Teacup dogs are a popular trend these days, and the Pomeranian is one of the most popular breeds available. They have the same liveliness and spunk as a full-sized Pomeranian but at a puppy-like size—what’s not to love? If you’re thinking about bringing one of these feisty, furry half-pints into your home, look no further. We have all the details you need to know about the Teacup Pomeranian, including their personality, colors, size, and much more. Check out the specifics down below to see if a Teacup Pom is the right breed for you!

Breed Overview

Teacup Pomeranians are bred to be small, which comes with its share of pros and cons. They don’t eat or make as much of a mess as a full-sized Pomeranian, which makes them ideal companions for apartment or city dwellers. Sadly, the downside is that because of their small stature, these handheld Poms can get hurt easily.

Teacup Pomeranian Characteristics

Teacup Pomeranian Breed Puppies

Teacup Pomeranian breeders are a bit controversial, and finding a reputable one can be challenging because “teacup” isn’t actually a breed—it’s just a nickname for very small dogs. That means you’ll have to do your due diligence in asking to see photos of the litter’s parents or to see them in person, if possible.

Teacup puppies tend to be more prone to health issues as a result of malnourishment and inbreeding from the breeder, though not all of them resort to such inhumane methods. Always screen your breeder online to see if they’re reputable, and don’t take any chances! If someone’s offering a Teacup Pomeranian at a low price, it’s probably too good to be true.

To help you boost your chances, we’ve listed some essential tips to help find a legitimate, reputable breeder.

Tips for Finding a Reputable Teacup Breeder:

Temperament & Intelligence of the Teacup Pomeranian

Teacup Pomeranians are the life of the party wherever they go, with an infectiously joyous personality that endears them to everyone they meet. While they can sometimes get a big head, these little balls of fluff are generally cooperative when it comes to learning new things and performing tricks. They don’t dislike strangers and make natural watchdogs but are naturally skeptical of new people until you give them the OK.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?🏡

Yes, Teacup Pomeranians are spectacular family dogs. They’re very loving and loyal by nature, and they’re very tolerant toward small kids too. Because they’re small and easily hurt, it’s essential to teach your kids about how to safely interact with and handle your Teacup Pom.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽

Teacup Poms are a highly social breed that loves company in all its forms, but they’ll need some socialization and training to get along with cats and larger dogs. Poms don’t realize they’re tiny dogs and may accidentally pick a fight with a bigger dog while trying to play, but they usually get along famously with other small breeds.

Bear in mind that Poms are very showy pups who like being the star of the show, so they might be a little jealous or possessive over you when you give attention to your other pets. You can manage this jealousy by making sure your Teacup Pom gets plenty enough love, but redirection works very well too.

Things to Know When Owning a Teacup Pomeranian:

Food & Diet Requirements🦴

One of the upsides of a small dog is that they don’t eat nearly as much as larger dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can skimp on quality. Like all dogs, Teacup Poms need high-quality dog food with at least 20% protein to develop and stay healthy. Fat, another essential ingredient, should be around 10% to 15% or so. Lastly, carbs should make up at least 20% of your Pom’s diet. Some kibble is made of as much as 60% carbs, but they may skimp on other ingredients to get that number up so high.

Toy breeds like the Teacup Pomeranian need more frequent smaller meals throughout the day than larger dogs. Three meals should do the trick, but you may wish to start at four as a puppy and take it from there. At 6 months or a year, you can reevaluate reducing four meals to three.

Exercise🐕

Teacup Pomeranians have a lot of energy, but as small dogs, they require less exercise than larger breeds. Expect 30 minutes to an hour per day, but exercise should also include the addition of puzzle toys to tire out their minds. Examples include the snuffle mat, Kong, and even a tug-of-war rope if they have a playmate handy. Ensuring your Teacup Pomeranian gets enough exercise is essential for stopping behaviors like destructive chewing or digging.

Training🦮

Pomeranians are generally a smart, eager-to-please breed but may have a cocky streak that can frustrate training until you get on the same page. Their teacup version will need more frequent potty trips because of their smaller bladder size, but the good news is this can help you get over that initial potty-training stage early.

Obedience training should come next, and Teacup Poms do great here. You have to use consistency and ample rewards, so have plenty of treats handy. Pomeranians do have a shorter attention span than other breeds, so you want to use short training sessions. Don’t exceed 5 minutes to start or they’ll get bored. You can slowly lengthen training sessions if your Pom seems into it, but always follow their lead. If 5 minutes works best, stick with that.

Grooming ✂️

Pomeranians have a fluffy, short double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year, but they shed very heavily during spring and fall shedding seasons.  That means you should expect at least one grooming session per week with a double-sided grooming brush. Pomeranians can get mats quite easily, which is where the pinheaded side comes in to save the day. The soft side is for distributing skin and hair oils evenly, which keeps your Pom’s coat soft and lustrous.

• You might also be interested in: 11 Best Dog Wipes: Reviews & Top Picks

Health and Conditions❤️

Male vs Female

Other than males being a little bigger, there aren’t any major notable differences between them and female Teacup Poms.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Teacup Pomeranian

1. They’re Not a Real Breed

“Teacup” really just means breeders took the smallest Poms from each litter and bred them together, which keeps sizes small, but also carries a greater risk for an array of health conditions. Teacup Pomeranians have no recognized breed standards, which makes acquiring one tricky at best.

2. Teacup Poms Are Great Watchdogs

These tiny Pomeranians have the same courageous loyalty as their full-sized counterparts, and they’re naturally reserved toward strangers. This combo makes them great watchdogs, but there’s little bite behind their bark.

3. They’re Expensive Puppies

Teacup breeds are in hot demand right now, and prices start at $1,500 or more for a genuine Teacup Pomeranian, shooting up to $5,00 or more in some locations.

Final Thoughts

Teacup Pomeranians are almost too tiny and adorable to be so fluffy, but with all the sass and affection of a full-sized Pom. They may suffer from some special health issues due to breeding practices and their size, but these pint-sized Pomeranians make spectacular family dogs.

See Also: 

• My Dog Ate a Stuffed Toy, What Should I Do? Our Vet Explains
• Can Dogs and Cats Talk to Each Other? Cool Vet-Reviewed Interspecies Facts

Featured Image Credit: thanai asawaroengchai, Shutterstock