There's no such thing as a 'teacup' dog breed!!!  

Actually, since all breeds on both the AKC and CKC lists had to originate somewhere in the world, many of them might not be accepted by the AKC, but were accepted by the registering body in their home country or region for decades prior. Population of the breed in the US accounts for which dog breeds gain recognition and which don't. It's a very tough process to have your dog accepted and recognized by the American Kennel Club, even as a Miscellaneous breed, even if that breed has been recognized in it's homeland for more years than the AKC has been in existence.

There are very strict guidelines pertaining to the creation of new dog breeds or varieties. Since most of the 'new breeds' don't pertain to those guidelines, the likelihood of them one day gaining status as a purebred breed is very small.

And I highly doubt that breeders today would destroy dogs that are not show quality. Show quality dogs are those with which breeders use to perpetuate their lines. Usually only 1-2 puppies from each litter can really be deemed 'show quality'. The rest are pet quality and still fetch a fair price. Since most of the breeders I know usually end up paying far more for health clearances, vet visits and registration papers than they receive back for the puppies -- destroying them would be akin to shooting oneself in the foot. Obviously pet quality puppies are just as capable of being a great quality pet as a show quality dog is, and they are sold and live out their lives as beloved companions.

The only not show quality puppy I have ever seen destroyed in over 18 years in the fancy was a puppy born with a cleft palate. Since the puppy's chance of survival and likelihood of flourishing was almost nil, the vet recommended the puppy be put down lest it suffer.

Obviously a dog who is smaller or larger than it's counterparts would be unique just by default. Not because he or she was bred to be that way, but simply because nature dictated that he or she would be a different size than it's littermates. An oversize puppy or a 'runt' is never hard to find a home for, and do not command a higher or a lower price than their other pet-quality littermates.

I have seen far too much evidence to indicate that breeders of so-called 'teacup' dogs only breed for size (and not health or temperament) in order to command a higher price.

If it were simply a question of finding homes for dogs in need of them by adding a cutesie name to the real breed's name, then there isn't really any harm (unless it perpetuates and then people believe that's a real breed, and start breeding them for profit), but if people are purposely breeding smaller-than-normal dogs (which quite likely have health problems), attaching an astronomical price onto them because they are a 'rarity' and then flooding the market (and they are!), then there is a problem. This isn't a simple case of supply and demand -- it's a case of people paying more money for something they understand to be 'special' or 'unique' (because who doesn't love something special or unique?). And the backlash (example: thousands of dollars for vet bills for a dog with joint troubles, trouble breathing, etc) is sometimes more than they can deal with in the end.

No, people aren't using the word 'teacup' as a descriptive. In dealing with dogs and the public for as long as I have been, I have had more than my fair share of people willing to tell me about their Purebred 'teacup poodle'. Knowing that there are only 3 sizes of poodles (Standard, Miniature and Toy), I do my best to try to educate but often encounter a brick wall because "My breeder told me teacups are a new size, they just aren't registered yet".

No. Teacups breeds don't exist.

Although not definitive, and definitely not accurate (obviously there is no such breed as a Cockapoo, that being a Cocker Spaniel/Poodle cross) this wiki entry is a good starting point for the journey that is the realization that "Teacup" breeds are just a marketing ploy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dog_breeds

No where on there are is the word teacup listed with the breed name.

In fact, the entry on poodles, which are one of the most popular breeds to have the teacup moniker, states it pretty clearly: "The terms royal standard, teacup, and tiny teacup are marketing names, and are not recognized by any major kennel club." ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle )

I like how Annie put it.. there's a sucker born every day. I just want to do my part to ensure none of my friends become one.

I would also be curious to see if your ex's "teacup Min-Pin" stayed as dimunitive as it was advertised. Many times the puppies tend to grow much larger than stated, but people still maintain that they are of the 'teacup variety' because no one likes to admit they were conned. Negating that, chances are the dog quite likely did have health problems. Breeding animals specifically for one physical trait -- be it color, size or coat pattern -- often means the more important traits like temperament and health are given much less thought. Especially when people are willing to stoop to the low of selling a perfectly run of the mill toy breed dog for thousands of dollars by advertising it as 'rare' or 'unique'. They're in it for the money -- not the love of dogs.