15 Adorable Teacup Dogs: A Guide for Tiny Dog Lovers Explore teacup breeds, care tips, and potential health issues By Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 06/18/25 Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight. Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee Key Takeaways Teacup dogs are bred to be significantly smaller than their breed standards and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.Teacup dogs are susceptible to various health issues due to unethical breeding practices.Prices for teacup dogs can be significantly higher than the standard breed due to their popularity and perceived rarity. Teacup dogs are extremely popular pets because these little dogs look like puppies forever. It's no wonder they can fetch thousands of dollars apiece—their adorably small size makes 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. It’s important to inform yourself about ethical breeding practices, as some breeders will use harmful techniques to keep the dogs small. Also, these tiny dogs are known for having various health issues. Here are 15 teacup dog breeds in all their pint-sized glory. 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 15 Pomeranian Credit: @mochi_mini / Instagram 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. They are bold little dogs that can act as watchdogs, but they’re affectionate with family. And these pricey dogs can cost $1,800 or more. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: Under 7 inchesWeight: Under 7 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, boldEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Fluffy double coat; colors include black, chocolate, orange, and moreLife Span: 12 years (teacup); up to 16 years (toy) 02 of 15 Poodle Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee 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. But a toy poodle is expensive and can cost as much as $2,000. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: Under 10 inchesWeight: Under 6 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, activeEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Curly, dense coat; colors include white, apricot, and blackLife Span: 8 to 15 years 03 of 15 Beagle Credit: Petr Mašlaň / Getty Images 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. Since they are pack dogs, they don’t like to be alone, and could end up barking a lot if they experience separation anxiety or boredom. Beagles that are bred to be smaller are expensive, too, with prices as high as $2,000. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: Under 15 inchesWeight: Under 20 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Fearless, attentive, companionableEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short coat; colors include black and tan, brown and white, and moreLife Span: 12 to 15 years 04 of 15 Maltese Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee 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. Like other toy dogs, the Maltese is pricey, but if you want a teacup Maltese, you might spend over $3,000. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: Under 7 inchesWeight: Under 7 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, fearlessEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Dark, alert eyes; silky, single-layer, white coatLife Span: 12 to 15 years Continue to 5 of 15 below 05 of 15 Pomsky Credit: Sebastian Thiebaud / Getty Images As its name suggests, the Pomsky is the cross between a Siberian husky and 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. And these expensive dogs can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. Breed Overview Group: Not an AKC-recognized breedHeight: Up to 10 inches (toy)Weight: Up to 9 pounds (toy)Personality/Temperament: Loyal, social, energeticEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Fluffy, double coat; colors include white, silver, black, and moreLife Span: 10 to 15 years 06 of 15 Yorkshire Terrier Credit: @stuntman.mikey / Instagram 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. Yorkies are expensive, and the teacup Yorkie can cost up to $5,000. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: Under 7 inchesWeight: Under 7 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, activeEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Silky coat; colors include black and tan, blue and tan, and moreLife Span: 7 to 9 years (teacup); 13 to 16 years (toy) 07 of 15 Bichon Frise Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris 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. Also, teacup bichon frise puppies might cost $3,000 or more. Breed Overview Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: Under 10 inchesWeight: Under 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, affectionateEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Dark, alert eyes; soft, dense coat; colors include white, white and apricot, and white and creamLife Span: 12 to 15 years 08 of 15 Chihuahua Credit: Alona Rjabceva / Getty Images 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. And, like other teacup puppies, teacup Chihuahuas could cost thousands, with some priced around $5,000. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: Under 5 inchesWeight: Under 6 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Lively, companionable, loyalEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, and moreLife Span: 15 to 20 years Continue to 9 of 15 below 09 of 15 Pug Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee 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. Teacup pugs will be more expensive than standard pugs, with prices being as high as $4,000. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: Under 10 inchesWeight: Under 14 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Sweet, playful, affectionateEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short, smooth coat; colors include black and fawnLife Span: 6 to 10 years (teacup); 13 to 15 years (toy) 10 of 15 Shih Tzu Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris Teacup shih tzus are generally regarded as divas of the dog world. These affectionate dogs love to be by your side and need a lot of attention, so be sure you have the time and energy to devote to them. Plus, the tiniest shih tzus might cost around $2,000 or more. 