How Much Teacup Puppies Cost, Price, Size, Adoption, Breeds (+Pictures)

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Teacup Dog Guide: How Much Teacup Puppies Cost, Price, Size, Adoption, Breeds (+Pictures)

ByCanine BibleAugust 16, 2022

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If you are looking at teacup puppies for sale, you need to read this comprehensive post on teacup dog breeds.

How much are teacup puppies? How much does a teacup dog cost to raise? Which teacup dog breeds are the most popular? Are cup dogs more prone to specific health issues? Why are teacup dogs so expensive?

These are some of the many questions people ask about teacups. We cover every concern and question about these micro dogs.

From teacup dog prices, health issues, adopting, breeding, care, breeders, and everything in between to ensure you make the right choices when buying a healthy teacup dog.

There are potential problems and concerns that many new teacup puppy buyers are not aware of. Let’s get started!

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Teacup Puppies 101

Chapter 2

Health & Caring Teacup Dogs

Chapter 3

Tips, FAQs & More

Chapter 1

Ch 2 | Ch 3

Teacup puppies 101: all about them

What Is a Teacup Dog?

Teacup dogs breeds have become popular pets, but what is a teacup dog?

As its name implies, teacup puppies are dogs specially bred to be so small they could fit in a designer purse. They are also known as pocket-sized dogs or micro dogs.

Teacups are tiny versions of popular breeds of small dogs. To put this into perspective, here is an example.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Pomeranian is expected to weigh between 3 to 7 pounds, with an average height ranging from 6 to 7 inches tall. A teacup Pomeranian would weigh much less and be smaller in size than this standard.

There are no “teacup dog breeds,” the term “teacup” is simply used to describe a dog who is smaller in size than average.

Teacup dog breeds are not registered or endorsed by the AKC or main dog breed registries.

If you are looking to get a teacup dog, these are the most popular breeds you’ll come across. Several more exist.

  1. Chihuahua
  2. Maltese
  3. Pomeranian
  4. Poodle
  5. Pug
  6. Shih-Tzu
  7. Silky Terrier
  8. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
  9. Beagle
  10. Dachshund
  11. Cavalier
  12. Pekingese
  13. Maltipoo
  14. Pomsky
  15. French Bulldog
  16. Morkie
  17. Russian Toy
  18. Brussels Griffon
  19. Japanese Chin

*For pictures of these pocket-sized dogs, read Chapter 3.

Teacup Dog Size

What size is a teacup dog? How small will my teacup dog be?

While there is not an official standard size for teacup dogs, according to Los Angeles-based veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney most dogs considered to be teacups weigh 5 pounds or less.1 By the time a teacup puppy reaches maturity, it should measure 17 inches or less.

If your puppy is outside these parameters, your pet might not be “recognized” as a teacup dog. However, these measurements will fluctuate depending on the dog’s breed.

See our teacup puppy size comparison table below.

Teacup Dog Size Chart Comparison

While size should not be the only factor to look for when buying a teacup dog, understanding teacup dog sizes, it’s essential. But why?

Unethical dog breeders tend to market standard size dogs breeds (or even bigger) as “teacups” to make up for the higher price tag.

That is why we’ve put together a side-by-side comparison between the American Kennel Clubapproved standard weight and height for the most popular teacup dog breeds and their approximate teacup measurements.

Remember, it’s not possible to guarantee the exact weight/height full-grown of your dog. Your teacup pooch may grow larger than our estimate or what your breeder estimated. Genetics, dog breed, and body types play a huge role here.

Take this information with a grain of salt as there is no set official size and weight for teacup dog breeds. These are estimates and averages we’ve calculated and collected from reputable teacup stores and breeders.

Dog BreedAKC Standard Weight (pounds)Teacup Weight
(pounds)
AKC Standard Height
(Inches)
Teacup Height
(Inches)
Chihuahua6 or less3.5- 55 – 85 – 6
Maltese7 or less4 or less7 – 97 – 8
Pomeranian3 – 73 – 56 – 75 – 6
Poodle40 – 703.5-615 or more9 – 15
Pug14-183 – 1010 – 137 – 10
Shih-Tzu9 – 167 or less9 – 10.56 – 9
Silky Terrier105 – 99 – 105 – 8
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)74 – 57 – 85 – 6
Beagle20 or less15 or less13 – 1512 or less
Dachshund16 – 3211 or less8 – 95 – 6
Cavalier13 – 1812 – 1812 – 1310 – 12
Pekingeseup to 144 – 96 – 95 – 7
Maltipoo5 – 205 – 158 – 146 – 12
Pomsky10 – 253 – 813 – 185 – 13
French Bulldog28 or less10 – 1511 – 136 – 10
Morkie6 – 95 – 9
Russian Toyup to 6.53 – 68 – 118 – 10
Brussels Griffon8 – 107 – 107 – 106 – 9
Japanese Chin7 – 116 – 108 – 116 – 8

