Last Updated on January, 2025

Do you have an idea about adopting a Teacup Chihuahua? The Teacup Chihuahua, otherwise known as the Micro Chihuahua, is a dog group that has been bred smaller than the average breed.

They are the smallest dogs in the world and are named after a state in Mexico. 

The cost of a Teacup Chihuahua is variable and dependent on several factors. To be on the fair side, this tiny dog costs less than the regular Chihuahuas. Let us see how these dogs’ prices vary and why they are so.

How Much is a Teacup Chihuahua?

Website ads value Teacup Chihuahua puppies around $500 – $2000. Registered dog breeders value them between $1500 – $4000. This is because reputable breeders maximize the breed’s worth more than the actual value. 

Did you know that owning a dog from this breed was a symbol of the elite back then? Don’t you think this is why they still have an undying reputation?

Getting a Puppy From Craigslist

You can come across a mountain of ads where people offer Teacup Chihuahua puppies for sale. Generally, the prices mentioned on this site are low.

So, people are tempted to purchase a Teacup chihuahua puppy from here. You can find puppies within the $500 – $2000 price range through a classified ad. 

Yes, this is much cheaper than purchasing from a reputable breeder. As they are actively breeding dogs, reputable breeders value these small dogs for up to $5000 per puppy.

Why the hefty price tag? We will discuss a few reasons to show why a full-blooded Teacup Chihuahua is nearly equal to gold. 

One main reason for the low prices presented on Craigslist is that the Teacup Chihuahua puppies may have been mated with another breed. On the other hand, a reputable breeder who is responsible enough presents the customer with the pure kind. 

Thus, these small dogs with registered breeders are not available on Craigslist. We all expect nothing less than a pure-bred Teacup Chihuahua puppy from a responsible breeder. So why risk it? BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT WHOM YOU DEAL YOUR PURCHASE WITH!

Rescuing a Puppy

Typically, rescuers offer adoption fees with all of their costs included. This is between $300 – $500. If a sick puppy comes in with several health concerns, the rescuers take the necessary steps to get and help most dogs stay healthy. 

If a healthy dog comes in, they usually run a few health tests and verify whether they are suitable for quick adoption.

If you adopt a very small dog that isn’t fit to be vetted yet, you will most likely receive a voucher. This will allow you to bring your Chihuahua puppy to be vetted. 

This includes a yearly vet exam and high vet bills most of the time.  

The dog’s parents should also consider that 99% of these tiny dogs are mixed except pure. So getting your tiny Teacup from a responsible breeder is much recommended.

Getting a Puppy From a Dog Breeder

Fun fact: These Chihuahuas are considered “Teacups” because they are often less than ten inches tall and weigh less than four pounds. 

With respect to all those other dogs out there, these teeny tiny dogs are justified based on their body dimensions mainly. 

Returning to being “a costly Chihuahua Puppy,” these dogs are still being bred. A private breeder may raise the prices by up to a minimum of $5000 just for the reputation of being a ‘’Teacup’’.

This is the most expensive option for a customer because a breeder dedicates all his time, money, and effort to raising these small dogs with no health problems. 

On the flip side, you can also get a Teacup Chihuahua for $2000 if you try a little harder. 

Teacup Chihuahuas, when compared to other pets, often face yearly medical checkups by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist to ensure they are living a healthy and happy life. 

Annual Costs of Owning a Teacup Chihuahua

Consider the expenses involved with owning a Teacup Chihuahua, as with any new companion joining your family, before deciding if this breed is appropriate for you.

To guarantee that your dog leads a happy and productive existence, much more is required than just the puppy’s purchase price.

Offering a decent life as well as being an accountable owner of pets includes paying for your dog’s vet care, food, toys, and accessories.

Vet Expenses: Since a Teacup Chihuahua is already prone to many health conditions, an annual test from the vet is necessary to observe if there are any ongoing health conditions. 

• Liver Shunt:This is the inability of your dog’s liver to flush out toxins. This can sometimes be treated and might cost you around $6000.
• Dental Issues:The Chihuahua puppy not losing its teeth at the correct time may lead to infections. Common dental cleanings of a Teacup Chihuahua cost between $400 – $800. Teeth extractions of these tiny dogs will cost you about $500 per tooth. 
• Luxating Patellas:Called sliding kneecaps, this is where your Chihuahua puppy might be seen walking with a raised leg. This can be treated with necessary surgeries, costing you about $1500 – $3000. 

Food And Toy Costs: Your Teacup Chihuahua puppy might not eat like other animals or dogs. There are specific food items to look out for. Toys for your Teacup Chihuahua puppy should be small and not easily damaged. It is crucial to look for parts most likely to be ripped off and swallowed. These might cost you between $20 to even $100!

Accessories: Walking with a leash might be helpful for others except for your Teacup Chihuahua puppy, as they are extremely small. Isn’t it better to carry it around with a small carrier bag? It would comfort both Teacup Chi and you. If you purchased your puppy from registered breeders, you know how valuable it is. Why don’t you spend an extra $25 – $200 to keep your Chihuahua safe?

Costs of Health Tests

Ophthalmic Diseases

This costs around $50 – $75 per dog. This is a special detection test in which a certified veterinary ophthalmologist is taken. 

Taking Care of a Teacup Chihuahua Puppy

Training tools dog owners must have for their dogs:

• Top Rated Invisible Fences for Small Dogs
• Top Rated Dog Crates for Small Dogs
• Top Rated GPS Trackers for Small Dogs
• Top Rated Bark Collars for Small Dog Breeds
• Top Rated Shock Collar for Small Dogs

Socializing needs: Socializing is critical for a Teacup Chihuahua to stand up on its own. They are smaller in size, so they feel threatened by other animals which are larger than them. A Teacup Chihuahua can be taught to socialize with other dogs if properly introduced. 

