Teacup Maltese or Yorkie

How did you go sourcing that Christmas present farfaraway?? I hope your research showed you where the locally available pups come from - http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=165915 - and that you have started on overseas search for an ethical breeder (of another breed I hope).

Aww Nomad....thanks! :D I'm really just a beginner in learning about all of this. It's people like Veritas who inspire me to keep searching for information and to shout loudly as a voice for the wee voiceless ones. Good job on passing the article around. Sadly, there are many just like it out there. :( Every person who learns about the industry and then makes a better choice is one step closer to putting these creeps out of business. xxxxx

Greenish, I am sure the OP realises that you only have the welfare of these poor babies at heart. Please don't stop sharing this valuable information,as Marieka said if you hadn't posted she would never have known just how cruel the Tea Cup "breed" is. FYI I have passed the article you suggested on to a few people thinking about getting the TC lap dog size,who are now thinking twice. In my minds eye Greenish = Crusader fighting the puppy mills(there I go with labeling people he he ) All the best <em>edited by Nomad on 11/11/2011</em>

Oh Mareike...you have made my day! :D I keep reading the first post I wrote to the OP and worrying that it's SO judgemental and angry that I may do my 'cause' more harm than good. I do always try to remain calm and balanced but this topic just makes my blood boil. (Sorry farfaraway!) THANK YOU for seeing past my manner, and taking on board the information I was trying to share. I can totally see why people think these teeny dogs are so attractive. The puppy producing machine does its best to make sure we only see the cute, sweet, healthy ones. They are sweet...there's no doubt about that, but the cruelty involved in the industry is horrifying. I just wish everyone who wants a dog would do their research and make an ethical choice. When the time is right Mareike, you will find another perfect furry partner in your local shelter. :)

Dear Green-ish, thank you so much for your post on the Tea cup dogs! I never knew this and the family and I always wanted one. ( We currently have a Saluki/Lab X who is big, strong, halthy and well loved and we got him here from one of the rescue organisations..) We thought it would be nice to have a little lap dog as well but after reading the article I would never get a teacup dog. Those poor little souls! I can't believe breeders would harm those poor little angels so much on purpose just to earn the extra money!!!! Disgusting!!! We always wanted the second dog once we move back to Europe so at least now I know to do a proper research, far enough in advance, on breeders and all that! Saying that, I am so happy with our rescue dog that I would probably go to the animal shelters again!!! Thank you so much!!!!

I'm a tiny bit more relaxed that it has been a considered, family decision, farfaraway. As you appear to have done some research, I'm sure you're aware there is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog. It's the saliva most people are allergic too...and all dogs have saliva. ;) All dogs shed, except for hairless ones of course...lol. You have chosen good breeds for allergy-sufferers, but no matter what breed you get, you will have allergic reactions to manage. :) With apologies for sounding like a broken record, PLEASE do not buy locally and TRIPLE PLEASE do not buy a 'teacup'. Perhaps you can buy Christmas & birthday gifts in preparation for owning a dog...crate/bed, leash, collar, food bowls, grooming kit, toys, flea treatments, shampoo etc. Then, spend some time finding a really good breeder overseas, one you can buy from with a clear conscience, safe in the knowledge that they breed for the right reasons, treat their breeding dogs with respect and guarantee healthy, happy pups. A good place to start would be your home country or somewhere you are likely to visit within the coming months/year. If you get the timing right, you can fly your new pup to Dubai with you. Again, good luck finding the right pup. <em>edited by Green-ish on 09/11/2011</em>

Yee gads...I almost don't even know where to start. I'm about to sound awfully judgemental farfaraway...please try to forgive me for that. 1. A pet for Christmas? Really????? Absolutely one of the worst possible ideas in the history of mankind...unless it's for an adult partner who also wants the exact same animal and there are no children learning the appalling "pets make a great gift" lesson. 2. PLEASE do not buy from any local pet supplier. That's all they are...animal traders who do not care AT ALL - where their animals come from or who buys them; - the condition the breeding stock are kept in; - the genetic problems the pup may (will!) have etc. Anyone who can buy from a UAE pet shop or dodgy backyard breeder has questionable ethics in my mind and is not yet ready for responsible pet ownership. I could not sleep at night if I contributed to the life of this industry. 3. "Teacup"...REALLY????? Please do some reading on all that is wrong with the appalling breeding of such genetically disastrous animals. Here's just one link on the vile subject - http://www.barkrescue.net/teacup.htm I read about teacup dogs and I just want to be sick. 4. Please don't buy from any online sites either. I've not yet seen one that sources pups ethically. People who will sell living creatures to complete strangers over the internet make me physically sick. They DO NOT CARE about the animals. They care about making a lot of money. I have also heard that K9 currently has over 20 small dogs needing homes. That is the most ethical, humane, loving path to choose. If you have your heart set on a specific breed though (PLEASE NOT TEACUP!!!!!!!!), the only responsible thing to do is start searching the world now for a really good breeder. Let me tell you, if you find a breeder who will sell you a dog before Christmas, you have not found an ethical breeder. Good, genuine, caring, ethical breeders who have the health, well-being and safety of their pups at heart have waiting lists of people and absolutely will not have a dog ready to get to you in 46 days. Now...if you are still reading, thank you for hearing me out. I just cannot stand the exploitation of living animals. I'm sure your heart is in the right place. Out of respect for your future pet, please research thoroughly. My favourite story on this forum is still the one about a lady who wanted a particular large breed dog. It took her TWO YEARS to find a breeder, get on the wait list and finally have her dream puppy. I'm well aware very few people will show that kind of patience...but it's worth thinking about so your pup doesn't end up costing a fortune at the vets or looking for a new home after Christmas. Genuinely, good luck with your decision. <em>edited by Green-ish on 09/11/2011</em>

Def not in Dubai.You will be suppporting the puppy mill machine.....PLEASE dont support the importation of these poor babies, go online and do a bit of research. Sorry I don't have the names of the sites ( Help Greenish !!) Visit K9 or any of the animal welfare organisations in Dubai, they have many lost, abandoned and throw away Christmas gifts. I read recently they have a number of smaller dogs needing homes. HTH <em>edited by Nomad on 08/11/2011</em>