BCBlondie
06-12-2004, 01:40 PM
Found this article reading my dad's Newsweek magazine... I'm glad the truth is finally out there! Hopefully people looking for tiny dogs will read the article and decide against getting one. :) (Most 'tiny' dogs come from puppy mills and backyard breeders anyway)
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Pets: Tiny Dogs, Big Divas
by Raina Kelley | Jun 14 '04
Admit it. You may not like Paris Hilton, but you have to agree that her dog, Tinkerbell, is cute. As tiny dogs have become the hottest celebrity arm candy, demand for teacups, or dogs that weigh four pounds or less, has soared. Usually Malteses, Yorkies, Chihauhuas or poodles, they're about as easy to take care of as premature babies. But if you're serious about a tiny dog and have a couple of thousand dollars to spare, here's what you need to know.
Teacups are delicate. A fall off a chair or a big hug from a child can kill them. Seriously. Prone to hypoglycemia, they must be fed every three hours. Puppies need round-the-clock supervision and even grown dogs should not be left alone for more than two hours. And while breeders stress that they're not fashion accessories, the safest place for them is under your arms.
If you're still interested, find a reputable breeder who carefully screens potential owners and avoid "deals" on the Internet. If in doubt, ask a vet or a trainer. Oh, and don't bother with anyone who ships. These aren't dogs that go FedEx. Take our advice: get a hamster instead.
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What's your opinion on this article?
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Pets: Tiny Dogs, Big Divas
by Raina Kelley | Jun 14 '04
Admit it. You may not like Paris Hilton, but you have to agree that her dog, Tinkerbell, is cute. As tiny dogs have become the hottest celebrity arm candy, demand for teacups, or dogs that weigh four pounds or less, has soared. Usually Malteses, Yorkies, Chihauhuas or poodles, they're about as easy to take care of as premature babies. But if you're serious about a tiny dog and have a couple of thousand dollars to spare, here's what you need to know.
Teacups are delicate. A fall off a chair or a big hug from a child can kill them. Seriously. Prone to hypoglycemia, they must be fed every three hours. Puppies need round-the-clock supervision and even grown dogs should not be left alone for more than two hours. And while breeders stress that they're not fashion accessories, the safest place for them is under your arms.
If you're still interested, find a reputable breeder who carefully screens potential owners and avoid "deals" on the Internet. If in doubt, ask a vet or a trainer. Oh, and don't bother with anyone who ships. These aren't dogs that go FedEx. Take our advice: get a hamster instead.
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What's your opinion on this article?