Tiny but mighty, designer teacup dog breeds are the darlings of the pet world—often seen tucked in celebrity handbags or posing like models on Instagram. These pint-sized pups may be small in stature, but they’re overflowing with personality, charm, and yes, luxury!
A mix of two purebred parents, designer teacups are bred to be irresistibly cute and extra cuddly. But don’t let their size fool you—these little dogs come with big hearts and even bigger opinions. Perfect for apartment living and ideal for people who want a low-shedding, affectionate companion, designer teacup breeds are more than just a fashion statement—they’re loyal, intelligent, and make loving companions.
Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or a first-time dog owner, these tiny trendsetters are hard to resist. We’ll introduce you to the most popular designer teacup puppies, their unique personalities, and what you need to know before welcoming one into your home. Spoiler alert: they might be small, but they’ll take up a huge part of your heart.
Designer Teacup Dog Breeds
1. Yorkipoo
What do you get when you cross the elegance of a teacup Yorkie with the brains and bounce of a teacup Poodle? You get the Yorkipoo — a teacup-sized firecracker with a top-tier personality and a hairstyle that could rival any celebrity.
These pups are featherlight at 3–15 pounds, with fluffy or curly coats, bright, expressive eyes, and button noses you can’t resist booping. They look like the softest cupcake come to life.
This little charmer is smart, playful, and unapologetically dramatic. Yorkipoos love being the center of attention — and honestly, why shouldn’t they be? With their expressive eyes and “I know I’m cute” attitude, they’ll win over your heart (and probably your pillow).
Why You’ll Love a Yorkipoo
✔ Hypoallergenic & low-shedding = less sneezing, more smooching
✔ Always on the go — but never too far from your lap
✔ Thinks they’re 10 feet tall in a 5-pound frame
Fun Fact: Yorkipoos often develop a signature bark that sounds like they’re throwing shade. It’s both hilarious and effective.
2. Maltipoo
Part teacup Maltese, part Poodle, and 100% sweetheart — the Maltipoo is what happens when you cross fluff with feelings. They’re soft, squishy, and so affectionate, you’d think they were handcrafted by Cupid himself.
The Maltipoo is the kind of dog that makes people stop you in the street to ask, “Is that a real dog or a plush toy?” They’re small — typically 10 to 20 pounds — but packed with playful energy and affection. Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix or heading to brunch, your Maltipoo will be your VIP plus-one.
Purina notes that, judging by the two breeds that make up the Maltipoo, it’s evident this is a small companion dog that thrives on training and playtime, but above all, loves spending time with their owner.
Maltipoos are gentle, loyal, and just dramatic enough to keep things interesting. They’re the kind of toy dog that melts into your arms like a marshmallow left in the sun, and their favorite hobbies include cuddling, posing for pictures, and being told they’re adorable (which they already know).
Why You’ll Love a Maltipoo
✔ Sweet-tempered and perfect for families
✔ Smart enough to learn tricks… and use them to get treats
✔ Great emotional support during Netflix marathons
Fun Fact: Maltipoos are so charming, people often forget what they were doing and just start taking photos. (They’re okay with that.)
3. Westiepoo
What happens when you combine a West Highland White Terrier and a Poodle? You get the Westiepoo, a fluffy, smart, and super-social sidekick who looks like a teddy bear and acts like a stand-up comic.
This fluffball usually weighs 20–30 pounds and features a wavy or curly coat that’s soft and huggable. Add in those button eyes and upright ears, and you’ve got a dog who looks like a walking stuffed animal with bounce.
Westiepoos are always ready for action — or attention. They’re one of the most intelligent dog breeds
and love learning new tricks (especially if there’s a treat at the end). With their signature wavy coat and playful personality, these tiny dogs turn any boring afternoon into a cuteness overload.
Why You’ll Love a Westiepoo
✔Very low maintenance dog + high-energy = fun without the fur storm
✔ Cuddles like a pro, zoomies like an Olympian
✔ Always photo-ready with that Insta-fluff vibe
Fun Fact: Westiepoos often tilt their head when you talk to them. Not because they’re confused — they just like to look extra cute while ignoring your commands.
4. Morkie
Mix a Maltese with a Yorkshire Terrier, and you get the Morkie — a glamorous little floof with Hollywood looks and a diva heart. This toy breeds are tiny teddy bears, but don’t let that fool you — they’re also brave enough to bark at a breeze if it gets too sassy.
Tiny but oh-so-glam, Morkies typically weigh 4–7 pounds and boast a flowy, silky hair that can make anyone jealous. Their big eyes, tiny nose, and dainty paws are just unfair levels of cute. Bonus: their hair can be styled like a runway model’s.
