It is hard to resist the opportunity to cuddle up with a cute, tiny dog. They do not slobber as much as big dogs do, and they certainly are not as bulky or heavy. There are quite a few teacup dog breeds or those that are small enough to be considered as such. They all have their unique personalities, temperaments, coat lengths and colors, and activity levels, just to name a few things. Here are 19 teacup dog breeds that everyone should know about.
The 19 Popular Teacup Dog Breeds
1. Teacup Brussels Griffon
These little dogs are known for their big personalities. They love to run and play, they get along well with children, and they never turn down a game of tug-of-war or fetch. However, they weigh no more than 10 pounds and stand no taller than 10 inches when fully grown, so they are not the best choice for households with kids who like rough housing. The Brussels Griffon has bright, alert eyes and a smooth yet sometimes curly coat.
2. Teacup German Spitz
Developed in Europe, the German Spitz is a lively and affectionate pooch. These dogs are highly attentive and seem to always know what is going in the household. They have smooth medium-length fur and a bushy tail that stands proudly above their backside. The German Spitz comes in a variety of colors, including black and tan, white, gold, and sable. As adults, they stand at about 14 inches tall and weigh up to 25 pounds. So, they are not a true teacup breed, but they are considered one by many breeders and owners alike.
3. Teacup Maltipoo
This crossbreed was developed by breeding a Poodle and a Maltese together. The Maltipoo is an adorable little dog that adapts well to both house and apartment living. These dogs have button-like eyes and wavy fur that comes in many colors. They are considered hypoallergenic because they shed extraordinarily little throughout the year. The teacup-sized Maltipoo weighs about 5 pounds and is about 8 inches tall during adulthood.
4. Teacup Cavoodle
The Cavalier King Charles and the toy or miniature Poodle are responsible for the development of the Cavoodle. These dogs were bred to minimize genetic problems, making them a healthy breed that does not easily succumb to generational health issues. These small dogs have tons of energy and need to spend plenty of time outside exercising every day. Because they are crossbred, you never know what one of these dogs will look like until they turn a few months old.
5. Teacup Morkie
The Morkie is a toy-sized, affectionate dog that loves to play and snuggle. Confident and outgoing, these dogs act as if they are huge. They do like to bark, and they tend to be overprotective of their human family members, which can make it tough to integrate visitors into the household. However, plenty of exercise and socialization should result in a carefree, well-behaved dog that everyone will love.
6. Teacup Bichon Frise
Standing at just about 12 inches tall, these hypoallergenic dogs are fun-loving and boisterous. They have cute round heads, big eyes, and super soft coats that are hard to resist snuggling up to. The Bichon Frise tend to get along well with other dogs and animals if they are socialized early on in life. These dogs have gotten more popular since their development, which is why the Bichon Frise Club of America (founded in 1964) grows in number every year.
7. Teacup Pug
These adorable dogs sport wrinkled faces, stubby legs, and tails that curl up over their butts. They have short muzzles, which makes them susceptible to health problems associated with overheating. These snuggly dogs are loyal, affectionate, smart, and instinctive. They originated in China and were eventually imported around the world. These companion dogs are now popular pets among households in Europe and the United States.
8. Teacup Pomsky
As a crossbreed of the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian, these dogs could be a little larger than teacup-sized dogs, but most of them turn out to be lap dogs that are cute, small, and cuddly. This breed typically has a thick, double coat that helps keep them warm during the winter months. However, they tend to shed frequently during the summer months. Their coat patterns usually mimic the Husky’s pattern, but their coloring can vary.
9. Teacup Boston Terrier
The Mini Boston Terrier has a flat, scrunchy face that seems to tell a story and a short, soft coat of fur that is always a pleasure to pet. While the original Boston Terrier weighs in at about 20 pounds when fully grown, the mini version typically weighs in at under 10 pounds. These little dogs are nicknamed the American Gentlemen because they are so well behaved within the household. They are commonly crossbred with other teacup dog breeds, such as the Chihuahua and French Bulldog.
