Go Small or Go Home With These 15 Teacup Dog Breeds
For people who love small dogs, there may be no pooch more appealing than one of the teacup dog breeds. After all, while larger pups can make great choices for farm and guard dog work, there's something about a snuggly, super little lap dog that is so sweet. Especially a really tiny doggo like a teacup Pomeranian, pug, or Chihuahua. But before you snap up one of these pocket-sized versions of man's best friend, you might want to think twice. According to Dr. Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB and Chief Scientific Advisor, Paw Origins, teacup dogs "are often bred through practices that can lead to severe health problems, as breeders might prioritize size over health."
Teacup dogs are not recognized or endorsed by the American Kennel Club, so there are no standards for any teacup breed. But generally they are defined as weighing less than the full-sized breed, or as little as 4 or 5 pounds at maturity. Because teacups are in great demand, unscrupulous breeders may employ harmful measures like underfeeding their puppies to stunt growth; runting (breeding two smaller-than-average dogs); and inbreeding, which leads to genetic defects and poor health, according to Dr. Eliza O'Callaghan, DMV at Small Door Veterinary.
Health issues in teacup breeds are thus common and can include everything from severe respiratory, heart, digestive, dental, and joint problems to chronic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), bone fragility, and temperature sensitivity. "While teacup dogs may be cute and highly sought after for their size, their health problems can be serious and require constant care and attention," says Dr. O'Callaghan. "Regular vet visits, a proper diet, and careful handling are essential to maintaining their well-being." Should you be set on adding a teacup dog to your family, be sure you patronize an ethical breeder, and do your research, beginning with checking out our rundown of 15 teacup dog breeds that you'll find below!
Poodle
Famed as great family dogs, poodles were developed some four centuries ago in Germany to retrieve ducks, though they are now so beloved in France that they've been named the national dog there. Athletic, affectionate and good with kids, they shed little and are known as hypoallergenic. Dr. Dench calls them "intelligent and graceful," noting that "teacup poodles often face problems like severe hypoglycemia and are prone to developing blindness early in life." Some teacup poodles may weigh as little as 4 pounds.
Height: No more than 9 inches
Weight: Under 6 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: Curly coat available in a wide variety of colors
Life Expectancy: 8-15 years
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Maltese
The aristocratic Maltese, which predates Ancient Greece and is named for the Mediterranean island he hails from, is pricey at any size. But teacup Maltese are said to range as high as $6,000, or $3,000 per pound! For that money, you'll be getting a breed beloved for its strong attachment to its owners and cuddlesome nature. "They are excellent lap dogs and thrive on companionship," says Dr. O'Callaghan. "They can be good watchdogs, as they are alert and will bark at unfamiliar sights or sounds. However, they are not aggressive and are generally gentle with others." Be prepared for copious brushing and bathing of that beautiful, low-shedding coat.
Height: less than 7 inches
Weight: less than 7 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Available in white with black points possible
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Related: 20 Dog Breeds with Short Legs
Pomeranian
Descended from burly forefathers that pulled sleds in the Arctic, the tiny Pom was bred down to its current size in what was originally called Pomerania (now Poland and Germany). Once a favorite of Queen Victoria, "standard Pomeranians are spirited," says Dr. Dench. "Their teacup counterparts are similarly energetic but face severe health challenges like hypoglycemia and luxating patella." Bold and bright, this breed has a luxurious double coat that requires regular brushing.
Height: Under 7 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Double coat available in nearly two dozen colors
Life Expectancy: 12 years
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Bichon Frise
A close relative of the Maltese, the bichon frise was a favorite of European nobles as far back as the 13th century. And no wonder! In addition to their low shedding, hypoallergenic coat, these clever, agile and playful pups are known for their happy-go-lucky nature, according to Dr. O'Callaghan. "They are affectionate with their families and love to be around people, making them great companion dogs," she says. "They’re energetic but not overly hyper, so they are adaptable to both active and more relaxed households." Be prepared to open your wallet wide for one of these (very) little guys, however—a teacup bichon frise can fetch around $3,000.
Height: Under 7 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: White, with possible shadings of buff, cream or apricot
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
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Yorkshire Terrier
Initially developed by Scottish weavers to keep down rat populations in the English county for which he's named, the brave and sometimes bossy Yorkshire terrier is celebrated for his feisty personality, according to Dr. Dench. However, the teacup version is "more delicate" than bigger Yorkies, she says, and "commonly deal with dental issues due to their small jaw size." Count on combing their hypoallergenic locks daily if you keep them long, with weekly baths also usually needed. Teacup Yorkies can cost as much as $5,000 and weigh just 2 pounds.
Height: Under 7 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: Human hair-like coat is available in blue and gold, blue and tan, black and tan, or black and gold
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
Papillon
Named "butterfly" in French thanks to his massive, wing-shaped ears, the papillon was developed in Europe during the Renaissance by breeding spaniels with toy dogs. According to Dr. O'Callaghan, these alert and sociable pups "are one of the most intelligent dog breeds and are quick learners. Papillons excel in obedience training and can master a variety of tricks and commands...they have a lively disposition and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy playtime, walks, and interactive games." Gifted with long, silky hair, paps surprisingly don't require much grooming.
Height: Under 8 inches
Weight: Under 10 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Available in white with black, lemon, red, sable and black and tan with a variety of markings
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Related: Which Dog Breeds Are the Smartest?
