So you really want a tiny?

Before asking me for a teacup, tiny, or 2lb puppy--

please take a moment to read this page. :)

*This page is dedicated to the short life and memory of tiny little Elvis*

Taken away at 12wks old

 Despite all my efforts to keep you here with me

you were taken from me so suddenly.

You were precious and as playful as can be, 

so why did you have to leave me unexpectedly?

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Because extra tiny puppies have become very popular 

and are regularly demanded

I created this page to help educate individuals 

on the seriousness and the implications that come 

with owning tiny puppies 3 to 4lbs and under.

"What size will this puppy be?"  "Will he/she be a toy/teacup?"

"I want a puppy no bigger than 2lbs--what is the tiniest thing you have?"

are questions I always receive.

***********************************************************************

However, I rarely hear:

"Are there any increased health risks or extra care requirements for tines?"

"What care requirements do I need to prepare myself for with this tiny of a puppy?"

"I have young children and own larger pets, will this be a problem?"

"Are there any special items that I will need to keep on hand?"

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FACT: Tinies require more care, good nutrition, and safety precautions

In general, the smaller the puppy--the higher the maintenance and the greater the risk for health issues such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, patella luxation.

Tinies often will not keep themselves nourished like a 5 to 6lb pom would--so they will definitely require you to make sure they receive adequate nourishment daily. Their lives and health depend on you.

Dry puppy food and a bowl of water is not the answer--tinies depend on wholesome nutrition along with their dry kibble and should be fed at least twice daily--to help keep blood sugar levels up and avoid seizures.

FACT:  Generally young children, large pets and tinies are not a good match

Although young children may have good intentions, their coordination is often not fully developed. Therefore what they determine as gentle/acceptable playing--may actually be very rough for the puppy--and could even injure the puppy for life.

Children may also inadvertently pick the puppy up and put him/her on a bed, couch or other high surface--not realizing the puppy could fall and injure itself. This could result in patella luxation (where the hind joints pop in and out). Severe cases may require surgery.

Being that a puppy's fragile bones can be no bigger than a pencil, just one accident could result in heartache.

Children should be supervised during playtime or not allowed to touch the puppy unless you are holding it in your lap or unless they are sitting on the floor.

Large pets also pose a risk to tinies. Even larger poms who are active and try to play--may run over the puppy playfully--knocking him/her down. This is a common cause of patella luxation. Therefore due to the puppy's vulnerability, supervision is very important. :)

Hi Mandy,
Well here she is --precious adorable Tiny Sophie Jo!! In honor of you of course!!! Isn't she adorable!! I just love her more and more every day, she has really become my companion! Her coat is coming in beautifully and she weighs a little over 2 pounds now. She eats well and we now spend time outdoors, when the colder weather sets in then Sophie stays inside, too cold for my little one. Buttons on the other hand LOVES the snow!!! We call her our little snow mole!!

Hope you can add these pics to your site. Also, just wanted to note that I thoroughly agree TINY TOYS are a lot more work then 4 pounds and up, Sophie has 3-4 meals per day plus snacks, we provide her with a lot of veggies and meat... she needs this just to keep her weight on that she has. She is very healthy but we constantly have to be careful of where we walk and not to leave her on a couch or chair if she is sitting with us at the time. She does not jump at all, we do not allow it, her little tiny joints and feet are very fragile. You can pass this on to anyone that is wanting to purchase a tiny toy, they are awesome little creatures but are high maintenance!!

Thanks for all that you do Mandy, for your dedication to this wonderful breed of these awesome little dedicated creatures, I don't know what I would do without my little ones running around!!!

Much Friendship and Admiration,
Phyllis and Ted VT

More pictures! (Click to enlarge)

It is important to educate yourself and determine if a tiny is for you.

Tinies do have extra care requirements which will need to be considered by the new owner and their current lifestyle.