They say good things come in small packages, and teacup dogs might be the cutest proof. But don’t let the size fool you, these pint-sized pups can come with hefty price tags and even heavier responsibilities. They’re not recognized by the American Kennel Club, yet they’re all over your feed, living the luxe life and racking up likes.
But here’s the real tea: these tiny dogs aren’t just trending; they’re also fragile. Teacup breeds are often bred for size over health, which can lead to serious medical issues down the line. So before you get swept away by the cuteness overload, remember: being a dog parent is about love and care, not just Insta-glam.
If you’re still thinking about bringing one home, make sure it’s for the right reasons and from the right breeders. These miniature fluffballs deserve nothing less.
Best Teacup Dog Breeds That Will Fill Your Heart But Empty Your Wallet
Here are some miniature pups and teacup dogs that will capture your heart in an instant, rule your home like tiny Napoleons, and warm your soul with their presence:
1. Chihuahua
Height: Less than 5 inches
Weight: Less than 6 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: It is available in smooth and short or long-haired varieties, with variations of black, blue, tan, cream, and many more colour options
Life Span: 14-18 Years
Who would have thought that the tiny dogs with a mighty attitude could even get smaller than they already are? ‘Teacup Chihuahuas’ are such a tiny version of the standard Chihuahuas that they can even fit in your coffee mugs. These unique pocket-sized dynamos that are usually the runts of the litter are the ultimate paradox: 90% confidence and 10% dog.
If you are thinking of adopting them, you need to be aware of their energetic and confident side. Because they can capture your hearts but can also take control and rule your home like it’s their kingdom. Descendants of the ancient techichi and companions of the Aztec Nobles.
Chihuahuas now rule modern couches with an iron paw. This furry pup could beat the Khaleesi and take the Iron Throne. Teacup Chihuahuas cost thousands and are an expensive dog breed to own.
Health Problems:
Teacup Chihuahuas are prone to several health issues, like:
Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar
Patellar Luxation
Rheumatism – Fragile bones
Heart diseases like Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus and Hip dysplasia Make sure to take your tiny teacup dogs for regular exercise and hospital visits to prevent poor health and higher vet bills.
2. Maltese
Height: Less than 7 inches
Weight: Less than 7 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: It is available in a single-layered White Coat with Silky Hair
The teacup Maltese is the ancient dog of Malta. This magnificent teacup variety with its long silky white coats looks like a miniature sophisticated king. The Maltese is a great toy-like watchdog. These pups might be tiny, but they have a big attitude and an elegant persona.
These tiny aristocrats have been lounging on royal laps since ancient Greece. Mary Queen of Scots allegedly hid one under her skirts during her execution, which proves that even in the time of tragedy, the Maltese demands center stage.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) acknowledges these high-maintenance fashionistas as toy dogs. They need daily brushing and frequent grooming, which, if not provided, will turn their silky fur into a dreadlock sculpture titled “I Gave Up.”
Surprisingly, beneath all this sass and glamour lies a feisty vermin hunter that will chase a dust bunny like it’s the holy grail. These tiny teacup puppies are affectionate dogs that make great family pets, cost thousands of dollars, but are still so worth it.
Health Problems:
PDSA reports these ancient and noble teacup puppies are prone to several health issues, like:
Liver Shunt or Portosystemic Shunt
Patellar Luxation
Dental Problems
Collapsed Trachea
Hypothyroidism and Glaucoma
3. Pekingese
Height: Less than 6-9 inches
Weight: Less than 14 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: It is available in a long, thick double coat, in a variation of gold, red, or sable, sometimes black and white, or many more colours
Life Span: 12-14 Years
These tiny pooches used to travel in the sleeves of the Chinese emperors, not because they couldn’t walk, but because peasants weren’t worthy of their gaze. With a face that is flatter than a pancake and a mane that makes them look like mini lions, these Pekingese are the ultimate lapdogs.
This breed is a mix of the pug and the shih tzu. Hence, it has the brachycephalic syndrome, due to which they have breathing issues which can also need treatment according the ASPCA.