Pug
Once the companion of Chinese emperors, the pug was also a favorite in Tibetan monasteries, of the royal House of Orange in Holland and even Napoleon's wife, Josephine. Charming, comical and chill, they are the very definition of a lap dog. Because they need little exercise, this breed makes a great pet for seniors or apartment dwellers. "Pugs are known for their loving nature," says Dr. Dench. "But teacup pugs may suffer from all the standard pug health issues, including severe respiratory complications, at an intensified level." Teacup pug puppies are usually priced at several thousand dollars.
Height: Under 10 inches
Weight: Around 6 pounds
Energy Level: Low
Coat: Available in black or fawn
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years
Mini dachshund
Tiny to begin with, mini dachshunds that have been given the teacup treatment weigh 8 pounds or less and stand really low to the ground. Developed in Germany more than three centuries ago to hunt badgers (dachshund means "badger dog" in that language), this breed has retained its legendary boldness and bravery, as well as some serious spunk. "Mini Dachshunds are curious and have a keen sense of smell," says Dr. O'Callaghan. "They are intelligent dogs that can be trained, although they may exhibit a stubborn streak at times. They can be wary of strangers and may bark to alert their owners, making them good watchdogs."
Height: Under 5 inches
Weight: Under 8 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Available in a variety of colors in smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coat types
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
French Bulldog
Currently the most popular dog breed in the U.S., the adorbs Frenchie can cost as much as $3,000 for a well-bred pup, and teacups will probably set you back even more. Intelligent, even-tempered and affectionate, the Frenchie—which counts English bulldogs and probably pugs as ancestors—doesn't require much grooming or exercise. But you should be aware that vet bills could be even higher with mini Frenchies than with other teacup breeds. "While standard French bulldogs already struggle with breathing issues due to their brachycephalic nature, these issues are exacerbated in the teacup variety, impacting their quality of life," cautions Dr. Dench.
Height: Under 11 inches
Weight: 6-12 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: Available in a variety of colors
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Brussels Griffon
With a rat dog background in the European city for which he's named and a lineage that probably includes the pug and English toy spaniel, the Griff finally became famed in this country thanks to his starring role in the 1997 Jack Nicholson movie, As Good As It Gets. Sensitive and smart, they are "small, affectionate dogs known for their distinctive appearance and lively personalities," says Dr. O'Callaghan. "Griffons have a playful spirit and enjoy engaging in games and activities....but do not require excessive exercise, making them well-suited for apartment living." One of the rarer dogs on our list, teacup Brussels griffons may cost at least a few thousand dollars and be difficult to find.
Height: Under 7 inches
Weight: Under 8 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Rough or smooth coats available in beige, black, black and tan or red
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Chihuahua
Recognized universally from appearances in movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua and Legally Blonde (as well as a series of popular Taco Bell commercials), the Chihuahua's ancestry can be traced back at least a thousand years. This saucy little rascal, which is named after the Mexican state where he was first discovered, is "robust in personality but fragile in form," notes Dr. Dench. "Teacup Chihuahuas often face life-threatening conditions like hydrocephalus (water on the brain)." A teacup Chi can carry a pricetag as big as his body is small, running as much as $5,000.
Height: Under 6 inches
Weight: Under 6 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: Available in smooth or longhaired, in a variety of colors and markings
Life Expectancy: 7-12 years
Shih Tzu
Another super loyal and loving lap dog extraordinaire, shih tzus, like pugs, were bred to cuddle up to Chinese emperors. The "lion dog" has retained his snuggly ways to this day, according to Dr. O'Callaghan, who says they are "generally friendly and get along well with children, other dogs, and even strangers...Shih Tzus enjoy playtime but are not as hyperactive as some other breeds. They are happy with short bursts of activity followed by lounging and relaxing." If you keep this pooch's locks long, he will need to be brushed daily, but otherwise this breed is a very low maintenance dog. Teacup shih tzus may weigh as little as 3 pounds, but cost as much as a couple thousand dollars.
Height: Under 9 inches
Weight: Under 9 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Available in a variety of colors with black mask and/or markings or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 10-16 years
Beagle
One of the bigger breeds on our list, this happy and energetic English hound can weigh as much as 30 pounds, although pocket beagles weigh about half that or less. Smart, spirited and a bit stubborn, they are low-shedding but will need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily and shouldn't be left alone for long periods. "Beagles are known for being good-natured and friendly with people, children, and other animals," says Dr. Callaghan. "They are typically very social and enjoy being part of a pack. Due to their strong sense of smell, beagles are curious and love to explore their surroundings."
Height: 7-12 inches
Weight: 7-15 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: Available in a wide variety of colors and ticked markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Siberian Husky
Want a gorgeous, goofy but graceful and altogether affectionate husky but don't have room for one in your small home or apartment? The mini husky only reaches about 17 inches tall, rather than the standard size's 23.5 inches, and they typically weigh under 30 pounds, about half what their bigger brethren can. "Huskies are generally friendly and sociable with people, including strangers," says Dr. Callaghan. First bred in Northern Asia as endurance sled dogs, "They have high energy levels and require a lot of exercise," she adds. "They love activities like running, hiking, and playing," making them a great choice for active people.
Height: 17 inches
Weight: 15-30 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: Available in a variety of colors with saddle-back markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Pekingese
Like pugs and shih tzus, the ancient Peke is another flat-faced fellow bred to perch atop the laps of Chinese emperors and their kinfolk. Dr. Callaghan calls them "small, affectionate dogs known for their regal appearance and charming personalities...These dogs have a confident and sometimes aloof personality. They can be quite independent, which may make training a bit challenging, but they are loyal companions." While they bond deeply with their human family, Pekes "may not tolerate rough handling, so supervision with young children is advisable," she adds.
Height: Under 6 inches
Weight: 3-6 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Thick, double coat available in a variety of colors
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
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