The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (2024)

Breeds Poodle

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (1)Rocky Kanaka |

Jan 3, 2024

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share via Email

Poodles come in three official sizes, but did you know that there’s an unofficial tiny Poodle that’s even smaller than the Toy Poodle size?

Sometimes called a mini Toy Poodle or a pocket Poodle, the Teacup Poodle is a tiny genius capable of learning hundreds of words! When you shrink down one of the world’s smartest dog breeds, you get little Poodles with enormous personalities, high intelligence, and adorable looks. It’s pretty clear why so many people are obsessed with the teeny tiny Teacup Poodle. But are Teacup Poodles all they’re cracked up to be? Are there any issues with the breed?

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (2)

Let’s dive into the basic facts of life with a Teacup Poodle, and get into the ins and outs of the ethics of breeding these dogs. Life isn’t all sunshine and roses with this super cute dog breed, and we’ll explain why some individuals suffer from serious health problems.

But wait! Before we move on, let’s clear something up: Teacup Poodles and Toy Poodles are the same breed! All Teacup Poodles are Toy Poodles, but not all Toy Poodles are Teacup Poodles. “Teacup” simply describes an extra-small Toy Poodle, not an entirely different variety of the Poodle breed.

Meet 9 Teacup Poodles from Instagram

Most Teacup Poodles aren’t actually small enough to fit into a teacup…unless it’s a large teacup, that is! Toy Poodles are only considered Teacup Poodles if they are less than 9 inches tall and less than 6 pounds, but some can be as small as around 2.5 pounds. Like all Poodles, Teacups come in a variety of colors but always have beautiful curly coats.

1. Sunny

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (3)

Sunny is a super cute red Teacup Poodle from Los Angeles, California who loves to go on adventures despite being a little shy. As long as Sunny is with his humans, he has the confidence to try new things, but his sensitive nature makes him more of a homebody.

2. Duffy

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (4)

Duffy is an impeccably groomed white Teacup Poodle from Japan. At nine years old, Duffy has done a lot of adventuring and has visited 32 of the 47 Japanese prefectures! Duffy is so tiny, he fits right into a lineup of stuffed animals.

3. Rodney

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (5)

Coming to us from the UK is Rodney, an adorable light brown Teacup Poodle who knows how to rock a sweater! Rodney is so tiny that people often think he’s a puppy, but he’s a fully-grown adult Teacup Poodle.

4. Yacht

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (6)

Yacht is a 4.5-pound Teacup Poodle from Nashville, Tennessee whose cheerful and affectionate personality lights up a room! Yacht’s fluffy fur helps to make him look bigger than he is, but he really weighs less than your average bag of flour.

5. Milu

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (7)

Five-year-old Milu is a super cute black Teacup Poodle from Singapore who weighs just 5 pounds. Milu has a human baby in his family who outgrew him in just days, but Milo doesn’t mind being the smallest in the family—he has plenty of personality to make up for it!

6. Liya

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (8)

Teacup Poodles like Liya are so small that you can easily hold them in one hand! Miss Liya is a two-year-old, 4-pound white Teacup Poodle living in Austria where she goes almost everywhere with her mom!

7. Gus

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (9)

Gus is now a full-grown adult Teacup Poodle, but look how tiny he was as a puppy! Gus is a deep red Teacup Poodle, and his fur has stayed that gorgeous dark tone into adulthood. Confident and social, Gus loves everyone he meets, human or dog!

8. Goma & Mochi

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (10)

Siblings living in Vancouver, Goma and Mochi are two almost identical Teacup parti Poodles who spend every second together! Just 4 and 3.3 pounds, Goma and Mochi are extra-petite and are perfectly lap-dog-sized.

See also Can You Tell The Difference Between a Poochon, a Poodle, and a Bichon Frise?

Teacup Poodle Basic Info

No matter how cute a dog is, it’s really important to learn as much as you can about them before you commit. Teacup Poodles are adorable, but there’s more to owning one than you might think. How big do Teacup Poodles get? Are there any health issues you should know about? What’s the best way to find a reputable Teacup Poodle breeder? How does the Teacup Poodle compare to the three official sizes of Poodle?