These loud snorers hate exercise and working out, and they have no reason to, because they receive royal protocol wherever they go. Beneath their long, glamorous coat lies a dog that has perfected the side eye centuries ago before it went viral, and an ignorant snob who doesn’t care about your existence unless you have a treat to offer.
Quick Fun Fact:
When the British looted the Summer Palace in 1860, five Pekes were found in the palace, which were gifted to Queen Victoria. Historians suspect they immediately demanded a throne upgrade.
Health Problems:
These rare teacup Pekingese are prone to several health disorders, like:
The intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, dry eye, and corneal ulcers
Heart Problems like Mitral Valve Disease
Skin Infections and Allergies
4. Pomeranian
Height: Less than 8-14 inches
Weight: Less than 7 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Soft and fluffy double coat with variations of red, black, brown, cream, or white with patches of brown or black colour
Life Span: 12-16 Years (12 years for teacups and up to 16 years for toys)
This foxy fluff ball originated in the Pomerania Region of Central Europe, which is now part of modern-day Germany and Poland. These pocket-sized drama queens are the descendants of some mighty big dogs with pointy ears, mainly the arctic sled dogs like the Alaskan Malamute, German Spitz, Keeshond, Siberian Husky, and the Samoyed.
Originally, Pomeranians used to be much larger and were used as herders, guards, hunters, and even sled dogs. But they didn’t relate to their roles and didn’t want to be identified as sled dogs. Hence, they soon transformed from 30-pound herders to 3-pound Instagram stars, proving that size doesn’t matter when you’ve got attitude.
The AKC explains that Pomeranians were loved by Queen Victoria, who brought home a particularly small red Pomeranian named ‘Marco’ in 1888 from her trip to Italy. They have also served as royal wingmen for Mozart and Michelangelo. Temperament-wise, pomeranians are professional attention thieves with a tendency to bark at invisible enemies.
Their fluffy double coat requires frequent grooming and maintenance; if not done consistently, you risk your home becoming a snow globe of fur. They are a surprisingly tough dog breed that can survive arctic winters and modern-day toddlers with equal gusto.
Health Problems:
These teacup puppies are also prone to health disorders like the other breeds, but mostly die because of age-related issues like:
Heart Disease and Cardiac Abnormalities
Cancer
Kidney Failure
Mild or Severe Deafness or Reproductive Abnormalities
Colobomas and Skeletal Abnormalities
5. Shih Tzu
Height: Less than 9-10.5 inches
Weight: Less than 9-16 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: It is available in a long, flowing, luxurious double coat with variations of gold, silver, black, blue, white, and brindle colour
Life Span: 10-18 Years
The Shih Tzu is another popular contender among the teacup breeds. These teacup puppies inherently have a flat face, due to which they are prone to health problems like the brachycephalic airway syndrome. The Shih Tzu originated in Ancient China, these modern teacup puppies were probably developed from the Tibetan dog breeds like the Lhasa Apso.
The teacup dogs were bred to cuddle with the emperors of China. They were so revered in ancient China that they were never sold but only gifted to foreign dignitaries as the ultimate flex and symbols of wealth and prosperity.
Shih Tzu was bred to resemble a lion, which is an important symbol of Buddhist mythology, and its name means ‘little lion’ in Mandarin, but they are as ferocious as a marshmallow wearing a crown. These dogs have extremely beautiful and expressive eyes that seem like they are staring into your soul.
Health Problems:
The Teacup Shih Tzus are produced by cross-breeding the Shih Tzus with other small dog breeds or selective breeding of the runt of Shih Tzu litters repeatedly to achieve their smaller than normal size. But because of this, the puppies born can have several more health problems than the normal, Shih Tzu like:
Heart Disease
Liver Shunts or Portosystemic Shunts (PSS)
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
Fragile Bones.
