Teacup dogs are trendy pets because these micro dogs look like puppies forever. It’s no wonder they can fetch thousands of dollars apiece. Their adorably small size makes them a hot commodity for dog parents-to-be. In general, teacups are markedly smaller than their breed standard and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Pomeranian
Although today’s Pomeranians have a reputation as lapdogs, they were originally bred to herd animals and pull sleds. Earlier versions of the Pomeranian breed weighed around 30 pounds. In the 1800s, they were bred to be smaller to be kept as companions rather than working dogs. Since then, they’ve only gotten smaller.
Poodle
Known for their intelligence, athleticism, and sociability, poodles make amazing family dogs. Teacup poodles usually weigh about 4 pounds, while their standard-sized counterparts weigh 45 to 70 pounds. One convenient trait of poodles? They shed little. Their curled coats don’t drop much hair, which is great news for your allergies and your vacuum cleaner.
Beagle
What they lack in size, teacup beagles make up for in friendliness and energy. Most of these beagles only weigh around 15 pounds, which is relatively large for a teacup dog. They can be stubborn when it comes to obedience. But they respond well when you make training fun with treats and games.
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the world’s oldest breeds. It originated almost 3,000 years ago. It also was considered royalty back in the day. The teacup variety generally weighs between 2 and 4 pounds. Because of their small size, these dogs are a good fit for people who want a cuddle buddy. They also have low energy.
Pomsky
As its name suggests, the Pomsky is the cross between a Siberian husky with a Pomeranian. Pomskies tend to vary in size depending on how much of each breed they have in them. This mix tends to have a high energy level, so be prepared for lots of walks and play.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire terriers were already popular dogs at their standard small size, so the teacup variety is a hit, too. These tiny dogs can weigh just 2 to 3 pounds, but they still have big-dog personalities. Yorkies tend to be vocal, protective, and confident. They’re also very loyal and loving to their families.
Bichon Frise
Bichon frise roughly translates to “curly lapdog” in French. And teacup bichons definitely live up to their name. They were bred to be loving companions who some people refer to as living stuffed animals. But while bichons are quite snuggly, they do have moderate exercise needs and love to play.
Chihuahua
Teacup Chihuahuas have had their share of fame. They star in fast food commercials. They are toted around in celebrities’ purses. But it’s not all glamour for these tiny dogs. Chihuahuas need proper training and socialization, or they can become fearful and defensive around strangers. They also need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pug
Teacup pugs can be great apartment dogs. They weigh around 3 to 7 pounds. Their chill demeanor and low exercise needs make them ideal for small living spaces. Some pugs can be stubborn. However, they tend to respond well to training. This is especially true if treats are involved as a reward.
Shih Tzu
Teacup shih tzus are generally regarded as divas of the dog world. But these canines are also incredibly athletic. Underneath their long, silky hair, shih tzus have quite muscular bodies and were built for agility courses. But don’t overwork them, as their flat faces make them prone to breathing issues and overheating.
Breeds to Avoid
Most vets and responsible breeders would tell you to avoid teacup breeds altogether. It’s great if a teacup pup is lucky enough to make it to adolescence. However, that does not mean the dog is out of the woods.
Several breeds—teacup Yorkies, pugs, and Pomeranians—have markedly shorter lifespans than their larger counterparts. If you want to get a smaller dog, look at toy breeds. Get a dog at the lower end of the acceptable height and weight levels. The higher risk of heartache from premature puppy death is avoidable by steering clear
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