The Teacup Myth
The official Breed Standard describes the Chihuahua as a small dog that comes in two varieties - long coat and smooth coat.
The differences in coat type (the Long Coat or the Smooth Coat) is the only official description used to identify a difference within this breed. Our Standard does not categorise the Chihuahua by size.
The breed standard calls for a chihuahua to be between 2lb and 6lb - As with all living things, there will be a size variance between individual dogs within this breed. Look within the human family - brothers and sisters will differ in height and in weight, as well as other physical attributes. They are described as humans, male or female, and there is seldom if ever a need to break the description down further. The same holds true in regard to the Chihuahua; they are Chihuahuas - Long Coat/Smooth Coat, Male/Female.
TEA CUP is only an adjectives used to describe the size differences and physical appearances are many; and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate.
Tea-Cup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. They are in NO way greater monetary value - the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading.
Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That pup is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct. To attach any of these additional labels to a particular pup is to misrepresent that animal as something that is rare or exceptional and causes a great deal of confusion among those new fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.
While they are adorable, and can be perfectly healthy, the buyer should be cautioned as to the extra care that may be required with regard to the general health and well-being.
Most chihuahua's molera close up however, the smaller chihuahua's are more likely to have an open molera, which could be leathal if knocked.
Another just as serious problem that may occur are hypoglycemia, (low blood sugar).