Source: AKC Standard Dog Breed Weight

Teacup Dogs vs Toy Dogs vs Small Dogs

Is a toy dog a teacup dog? Is a small dog breed a teacup?

Here is a chart that will better help you understand these differences and teacup measurements.

XXS (Teacup Dog)XS (Toy Dog)Small Dog
Height5 – 9 inches10 – 13 inches14 – 17 inches
Pounds3 – 5 pounds5 – 10 pounds11 – 16 pounds
Dog BreedTeacup chihuahua
Teacup Poddle
Yorkie
Pomeranian
Beagle
French Bulldog

As you can see, there are minute discrepancies between teacup dogs, toy dogs, and small dogs when it comes to size and weight.

According to Animal Planet, when grown, teacup dogs should weigh less than the American Kennel Club-approved standard weight for their breed, often by a pound (half a kilogram) or more.9 

Under this premise, we think it is safe to say that a toy dog or small dog breed can be considered part of the “teacup” classification, too.

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t fixate on teacup size but only use it as a point of reference and make an informed decision when buying a teacup dog and picking a breeder.

How Much Are Teacup Puppies?

How much does a teacup dog cost?

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Buying a teacup puppy comes with a hefty price tag. Teacup dogs can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the breed, breeder, and other factors. The price for a teacup dog may easily range anywhere between $750 and $10,000!

Teacup Puppy Price

We researched the most popular teacup dog breeds to determine these puppy price ranges.

Here is what you can expect to pay by breed when buying from reputable breeders.

  • Teacup Chihuahua ($3000 – $7000)
  • Teacup Maltese ($3000 – $6000)
  • Teacup Pomeranian ($5000 – $8500)
  • Teacup Poodle ($5000 – $6800)
  • Teacup Pug ($1,900 – $6,000)
  • Teacup Shih-Tzu ($3500 – $9000)
  • Teacup Silky Terrier ($1,800 – $5,600)
  • Teacup Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) ($4500 – $10000)
  • Teacup Beagle ($1,500 – $2,500)
  • Teacup Dachshund ($6000)
  • Teacup Cavalier ($1200 – $3800)
  • Teacup Pekingese ($750 – $3000)
  • Teacup Maltipoo ($2500 – $5000)
  • Teacup Pomsky ($1000 – $3000)
  • Teacup French Bulldog ($5000 – $10000)
  • Teacup Morkie ($2800 – $4500)
  • Teacup Russian Toy ($1200)
  • Teacup Brussels Griffon ($2500 – $4000)
  • Teacup Japanese Chin ($1,500 – $2,500)

If you are looking to buy a teacup, Pawrade is the best place to find healthy, pre-screened teacup puppies from U.S.-based reputable breeders at a great price.

The company works with over 135,000 breeders and has helped match 4,000,000 awesome families with loving forever friends. The best part about Pawrade is that they have zero tolerance toward puppy mills and only connect you with honest and certified breeders where puppies are raised with love and compassion.

FIND THE BEST TEACUP DEALS

Factors Affecting Teacup Puppy Price

The cost of teacup puppies can drastically vary depending on several factors.

Bloodline: If the teacup dog you want to purchase comes from a purebred bloodline, this can drive up the cost significantly.

Breeder: A breeder that is just hoping to turn a quick profit won’t spend money on the best teacup food or health testing on the teacup parents before breeding. In contrast, a reputable teacup breeder who genuinely cares about their dogs being bred will do both and more. You will see right away that there is a big difference in the asking price for a teacup pup.

Health: Unscrupulous breeders may use techniques such as inbreeding runts or breeding dogs that are not naturally healthy or functional (with deformities). They know inbreeding destines dogs to shorter and less healthy lives. This is why cross-bred designer dogs and teacup dogs may get such low prices.  

