10 Teacup Dog Breeds for Tiny Canine Lovers

Teacup dogs are extremely popular pets because these micro dogs look like puppies forever. It's no wonder they can fetch thousands of dollars apiece—their adorably small size make them a hot commodity for dog parents-to-be. In general, teacups are markedly smaller than their breed standard and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Here are 10 breeds that have teacup varieties.

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What Is a Teacup Dog?

A teacup is a dog that weighs 5 pounds or fewer fully grown.

Tip

Teacup dogs are a hot commodity. Unscrupulous breeders know these dogs can fetch top dollar. Unethical breeders may mate runts or closely related animals or deliberately stunt a puppy’s growth through starvation. Find a reputable breeder and a good veterinarian if you plan on getting a teacup dog. Or simply look for a full-size small dog breed.

01 of 10

Pomeranian

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Although today's Pomeranians have a reputation as lapdogs, they were originally bred to herd animals and pull sleds. Earlier versions of the Pomeranian breed weighed around 30 pounds. In the 1800s, they were bred to be smaller to be kept as companions rather than working dogs. Since then, they've only gotten smaller.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: Under 7 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Fluffy double coat; colors include black, chocolate, orange, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 years (teacup); up to 16 years (toy)
02 of 10

Poodle

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Known for their intelligence, athleticism, and sociability, poodles make amazing family dogs. Teacup poodles usually weigh about 4 pounds, while their standard-sized counterparts weigh 45 to 70 pounds. One convenient trait of poodles? They shed little. Their curled coats don't drop much hair, which is great news for your allergies and your vacuum cleaner.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: Under 10 inches
Weight: Under 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Curly, dense coat; colors include white, apricot, and black
Life Expectancy: 8 to 15 years
03 of 10

Beagle

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What they lack in size, teacup beagles make up for in friendliness and energy. Most of these beagles only weigh around 15 pounds, which is relatively large for a teacup dog. They can be stubborn when it comes to obedience. But they respond well when you make training fun with treats and games.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: Under 15 inches
Weight: Under 20 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include black and tan, brown and white, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
04 of 10

Maltese

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Not only is the Maltese one of the world's oldest breeds—originating almost 3,000 years ago—but it also was considered royalty back in the day. The teacup variety generally weighs between 2 and 4 pounds. Because of their small size and low energy, these dogs are a good fit for people who want a cuddle buddy.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: Under 7 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Dark, alert eyes; silky, single-layer, white coat
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

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05 of 10

Pomsky

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As its name suggests, the Pomsky is the cross between a Siberian husky with a Pomeranian. Pomskies tend to vary in size depending on how much of each breed they have in them. This mix tends to have a high energy level, so be prepared for lots of walks and play.

Breed Overview

Group: Not an AKC-recognized breed
Height: Up to 10 inches (toy)
Weight: Up to 9 pounds (toy)
Coat and Color: Fluffy, double coat; colors include white, silver, black, and more
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
06 of 10

Yorkshire Terrier

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Yorkshire terriers were already popular dogs at their standard small size, so the teacup variety is a hit, too. These tiny dogs can weigh just 2 to 3 pounds, but they still have big-dog personalities. Yorkies tend to be vocal, protective, and confident. They're also very loyal and loving to their families.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: Under 7 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky coat; colors include black and tan, blue and tan, and more
Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years (teacup); 13 to 16 years (toy)
07 of 10

Bichon Frise

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Bichon frise roughly translates to "curly lapdog" in French. And teacup bichons definitely live up to their name. They were bred to be loving companions who some people refer to as living stuffed animals. But while bichons are quite snuggly, they do have moderate exercise needs and love to play.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: Under 10 inches
Weight: Under 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Dark, alert eyes; soft, dense coat; colors include white, white and apricot, and white and cream
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
08 of 10

Chihuahua

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Between starring in fast food commercials and being toted around in celebrities' purses, teacup Chihuahuas have had their share of fame. But it's not all glamour for these tiny dogs. Chihuahuas need proper training and socialization, or they can become fearful and defensive around strangers. They also need regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: Under 5 inches
Weight: Under 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, and more
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years

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09 of 10

Pug

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Teacup pugs can be great apartment dogs. Their small stature (weighing around 3 to 7 pounds), chill demeanor, and low exercise needs make them ideal for small living spaces. Some pugs can be stubborn, but they tend to respond well to training, especially if treats are involved as a reward.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: Under 10 inches
Weight: Under 14 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; colors include black and fawn
Life Expectancy: 6 to 10 years (teacup); 13 to 15 years (toy)
10 of 10

Shih Tzu

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Teacup shih tzus are generally regarded as divas of the dog world. But these canines are also incredibly athletic. Underneath their long, silky hair, shih tzus have quite muscular bodies and were built for agility courses. But don't overwork them, as their flat faces make them prone to breathing issues and overheating.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: Under 9 inches
Weight: Under 9 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat; colors include black, blue, gold, silver, and more
Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years

Breeds to Avoid

Most vets and responsible breeders would tell you to avoid teacup breeds altogether. It's great if a teacup pup is lucky enough to make it to adolescence, but that does not mean the dog is out of the woods.

Several breeds—teacup Yorkies, pugs, and Pomeranians—have markedly shorter lifespans than their larger counterparts. If you want to get a smaller dog, look at toy breeds and get a dog at the lower end of the acceptable height and weight levels. The higher risk of heartache from premature puppy death is avoidable by steering clear of teacup breeds.

FAQ

How long do teacup dog breeds live?

It depends on the breed, but the average life span for a teacup dog is nine to 15 years.
How do they make teacup dogs?

Teacup dogs have been created by intentionally breeding the runts of the litter, making a smaller and smaller dog.
What is the smallest teacup dog breed?

The teacup Chihuahua, weighing in at under 6 pounds and under 5 inches tall, is the smallest teacup breed.