To ensure that your Teacup Chihuahua learns there is virtually nothing to be frightened of, introduce your pet to new sights, sounds, locations, smells, people, and animals in a secure and controlled manner. They will grow into well-rounded, polite puppies as a result of this!

Family compatibility: Your puppy will be a great family member loved by all. They are adorable little puppies, so wouldn’t you love them? If properly introduced, they will be an unforgettable member you cannot live without!

Mental needs: These puppies possess good intelligence. They need at least 30 minutes of brain stimulation per day for their brains to work efficiently. The dogs appreciate playing alone with their owners because they need their approval, company, and love. You can play hide-and-seek, tug-of-war, and find-the-treat with a miniature Chihuahua. While you’re not accessible for playing with the dog, keep him busy with puzzle toys.

What is the Annual Cost of a Teacup Chihuahua?

Depending on where you live, the quality of food and supplies you purchase, and the health needs of your dog. The annual cost of owning a Teacup Chihuahua can vary.

The total annual cost of ownership might be anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more. Keep in mind the possibility of unforeseen costs, such as emergency veterinary treatments or supplies, and allocate funds accordingly. 

Common Health Problems You Should Look Out for

Bone Fractures: This type of Chihuahua has a thin and fragile bone structure. So they are much more likely to fracture. These are often caused by trauma injury (falling from elevated grounds or rough exercises). 

A limp, trouble working the joint, swelling near the joint, and pain or discomfort indicate a bone fracture. Typical emergency treatments for canine bone fractures include surgery, splints, and casts. 

Heart Disease: one of the most prominent health issues shown by a Teacup Chihuahua is Heart Disease. This happens when the valves inside the heart are weakened, so a strain is applied on the heart. Yearly examinations are important to check this condition. 

Heart illness in dogs can cause weight loss, weakness, dizziness, and a loss of the ability to exercise. Take your dog for yearly checkups at the vet’s office to detect the condition early. If necessary, discuss options for therapy with your vet. 

Hydrocephalus: This means “Water inside the brain.” This happens when Cerebrospinal fluid leaks inside the skull. This will increase the pressure within the skull, ultimately leading to brain damage or even death. (1)

Soft Skull: Baby puppies have a soft spot or an opening in their head. This will usually develop and harden once it ages, but it is often not guaranteed. As a result, this affects their fragile skills and eventually leads to neurological disorders. (2)

Orthopedic flaws: These tiny Teacup Chihuahuas are prone to several skeletal and orthopedic conditions due to their fragile bones. These puppies frequently experience fractures, osteoarthritis, unstable kneecaps, growth problems, and leg bone deformation.

Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is the condition where smaller dogs face low blood sugar levels. Because of their small size and increased metabolism, storing glucose inside their bodies is usually rare. This will cause the body to lose glucose and result in this. 

Respiratory problems: Their unusual cranium structure makes them more prone to having a blocked respiratory tract. Additionally, they are predisposed to conditions that restrict their ability to breathe normally. Teacup Chihuahuas are prone to conditions like cleft palate, persistent bronchitis, backward sneezing, and tracheal collapse, which frequently call for medicine or surgery.

Should You Get a Teacup Chihuahua?

Teacup Chihuahuas are Suitable for

These dogs are tiny and adorable. They often expect attention and are the best choice for adults and other older people living alone. Kids would love them because they are known to be playful. 

Wouldn’t lighting up the whole family with this puppy with you would be nice? Another reason why a Teacup Chihuahua is your ideal choice is that you can take them anywhere with you at any time.

Since they are tiny, they won’t take up much space and will be an ease if you are hoping to shift.

Teacup Chihuahuas are Not Suitable for

They are tiny dogs more prone to health issues and diseases, unlike the others. If you are a person who works often and is busy, think again about whether you can take care of it every time.

When putting it this way, its life depends on you!

How Can I Cut Costs?

To see if any older canines are accessible for adoption, think about contacting your neighborhood shelter or a specialist rescue organization. There may be a high chance that a particular dog is there because these dogs are fairly common.

Additionally, this is a fantastic method to provide an older dog with a home for a lot less than a puppy. If you do some online research, you’ll discover that older dogs can often be found for under $100.

How to Stay Away From Puppy Farms and Unscrupulous Breeders?

Finally, consider adoption rather than paying high prices to buy these canines from questionable breeders. Many Teacup Chihuahuas, both rescued and abandoned, are searching for loving homes across the nation. 

The best thing about these is that purchasing them won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Nothing is more admirable than providing a Teacup Chihuahua pup with a loving, caring home. Additionally, doing so helps prevent unethical puppy breeding.

Other dog breed guides you may like:

• How much does a Chihuahua dog breed cost?
• How much does an English Mastiff cost?
• How Much Does a Saint Bernard Cost?
• Teacup Chihuahua dog

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Teacup Chihuahuas are adorable and tiny dogs that come with a hefty price tag. They require proper care and attention, which includes annual health checks and expenses on food, toys, and grooming.

While they may be suitable for some families, it’s essential to consider their health issues and the responsibility of being a pet owner before making a decision. 

Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid unethical breeders and puppy farms and consider adoption as an alternative option. Overall, providing a Teacup Chihuahua with a loving home is a fulfilling experience. That’s pretty much it. 

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