What Are Teacup Dog Breeds? Everything There Is to Know

Have you heard of teacup dog breeds? Are you looking to adopt a teacup dog? Then you’ve come to the right place! Teacup dog breeds are becoming increasingly popular as pet parents look for smaller versions of certain dog breeds. In this article, we’ll share information on different teacup dog breeds, and what you need to know before becoming a pet parent to one of these little cuties.

What are Teacup Dog Breeds?

Teacup dog breeds are those that are smaller than average dog breeds. Many of these cuties only way about 2-5 pounds on average. “Teacup” is not a recognized term or breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). In their books, the smallest dogs are categorized as “toy” breeds. The term “teacup” is only a way to market these tiny dogs and attract buyers. As breeds, these tiny dogs are extremely small versions of small dog breeds. You may also hear teacup dogs called “micro-dogs” or “pocket-sized” dogs.

What You Need to Know About Teacup Dog Breeds

These small dogs, while terribly cute, can sometimes come with many health issues. This is because of breeders who use unscrupulous methods to create these tiny beings. Some breeders chose to mate runts in order to produce teacup offspring. Then turning around and charging exorbitant prices for these tiny dogs. Runts are usually the smallest dogs in a litter. This means they’re already possibly facing some health issues because of their small size. Runts are loveable little guys, there’s no argument there! And reputable breeders know this. When they sell a runt, it’s usually with the condition that the puppy will be spayed or neutered, so they won’t reproduce. Unethical breeders, on the other hand, mate the runts to create “teacup” dogs. This is most often done through inbreeding two runts, leading to additional health problems.

There are other breeders who use other unethical methods to create teacup dogs. This may include not giving the puppies the nourishment they need to thrive and grow. How much does a teacup dog cost? When all is said and done, teacup dogs are usually sold at higher prices. You may find them for sale anywhere from $750 all the way up to $2,000. These are the things we’d like to make you aware about these adorable teacup breeds. They deserve your love and care, just as any other dog. But it’s important to understand they may come with additional health issues that require costly care. Just know what you’re getting into before adopting one of these adorable tiny dogs.

Teacup Breeds Health Issues

You’ll find that certain health issues are common in teacup dog breeds. These include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose): leads to weakness, shivering and possibly seizures
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: this often results in sudden vomiting and bloody diarrhea
• Liver problems
• Heart problems
• Seizures
• Problems with teeth
• Prone to accidental injury due to their size (pet parents sometimes accidentally sit on or step on their tiny fur babies)

While it’s true these tiny dogs sometimes develop serious health issues, there are also plenty of pet parents who attest to the fact that their teacup fur babies were healthy and able to lead a normal life span. Sometimes these tiny pups can be as healthy as their larger counterparts. Having said that, you must be aware of the possibility of health issues in teacup dogs if you want to adopt one. Your fur baby may be healthy in the beginning, only to develop serious health problems within a few months. There’s just no way to predict the health of a teacup dog.

If you’d like to adopt a teacup dog, then it’s best to get your dog from a reputable breeder. They are usually willing to sell puppies that are smaller than normal, and they’re more likely to provide a health certificate or guarantee. And as noted earlier, a reputable breeder will include in the contract the fact that the dog must be spayed or neutered. Another option is to find your teacup fur baby at a shelter or rescue, where there are high numbers of dogs of all kinds, including teacup dogs, waiting for a loving family and a home.

What Breeds are Most Common in Teacup Dogs?

Here’s a list of some of the most common teacup dog breeds:

• Maltese
• Pomeranian
• Poodle
• Chihuahua
• Shih-tzu
• Silky terrier
• Pug
• Yorkshire terrier

Which Teacup Breeds Make the Best Pets?

There are a number of breeds that produce lovely teacup fur babies! Let’s take a look!

Pomeranians: these beautiful dogs are generally under 7 inches high and weigh an average of 7 pounds. They have a fluffy coat in colors that include orange, chocolate, black, and more. Teacup Pomeranians are known to be full of energy and playful, though they can have a bad habit of barking. They’re intelligent little guys who respond well to training. They’re best for people who don’t mind daily walks and playing with their little companions!

Beagles: these tiny dogs have a lot of friendliness and energy in their little bodies! However, they can be a bit stubborn and not very obedient. They have minds of their own; however, they love it when training is fun and includes treats! Teacup beagles are under 15 inches tall, and weight under 20 pounds. They look like their larger beagle cousins.

Pomsky: these teacup puppies are a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian husky. They’re adorable, but they do vary in size depending on how much of each breed is in them. These little dogs are lively and full of energy. They’re best for pet parents who love to play a lot and talk plenty of walks, too. Pomskies can be up to 10 inches tall and weight up to 9 pounds. They resemble little wolves and come in various colors including black, white, silver and more.

Teacup Breeds that Don’t Shed

If you’re looking for a teacup dog that doesn’t shed, consider one of these little cuties!

Poodles: are highlight intelligent dogs, who are also known for being great athletes. They are also highly sociable and popular as family dogs. Teacup poodles are great because they don’t shed. However, they will require regular grooming, as their hair is curly and can easily tangle. These teacup dogs are under 10 inches high, and usually weigh under 6 pounds. They come in a variety of colors including black, white, apricot and more.

Maltese: these tiny dogs come from one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Researchers have found these dogs go back some 3,000 years! They were also once considered to be the preferred dog for royals. These tiny dogs are low energy and may be great for pet parents who aren’t as active and would love to cuddle with a lapdog. Teacup Maltese dogs are under 7 inches high and weight just under 7 pounds. They have dark eyes and long, silky hair and their coat is white. They don’t shed much, either, as they don’t have an undercoat.

Yorkshire terrier: these dogs are highly popular due to their big-dog personalities. If you know Yorkies, they do have very big personalities! They are also known for being very protective, they can bark quite a bit and are very loyal and loving companions. These teacup dogs are under 7 inches and weigh under 7 pounds. They have silky fur and they’re known to not shed as much. Teacup Yorkies come in a variety of colors including blue and tan, black and tan and more.

Bichon frise: these tiny dogs with curly hair make loving companions for their pet parents. However, they do need frequent exercise and they do love to play! And these little dogs are also known for being non-shedders. Teacup Bichon fries are under 10 inches tall and weigh under 12 pounds. They have dark eyes, and soft coat that comes in various colors including white & apricot, white & cream, or white.

Keep in mind that while these dogs don’t shed, they will still need regular grooming such as brushing and combing. Some, like the poodle, may also require regular haircuts to keep their coats from getting too long and tangled.

Teacup Dog Breeds for Sale

Look for a breeder who is not in the business of selling teacup dogs. Why? Because they’re ethical breeders who may be willing to sell runts (puppies or dogs that are smaller than normal), but who will stipulate in the contract that the dog/puppy should be spayed or neutered to avoid breeding them. Also look for a breeder who is willing to provide you with a health guarantee or certificate proving their dog is healthy and has no known health conditions. These usually cover the health of the dog’s parents, too.

Avoid breeder who advertise “tiny teacup puppies for sale.” These are most likely unethical breeders who breed runts together, which can cause inbreeding and increased risk for serious health issues in the resulting puppies. Teacup dogs can make adorable fur babies, just be sure to check out the breeder and look for signs that the dogs have not been raised ethically. You can also find these adorable tiny dogs in many shelters. They, too, deserve and need to find loving families who will give them a great home. If you adopt a teacup dog, we’d like to wish you both all the best in the years to come!