PRO TIP: Nowadays, it’s possible to get a teacup puppy for as cheap as $500. However, you should always question the lower price tag based on the factors altering the price. A higher price tag doesn’t mean your teacup pup is healthy either.

A reputable teacup breeder should provide health records for the pup and its parents, pedigree certificate of parents, shot records, registration, and allow a veterinarian examination. If they don’t, you should take that as a warning sign.

Cheapest Teacup Dog Breeds

What is the cheapest teacup puppy?

According to our research, teacup beagles, teacup chihuahuas, teacup silky terrier, teacup Pomskies are among the cheapest cup dogs. Teacup puppies under $500 exist, but we advise caution when buying from breeders that offer such low prices for these dogs.

Teacup Puppy Ownership Cost

Aside from the original purchase price for a teacup dog, ownership cost is another financial aspect of owning a teacup dog.

The average cost for the first year of raising small dogs is $2674, while the lifetime cost of raising a dog is $23,410, according to a study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.10

However, raising a cup dog price will potentially cost more than normal dog ownership due to the potential dog issues these micro dogs face. We cover these health concerns in the next chapter.

FIND THE BEST TEACUP DEALS

Chapter 2

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Key information about teacup dogs

Teacup Dog Health Issues

Are teacup dogs prone to health issues?

Unfortunately, these tiny canines have more than their share of health issues. As a caring dog parent, the more you know, the better positioned you’ll be to give your tiny dog the care she or she needs.

Top Teacup Dog Health Problems Owners Should Know About

Here are the top health concerns in teacup dogs.

1. Hypoglycemia

A condition in which your dog’s blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than normal. According to Dr. Cathy Meeks, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and group medical director at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Florida, if a teacup pup misses even one meal, their blood sugar levels could drop dangerously low and cause seizures, shivering, and even a fatal coma.

2. Bone fragility

Teacup’s skeletal structure is very susceptible to breaks or fractures. Teacup dogs’ bones are smaller and frailer than the bones of a larger dog.

3. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, miniature dogs (teacup dog) breeds are prone to suffer from HGE.  This disease is characterized by sudden vomiting and bloody diarrhea. The symptoms are usually severe they usually last 2-4 days. Most dogs make a good recovery if they receive veterinary treatment quickly.

4. Heart defects

Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM, states that the most common form of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, which primarily affects small breed dogs over five years of age and makes up 70-75% of heart disease in dogs.

5. Collapsing trachea

If your teacup dog is experiencing chronic, intermittent bouts of coughing, retching, rapid or difficult breathing, exercise intolerance, blue-tinged gums, or fainting, then a collapsing trachea may be the reason. Small breed dogs, especially Yorkshire Terriers, are most at risk for developing a collapsing trachea.11

6. Accidents and traumatic events

The chances of a teacup of surviving an accident, a fall from the furniture or even your arms, an attack from a larger pet are slimmer than a regular-size dog, says Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian and author of several books.

These dogs are so tiny that a small drop or fall can fatally injure these frail canines. They are prone to be stepped on or sat on, which can be life-ending.

Other health problems teacups may face include liver shunts, digestive problems, blindness, respiratory problems, seizures, and dental and gum issues. PetMD reports that another size-related health problem teacups may develop are Patella luxation and Hydrocephalus.

Because teacup puppies are prone to a myriad of health problems and accidents, it’s highly recommended to get pet insurance for teacups. Healthy Paws is our top choice pick. Click here to learn more.

VISIT HEALTHY PAWS

Can A Teacup Dog Be Perfectly Healthy?

The short answer is yes and no.

If you want a perfectly healthy teacup dog, you need to do your homework to find the healthiest animal possible, says Los Angeles-based veterinarian Dr. Mahaney. Make sure you are working with a reputable breeder or rescue group echoes, Dr. Meeks.

Teacup dogs (or runts of the litter) can lead a healthy life, but they can suffer from health issues down the road, just like any dog. It is possible to have a happy, healthy teacup dog with the right amount of research!

What Is The Lifespan of A Teacup Dog?

So, how long do teacup dogs live?

Research shows that small dogs enjoy longer lives than do their larger counterparts. For example, a Chihuahua (average 3.5 – 6 lbs) has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, while a Labrador (average 69 lbs) has a median age death of 12 years.

However, this doesn’t necessarily apply to teacup dogs.

