At some point during your childhood, you might have wished that your tiny stuffed-toy dog gets life and cuddles with you.
Well, the good news is, the dog breeders have granted your wish in the form of teacup dog breeds!
At first glance, these lovesome itsy-bitsy creatures appear to be moving toys. The best thing about the Teacups is that their size remains the same throughout their lives. There are a variety of weensy breeds in the market. Here, we have chosen 11 most popular Teacups for you to look at.
1. Teacup Pomeranian
You might have seen Teacup Pomeranians on the social profiles of popular American celebrities like Paris Hilton, Kelly Osbourne, Nicole Richie, to name a few. The ancestors of Teacups Poms were popular as herding and working dogs. In the 19th century, the trends changed and small Pomeranians came under the limelight. Afterward, breeders kept on decreasing their size so much that they can now fit in a teacup today!
2. Teacup Poodle
Poodles are adorable in all sizes, but a mini poodle tops the list. Miniature poodles were developed in the early 20th century. They have short curly hair and are hypoallergenic, making them the best choice for allergic apartment dwellers. Even though they have small sizes, their energy levels are high; to keep them fit and healthy, you will have to give them time and tools for exercise and other physical activities.
And just so you know, our favorite star Ellen Pompeo from Grey’s Anatomy owns two mini poodles.
3. Teacup Beagle
Mini Beagles can, without any exaggeration, easily fit a purse!
They weigh around 7 to 15 pounds and have a size of 13 inches. Originating in England, their ancestors were pocket-sized, and all other sizes are developed by cross-breeding of different breeds. While their ancestors loved to be outdoors, the Toy Beagles love to stay indoors. These pooches come in different colors such as brown, black, and white; satiny chocolate and milk-white; and dusky lemon and white, etc. If we prepare a list of the most adorable Teacup dog breeds, Beagles will surely secure a prominent spot on the list.
4. Teacup Maltese
Maltese are by far the most ancient dogs known to humans since 1000 B.C. In older times, they were considered as a sign of royalty; ladies wishing to exude superiority would pick them up as accessories.
Teacup Maltese are 2 to 4 pounds in weight, have low energy levels, and prefer to cuddle their owners all time.
In 40 A.D., the Roman Governor of Malta had a Maltese named Issa. The poet Marcus Valerius Martialis described Issa as:
“Issa is more frolicsome than Catulla’s sparrow. Issa is purer than a dove’s kiss. Issa is gentler than a maiden. Issa is more precious than Indian gems… Lest the last days that she sees light should snatch her from him forever, Publius has had her picture painted.”
5. Teacup Pomsky
Pomskies are the crossbreed of Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians. Being the brood of Huskies, Pomskies possess qualities of both the breeds. From Huskies, they inherited high energy levels, stubbornness, and barking tendencies; from Pomeranians, they inherited a calm nature. Secondly, they tend to woof a lot because both huskies and Pomeranians do that often.
Since they are high-energy dogs, they need a lot of time for running and playing. If they don’t get time or attention, they get bored, and throw mood tantrums. Teacup Pomskies are lively in nature; they are true darlings when they bark like dogs and howl like wolves. Their stomachs are sensitive due to their small sizes, a proper feeding routine should be developed to avoid digestion issues.
6. Teacup Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies were already quite popular in standard sizes, but their Teacup breed received more love and adulation than their big brothers. Yorkies weigh only 2 to 4 pounds, and you can literally pick them in one hand. Like Pomskies, they are very vocal—be ready for their barks and howls.
Yorkshires have smooth hair and are hypoallergenic—they don’t shed much. If you are susceptible to dog allergies, Teacup Yorkies will be a good choice for you. Owing to their Terrier ancestry, they also have a very protective nature.
7. Bichon Frise
Noted for their soft and fluffy coat, Bichon Frises are like living stuffed animals. They are also known as “curly lap-dogs.” Frises are tiny and have fragile bodies. They don’t tend to bark as long as you are giving them enough attention. They don’t shed much; therefore, they should only be brushed two or three times a week. They need a bath every week. Miniature Bichons weigh 7 to 12 pounds and have a size of 9 to 12 inches.
8. Chihuahua
In the cuteness-filled world of toy breeds, miniature Chihuahuas are the tiniest dogs. They are pretty popular dogs in the US. If you are an Ariantor (Ariana Grande’s fan), you’d know that her favorite dog, Toulouse, is also a Chihuahua. They are also subjects of popular memes, thanks to their cute faces.
Huahuas are intelligent and need daily mental stimulation to stay active. They have sensitive skin and are susceptible to catching a cold. Miniature Chihuahuas are very fragile, needing proper care and grooming. If you have young or overly energetic kids at home, let them hold Huahuas only under your supervision.
9. Teacup Pug
Just like the other tiny dog breeds, pugs are mainly apartment dogs. They have lower exercise needs and prefer to spend their days on a couch, cuddling their masters. Pugs are noted for their eating tendencies; to prevent obesity in them, you should not let them overeat. They respond well to training, especially when you are giving them yummy treats. Tiny pugs weigh only 3 to 10 pounds. They come in the combination of pure black and fawn.
10. Teacup Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are titled “the Divas of the dog world”. Shih Tzus have a flexible nature, making them a good option for first-time dog owners. They belong to the companion dog breeds group. These dogs were bred by Tibetan monks and gifted to the Chinese royalty later. They have long luscious hair, but due to their non-shedding skin, they are hypoallergenic—that is, they do not shed. Since Shih Tzus have low-energy levels and are fragile and very sensitive to heat, you will have to keep them indoors. But if the weather allows it, they can be good companions for short walks.
11. Teacup Papillon
Thanks to breeders for developing this tiny little bundle of joy. Granted that their other breed sizes are also adorable, but toy Papillons surely win the race when it comes to cuteness.
In French, ‘”Papillon” means butterfly. They are named so because they have ears shaped like the open wings of a butterfly. Papillons were initially bred as companions for noblewomen. For years, it has been a center of attention at English Royal courts.
Keeping Teacup dog breeds will imbue your home with all colors of the rainbow—fun, happiness, activity, and affection. However, owing to their tiny size and fragile body, you will have to accord extra care and attention to them.
Lastly, a fun fact. Teacup dogs are not recognized and endorsed by AKC as they do not fulfill the standard size requirements.