Toy breed (4-7 lbs standard, “teacup” <4 lbs) popular with celebrities 2010-2015: Paris Hilton and Britney Spears carrying them in designer purses. Instagram pet influencers wore bows and couture dog outfits.
“Teacup” marketing represented unethical breeding: runts bred to runts creating fragile bones, hypoglycemia, and shortened lifespans (8-10 years vs. 12-15 for standard size). Veterinarians actively denounced teacup marketing. Breed declined 2016-2020 as Poodle mixes gained favor.
Maintenance surprised owners: daily brushing required, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, dental disease requiring $800+ cleanings common in small breeds. Terrier prey drive shocked owners expecting docile lap dogs. #YorkieNation organized meetups and Instagram communities. Breed dropped from AKC #6 (2012) to #13 (2020), reflecting shifting preferences toward larger doodles.
Sources: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/ | Veterinary positions on teacup breeding ethics