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 inchesWeight: Under 9 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, loyal, alert, friendlyEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, flowing coat; colors include black, blue, gold, silver, and moreLife Span: 10 to 16 years 11 of 15 French Bulldog Mike Linnane / 500px / Getty Images. The French bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds, and for many good reasons. They are friendly and affectionate, intelligent and willing to learn, and playful. At the same time, they are cuddly, so when they aren’t playing, they’ll want to relax with you. But because of their flat faces, they can suffer from brachycephalic syndrome. Mini or teacup Frenchies are bred to weigh less than standard Frenchies. Standard Frenchies can cost as much as $3,000, so a mini will likely cost about the same or more. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: Under 11 inchesWeight: 5 to 14 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Loyal, sociable, friendly, affectionateEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short, smooth; fawn, white, brindle, combinations of brindle and white or fawn and whiteLife Span: 10 to 12 years 12 of 15 Papillon Credit: Tara Gregg / EyeEm / Getty Images The petite papillon makes a great family dog and is one of the smartest breeds. They are active but also wonderful lap dogs, and can do well in homes with other pets, including cats, especially if they’re properly introduced and socialized. Just be aware that they can be stubborn and feisty, and they like to be the pack leader. These tiny dogs are expensive, with average prices ranging from $800 to $3,000. Also, beware of breeders who sell “teacup” papillons, as these dogs are very small to begin with, and so-called teacup varieties may be bred unethically and with health concerns. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8 to 11 inchesWeight: 6 to 10 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, alert, intelligentEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Straight, long; white with markings and a mask of color that’s usually black, red, lemon, or sableLife Span: 14 to 16 years Continue to 13 of 15 below 13 of 15 Mini Dachshund Avoid holding your Mini Dachshund puppy too much so it learns confidence. Credit: Getty Images/Lotte van Alderen / 500px The miniature or mini dachshund is a smaller version of the standard dachshund. This is a playful dog that’s friendly and fun, but they can have a stubborn and independent side, so training them might take some extra work at times. Low to the ground, they have short legs and floppy ears, but they are alert and protective watchdogs as well. These tiny dogs are also expensive, with prices around $1,000 to $2,000 on average. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: Up to 11 poundsWeight: 5 to 6 inchesPersonality/Temperament: Playful, alert, friendly, affectionateEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired; black and cream, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate and tan, cream, red, wheaten, wild boar, blue and cream, fawn and tan, fawn and cream, or chocolate and cream with/without brindle, sable, piebald, or dappleLife Span: 12 to 16 years 14 of 15 Pekingese Credit: Vlad Petin / Getty Images The tiny Pekingese is small to begin with, as these dogs were bred for dwarfism and have short legs that keep them low to the ground. So, if you find a “teacup” Pekingese, it’s important to consider if they were bred ethically. Also, because of the shape of their face, they can have brachycephalic syndrome. And these tiny dogs come with a big price tag, costing as much as $5,000. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 6 to 9 inchesWeight: Up to 14 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, assertiveEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, thick, double coat; variations of gold, red, or sable; occasionally colors including black and tan, white, cream, sable, and grayLife Span: 12 to 14 years 15 of 15 Brussels Griffon 8-month-old Brussels Griffon. Credit: Photo © Aaron & Katie Another toy dog is the Brussels griffon, or griff. They are loyal dogs that bond strongly with their humans and don’t like to be left alone. They also have human-like expressions and a personality that makes them at once friendly and independent. As is the case with other breeds, because these dogs are already small, if you see puppies advertised as “teacup” griffs, look into how they’ve been bred and treated. If you want to purchase a Brussels griffon, these dogs cost $1,000 to $4,000 on average. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 7 to 10 inchesWeight: 8 to 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, playful, stubbornEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Smooth or rough; red, black and tan, black, or belge (mix of black and reddish-brown)Life Span: 12 to 15 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. Common Health Problems Because of the way that they’re bred, teacup dogs can be susceptible to a variety of health problems, such as: Hypoglycemia: This is low blood sugar. It can cause symptoms like lethargy, weakness, sleepiness, stumbling, twitching, disorientation, unconsciousness, and seizures. Liver shunts: This congenital problem can cause abnormally small body size, excessive urination, stumbling, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, and various other symptoms within the first weeks of a puppy’s life. Fragile bones: Because teacup dogs have smaller bones that are frailer, they are prone to fractures and breaks. More Dog Breeds to Explore If you’re interested in other small dogs, check out the following: 32 Small Dog Breeds Perfect for Owners With Limited Space 10 Best Small Dogs for Kids 12 Best Low Energy Small Dogs FAQ How long do teacup dog breeds live? It depends on the breed, but the average life span for a teacup dog is 9 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. Everything You Need to Know About Teacup Dogs: The Good, the Bad, and the Tiny Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds Toy Dog Breeds