Their lifespan would be similar to their normal-sized breed version but, due to the health issues explained above and breeding practices associated with these dogs (i.e., inbreeding), their lifespan can be decreased severely, even though small dog breeds have a higher lifespan than bigger ones.

Inbred dogs have a higher risk of inheriting a genetic disorder, like blindness or epilepsy.

It’s not uncommon for a teacup pet dog to collapse and die unexpectedly. As the New York Times reports, rampant inbreeding has given [these dogs] some of the highest rates of genetic defects in the world, sometimes four times higher than in the United States and Europe.

To determine the lifespan expectancy of teacup dogs, you may use their normal-sized dog version as a reference, but be mindful of the factors affecting their lifespan.

Breeding Teacup Dogs: How Are Teacup Dogs Made?

Are you wondering how teacup dogs get to be so small? Are you curious about why they are prone to so many health issues?

The answer may lie in the unscrupulous breeding techniques used to produce such tiny dogs. The most common teacup breeding techniques that can be detrimental to the dogs’ health and size include breeding the runt of the litter.

Runts are any offspring that is smaller than their siblings, usually due to congenital birth defects, malnourishment, or other medical condition. Breeders pair the so-called “runts” of the litters to produce an entire offspring of smaller-than-average dogs (teacups), says Dr. Meeks.

Learn all about runts and how they play a role in teacup dogs’ health issues and tiny size.

In order to achieve a teacup dog, the breeding process is as follows.

Breeders inbreed runt dogs with other runts or small dogs until genetic modification occurs and the desired size is achieved. Malnourishment of the puppies may also be practiced to stunt their growth. According to research, it’s also important to point out that inbred dogs have a risk of carrying genes for illnesses.

I think you are starting to understand why it’s important to do your research and find an ethical, reputable breeder or consider adopting from your local animal shelter. Adding an unhealthy pet to the family can have severe consequences for your family members and the dog.

Caring For Teacup Puppies

As you now know, many health issues and accidents can arise when owning a teacup dog. Here’s all you need to know about caring for teacup dogs!

1. Research the characteristics of your teacup’s breed

Each breed has its temperament, appearance, characteristics, and needs. The American Kennel Club is a great first place to begin your research on dog breeds. This will help you understand all the information about grooming, temperament, care, and medical needs for your pup.

2. Teacup proof your home

Teacup dogs are very fragile creatures in every sense. A teacup’s adorable walk could put them in harm’s way when encountering a new, uneven surface or a toxic object to chew on. You need to eliminate any danger in your home and yard. A few essential tips are:

  • Keep all food out of reach of your pet as some items can be dangerous for consumption.
  • Remove any object that could potentially topple over your teacup. This could be fatal.
  • Look for and block up any small spaces such as holes in cabinets, or small spaces behind the washer and dryer.
  • Put away small items that can be a choking hazard to your curious pup.
  • Make sure any plants in your garden are safe for pets.
  • Block anything that will allow your teacup pup to reach higher surfaces. He could jump off and severely injure himself.

3. Gentle handling and careful treatment

Rough play should be avoided. Teacup puppies are fragile and easily hurt than larger dogs. They have a higher risk for fractures and concussions because of their tiny bone structure.

If you have children at home, be careful when you let them play with your tiny puppy. Children may not be fully aware of how frail these pups are.

Never leave your teacup alone on the stairs, furniture, or any high surface. They may misjudge distances when jumping off. This could lead to a fatal outcome.

4. Schedule routine veterinarian visits. 

Teacup dog breeds are at higher risks for certain conditions than other breeds. Veterinarians will do a full physical on your dog and monitor changes in their weight, heartbeat, blood pressure, and more. Like humans, these tiny dogs need routine medical care to stay healthy.


5. Grooming your teacup dog

While small dogs all have their small size in common, teacup dogs’ grooming may be more complicated than other breeds.

For instance, breeds like Pomeranians and Maltese require frequent grooming, so consider taking them to a professional dog groomer.

Bathing your teacup can be tricky. Our step-by-step guide on bathing a puppy will teach when and how to bathe your teacup dog.

Teacups are prone to dental problems, be sure to brush your dog’s teeth two or three times each week for oral hygiene.

6. Training and raising

For training and raising a teacup puppy, we recommend reading Teacup Toy by renowned dog trainer and small breed expert Tinka LaRue.

