Pocket dogs, also known as micro dogs or teacup dogs, are dog breeds that stay small forever. An adult pocket dog is so small that it weighs no more than 4 to 7 pounds. The American Kennel Club does not recognize them because they are smaller than their breed standard.
The history of toy dogs dates back 12,000 years in the Middle East. They were treasured and pampered by royals and nobility all around the world. Although teacup breeds have existed for various centuries, they were not popular until 2005.
Do you know? Pearl, a four year old Chihuahua is the smallest living dog according to the Guinness World Records. It measures 3.59 inches tall.
Have a look at these 7 toy dog breeds that will melt your heart with their little paws and big personalities.
Pocket Dog Breeds
1. Toy Poodle
Breed Profile
Height: Under 10 inches
Shedding Level: Low
Trainability: Easy to train
Grooming Needs: High
Toy poodles were originally bred in Germany as water retrievers. The name “poodle” comes from a German word “pudel” which means “to splash in water.” France claims the poodle to be their national dog.
Teacup poodles sport a well-proportioned body and luxurious coat. Their distinguishing physical traits include triangular heads, droopy ears, and long muzzles.
According to PetMD, they have a thick and dense hypoallergenic coat. So, if you are prone to allergies, but love furry canines, we’d recommend you to have a toy poodle.
Poodles are playful and intelligent pups with a sunny disposition. They are highly trainable. Toy poodles are the affectionate dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners. However, due to their social nature, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
2. Chihuahua
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Shedding Level: Moderate
Trainability: Easy to train
Grooming Needs: Low
Chihuahuas is a small dog breed recognized by its compact frame and a rounded “apple” head. Hailing from Mexico, this dog had a spiritual significance in ancient cultures. They are the lap dogs who love spending hours cuddling with you.
Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and confident demeanor. They form firm bonds with their humans but are a bit reserved towards strangers. Their intelligence and willingness to learn make them highly trainable. But, they can have a stubborn streak.
Teacup Chihuahuas have expressive eyes and erect ears. Coat can be long or short. They are high energy dogs and require regular exercise to stay fit and avoid boredom. Take them for short walks or engage them in play sessions.
Luxating patella is a major health concern for Chihuahuas that causes an abnormal gait. It requires surgical intervention in many cases.
3. Pug
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Shedding Level: High
Trainability: Easy to train, positive reinforcement needed
Grooming Needs: Low to moderate
Another teacup dog breed on the list is Pug. Pugs served as loyal companions of emperors in ancient China. These tiny dogs love their humans a lot and like to be loved in return. They have a large round head and sparkling eyes.
Teacup pugs are small dogs with a sturdy and muscular build. They have a short and glossy coat. These teacup dogs are affectionate but not clingy. Pugs have a cheerful personality. Being a wonderful pet for people of all ages, they like to play and are comedic at times.
Pugs are brachycephalic due to which they can suffer from breathing issues. Pugs are the dogs with moderate energy levels. Britannica suggests taking them for leash walks or engaging them in play sessions in the yard.
Weekly brush your pug’s coat and keep it clean with occasional bathing. Regularly clean and dry the wrinkles to avoid infection.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Shedding Level: Low
Trainability: Difficult to train
Grooming Needs: High maintenance
Yorkshire terrier or yorkie, is one of the most popular dog breed native to England. Reputable breeders created this teacup variety to hunt vermin in textile mills and mines. Now, they are well-suited for companionship and dog shows. Teacup Yorkies have confident and affectionate personalities. Yorkies are the curious dogs.
Yorkies are loyal and playful pups with protective nature. Despite their small size, they make excellent guard dogs. They make great companions who love cuddling with their loved ones. They have long silky hair that are a combination of black and tan.
Yorkies are highly energetic dogs and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Yorkies are suitable for apartment dwellers as long as their exercise needs are met. Yorkies are very vocal but training can help manage excessive barking.
5. Bichon Frise
Breed Profile
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Shedding Level: Low
Trainability: Easy to train
Grooming Needs: High
Bichon Frise is a small dog with a magnificent personality. They came to America in the 1950s and bacame popular as show dogs and therapy dogs. Curly coats and dark eyes surrounded by dark halos are the common physical traits of the breed. Bichon Frise are dog with floppy ears.
Bichon Frise have a fluffy double coat that requires regular grooming. They are the playful and loyal dogs that socialize well with humans and other pets. They get well along with smaller children and fit into all types of households. They make the best lap dogs.
They are highly trainable dogs with an eager to please humans. Bichon Frise can learn a variety of tricks. They are immensely intelligent dogs that learn very quickly. Simple cues like “sit” and “come” can be easily mastered.
6. Beagle
Breed Profile
Height: Under 12 inches
Shedding Level: Moderate
Trainability: Difficult to train
Grooming Needs: Low maintenance
Beagle is a teacup breed belonging to the hound group. They were originally bred in Great Britain in 1830s. It was used to track and hunt rabbits and hares by their scent. It is a typically alert and affectionate dog that is strongly built for tis height.
Super cute, smart, and intelligent, Beagles are easy to train. They are relatively low-maintenance and high-energy dogs. You can take them for long walks or engage them in vigorous game time in your yard. These clever escape artists can run over fences if determined.
Beagles have a poor metabolism, due to which they have a high tendency for obesity. Therefore, food intake should be controlled. Other health problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and hypothyroidism. Just like other breeds, teacup Beagles can also experience low blood sugar.
7. Dachshund
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 9 inches
Shedding Level: Low to moderate
Trainability: Challenging to train
Grooming Needs: Low maintenance
Dachshunds, also known as “sausage dogs” or “badger dogs,” hail from Germany. They were originally bred to hunt badgers. Dachshunds have a unique body with long backs and short legs. This toy breed is popular for its bold and curious nature.
Dachshunds have an endearing nature and bold personality. They are the independent dogs but can be a bit stubborn sometimes. One of the smartest breeds, mini dachshunds are affectionate towards their owners and form strong bonds with them.
Dachshunds are high energy dogs with a strong prey drive. They need an hour of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. These little dogs make ideal pets for families with older children due to their small size.
Conclusion
Cute little teacup dogs can steal your heart with their adorable gestures. If you are planning to adopt a pocket dog, make sure to train them properly. Look after them and take care of their grooming and exercise needs!
