Teacup dogs are loved for their petite size and loving personality. These miniature canines are smaller than their standard-sized counterparts. There are many different types of teacup dogs and no two breeds are exactly alike.
Teacup dogs are created through selective breeding. They make wonderful companions and lap dogs. Having a playful energy, these loving pooches form strong bonds with their owners. Teacup dogs are unique in terms of personality and physical traits.
Some teacup dogs have luxurious coats that need a lot of grooming to keep looking beautiful. Many of them are hypoallergenic and shed minimally, making ideal pets for allergy sufferers. The American Kennel Club does not recognize teacup dog breeds.
Have a look at these top 7 affectionate teacup dog breeds that make perfect companions.
Top 7 Affectionate Teacup Dog Breeds: Perfect Companions
1. Maltese
Teacup Maltese are intelligent and eager to please dogs. Maltese are one of the oldest dog breeds who were bred as companions. Their teacup version is created through selective breeding and it exhibits same behavioral and physical traits as its standard-sized counterparts.
This small dog breed can be easily recognzied by its fluffy white coat, dark eyes, and gumdrop nose. Despite their aristocratic bearing, Maltese are adaptable dogs who adjsut well in variety of households. These fearless little dogs make excellent watchdogs, explains the American Kennel Club.
Their social nature means they are happy to make new friends of all ages. Sometimes they can be willful, but respond best to positive reinforcement methods. Teacup Maltese are also loved for their eye-catching hypoallergenic and low shedding coat.
They need daily gentle brushing and grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Maltese are full of energy but need minimal exercise.
2. Pomeranian
Teacup Pomeranians have a distinctive double coat that gives them fluffy and furry appearance. Pomeranians were originally bred as sled dogs, but were reduced to a toy dog breed via selective breeding. Teacup Poms are mini version of the standard Pomeranian.
These little dogs are packets of energy knwon for their nimble, active, and playful personalities. Teacup Poms may be smaller in size, but carry the same confidence as their standard sized counterparts. Sometimes, they can suffer from small dog syndrome.
They think that they can be guard dogs and may start fights with larger dogs due to their positive self-image. These extroverted and intelligent dogs are loyal and protective of their family members. When their needs are not met, they can suffer from separation anxiety and boredom.
Teacup Poms are easy to train and eager to learn dogs, but tend to have a stubborn streak. It’s better to establish a strong bond with them first and then start training. Also, keep the sessions short and positive.
3. Havanese
Havanese are loving and intelligent dogs known for their long silky coat. Weighing no more than a few pounds, teacup Havanese are extroverted canines with a fun personality. According to PetMD, they are highly affectionate and behave well with children and other pets.
Teacup Havanese bond quickly with their humans and do not like being left alone. They are prone to separation anxiety. Havanese are well suited for apartment living, but can be a bit vocal. Proper training and socialization can help overcome this behavior.
Havanese are very smart so can be trained easily. They have a playful spirit and learn best with positive reinforcement based training. Their beautiful coat needs lots of grooming to stay in top notch condition. For relatively easier grooming, you can opt for a ‘puppy cut.’
Havanese have an alert nature and make wonderful watchdogs. They are the happiest when they get to spend time with their owners.
4. Papillon
Papillons are happy and alert dogs having an upbeat enthusiasm. Butterfly ears, plumed tail, and silky coat give this dainty toy dog breed an elegant appearance. Paps are the dogs for all seasons as they thrive in both warm or cool climates.
Teacup Papillons are quite adaptable and adjust well to variety of environments including apartment life. They were bred as companions and thrive on human interaction. Left alone for too long, Papillons can develop separation anxiety.
Paps make great family pets and get along well with children, but may be shy around strangers. Early socialization is important to overcome their defensive tendencies. These versatile dogs love to please their owners and are well suited for various activities.
Papillons need surprisingly little grooming as they lack an undercoat. A small child can hurt this little pup very easily.
5. Silky Terrier
Silky Terrier is one of the best small dog breeds from Australia, with a long and shiny coat. Teacup Silky Terriers are keenly alert and friendly dogs who behave well around children and other pets. Their coat looks a lot like human hair.
The Silky Terrier’s coat should be brushed at least twice a week with a pin brush or a soft bristle brush. These sturdy and charming companions are very enthusiastic about the world around them, explains WebMD. Teacup Silky Terriers are highly affectionate to their owners.
Silky Terriers have greater energy requirements than many other toy dog breeds. You can channel their energy in positive way by taking them out for walks or engaging them in various dog sports. They ca adapt to any living environment.
However, owners should have enough time to dedicate to these pups. The breed has a strong prey drive, so keep them on leash when walking outside.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies have a reputation for being snooty purse dogs. Underneath the glossy, floor-length coat hides the typical old-time terrier. Their hypoallergenic coat looks a lot like human hair and requires similar care. Yorkies make excellent watch dogs.
Teacup Yorkies have affectionate personalities and they are very loyal to their owners. These intelligent and eager to please dogs who love their owners. Their tomboyish personality and beautiful coat can easily melt your heart.
If their coat is kept long, it needs to be brushed every day. To prevent eye irritation, the hair on the upper part of their head can be tied up into an adorable topknot. Teacup Yorkies also need a bath every week or so.
7. Toy Poodle
Teacup Poodles are affectionate, highly trainable, and moderately energetic dogs. They make perfect pets for families looking for a companion dog without seriously high exercise and maintenance needs. Teacup Poodles are intelligent dogs with beautiful coats.
Their hypoallergenic coats are prone to minimal shedding, which is a great news for allergy sufferers. Learn how to brush your Poodle’s coat daily or clip it into a short trim. Teacup Poodles are very intelligent and sociable so they make new friends easily.
These pups get firmly attached to their owners and can be often seen following them from room to room. They can even developseparation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Teacup Poodles have a friendly disposition and get along nicely with everyone.
Conclusion
Teacup dog breeds are smaller in size than their standard-sized counterparts, but possess similar behavioral and physical traits. They are loved for their petite size and big personalities. Teacup dogs can be carried anywhere due to their small size and are often referred to as ‘purse dogs.’
They are loyal and affectionate to their owners and make wonderful lap dogs. Their ability to form strong bonds with their owners make them prone to separation anxiety. Due to their tiny stature, they are not well suited for homes with small and rambunctious kids.
