These teeny-tiny teacup dog breeds are too cute for their own good! Here's what to know about these sweet-looking pups before buying one.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out why breeders created teacup dog breeds: People are naturally drawn to tiny, adorable creatures. It activates a nurturing role that compels us to feed, love and protect—whether it’s a human baby or one of the cutest dog breeds. “Somewhere along the line, someone realized that these little runts are actually quite cute and people like and will pay for cute,” says veterinarian Matthew McCarthy, DVM, the founder of Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in Middle Village, New York.
But while these miniature dog breeds have skyrocketed in popularity, the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize them, so there’s no breed standard for these pint-size pups. And they come with important considerations. Veterinary experts caution that virtually all tiny dog breeds have health issues that pop up now and then. However, teacup dog breeds are vulnerable to a host of health problems, such as hypoglycemia, respiratory issues from underdeveloped lungs, heart defects, fragile bones and more.
For a deeper dive, we spoke to Dr. McCarthy and veterinarian Alena Rice, DVM, the medical director of VCA Chicago North Animal Hospital. Read on for some of the most adorable teacup dog breeds you’ll ever see—plus expert advice about their health, costs and what to consider before bringing one home.
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Teacup Pomeranian
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A bright-eyed, smiling foxy face already makes a Pomeranian irresistibly cute. Underneath that posh exterior lies a bold and confident pooch. It’s not unheard of for this teacup dog breed to harass bigger dogs. Their bark is usually enough to drive away a rival for your attention. Adoring fans call them poms or pompoms. At just 3 to 7 pounds and half a foot tall, pompoms are definitely on the teensy-weensy side.
Teacup Maltese
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Who wouldn’t want to dote on this darling little angel? Regular-sized Maltese dogs top out at about 7 pounds and 7 to 9 inches tall, but their teacup siblings are even smaller: These miniature dogs weigh about 4 to 5 pounds and stand about 4 to 6 inches tall. Their big, black eyes and gumdrop noses will lure you into a puppy coma you never want to wake up from. But you should because Maltese don’t like riding solo. They’re the happiest when spending all their free time with you.
Teacup poodle
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The AKC recognizes three poodle sizes: toy, miniature and standard. Notably missing in that list of dog breeds: teacup poodles. That’s because the AKC doesn’t recognize any teacup breeds.
The toy size is most likely to be the parent breed of a teacup poodle because it is already a pocket-size pup at 4 to 6 pounds and less than 10 inches tall. No matter the size, these poodles are so versatile, they fit in with just about anyone’s lifestyle. They’re enthusiastic and curious about whatever you are doing, and they’re ready to go with you wherever you’re going.
Teacup Yorkie
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This teacup dog breed comes from Yorkshire terrier parents. Even though full-size Yorkies are classified as a toy breed and not a terrier by the AKC, they are true terriers at heart—independent, fearless, stubborn and brave. Plus, they offer a heaping dose of face-licking and snuggling companionship. They are 7 inches or shorter and weigh around 3 to 6 pounds.
Teacup shih tzu
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The Mandarin phrase shih tzu translates to “little lion”—a misnomer, given that shih tzus register between 9 and 16 pounds, and are just under 11 inches tall. Teacup shih tzus are even tinier: about 3 to 6 pounds and 6 inches tall.
They don’t show any fierce, lionlike traits either; you’re more likely to find one of these pups at your side or on your lap (asking, with its adoring eyes, for some petting). It is a dog that wants nothing more than to love and be loved.
Teacup pug
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Face it: Regular-size pugs are already cute, what with their irresistible wrinkles, round little bellies and soft snorts and snores. But teacup pugs? Multiply the “aww” factor by 10.
The standard pug is robust for a toy breed, weighing 14 to 18 pounds and standing just over a foot tall. The teacup variety, on the other hand, is only 2 to 4 pounds and about 6 to 8 inches tall. It’s the ideal breed for people who’d rather loaf around than join their four-legged friend on a 2-mile hike. But beware: Pugs of any size are prone to breathing problems and overheating, thanks to their short snouts.
Teacup Chihuahua
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The Chihuahua’s saucy personality is legendary, and it’s just as oversized in the teacup breed as it is in the standard. Sure, they can be nippy and cranky, but they’re likely showing their teeth to compensate for their slight size. Fiercely devoted to their family, these little yappers are expert watchdogs.