10. Teacup Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is typically trimmed to keep their coats under control, but if left to grow, they produce gorgeous, silky straight hair that easily reaches the ground. These little dogs are rambunctious and playful, but they are known to cause trouble from time to time. While they love spending time with family members, they can become bossy when it comes to interacting with younger children.
11. Teacup Beagle
This breed looks and acts exactly like the standard-sized Beagle, but they are much smaller. The Teacup Beagle, sometimes called a pocket Beagle, are known for their sweet personalities and shy dispositions. While the full-size version is great at hunting, this mini dog is bred specifically for companionship. These are extremely rare dogs today, but they are gaining popularity, which could result in a more saturated market in the future.
12. Teacup Maltese
Long, silky hair and bright eyes are the standard for Maltese dogs. They weigh under 7 pounds and stand less than 10 inches as adults, making them look like puppies their entire lives. These are the ultimate lap dogs that love to snuggle and share kisses with their family members. They enjoy a variety of toys, can make friends with other dogs and some cats, and will get along well with kids of all ages.
13. Teacup Russian/Russian Toy
If you are looking for a tiny dog with plenty of spunk, the Russian Toy is for you. This breed weighs in at only about 6 pounds when fully grown, and they have either short, thin coats or wavy coats with longer hair growing from their tails and ears. These are playful, intelligent dogs that are eager to please their family members. However, they can be a bit stubborn, which may require extra time and patience when it comes to training.
14. Toy Poodle/Teacup Poodle
We are all familiar with the standard Poodle that stands at about waist height, but the toy Poodle is not nearly as popular. Even so, these small dogs are worth mentioning even if they are extremely rare. They stand no more than 15 inches tall as adults and look exactly like their standard counterparts. They are outgoing, playful, interactive, and affectionate animals that get along well in family settings.
15. Teacup Pomeranian
This is a teacup dog breed that has a small body and a big personality. These yappy dogs are soft, cuddly, and stubborn. They are independent dogs that think outside of the box when it comes to problem-solving and playtime. Pomeranians are smart and patient, which makes them relatively easy to train. They get along well with children and make for good watchdogs in a house or apartment setting.
16. Teacup Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are loud and rambunctious but can also loving and attentive. They always seem to know when the energy is off in a room and will be the first one to bring it up with a growl, bark, or whine. Some Chihuahuas are so small that they can fit in the palm of your hand when fully grown and weigh no more than about 7 pounds. Some are short-haired, while others have long hair that curls up at the ears and tail.
17. Teacup Affenpinscher
Otherwise known as the Monkey Terrier, the Affenpinscher is a small German dog breed that was originally developed in the 17th century. Their fur is rough to the touch yet offers protection from the outdoor elements. When trimmed, the fur is more manageable and enjoyable to pet. Many people think they look like little monkeys, while others compare them to Ewoks from “Star Wars.”
18. Teacup Japanese Chin
This teacup breed is low-key, shy, and sensitive, yet they quickly become bonded with their human family members. The Japanese Chin is thought of as the ultimate lap dog and traditionally goes everywhere their human family members go whenever possible. These dogs have broad heads and short muzzles, with cute, rabbit-like ears. They tend to snore when they sleep, and they rarely bark when they are awake.
19. Teacup Shih Tzu
This teacup dog breed was developed in Tibet and has become popular all over the world ever since. Originally living in palaces while working as watchdogs, the Shih Tzu has become a popular pet within households. These small dogs are good-natured and full of personality. They have long, silky hair that requires daily grooming or occasional cutting. These dogs have solid statures and courageous personalities that make them the life of the party when in social situations.
Conclusion
There are many different teacup dog breeds to choose from when looking to add a new furry family member to your household pack. It is important to remember that each breed has unique care requirements, and all of them need time and attention from the family. Therefore, it is a good idea to meet any teacup breed that you are considering adopting in person to ensure that they will fit in well with your household’s lifestyle.
Related Reads:
- 10 Oldest Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
- 12 Bird Hunting Dog Breeds You Should Know About (with Pictures)
- 15 Calm Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Olga Kalimulina, Shutterstock
