Are teacup dogs right for you?

Despite their endearing miniature size and puppy-like appearance, “teacup” dogs aren’t actually a distinct breed or official category. They’re unusually small versions (typically 2-4 pounds) of existing toy breeds that are especially popular among apartment dwellers and those seeking portable pets. Before considering one of these pocket-sized companions, it’s essential to understand both their appeal and their special care requirements.

In the popular Reese Witherspoon movie Legally Blond, the iconic purse dog Bruiser is a teacup Chihuahua. Teacup Chihuahuas have also been made popular by celebrities such as Paris Hilton. These highly intelligent pups are very affectionate, intelligent, and loyal, but tend to have a more nervous temperament. While they have small statures, a teacup Chihuahua is known for a big personality. Teacup Chihuahuas do best in a home without young children. Pet parents to this small dog breed can easily cart these pint-size pups around town in a fashionable dog carrier.

Facts about the teacup Chihuahua

• Breed group — Toy group (American Kennel Club)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Often
• Life span — 14-16 years

Another of the American Kennel Club’s toy breeds, the confident and lovable teacup Yorkshire Terrier is every bit as popular as their pint-sized buddies the teacup Chihuahua. Like the Chihuahua, teacup Yorkies also do best in a home with no children, and they tend to do best in a home where they are the only pet. They can be possessive of their owners, as well as very vocal and require plenty of exercise. Even though their small bodies only weigh between 2 and 3 pounds, these little pups have a lot of energy and need plenty of positive reinforcement training. The teeny teacup Yorkie is adaptable in both the big city or a suburban neighborhood and does well in apartments.

If you’re interested in a similar breed with a bit more color in their coats, consider the Biewer Terrier, originally bred from the Yorkie.

Facts about the teacup Yorkie

• Breed group — Toy group (AKC)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Often
• Life span — 11-15 years

Whether it’s a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle, Poodles are known to be one of the smartest dog breeds around. The teacup Poodle, a small version of the toy variety, is a great dog for a first-time pet owner. They are easy to train, adaptable in any environment, and a great dog for families. Teacup Poodles only weigh in around 4 pounds, and are low shedders, but brushing and grooming them does require some technique and a weekly time commitment. These tiny dogs may also be prone to health issues and are more physically fragile than a regular toy Poodle.

Facts about the teacup toy Poodle

• Breed group — Toy group (AKC)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Often
• Life span — 10-18 years

The silky, long hair of a teacup Shih Tzu is perfect for decorating with adorable bows. This highly popular type of teacup dog looks like permanent puppies all through their lives. They are great apartment dogs and love lounging on the couch and cuddling with their humans. They’re an excellent dog for pet owners with children and other animals. However, these micro dogs can be prone to medical conditions such as respiratory problems and experience troubles regulating body temperature due to their flat faces. Pet parents of a teacup Shih Tzu should be sure to have plenty of sweaters and jackets to keep pups warm in the colder months.

Facts about the teacup Shih Tzu

• Breed group — Toy group (AKC)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 10-18 years

Both highly loyal to their humans and very affectionate, the teacup Maltese is a sweet and loveable pup to bring into your home. Weighing in between 2 to 4 pounds, these teensy puppers love to snuggle with their humans. They do great in homes with older children and can be highly energetic. They may need help with training to curb excessive barking, but on the flipside the teacup Maltese makes an excellent watchdog.

Facts about the teacup Maltese

• Breed group — Toy group (AKC)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Frequent
• Life span — 12-15 years

Unlike other teacup dogs who are created by breeding the runts of the litter, the Russian toy is a specific breed of dog. Weighing in at only six pounds, this tiny pup is a natural teacup dog. The Russian toy is playful and lovable, and keeps their puppy-like spirit all through their adult life. These adorable little dogs are a great breed for single pet owners or families. While many purposely bred teacup dogs are prone to a variety of health issues, the Russian toy is considered a healthy breed that can live over 15 years.

Facts about the Russian toy

• Breed group — Toy group (AKC)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderately vocal
• Life span — 12-15 years

Although teacup variety dogs are adorable forever puppies, many responsible breeders and veterinarians advise potential parents to avoid them. Because they are bred with the runts of the litter, many teacup pups sadly don’t survive adolescence. Responsible breeders know from generations of breeding that breeding the smallest pups of the litter is not a normal breeding situation and can often lead to genetic disorders. Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources Those that do are often prone to health risks throughout their lives, and have shorter lifespans as a result.

Common health problems among teacup dogs include heart failure, certain respiratory issues, digestive and liver diseases, eye issues and blindness, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), seizures, and others. If your heart is set on one of these tiny pups, make sure to always follow the advice of your veterinarian when it comes to the health, wellness, and nutrition of your small furry friend.