When it comes to dogs, how small is too small?
I admit, I thought this three-ounce Chihuahua-Jack Russell Terrier mix was beyond cute when I saw the picture of him in a tea cup, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if some dogs are being bred to simply satisfy consumers.
The owners, Susan and Archie Thomson of Scotland, say they've had six Chihuahua litters but never seen a dog quite this tiny. Still, it makes me wonder.
"He's perfectly proportioned, but absolutely miniscule," said Archie Thomson, who believes he may have the world's smallest dog. "Judging by the size of his paws and head, I'd be surprised if he grew much bigger than an inch or two more."
I love small dogs - my wife and I own three Dachshunds - but Tom Thumb, born in March, seems too small. I just hope he doesn't create a trend toward breeding sub-toy dogs.
Do you agree?
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Anonymous
May 1, 2009, 3:44 pm
I agree with the writer. Tom Thumb is absoutely too small. Please keep him out of a gusty wind. Be sure to hang a bell on him to keep from accidentally stepping on him.
nicole
May 4, 2009, 11:26 am
Beyond cute is correct, but yes, I am concerned about "designing" a dog that is so small, but this comment is coming from a big dog lover...
Anonymous
May 6, 2009, 10:13 am
Of course they are being "designed" to please consumers. There are enough dogs out there that need homes without creating whole new "breeds". It's ridiculous to fulfill owners specifications over the best interest of the animal.
Anonymous
May 6, 2009, 12:37 pm
Why some individuals think smaller is cuter or better is beyond me, Ask any vet and they wikk tekl you of the medical oriblems they have seen with these new designer dogs that have been bred down to fit in a teacup. I believe that dog breeders should be fined or shut down for doing this. How many animals are there in shelters that are being euthanized because so many are looking for a cute, extremely small, designer dog. SHAME ON THEM
Anonymous
May 6, 2009, 2:50 pm
Is this dog full grown or is he a puppy???
It seems like as soon as they started showing Paris Hilton on TV and her "tiny" dog "TINKERBELL"....All of a sudden everyone wants a "pocketbook" dog.
I like small dogs, I have 2 pomeranians, a 10 lb'er and a 20 lb'er, everyone tells me they are to big to be pomeranians, I tell these people "Sssshhhhhhh they don't know that"
The above dog is "TO TINY", i agree with the person who said to hold him tight during a wind storm!!!!
Charli
May 6, 2009, 4:58 pm
At least they didn't label him as a "teacup" chihuahua. When will people learn that there is no such thing? As for him being too small, yes, I believe he is. Our largest chi is a mix and about 9 lbs, our smallest is 5. I definitely see the appeal of smaller but anything less than 5 lbs is just too tiny in my opinion.
I'm more disturbed that they're breeding at all. The last thing we need are more dogs in shelters!
Anonymous
May 6, 2009, 7:27 pm
I'd be terrified that the dog would be stepped on, squished, smashed, lost, broke, sat on, dropped,,, you get the picture.
Anonymous
May 9, 2009, 8:51 am
I don't have to worry about wind sweeping away my poopom Reno. He is so fat he is certified to withstand a Category 3 hurricane.
cmrodriguez
May 10, 2009, 11:05 pm
I feel bad about genetic engineering for dogs who are helpless about what's being done to them. Surely this tiny version is not at all good for the dog but for the entertainment of its owners. Dogs are not for entertainment creatures, they are our best friends and companions. What dosage of veterinary medicine will be appropriate for this tiny tiny dog when it gets sick? What experiment again? Terrible.
Hermother
May 11, 2009, 11:28 am
Kansas City, MO
Just as some can now choose to have a child with a certain eye color, and a gene that makes them 5'9, we will manipulate whatever we get our hands on.
Does that make it right? I don' t believe so.
Anonymous
June 17, 2009, 7:40 am
sorry tp disappiont you all
tom wasn't even planned never mind designed ,he's a cross and the runt of the litter and we take full responsiblity for his safety lots of people have offered us funny money for him and people have asked us to stud him out ,but we have no interest in selling him or studding him out .we will protect him for ever and he has been to the vet and has no complications .he perfectly formed and healthy. He's enjoying life to the full we have five other dogs and he fits in just fine . If you would like to see toms progress goto tomthumbpup.com