Back Problems & Patellar Luxation
Dental & Gum Problems
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Height: Less than 7-8 inches
Weight: Less than 7 pounds
Energy Level: High
Coat: White with mild shadings of buff, cream, or apricot
Life Span: 7-16 Years ( 7-9 years for teacup and 13-16 Years for toy)
Originally bred to chase vermin in Victorian Mills, the teacup Yorkies now chase after crumbs on your couch while rocking a blowout that would even make Beyoncé jealous. These small dogs have survived world wars. Smoky, a 4-pound Yorkie, dragged communications cables through war zones, and if that doesn’t speak of their courage, I don’t know what does.
The Yorkshire terrier originated in England, but don’t let their silky exterior and glam look fool you, cause beneath all those silken layers lies a feisty little rascal, with perky ears and spunky attitude.
The teacup Yorkie is ideal for many people; these affectionate and agile dogs are loved by fashionistas to nobles, and even the common folk. Although you need to train them sooner to avoid “tiny dog syndrome”. Otherwise, they’ll challenge the great dane to duels and lose dramatically.
Health Problems:
The teacup yorkie, which is even tinier and weighs much less than its normal breed standard, which is a minimum of 4 pounds. These tiny puppies that weigh even less than 4 pounds face several health issues, according to WebMD, they are prone to:
Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar
Dental Issues like Gum Disease, Plaque Buildup, or Tooth Decay
Genetic Disorders: like Liver shunts and eye problems
Collapsed Trachea
Luxating Patella
7. Bichon Frise
Height: Less than 10 inches
Weight: Less than 12 pounds
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: White with mild shadings of buff, cream, or apricot
Life Span: 12-15 Years
Bichon Frise, pronounced (beee-SHON-free-ZAY), roughly translates into “curly lapdog” in French. The Bichon Frise is a close relative of the ancient Maltese dog. According to the CKCUSA, the Bichon is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, specifically its roots can be traced back to the Canary Islands in the 13th Century.
Its ancestors include Bichon Tenerife, which was popular among European nobles, particularly in Spain, Italy, and France. They are the descendants of the barbet and the water spaniel.
Bichons were famous as royal lapdogs. King Henry III of France was so in love with his Bichons that he carried them wherever he went in a basket held by neck ribbons.
They are one of the best teacup dog breeds because of their hypoallergenic coats, which is a blessing. They have a gentle and playful demeanour, are intelligent, funny, and adorable. If you love stashing stuffed toys in your home, then this Bichon will be the perfect fit for you, cause they are the ultimate fluffy cotton balls with pristine snow-white curls. That will make you fall in love with them.
Health Problems:
These adorable teacup puppies who have survived the renaissance and the French Revolution are pretty resilient and sturdy as a dog, but the modern-day teacup version of the bichon frise suffers a variety of health issues like:
Allergies & Cardiac issues
Congenital and Orthopedic disorders like Luxating Patellas
Cataracts and other eye problems
Autoimmune Issues & Hormonal Disorders
Cancer & Dental Issues
Ear Infections & Bladder Infections
Conclusion
The teacup puppies must be bought or adopted from reputable breeders because many miniature pooches are prone to health concerns, like respiratory problems, hypoglycemia, broken bones, digestive problems, and hydrocephalus. Teacup dogs are extremely fragile and require a delicate touch. Hence, make sure to feed your fur baby with frequent healthy meals on time. Protect them from larger aggressive dogs and birds of prey, take them out for a stroll in the dog park, work out their tiny muscles, and get them medically tested by a trusted Vet to keep their health in check.
It is to be noted that “Teacup” is not a recognized term or breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). According to the organization, the small dog breeds are categorized as toy breeds. The term “teacup” is only a marketing tactic that sellers use to attract buyers. These small dogs are extremely tiny versions of the smaller dog breeds.
Moreover, some unscrupulous breeders who prioritize profit over animal welfare are known to use dangerous breeding practices like inbreeding, overbreeding and breeding for extreme physical features, which have caused severe harm to several precious dog breeds like teacup pugs, and shih tzus face respiratory problems like Brachycephalic airway syndrome because of their inherent flattened faces, similarly many teacup varities like mini dachshunds, beagles also face spinal problems like the invertebrated disk disease and herniated disks that can severely affect the quality of life in dogs.