This is a unique training manual for the needs of fragile teacup dogs, which differs significantly from training regular size dogs. She condenses her 30 years of experience into simple steps that will allow teacup dog parents to raise the ultimate purse baby.

Teacup • Toy Dog Training & Care: The Secrets To…

By LaRue, Tinka (Paperback)

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7. Physical activity, socialize and rest

Most small dogs will need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Teacup dogs are very active and should have no trouble reaching this requirement.

While dog parks and dog daycares may be a suitable environment for teacup dogs to exercise and socialize with other dogs, it’s advised not to let your tiny pooch play with larger dogs to avoid accidents.

After a full day of playing and being active, it’s recommended that teacup puppies sleep around 12 to 14 hours per day to recharge their batteries. This will keep them happy and healthy.

8. Stress-free, comfortable and safe environment

Teacup dogs require special care; be sure to take his needs into account when considering things like the size and shape of his bed, food and water dishes, leash and collar or harness type, temperature requirements, and more.

Pro Tip: During cooler weather, make sure you buy your teacup a sweater; they have trouble keeping their bodies warm in colder climates.

Teacup Dog Accessories & Supplies

Thinking about getting a teacup puppy? Here is a list of essential teacup dog supplies and accessories you will need to keep your teacup puppy happy, safe, and healthy.

If you want to spoil your little friend with toys and treats made for their tiny size, or simply don’t want to run out of toys and treats for your teacup puppy, check out these puppy subscription boxes for puppies.

https://cdn.iframe.ly/EQ48QqQ?v=1&app=1

Teacup Puppy Nutrition

There are three fundamental aspects of teacup dog nutrition you should understand:

  1. Calorie requirements
  2. Metabolism
  3. Hypoglycemia.

Teacup puppies have unique concerns when it comes to proper nutrition. They have a higher metabolic rate (burn calories faster) and lower sugar and body fat reserves than larger dogs. This trait means they need to be fed calorie-dense food four to six times a day based on their weight’s calorie requirements.

You also need to monitor for symptoms of hypoglycemia closely. If your teacup dog is not getting enough calories during the day, it can develop hypoglycemia resulting in weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors, seizures, and sometimes even death.

Generally, all dogs require these six essential nutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. So, be sure they are present in your pup’s diet.

You can use this calorie calculator for dogs to estimate your teacup’s daily calorie requirements based on their weight. Refer to your veterinarian if you’re still not sure how much (and what) your teacup dog should be eating.

It’s advised to feed your pint-sized pup kibble made for miniature dog breeds. This dog food comes in tinier pieces that are easier for little jaws to chew.

If you want to read up on your dog’s nutritional needs, Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog by W. Jean Dodds, DVM, is an excellent book for understanding the secrets to feeding dogs for health and longevity.

Teacup Puppies Personality

Not all teacup dogs are lap warmers!

Some teacup breeds have specific personalities that would result in a cuddly lap puppy. Others can have personalities that are as tough as nails. 

Tiny dogs often have huge personalities and sometimes are stigmatized as being yappy dogs. Without proper socialization and training, teacup dog breeds may develop aggressive behavior as well.

It’s also worth mentioning that, in a study published in 2008 in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, it was determined the three most aggressive dog breeds were small breeds: the Dachshund, Chihuahua, and Jack Russell Terrier.

However, this aggressive personality isn’t inherent, but it’s a fear response based on their tiny size and learned set of behaviors. It’s known as “Small Dog Syndrome.” This condition occurs when the owner treats little dogs’ attempts to be dominant or aggressive behavior as cute. By allowing this type of behavior to go unchecked, you induce your teacup to develop an unwanted personality.

When picking a teacup pup, you need to read about the breed’s personality beforehand and provide proper socialization and obedience training. This will help your dog develop a friendly and well-mannered personality.

Hypoallergenic Teacup Dogs

Here is a list of teacup dog that doesn’t shed.

  • Teacup Chihuahua
  • Teacup Poodle
  • Teacup Bichon Frise
  • Teacup Shih Tzu
  • Teacup Yorkshire Terrier
  • Teacup Pekingese
  • Teacup West Highland Terrier
  • Teacup Scottish Terrier
  • Teacup Griffon Bruxellois

Pros & Cons of Owning a Teacup Dog

Before you decide to buy a teacup dog, you will want to consider the pros and cons listed below.

