regularly, so avoid tangles. Teacup corgis as so tiny that they need to be brushed very gently using a small brush. Teacup dogs are very delicate and shouldn’t be brushed vigorously. You may also like to investing in a good quality vacuum cleaner to get rid of unwanted pet hair in your home.
Teacup corgis aren’t likely to need baths too often as they are usually lapdogs or inside pets. If you don’t take your teacup corgi outside very often, he will be unlikely to get dirty and won’t require a bath.
Teacup corgis can be cleaned using a wipe designed specifically for dogs. This will usually be enough to keep a teacup dog clean. Ensure you use a dog wipe and look for one that’s hypoallergenic, as your dog may have sensitive skin. It would be best to choose an all-natural dog wipe with skin conditioners as these can help to reduce bacteria.
Teacup Corgi Exercise Needs
Normal Corgis are generally active dogs that have moderate exercise needs. They have lots of energy and should be allowed to spend enough time outdoors. If you’re considering getting a corgi, it would be best to have a yard as Corgis were originally bred as working dogs and are active.
Teacup corgis have different exercise requirements and are best suited to an indoor environment. They can run around the house and play but don’t require long walks. It’s not a good idea to take a teacup corgi outside for long walks as they can get tired easily. Teacup corgis can also get cold easily or quickly succumb to heat stroke if it’s a hot day.
Conclusion
As you can see the teacup corgi is a tiny, cute dog that stay small into adulthood. While toy dogs may be appealing there is also some controversy surrounding the breed. Many vets and reputable breeders warn against getting a Teacup Corgi as they are prone to many health conditions and are likely to have a shorter life as a result.
Breeders use runts to create a very small dog and there’s no guarantee that the parents have undergone testing to rule out any health conditions. Teacup corgis are susceptibility to many medical conditions and breeders charge thousands of dollars for a puppy.
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