Teacup Poodle Temperament

Teacup Poodles are confident, surprisingly independent little dogs with opinionated personalities. Very loving with their families, some Teacup Poodles can be a little wary of strangers, which can turn into reactivity. Intelligent and easy to train, Teacup Poodles do a lot of thinking and benefit from daily games, puzzles, and training to keep them occupied mentally. Bored Teacup Poodles can become frustrated and destructive, and may become difficult to train.

Teacup Poodles may act self-assured, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how small they are. Some Teacup Poodles can be a little nervous or skittish, especially in new situations or with new people and dogs. They may also be vocal and mouthy to get their point across, particularly if they feel vulnerable. While they can be good family pets, Teacup Poodles are not always the right dog for small children who may accidentally hurt or scare such a small dog.

Athletic and energetic, Teacup Poodles are often playful and social. Once they’ve expended their energy, many Teacups are snuggly, affectionate, and human-oriented pups who will be your shadow.

Teacup Poodle Size

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (11)

Teacup Poodles are just extra-small Toy Poodles, but there are some “qualifications” that Teacups need to meet. Teacup Poodles should be 9 inches tall or less and weigh no more than 6 pounds.

But how big do Toy Poodles get, usually? How big is a Toy Poodle dog compared to a Teacup Poodle? It might surprise you to know that Toy Poodles aren’t much bigger than Teacups while Miniature Poodles tower over them at 15 inches tall. Here’s a chart to compare the size of a Teacup Poodle to the three official sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

Teacup PoodleToy PoodleMiniature PoodleStandard Poodle
Height9 inches (or less)10 inches (or less)15 inches (or less)15 inches (or more)
Weight< 6 pounds4–6 pounds10–15 pounds40–70 pounds

Teacup Poodle Health

In addition to several health issues common in all Poodles—like Legg-Calve-Perthes, luxating patellas, and von Willebrand’s disease—Teacup Poodles may inherit some problems related to either poor breeding or their incredibly small size. Some issues to look out for if you own a Teacup Poodle include:

  • Dental disease
  • Eye and vision problems
  • Collapsed trachea
  • GI and stomach issues
  • Allergies
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Heart disease

Where To Find Teacup Poodle Puppies for Sale

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (12)

Teacup Poodles are just Toy Poodles that have been bred down in size. To breed Teacup Toy Poodles, breeders choose extra-small Toy Poodle parents to hopefully produce extra-small Toy Poodle puppies—it may take a few generations but ethical breeders do this simply by choosing the smallest and healthiest Toy Poodle parents available.

Unfortunately, not all Teacup Poodle breeders are ethical. A highly sought-after variety of Poodle, some people choose to breed Teacups purely for profit and will go to extremes to produce the smallest Teacup Poodle puppies possible. This might include breeding a Toy Poodle mixed with another small breed, like a Chihuahua, or even choosing to breed unhealthy dogs whose growth has been affected.

Because Teacup Poodles are not an official type of Poodle, it can be difficult to find an ethical breeder, and you may instead want to look for a Toy Poodle breeder. If your heart is set on a Teacup, the best place to start is by following Teacup Poodle owners on Instagram, getting to know Teacup Poodle owners, and meeting enthusiasts who can give you first-hand recommendations.

Some red flags to look out for while searching for a Teacup Poodle breeder include advertisements with terms like “micro Teacup Poodle” and “miniature Teacup Poodle,” and abnormally low or abnormally high prices.

It’s also possible to find Teacup Mini Poodles available for adoption. Local shelters and rescues often have Poodles and Poodle mixes available, and you can easily find adoptable Poodles from breed-specific rescues and on rescue databases like Petfinder.

See also Why Get a Doodle When You Could Get a Poodle Instead?

Teacup Poodle FAQ

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (13)

Do you have more questions about the tiny Teacup Poodle? We’ve got answers to your questions and interesting facts about the world’s littlest type of Poodle.