Pros of Teacup Puppies

  1. You can take them anywhere. (i.e. shopping, restaurants, hotels, etc.)
  2. Their small size means they don’t need a lot of food or preventive medications resulting in lower ownership costs.
  3. Small dogs are more acceptable in the elevators of apartment complexes.
  4. You will draw a lot of attention on the streets and social media
  5. Due to their size, they need less of everything, such as toys, accessories, space to live, etc.
  6. They don’t require strenuous amounts of exercise.
  7. They shed less, potty less, so maintaining a clean home is easier.
  8. Traveling with your teacup is a lot easier.

Cons of Teacup Puppies

  1. Due to breeding malpractices of teacup dogs, they may be predisposed to health issues (i.e. Hypoglycemia). This can result in high vet bills in the long run.
  2. They can’t quite do all the things normal-sized dogs do, which can be an inconvenience if you think you can treat your little guy just like any dog.
  3. They are frail-bodied dogs that you need to be extremely delicate with.
  4. They require more care, time, and attention.
  5. They are harder to treat and present a higher risk when being operated on due to their miniature organs and frame.
  6. Kids could injure them easily.
  7. Their almost invisible size makes them prone to be kicked, sat on or stepped on.
  8. Cats or larger dogs could see a teacup dog as prey.
  9. Higher price tag than normal-size dogs
Chapter 3

Ch 1 | Ch 2

Top teacup breeds, tips, FAQs and more

Top 10 Teacup Dog Breeds (Pictures)

Here are teacup dog pictures and videos for the most popular breeds.

Teacup Chihuahua

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Teacup Maltease

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Teacup Pomeranian

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A post shared by ꕥ𖡼you.a.ninon.BB.mimosa𖡼ꕥ (@love.myfurbabies)

Teacup Poodle

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A post shared by TIROL / チロルちゃん (@tirol_poodle)

Teacup Pug

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A post shared by Morgan Ring (@mrsmorganring)

Teacup Shih Tzu

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Teacup Yorkshire Terrier 

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A post shared by KITTY (@yorkie.kitty)

Teacup Dachshund

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Teacup Pekingese

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Teacup Maltipoo 

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Teacup Pomsky

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Teacup French Bulldog

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What Is The Best Teacup Puppy Breed?

The answer to this question will depend mostly on your preferences, but here are some of the most popular teacup dogs based on specific characteristics you might be looking for and teacup ownership trends.

Teacup Chihuahuas: They are known for their diva personality. Micro chihuahuas are always looking to be the center of attention. They have a loud personality that makes them yap when they feel excited or threatened.

Teacup Maltese: They love to play and are full of energy. Tiny Maltese are less likely to develop a yappy behavior. They are known for their loving nature and friendly personality. Plus, they have an adorable fluffy appearance.

Teacup Yorkie: These dogs share the traits of a true terrier. They can be affectionate, sprightly, and confident. They require a lot of attention and are people-orientated. Yorkies are territorial and will ‘yappy’ when someone enters the house.

Teacup Poodle: They are easy to train and care for. Their curls must be groomed often. They might be somewhat high maintenance, but they make an adorable addition to your family.

Teacup Puppies In Action

Watch these tiny furball puppies in action. We hope you enjoy the cuteness!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=HqgY-3mTrAo%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Should I Buy A Teacup Puppy?

By now, you should understand all the responsibilities involved in raising a teacup dog, especially the extra care required for their general health and well-being.

But should you get a teacup dog?

They may not be an excellent choice for busy people with an overwhelming work schedule and other obligations. Small children and teacups don’t go well together as they are fragile, and kids could easily injure them.

If you think of teacup dogs as fashion accessories or toys, then you need to look elsewhere. People often fall into the trap of not realizing the amount of work, love, and care these dogs need.

Veronica Perry, rescue and foster coordinator at East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys, California, says, “they have tiny little hearts and tiny little lungs. They don’t last as long.” Wendy Higgins, the Director of International Media at Humane Society International, says, “Teacup pups may be tiny, but their capacity to suffer is huge.”

We don’t endorse the teacup puppy industry in any way. But we know it’s a reality, and we want to provide helpful information so you can make an informed decision about teacup dog ownership. If you’re going to own a teacup dog, you need to be committed and prepared to provide everything they may need to live a happy life.

No dog is happy being treated as an object.

Where to Buy Teacup Puppies?

There are two ways you can get a teacup puppy: adopting or buying from a breeder.

