11 Teacup Dog Breeds for Tiny Pup Lovers

“Teacup” dogs, while not an official classification by the American Kennel Club, are tiny dogs bred specifically to be miniature. Popular breeds include the Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Yorkie, Poodle, and Maltese. They are loved for their compact size but often have very serious health problems and intensive care needs.

Main takeaways

• Although the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize teacup as a classification, it is understood as one by the population and by breeders.

• Teacup breeds, bred exclusively for their size, often have very serious health problems.

• Many teacup dogs are known for being affectionate. 

• A smaller dog can be a good companion for someone living in a smaller space, but teacup dogs can be high maintenance. 

What is a teacup dog?

The teacup dog is a miniature type of pup who isn’t officially categorized by the American Kennel Club. But that doesn’t stop teacup dogs from being highly sought after by people who want these companions to live with them in (sometimes) a very small space and be by their side at all times. They are bred to be exceptionally small, which can often lead to serious health problems and even death. The teacup breeding industry is rife with ethical issues.

Veterinarian Dr. Aimee Warner says that very small dogs can have a multitude of issues, many of which can prove fatal or seriously life-limiting. “Teacup breeds are susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause seizures, coma, or death if they do not eat frequently. There are also a number of developmental issues, such as hydrocephalus, which is a brain deformity that causes fluid to build up in the brain, fragile bones, patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps), and open fontanelles, which is a soft spot on the skull that never closes, making them vulnerable to fatal head injuries.”

Although we discourage going to a breeder who promises teacup-style dogs, some of these dogs still end up in shelters and rescues or for adoption, so you may find yourself in the position of bringing one into your life. If you do, here’s everything you need to know about the most popular teacup breeds and their unique personalities and needs. 

The top purebred teacup dog breeds

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Teacup Chihuahua

As if the standard Chihuahua weren’t small enough, breeders created the teacup Chihuahua. Weighing less than just six pounds, the teacup Chihuahua really is minuscule. They can be sassy despite their size, but also make very affectionate pets. They do, however, face more health problems than regular Chihuahuas, when you factor in the health concerns that come with teacup dogs. They are also prone to injury and require a lot of supervision. They may struggle to regulate their body temperature and may experience incontinence.

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Teacup Pomeranian

Pomeranians are incredibly popular lapdogs, and the teacup version is no exception. What many people don’t know about these fluffy dogs is that they actually come in the most color variations of any breed. The Pomeranian seems to be bred to be smaller and smaller all the time, and if you find yourself with a miniature one, you have to look out for health issues such as fragile bones, heart concerns, and a collapsed trachea.

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Teacup Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known affectionately as a Yorkie, is a British breed of dog with a silky tan and black coat. They are playful and very sweet, making great pets. They tend to be very small, weighing around seven pounds. The teacup version is, of course, even smaller, weighing as little as two pounds. If you choose to bring one into your life, you have to be vigilant about all the classic teacup dog issues.

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Teacup Poodle

Known for their curly coat, the Poodle is a very popular pet who comes in several different sizes, and is playful and intelligent, making them great for family homes. The teacup Poodle is a miniaturized version who is even smaller than the already very-small standard toy Poodle. The teacup Poodle is so tiny that they fit into the palm of a person’s hand and may need constant supervision.

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Teacup Maltese

Maltese dogs are known for their silky, white fur and adorable features. They don’t shed a lot, so they may suit a parent with mild allergies. They’re playful, energetic, can make fun companions, and are great family dogs. Teacup Maltese are even smaller than their regular counterparts, which means they may experience a range of health issues such as hypoglycemia, heart defects, and a collapsing trachea.

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Teacup Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a breed of toy dog who originated in Tibet. They are often a show dog, with long, silky fur. As a pet, their fur is often kept shorter for convenience. Nobody quite knows where they came from, but one theory is that they are a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Pekingese. In their teacup form, they are very small and known for their charming personality. They need a lot of grooming and quite a lot of vigilance in case they develop health issues.