What is a Teacup Poodle?

Teacup Poodles are an unofficial type of Poodles that have been selectively bred to be extra small. In actuality, Tea Cup Poodles are just smaller-sized Toy Poodles—so you could also call them mini Toy Poodles.

How big does a Toy Poodle get? Let’s quickly compare Teacup Poodle vs Toy Poodle size and weight:

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (14)

To create Teacups, Poodle breeders select breeding pairs for their petite features and continue to choose the smallest Toy Poodle adults to continue their breeding programs. Unfortunately, some breeders may choose to use runts or unhealthy parent dogs because of their unusually small size, which can produce unhealthy puppies. Ethical breeders only choose healthy dogs to breed, even if they are not the smallest dog they can find.

Do Teacup Poodles shed?

No, or very little. Some Teacup Poodles may shed a very small amount, but they are considered one of the lowest-shedding breeds in the world.

Are Teacup Poodles hypoallergenic?

Yes, sort of. There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog breed. All dog breeds carry approximately the same amount of the protein responsible for triggering allergies in humans. Humans come in contact with these proteins through their dogs’ saliva, urine, and dander.

Low-shedding dogs like Teacup Poodles drop less fur and less dander than shedding breeds, but they still produce the same dander as other dogs. Brushing, petting, scratching, and movement can release this dander, so you can still be exposed to dander if you have a low-shedding dog.

Regular brushing outdoors, baths, and bringing your Teacup Poodle to a professional groomer can all help cut down on dander in your home.

What is the average Teacup Poodle lifespan?

The average life expectancy for a Teacup Poodle is around 12–15 years. This is a relatively short lifespan when you consider that the average Toy Poodle lives 10–18 years. Due to selective breeding for size, Teacup Poodles are often less healthy and therefore more short-lived than their slightly larger Toy counterparts.

While smaller dogs typically live longer, some Teacup Poodles have been bred so small that their size is a detriment to their health. Additionally, many Teacups are bred without following sufficient standards of health and genetic testing, producing persistent genetic disorders within the breed.

What is the average Teacup Poodle price?

So, how much is a Teacup Poodle if you buy it from an ethical and reputable breeder? A reasonable price for a well-bred Teacup Poodle is between $1,500—$3,500, but there are unfortunately unethical breeders who will either sell puppies for severely reduced prices, or enormously high prices. If you see Teacup Poodle puppies for sale for $500 or $6,000+, steer clear.

Are Teacup Poodles easy to train?

Often, yes! Teacup Poodles—like all Poodles—are highly intelligent, often eager to please, and are quick learners. Teacup Poodles can excel in obedience training and agility, despite their small stature.

How much daily exercise do Teacup Poodles need?

Teacup Poodles need about 1 hour of daily exercise to keep them fit and happy. In addition to physical exercise, Teacup Poodles need daily mental stimulation—games, training, toys, puzzles, and walks where they are allowed to sniff are all great sources of mental stimulation.

Related Articles:

  • Meet The Poodle Who Helped End World War II
  • Solve the Mystery of the Phantom Poodle

Top Rated Dog Treats Every Dog Will Love

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (15) shop Now

Jerky - Made in USA

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (16) shop Now

Good Dog Chews

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (17) shop Now

CollaChews

The Truth About Teacup Poodles and the Hidden Cost of Cuteness - Rocky Kanaka (2024)

FAQs

What is the problem with teacup Poodles? ›

Hypoglycemia. Teacup puppies are prone to developing dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can lead to mental dullness, weakness, muscle tremors, seizures, and death.

Why are teacup Poodles so expensive? ›

Due to their smaller size, teacup poodles can be difficult to breed, and there are typically only one or two puppies bred per litter. This creates a relatively higher demand for this dog due to a lower supply and makes teacup poodles fairly expensive.

What is the lifespan of a teacup poodle? ›

Toy Poodle Health Issues. The typical Toy Poodle lifespan is 10–18 years, and they're a healthy breed overall. But during this long life, they are predisposed to a few health issues that may require care.