This tiny dog breed has either a delightfully long or short coat, plus giant, look-at-me eyes. And gosh darn it, it’s simply the cutest. The standard Chihuahua is 5 to 8 inches tall and about 6 pounds, while the teacup version is less than 6 inches tall and under 4 pounds.
Teacup beagle
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If things are just too quiet and you’re craving a talkative, cheerful and short-legged furry friend, the beagle might be the perfect match. These are pack dogs, and they will convey their sadness with howling if they’re not with other dogs or humans.
The AKC recognizes two beagle varieties: One is under 13 inches tall and under 20 pounds, while the other is a couple of inches higher and weighs between 20 and 30 pounds. How does the teacup breed compare? They stand under 13 inches tall and weigh about 15 to 18 pounds.
A beagle’s curiosity is scent-driven, and its urge to explore can be all-consuming. Luckily, this teacup dog breed probably won’t get too far due to its size, but you’ll need to keep it in your sights.
Teacup French bulldog
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That precious wrinkled mug, the comical bat ears and the compact little body are so stinkin’ cute. It’s hard to refrain from picking one up and snuggling its chunkiness. The standard French bulldog is already on the smaller side, as height goes. It’s just about a foot tall. Weight is another matter. The Frenchie is a solid cutie at just under 30 pounds. The teacup version of this dog breed stands under 11 inches and weighs less than 28 pounds.
They’re not athletes by any means, but they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation. They’re not much for conversation, preferring to watch and listen instead of bark, making them great apartment dogs.
Teacup papillon
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With their perky feathered ears and alert eyes, these honey-pies always look like they are eager and ready to go. The standard breed is lightweight at 5 to 10 pounds and 8 to 11 inches in height, and the teacup breed is even tinier than that.
Dainty? Yes. Shy? Not a chance! Papillons might look like the kind of lapdogs content to cuddle with their favorite human, but these pups are actually extroverted and like to mingle.
Teacup dachshund
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The dachshund breed has two sizes and three coat types to choose from: standard and miniature size, and smooth, wirehaired or longhaired. The standard is around 9 inches tall and can weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. The miniature is 5 to 6 inches tall and weighs up to 11 pounds. And the teacup? These teeny-weenies tend to be shorter than 5 inches and less than 11 pounds.
The AKC assigned dachshunds to the hound group for their ability to sniff out tunneling animals, such as rabbits.
Teacup Pekingese
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The Pekingese is cute and compact, weighing up to 15 pounds and standing around 6 to 9 inches tall. And the teacup version is even smaller than that.
Underneath all that fur is a notoriously confident pupster. Its roots can be traced back to the ruling classes of ancient China, where it enjoyed a regal life of luxury. The entitled attitude hasn’t been lost over the years, but it balances out nicely with their charming devotion to their human.
Teacup Brussels griffon
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Don’t let that frowny face fool you: Brussels griffons are sweet, sociable pets. And while this teacup dog breed displays an air of self-importance, it’s an affectionate pup that unabashedly sticks to its humans like glue.
Compact and portable, these little Ewoks pack a lot of humanlike personality into a tiny bundle. Standard Brussels griffons are 8 to 10 pounds and 7 to 10 inches tall, while teacup griffons are shorter and lighter. These little bearded pups can have a smooth or rough coat.
Teacup husky
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With thick hair and a friendly demeanor, the Siberian husky is a stunning breed no matter the size. But the standard (and only) version recognized by the AKC is big: This Russian dog breed can weigh anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds, and males are on the heavier side. They stand between 20 and 24 inches tall.
So what’s the smaller option? Miniature or teacup huskies. Miniature huskies—which also aren’t recognized by the AKC—weigh around 25 to 35 pounds and reach 14 to 17 inches in height. Teacup huskies are even smaller, though they won’t fit into a teacup or even an oversize mug. Keep in mind that there’s technically no such thing as “teacup” huskies, though you’ll find breeders selling tiny huskies by that name.
Teacup bichon frise
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Who wouldn’t want to have a gregarious and joyful cloudlike dog that lavishes unbridled affection on them? A perk beyond the undeniable cuteness: That curly coat is relatively hypoallergenic, cutting down on the achoo factor for those who suffer from allergies.