Teacup Dog For Adoption

We encourage you to look at your local dog shelter or teacup dog rescue. You can also try online groups like Facebook groups.

Although it’s hard to find teacup dogs for free, you never know.

Teacup Puppy Breeders

Where to buy a teacup dog? The most popular place to find teacups is probably online or at specialized local dog shops or breeders.

There are plenty of dog breeders online that offer teacup puppies for sale.

Best Teacup Puppy Breeders

Pawrade is our favorite and number one place to find teacup puppies on sale. Pawrade provides safe, fraud-free, and humane puppy first adoptions. They ensure both parties are protected while pledging to ensure the puppy’s well-being is front and center. They adhere to a strict breeder code of ethics and do NOT support unethical breeders, substandard breeding practices of puppy mills. Pawrade pledges to ensure every single teacup puppy is healthy and raised with the utmost attention, love, and care. They have the best pricing for teacup puppies.

VISIT PAWRADE

Other places where you can find teacup puppies for sale:

  • Rolly Teacup Puppies: It’s probably one of the most popular companies selling teacup puppies. According to the Rolly Teacup’s company website, they are firmly against puppy mills and have ‘very high and strict standards on selecting a puppy from the litter’, reported the Daily Mail.
  • Teacup Puppies & Boutique: Established in 1999, TeaCups, Puppies & Boutique is one of the country’s very first puppy boutiques to specialize strictly in teacup and toy breed puppies for sale! Visit here.
  • Foufou’s Teacup Puppies: This is another company that offers teacup puppies for sale. Their office for Sales and Customer Support is situated in Laval, QC Canada, and their kennel is in South Korea. Visit here.

Other online resources where we managed to find teacup dogs for sale in less quantity but from reputable breeders include:

Greenfield Puppies, Worldwide Puppies and Kittens, Puppyfinder.com, American Kennel Club Marketplace, Palm Beach Puppies, and others.

Note: Remember all the steps and advice we mentioned above before selecting a breeder and picking a teacup dog.

How to Avoid Teacup Dog Scams

These micro-puppies are sold for thousands of dollars, so it’s not rare you’ll come across someone scammy websites and sellers.

Buyers should take extreme caution if considering purchasing a dog advertised as a “teacup” puppy.

To protect yourself from being scammed, you can do the following:

  • Check out their website and social media pages. Check out their contact information and the company address and corroborate by calling or going there yourself.
  • Look for high-quality videos and pictures of the teacup.
  • Ask for the health, pedigree, and vaccine records of the dog parents and the teacup puppy. If they don’t provide those, that could be a warning sign.
  • Check the breeds normal-size dog established by the AKC versus the teacup’s parents’ adult size and the puppy.
  • Request to video call and see the teacup dog yourself.
  • Never send money before receiving the puppy.

Try to gather all the information possible about the seller and your dog so you won’t lose money to scammers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are teacup Yorkies?

Teacup Yorkies are priced between $4,500 to $10,000

How much do teacup Yorkies weigh?

Teacup Yorkies typically weigh between 4 to 5 pounds.

How much do rolly teacup puppies cost?

You can find rolly teacups as low as $500 and as high as $10,000 or more.

Teacup Bichon Frise puppy price

Prices for a teacup Bichon Frise start at around $3,500.

Teacup Samoyed puppy price

Prices for a miniature Samoyed are between $600 and $1500.

Teacup Shih Tzu puppy price

Prices for a teacup Shih Tzu start at around $3,500 and can go as high as $9,000.

Teacup Puppies Deserve Happiness

Teacup dogs might be tiny, but they have a big heart, just like any dog.

Don’t treat them as a toy or objects to show off to your friends. There is a lot of arguments against the teacup industry.

While we do not support this industry, it’s important to give people accurate information about it, so they make an informed should they decide to own one of these dogs.

If you are decided to buy a teacup dog, be diligent, and always consult a professional for any concern regarding your puppy.


Sources & References : [1] PetMed , [2] The Canadian Veterinary Journal , [3] Pet Health Network [4] State of Pet Health [5] New York Times, [6] Embark Vet: Inbreeding Dogs [6] AKC: Small Dog Nutrition, [7] Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism, [8] Applied Animal Behaviour Science, [9] Animal Planet, [10] AKC: Cost Small Dogs [11] PetMD: Yorkshire

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