The attraction to teacup dogs is almost always their adorable appearance. They are the perfect purse size and guarantee an ever-present carry-along friend. With their cuteness also comes controversy, so it's important to know what these types of dogs need to thrive.

Teacup pups are the smallest of the small dogs; even smaller then toy dog breeds. In fact, teacups are bred from the smallest puppies of a toy dog littler. To be categorized as a teacup, they have to weigh less than four pounds and be less than 17 inches tall.

There are six true types of teacup breeds:

1. Teacup Chihuahua
   • This is the most popular type of teacup.
   • They are affectionate and love to be around their owners.
   • They tend to be nervous.
   • They do well with cats, but not other dogs or kids.
2. Teacup Maltese
   • They make a good watch dog because they bark a lot.
   • They are gentle and love their owners.
   • They love to play, but not with younger kids.
3. Teacup Poodle
   • Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds.
   • They are easier to train.
   • They require frequent grooming
4. Teacup Pomeranian
   • They are laid back, calm, and curious.
   • They bark a lot.
   • They do best with older children.
5. Teacup Yorkie
   • They are loving and have a lot of personality.
   • As with other types, they bark a lot.
   • They don't get along very well with kids or other animals.
6. Teacup Shih Tzu
   • Their coat is long and can be styled with bows.
   • They do well with children and other animals.
   • They are calm and don't bark as much as other teacups.

Controversy

Because teacups are the smallest of a litter, they may be unhealthy. They have higher rates of organ issues and broken bones. Some breeders may be unethical and care more about making money than the health of the animal. Make sure the breeder is reputable.

Care

Because they are so small, teacup pups cannot eat much at one time and need to be fed four to five times per day. They also have tiny bladders and will need to be let out often. Some extra effort will need to be put into potty training, and it might be smart to invest in some doggy pads.

Top 5 Routes for "Teacup Dogs"

1. Top Dog Tips This website gives lots of great info on how to care for dogs. Dog owners can find advice on the best gadgets for their pup, a how-to section (ex. DIY grooming), and information about the best dog food and supplies.
2. Tea Cup Dog Daily This website is all about teacup breeds. Dog owners can find out which breeds are most popular. They can get information about health, caring for teacups, as well as advice about what the dogs can and cannot eat. There are also some great grooming tips.
3. Tea Cup Puppies and Dogs This website will help potential dog owners decide if a teacup is the right dog for them. They can find some information about the care the dogs need and how to prepare a home for their arrival. There is also information about feeding, health, and care as well as articles on obedience training.
4. Daily Treat Daily Treat offers potential or new dog owners help with naming their dog and info on breeds (including teacup dogs). Their blog shares adorable stories and pictures of pups plus hacks for dog training. The site also links back to rover.com where pet owners can find resources for pet sitting, boarding, dog walking, day care, and other services.
5. PetMD PetMD is a great side to search for specific breeds. Potential dog owners can find information about a breed's personality and temperament, the type of health care they will require, and information on the breed's history and background.