Standard bichons are between 12 and 18 pounds and 10 to 12 inches tall, while teacup bichons weigh only 4 to 10 pounds and stand at 6 to 10 inches tall. These sweet pups prefer to be busy in lieu of extended couch time. They make friends easily with humans and other pooches at the dog park or happily exchange smiles with strangers while walking down the street.
FAQs
What is a teacup dog?
Dogs that are less than 4 pounds and stand less than 17 inches tall are considered teacup dog breeds by most breeders. “Given these standards, there are six true teacup dog breeds: teacup Chihuahua, teacup Maltese, teacup poodle, teacup Pomeranian, teacup Yorkie and teacup shih tzu,” says Dr Rice.
Are teacup dogs bred ethically?
Unfortunately, the majority of teacup dogs are not ethically bred. Most come from the unscrupulous breeders of puppy mills, who breed dogs with health issues. The American Kennel Club, an advocate of responsible dog ownership, does not endorse teacup breeders nor recognize teacups as an official breed.
Of course, not all teacup breeders are unethical. “We do see teacup pups that seem to come from somewhat responsible breeders,” says Dr. McCarthy. “These so-called hobby breeders do it because they love the breed and do a reasonable amount of genetic testing and follow up with owners to see how the pups do.”
How are teacup dogs bred?
“Teacups come from the smallest puppies from a litter of toy breed dogs,” says Dr. Rice. And not all breeders are responsible. “Some breeders get teacup puppies from breeding sick dogs or dogs that were the runt of the litter.”
This can cause health issues in newborn pups and future generations. “If breeders continue to breed dogs with congenital issues, it can cause issues with the gene pool in that particular breed,” explains Dr. Rice.
Breeders may also choose the smallest puppies (runts) from other groups, such as a dachshund from the hound group, or even a Siberian husky from the working group. Teacup breeders may breed the runts with other runts, and some runts with their own siblings or parents. Inbreeding can raise the stakes for genetic disorders and other health issues.
Puppies may also be born prematurely and later bred to create tiny teacups. Worse, breeders purposely underfeed the pups to stunt their growth. In contrast, breeding two healthy dogs that aren’t known to be related typically produces healthier and stronger litters. New genetic material can fortify the next generation’s overall physical vitality, structure and temperament.
What are the common health concerns?
Teacups are prone to medical issues, due to their size and/or being born prematurely. “I have seen so-called teacup pups that are, in fact, either prematurely born puppies or just a lot younger than their listed age,” says Dr. McCarthy.
Treating tiny teacups can be challenging for dosing medicines and things like placing an intravenous catheter. Here are some other common health concerns with teacup dog breeds:
Liver shunts: “Liver shunts can cause puppies to be small because they are unhealthy and cannot thrive,” says Dr. Rice. “This can cause major issues later in life and decrease the lifespan of the dog.”
Fragile bones: Teacup dogs have very fragile bones that can break easily. “Since they are small, you may not see them and accidentally step on them. If they fall, they are also very prone to injury,” Dr. Rice says.
Decreased immunity: Teacups are more susceptible to infectious diseases, given their immature immune system, adds Dr. McCarthy.
Blood sugar issues: According to Dr. Rice, teacups are also prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). “They need to eat four to five meals per day.”
Appetite issues: “Being so young, these pups are less likely to know how to eat, hence their poor appetites and failure to thrive,“ says Dr. McCarthy.
How much do teacup dogs cost?
The teacup’s breed, location and breeder determine how much a teacup dog costs. Typically, you’ll pay between $750 and $2,000.
Should you buy a teacup dog breed?
Ask most canine experts, and they’ll tell you to avoid buying teacup dogs. Not only will you have to deal with higher vet bills, but you’ll be supporting unethical breeding practices that lead to unhealthy pups. Instead, consider buying a toy dog—they’re still adorably small but will be healthier and live longer.
About the experts
Matthew McCarthy, DVM, is a veterinarian and the founder and director of Juniper Valley Animal Hospital. He has over 26 years of experience in veterinary medicine.
Alena Rice, DVM, is a veterinarian and has been the medical director of VCA Chicago North Animal Hospital for eight years.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on teacup dog breeds, Lisa Marie Conklin tapped her experience covering pet behavior and training, and then we verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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