17 Too-Cute Teacup Dog Breeds

It’s not rocket science why breeders created teacup dogs: We’re kind of wired to fall in love with cute and tiny things. It activates a nurturing role that compels us to feed, love, and protect—whether it’s a human baby or one of the cutest dog breeds, like the trendy teacup dog. Back in the day, the smallest pup of the litter (runt) was often cast aside. Potential health and aesthetic issues meant the pup was probably given away instead of being sold or removed from the gene pool.

That changes as, “somewhere along the line, someone realized that these little runts are actually quite cute, and people like—and will pay for—cute,” says Matthew McCarthy, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in Middle Village, New York.

ⓘ

By and large, teacup breeding is considered unethical and cruel. Virtually all small dog breeds have health issues that pop up now and then, but tiny teacups are vulnerable to a host of health problems such as hypoglycemia, respiratory problems from underdeveloped lungs, heart defects, fragile bones, and more. The American Kennel Club (AKC), a not-for-profit all-breed registry and advocate of responsible dog ownership, doesn’t endorse teacup breeders nor recognize teacups as an official breed.

Still, if you decide a teacup dog is for you, find a responsible breeder. “Visit the breeding facility and meet the mother and father dog,” advises veterinarian Alena Abens, DVM, and medical director of VCA Chicago North Animal Hospital. “Ask the breeder about their breeding history and the veterinary history of the mother, father, and puppiesAsk for references from dog owners of previous litters.” Take your pup to your veterinarian for evaluation before bringing it home.

The teacup’s breed, location, and breeder determine how much a teacup dog costs. Typically they fetch $750 to $2,000. Make sure you’re up-to-date on the most and least expensive dog breeds.

What is a teacup dog?

“Most breeders consider teacup dogs less than 4 pounds and standing less than 17 inches tall. Given these standards, there are six true teacup breeds; teacup Chihuahua, teacup Maltese, teacup poodle, teacup Pomeranian, teacup Yorkie, and teacup Shih Tzu,” explains Dr. Abens. “We do see teacup pups that seem to come from somewhat responsible breeders,” adds Dr. McCarthy. “These so-called ‘hobby breeders’ do it because they love the breed and do a reasonable amount of genetic testing and follow up with owners to see how the pups do.” Unfortunately, the majority of teacup dogs come from the unscrupulous breeders of puppy mills.