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Teacup Pekingese

The Pekingese is a very popular breed of toy dog who originated in China and has been a companion to royalty over the years. Today, they are a beloved pet known for their outgoing and loving personality. The teacup version is even smaller than a regular Pekingese and can weigh just a few pounds. However, as always, the tradeoff is that they may experience serious health issues.

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Teacup Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier is closely related to the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. They have a very beautiful, long black-and-tan coat that is just as silky as the name suggests. They make great companions and have less energy than some other terriers, who can be a little overwhelming. The teacup version can weigh as light as three pounds and has the same health issues as other teacup types. 

Popular teacup mixed breeds (designer dogs)

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Teacup Maltipoo (Maltese and Toy Poodle)

The Maltipoo, or Maltese crossed with a Toy Poodle, has been an increasingly popular dog. They often bond strongly with their humans and can be very affectionate. They are also quite cute, with a puppy-like stature and fluffy fur for life. They are particularly prone to low blood sugar, so you have to be careful to feed them small meals regularly and monitor them.

Mary Swift / iStock/

Teacup Yorkipoo (Yorkie and Toy Poodle)

The teacup Yorkipoo is a cross between two very small dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy Poodle. The result is a very cute, very small dog with black and tan fur. Some of them weigh around five pounds, which is basically nothing in dog terms. They can make very good companions, but fair warning: They can be quite vocal.

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Teacup Peekapoo (Pekingese and Toy Poodle)

The teacup Peekapoo is a mix between the Pekingese and a Toy Poodle. They only grow to be around three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half pounds, and some people refer to them as “forever puppies.” They are very affectionate, docile, and often form strong bonds with their parents.

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Are teacup dogs healthy? Common health risks

Because teacup dogs are bred for their size and not their health, they have many ailments directly related to their size, including hypoglycemia, fragile bones, collapsed trachea, and even heart defects. These issues can be caused or worsened by poor breeding standards. 

To mitigate these risks, Dr. Warner advises pet parents to create a safe home environment. “Thanks to their fragile bones and vulnerable heads, it’s vitally important to keep teacup breeds away from hazards. Even jumping off the sofa can cause bone breaks, so installing ramps, using baby gates to block off dangerous areas, as well as using rugs on any slippery areas is essential.” Because the dogs are so small and often move around silently, putting a bell on their collar could prevent you from accidentally stepping on them, Dr. Warner says, adding that these small dogs can get cold very quickly, too.

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How to care for a teacup breed dog

A teacup dog often requires care that’s different from how you approach bigger kinds of dogs. They have very fast metabolisms combined with tiny stomachs, which means that many of them get low blood sugar. This can be life-threatening, so they need three to five very small, high-quality meals spaced out each day. Dr. Warner strongly advises pet parents to get specific food designed for small breeds. Additionally, you should monitor them for shaking, disorientation, or even fainting. 

Consult your vet for the best care. You should also proof your apartment or home, blocking off staircases and steep edges and monitoring all interactions with larger animals. For safety, you may need to keep your teacup crated when you aren’t home. Additionally, their bladders are tiny, so they may need to go outside very frequently. Finally, Dr. Warner says that they are prone to dental issues, so regular dental checks are recommended.

Ready to adopt?

There are tons of pets sitting in shelters and rescues, all ready to kick off their next chapter with someone who gets them. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a pet out there who’s the perfect fit, just waiting for the chance to meet you.

Start your search on Adopt a Pet, where you can filter pets by age, color, breed, and more.

Commonly asked questions about teacup dogs

How long do teacup dogs live?

A teacup dog can live for up to nine to 12 years, but this depends on whether or not they develop any of the health conditions associated with their breed and size. 

Are teacup dogs good for apartments?

Yes, due to their small size and minimal walking needs, teacup dogs can be good companions for those living in apartments and small spaces.

What is the smallest teacup dog breed?

Unsurprisingly, the teacup Chihuahua, weighing in at two to five pounds, is the smallest teacup dog.