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 in 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 trainer. Oh, and don’t bother with anyone who ships. These aren’t dogs that go FedEx. Take our advice: get a hamster instead.