How much is a tea cup poodle worth? ›

A reasonable price for a well-bred Teacup Poodle is between $1,500—$3,500, but there are unfortunately unethical breeders who will either sell puppies for severely reduced prices, or enormously high prices. If you see Teacup Poodle puppies for sale for $500 or $6,000+, steer clear.

Do teacup Poodles get sick easily? ›

Teacup poodles are extremely sensitive dogs. You need to take extreme care of them if you don't want them to get sick. Their small size makes them vulnerable to a lot of injuries and diseases.

Do teacup Poodles bark a lot? ›

Although he may be small in size, he has the same instinct as any other dog. Sometimes your Poodle may be excited about a guest or play, or may be anxious or bored because he has been left without exercise, play or attention for too long. A Poodle will bark, much the same as most dogs in these circumstances will bark.

How often does a teacup poodle poop? ›

Smaller dogs (less than 35 pounds) typically have smaller digestive systems, so they require more frequent backyard visits than larger breeds. They should be pooping at least two or three times per day, and four times would not be abnormal.

Do teacup Poodles smell? ›

Poodles shed a great deal less than other dogs, particularly dogs who are just as big and just as furry. Poodles also smell less, which is a great relief for owners who really want a loving animal companion, but who don't want to spritz air freshener all over their homes every day to cover up that canine aroma.

Are teacup Poodles clingy? ›

Toy poodles often exhibit a behavior commonly referred to as being "clingy," where these small but spirited canines prefer to stay close to their owners. This tendency makes them known as 'velcro dogs,' a nickname that highlights their desire to be in constant contact with their human companions.

Can you leave a teacup poodle alone? ›

This sweet little ball of fur is affectionate and will bond strongly with you. Unfortunately, the toy poodle can become overly dependent on your presence and develop severe separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Sometimes, this results in negative behaviors like having accidents in the house.

What are some interesting facts about teacup Poodles? ›

The eyes are dark, small, and always alert. Also, these dogs have furry ears and log muzzles. Another interesting fact about the Teacup Poodle is that they have thick curly fur that never shed. It means the dog is the perfect pet for those with an allergy to pet hair.

How old is the oldest teacup poodle? ›

A toy poodle whose New York City owners had sought to put him in the Guinness World Records book as the world's oldest dog has died. Uncle Chichi was 24, 25 or 26. Owners Frank Pavich and Janet Puhalovic adopted Chichi from an animal shelter in Charleston, S.C., when he was 1 to 2 years old.

What are the cons of teacup Poodles? ›

However, this breed is by no means perfect. Besides the regular clipping, they do need daily exercise, as they are lively dogs. And they do need a lot of daily companionship. They suffer from loneliness and separation anxiety if left alone too much.

What is the rarest Toy Poodle color? ›

While some argue that blue is the rarest coat color in almost any breed, including the Poodle, others claim the red Poodle is less common while some say apricot Poodles are “the rarest in the world.”

Are teacup Poodles high maintenance? ›

Are Toy Poodles easy to maintain? Toy Poodles have a curly, dense coat that is non-shedding, making them a great option for allergy sufferers. However, this same benefit means their fur requires regular, professional grooming to keep it in good condition and to prevent matting.

Why not to get a miniature poodle? ›

If you touch them unexpectedly or startle them with a sudden loud sound, they tend to flinch. The most sensitive individuals are unhappy around small children. Similarly, Miniature Poodles can get emotionally upset if there's too much activity or conflict or roughhousing in your household.

Do teacup yorkies have health problems? ›

A Yorkie who weighs 3 pounds or less often requires special care. Extra-small Yorkies are more prone to serious health problems and birth defects (like portosystemic shunt or small kidneys — which you won't know about until much later).

Why do teacup Poodles shake? ›

Some of the most common reasons for your dog's shaking & shivering are cold, excitement, stress & anxiety, seeking attention, pain or illness, and old age. It's important to recognize the difference between normal shaking vs. signs of a seizure.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5814

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.