in any breed? I can understand a rescue dog, yes. But, these dogs are said to be frail and unhealthy. I understand they are an exploitation of the breed, and if you must get a tiny dog, you should get one from a breed in which the tiny size is of the breed standard.

So, aside from a senior with back problems, who would want to own such a dog? What are the benefits?

[Yogi]

there are no benefits to owning any breed of dog that is sold under the idea that any breed can come in any other size than that noted by reputable breeders or registries.
Simply put, there is no breed of dog that comes in "teacup".
Most younger people attribute this term in association to BYB's. The term actually is much older and originated in the early 1960's when a photographer took a photo of a 6 week old Chihuahua sitting in an oversized teacup. The photo was published in Look or Life magazine with the caption simply reading "teacup Chihuahua". I remember seeing the photo myself back then. Unfortunately Chihuahua breeders were inundated with requests for "teacup" Chihuahuas which did not exist. People failed to note that it was just a photo of a cute 6 week old Chi. Instead they wanted to see and believed they saw a cute "dog" not a puppy. In turn over time Chi breeders who were not reputable worked on breeding runts to runts to try and achieve what they would later advertise as "teacup" Chi's. The term carried over into other breeds where again runts were being bred to runts.
Unfortunately for the pups, they are predisposed to health issues far more often than those bred to standard. Keep in mind, years and years of breeding go into creation of a purebred dog. During this time health issues are accounted for and determined sizes of breeds helps in reducing health issues that are generally associated with a specific breed. All these breeders have done is increase the likelihood that the breeds health issues will be more likely and in fact do become more prevalent.
The likes of Paris Hilton have done nothing to curb the fad for these poorly bred dogs and ironically like most things when it comes to the public, if it is a fad, people will pay a great deal of money to have it. I have seen breeders advertising "teacup" Chi's for $1500.00 when standard in the area go for $600.00 and come from AKC ch stock. If it is now your desire to look at the smallest breed since you are inquiring about "teacup" which does not denote a breed of dog only refers to a size of dog than maybe the actual smallest dog in the world would be something to look for. No, the Chihuahua is actually not the smallest breed in the world. It is the smallest breed in North America as listed with the AKC. No, in fact the Prazsky Krysarik (Prague Ratter) may be what you are looking for. This is an ancient breed that many have never heard of but than again most people in North America unless a breed is registered with AKC or Canadian KC are not aware that there are many ancient breeds of purebred status in other countries that are registered with FCI.
Here is a little info on the Prague Ratter.....
http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/d...zsky_Krysarik/

No, Yogi. I do not and have never wanted a teacup dog. They look frail and pitiful to me, not cute. I just need to stay in the 12lb and under category to satisfy the condo requirements here. The Shih Tzu and a lot of small dogs fit that requirement ok bred to breed standards.

Edited to add: There is this greedy Shih Tzu on the internet (one of many I'm sure) that is breeding 4-6 lb dams with the same size studs, and I'll tell you, they look pretty pitiful. Poor things.

Well, that Prazky is a cute little thing. Cute, but not sickly looking like the dogs bred to be fake teacups.

Whether I'd be interested or not would depend on how much it sheds, the amount of exercise needed (which doesn't appear to be too much from the website you posted) and whether or not they are "velcro dogs". Again, a big consideration for me is that my dog would need to be ok being left alone during the day until someone gets home around 3:30-4:00pm.

Thanks for posting that breed.

[Yogi]

fyi, very minimal shedding with most of the dogs in the classification. Even my Miniature Pinschers have very little shedding and all that is required is a damp towel to achieve clean coat.