Morkies are affectionate dogs with a playful nature and a little bit dramatic (but in the best way). Whether they’re curled up on your lap or parading through the living room like it’s a runway, Morkies keep life interesting — and adorable.
Why You’ll Love a Morkie
✔ Soft as a cloud, tough as nails (in their mind)
✔ Loves you more than your ex ever did
✔ Ideal for laps, selfies, and emotional support during shopping sprees
Fun Fact: A Morkie doesn’t nap — they get beauty sleep.
5. Shorkie Tzu
Meet the Shorkie Tzu — a dazzling mix of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier that proves being small doesn’t mean being subtle. The Shorkie is a relatively new crossbreed and is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
This furball is a lion in a teacup. Fiercely loyal, fashionably fluffy, and not afraid to bark at anything bigger than them (which is… almost everything).
Small and sassy, the Shorkie Tzu usually weighs between 7–16 pounds and rocks a luxurious, silky coat that screams “tiny royalty.” With big round eyes and a perky little face, these small dogs always look like they’re ready for a photoshoot — or a bark-off with the mailman.
As per PetMD, the Shorkie has a coat similar to human hair that can grow quite long. They shed very little and are often seen as hypoallergenic, although it’s important to note that no dog is completely free of allergens.
They’re the ultimate lap dog with a splash of sass. Shorkie Tzus want to be near you at all times — and by “near,” we mean on top of you, in your lap, or tangled in your hair.
Why You’ll Love a Shorkie Tzu
✔ Compact but full of confidence
✔ Cuddly with a tiny splash of drama
✔ Looks like a teddy bear, acts like a tiny security guard
Fun Fact: They have no idea how small they are. Absolutely none.
6. Shiffon
A mix between a Shih Tzu and a Brussels Griffon, the Shiffon is the dog world’s version of that cool friend who’s effortlessly chic. These pups are sweet, affectionate, and have a little bit of that “old soul in a baby face” thing going on.
Think of the Shiffon as a toy-sized teddy bear with attitude. Weighing around 8–15 pounds, these pups have a short muzzle, expressive eyes, and often an adorable underbite that gives them their signature “I’m not mad, just disappointed” look.
They’re gentle, charming, and love being pampered. They invented the phrase “spoil me or else.” Their coat can range from wavy to curly, often soft, smooth, and snuggly.
Why You’ll Love a Shiffon
✔ Always gives “main character” energy
✔ Great for snuggles, strolls, and selfies
✔ Quiet, sensitive, and a little bit mysterious (just like your favorite indie movie)
Fun Fact: The Shiffon’s underbite and serious expression make it look like it’s always judging your life choices. (It probably is.)
7. Cavachon
Now entering: your forever best friend in fluff form — the Cavachon, an adorable mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. This breed is pure sunshine. They’re friendly, gentle, and have a talent for melting hearts faster than ice cream on a summer day.
Fluffy, friendly, and fabulous, the Cavachon weighs around 15–20 pounds and sports a soft, medium-length coat — sometimes straight, sometimes curly. They have large, round eyes, a sweet face, and the kind of wagging tail that makes everyone melt.
Cavachons love people, other pets, and anything that moves and could give them attention. They’re easy-going, always cheerful, and come with a natural talent for turning any room into a love fest.
As per ASPCA, these dogs have separation anxiety and don’t do well when left alone for long periods, but having another dog or even a cat around can help keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
Why You’ll Love a Cavachon
✔ Gets along with everyone — humans, dogs, even cats (maybe)
✔ Low-shedding & hypoallergenic coat, aka the golden ticket for allergy-prone dog lovers
✔ Always smiling — and it’s contagious
Fun Fact: Cavachons will follow you everywhere. Even into the bathroom. Especially into the bathroom.
Conclusion
Designer teacup dog breeds, including the teacup Chihuahuas, teacup pugs, and mini dachshunds, have gained popularity due to their small stature and loving nature. These dogs, often seen as adorable companions, typically have floppy ears and a small size, making them an attractive choice for apartment dwellers or those looking for a medium-coated dog. However, the allure of teacup breeds comes with health concerns, including poor health from unscrupulous breeders who prioritize size over health, leading to health problems such as heart conditions and joint issues.
Despite their adorable appearance, teacup varieties can suffer from serious issues due to their breeding practices. Many of these dogs require at least an hour of mental stimulation and regular exercise to stay healthy, but their stubborn streak can make training difficult. It’s crucial to choose a dog from a rescue organization or a reputable breeder to avoid the risks associated with purchasing from an unethical source, including potential breathing issues. Vet bills for teacup breeds can be expensive, particularly if the dog suffers from congenital issues that arise from poor breeding practices. As with any breed, it is important to provide them with a healthy environment, consistent care, and love.
