That's Just Wrong: Teacup Terrier

WSVN--Small dogs are definitely stylish. From pop diva Brittney Spears to mega-socialite Paris Hilton, fido is fashionable.

Deatra Coakley also got caught up in the pint size pooches. When she recently went looking for a new dog, the breeder convinced her to take a teacup terrier named Diamond.

"Well for a toy she said it was 750 and for a teacup it runs between nine and 1200."

But Deatra was willing to paying extra...Until a few months later, she realized her yorkie was looking a little porkie.

Deatra Coakley: "And everytime we took her back she was getting bigger and bigger."

And when it became clear Diamond was going to weigh over three pounds, Deatra called the breeder.

Deatra Coakley: "She said it's a lemon law and she can't guarantee me a certain size. So I told her when I was purchasing the dog, you guaranteed me a certain size with a certain price. And I paid that price."

When the breeder told Deatra she could not guarantee a tea cup dog, Deatra told her - that's just wrong.

Deatra Coakley: "She's a beautiful dog but it's not what I wanted and what I expected and what I paid for."

Now, Deitra is not alone. Many people find out their teacup dogs aren't teacups months after they buy them. The problem is the breeders are using the term teacup incorrectly.

Betty Gansky from Yorkshire Terrier Club: "There is no such thing as a teacup."

Betty Gansky of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America tells us. What's become known as teacup dogs are really nothing more than freaks of nature.

Betty Gansky: "The standard for a Yorkie is between four and seven pounds. Anything under four pounds is considered undersized."

And breeders who promise a smaller dog are looking for one thing.

Betty Gansky: "Make money. That's the bottom line. They attract people's attention with the ad that says teacup and everybody thinks they are going to get a dog that weight three to four pounds maximum."

Seven News contacted Deitra's breeder, but she never returned our calls. State officials however tell us the breeder is currently under investigation for a number of violations.

Deatra Coakley: "Diamond."

Deitra says she wouldn't give Diamond up for anything at this point.

Deatra Coakley: "This is my baby."

But she hopes other dog lovers will do their homework before buying a new best friend.

Dade: 305-598-HELP
Broward: 954-796-HELP

American Kennel Club
http://www.akc.org/

Yorkshire Terrier Club
http://www.ytca.org/faq.html#A

Chihuahua Club Of America
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/teacup.htm

American Shih Tzu Club
http://www.shihtzu.org/Info/imperial.asp?menu=Info