We all love teacup dogs for their pocket-friendly size and extremely adorable looks, but are they suitable as family dogs or pets? Teacup doggos are bred to be smaller than their breeds’ standard sizes and are mostly developed to be friendly and sociable pets.
While these pooches need special care with their small size and fragile bones, they make loving dogs to owners who spend time forming a bond with them.
If you live in a shared living space or an apartment, these tiny dogs are an amazing choice for you, as they don’t need vigorous outdoor exercise or a lot of space to stay happy.
If you’re considering adopting a teacup doggo, here are 7 breeds you should know about.
Most Loving Teacup Dog Breeds
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are beautiful and affectionate dogs loved worldwide among dog fanciers for their long, silky coat and cute face. While some pet parents trim and style their hair, Yorkies need regular brushing and occasional bathing to stay dirt-free.
Having a teacup Yorkie can feel like the most magical experience, as they’d look like fluffy puppies with huge personalities. Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred and used to hunt rats in mills and were later adopted by Victorian ladies as companions, according to the AKC.
Despite being a small dog breed, they are never dull and are full of quirks and a love for playing.
Yorkies will enjoy indoor play sessions, as well as short walks outdoors, so they can show off their cuteness. They’re amazing lap dogs for laid-back owners and live well with other pets as well.
2. Toy Poodle
We all love Poodles for their curly, hypoallergenic coats and playful, gentle temperaments. Toy Poodles are the smallest version of this breed and look like stuffed toys with their fluffy double coat. As teacup dogs, they’re perfect for people who don’t have a huge living space to keep large dogs.
Poodles originated from Germany, as per PetMD, while their small versions (toy and Miniature) were bred down from the standard ones. They were originally bred as water dogs and were used in duck hunting; they’re still great companions for swimmers, but small pups need to be taken care of in water.
Curious and high-spirited, teacup Poodles can fill any home with love and smiles. Their curly coats need a lot of upkeep to stay tangle-free; taking them occasionally to a professional groomer will make things easier for you.
3. Shih Tzu
As a breed that was developed to be an adoring and watchful companion of Chinese royals, the Shih Tzu is an elegant breed that lives lovingly with its owners. Teachup Shih Tzus are equally loving as the standard ones and bring extra cuteness in a smaller package.
This toy breed has also been called “little lion” for its lion-like mane and appearance. According to Britannica, Tibetan monks would frequently gift these pooches to Chinese royals, as the lion is a prominent symbol in Buddhism.
Adaptable but fun-loving, the Shih Tzu is a good choice of dog for first-time owners and apartment dwellers. They live well in moderate weather and should be taken extra care of when it’s too hot or too cold.
4. Maltese
Maltese are one of the prettiest toy dogs, loved for their silky white coat and people-friendly nature. These small animals are surprisingly alert and make good watchdogs as well as doting lap dogs.
Despite being small dogs, Maltese enjoy some moderate daily physical activity, though they can be given their play sessions indoors. Maltese can be aloof towards strangers due to their watchdog instincts, but are more than loving with their human family members.
Due to their small stature, teacup Maltese should be taken care of, especially if there are kids at home who might not know how to handle a lot of this size.
These pooches need proper training with positive reinforcement, as puppies; they can be a little stubborn and independent.
5. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are very fluffy and happy-go-lucky little dogs that are full of personality and a feisty nature. Though they’re tiny dogs, they’re not the best fit for everyone, as they can be loud barkers and stubborn at times.
Adopting these smart dogs means you have to give them a fair amount of mental stimulation and some moderate regular exercise. Teacup Pomeranians are deeply loving dogs and bond closely with their favorite person.
Poms might not be the right option for inexperienced owners, but if you can handle a little dog that’s full of life and is strong-headed, a Pom can be an excellent companion for you. Giving your Pom toys to play with (like stuffed animals) is a great way to keep them happy and engaged.
6. Havanese
When it comes to little dogs that are all about enjoying human companionship and don’t mind being in the spotlight, Havanese have to be mentioned. These bouncy and spirited pooches enjoy being adored and, in return, love their humans deeply.
Apartment-friendly and adaptable, Havanese are great pets for urban living as well as for people who travel often. A well-trained Havanese is likely to adjust well to new situations and make friends faster than many other dog breeds.
These pups just need some daily brushing to keep their coats clean and mat-free. Some quick daily walks and indoor play sessions are also enough to meet their exercise needs and keep them at their ideal weight.
7. Papillon
While Papillons are one of the most intelligent and affectionate toy dogs, teacup Papillons are insanely lovable versions of the breed with the same amazing traits.
Papillon is a generally healthy breed that enjoys a playful life and thrives when loved by their humans. They can adapt to any type of household where they are taken care of and given enough attention by their family members.
As per Purina, these pooches became popular first during the Renaissance, as this was a time when small versions of bigger breeds were all the rage. This breed has enjoyed the attention of the aristocracy and was popularized in various royal courts.
FAQs
Can Teacup Maltese form deep emotional bonds with families?
Yes, teacup Maltese are very likely to form deep bonds with their owners and family members as loving toy dogs.
Can Teacup Papillons build trust quickly with new owners?
Papillons are very loving dogs and form a deep connection with their owners if the owner takes care of them and spends time bonding with them.
Can Teacup Havanese adjust to frequent travel with owners?
Yes. Teacup Havanese are sociable dogs that don’t mind new situations. As small dogs, it’s important to know about their health issues before traveling and take care of them during the trip.
Conclusion
Teacup dog breeds are very people-friendly and need love and attention from their pet parents to stay happy. These dogs aren’t just amazing lap dogs; they bring in their own unique personalities and fill your home with happiness.
When adopting a teacup doggo, make sure to talk about their health and dietary needs with a certified vet.
