Top 10 Most Popular Teacup Dog Breeds

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
The smallest of pooches falls into the category known as teacup dog breeds. Even if you’re name isn’t Paris, these tiny bundles of love will steal your heart!


Pinkies up and best behavior needed as we take a look at the tiniest of the tiny dogs – teacup dog breeds. These wee ones are so small they don’t even fall within the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s criterion for their “toy” group (which is to weigh a minimum of 4 to 6 pounds). Yes, this is the controversial under-4-pounds-when-fully-grown group that brings lots of love but also lots of health and care concerns as they come in extra-fragile packaging. Still want to fill up your cup with this teeny pup? Let’s look at 10 of the most popular teacup dog breeds:


Teacup Chihuahua

These tiny Mexican tamales bring the feisty nature of the full-size Chihuahua but in a much smaller format and will require extra special care when handling. This nervous little pup can co-exist with cats (of the friendly variety) but other dogs or kids in the household are not recommended given how easily he can be injured if rough play happens. (Photo credit: Cloudfoam/Shutterstock)


Teacup Yorkie

This confident little kipper can be his own worst enemy because in spite of his tiny size, he retains the fearless nature of the Yorkshire Terrier and needs to be discouraged from taking on all who cross his path. As with all teacup pooches, extra attention is needed with feeding and mealtimes will consist of small servings 5 to 6 times throughout the day. (Photo credit: C. Lee Parrish/Shutterstock)


Russian Toy

Introduced to North America in the 1990s, this mini-mutt with the great big voice actually prefers a leash to a handbag. Similar to a Chihuahua, he comes in either long or short-haired varieties and because he tips the scales at 2 to 6 pounds, he spans that crucial 4-pound threshold and was recently introduced to AKC “toy” group listing. (Photo credit: Arthur Lookyanov/Shutterstock)


Teacup Maltese

This cute little ball of fur is one of the feistier of the pint-sized pooches and can make a formidable watchdog when it comes to vocal alerts. While this busy little boy really is gentle and just loves to play and cuddle when he isn’t seeking out stranger-danger, he isn’t suitable for families with young kids or other dogs. (Photo credit: Joy Brown/Shutterstock)


Yorkie Poo

Cross a Yorkshire Terrier with a Toy Poodle and you get an energetic little guy that can range upward of 3 pounds and fit quite nicely into any teacup… if you can get him to sit still long enough. This diminutive doggie loves to run, play games and snuggle on your lap at the end of a busy day. He also enjoys a good bark to ward off strangers. (Photo credit: JStaley401/Shutterstock)


Teacup Poodle

Smaller than the Toy and as smart as the Standard, these tiny teacup fuzz balls are not only adorable companions but are hypoallergenic to boot. Note that just like their larger sized poodle kin, these tiny tots will need their coats trimmed and this will require a professional groomer who is trained specifically on handling the super small teacup breeds. (Photo credit: Eloine Chapman/Shutterstock)


Teacup Shih Tzu

Perfect for the handbag and ideal for apartment living, the sweet little Teacup Shih Tzu adores being fussed over and having his long locks brushed and styled. He isn’t high energy, and doesn’t see the point of barking which makes him a great neighbor. Unlike other tiny dogs, he gets along with kids and other pets but handling must be supervised. (Photo credit: Ken Hurst/Shutterstock)


Teacup Pomeranian

While this curious little teacup with the fox-like looks and quick-to-bark personality resembles a regular-sized Pom, don’t expect the same energy or activity level. This much smaller version needs a quieter, child-free household where he won’t feel threatened or risk being trampled. And because of their ultra-tiny organs, most teacup pups cannot be house-trained. (Photo credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock)


Teacup Maltipoo

This tiny tot comes from breeding a Toy Poodle with a Teacup Maltese for a truly sweet natured little pup. Luckily, he travels well because as is the case with most Teacup dog breeds, he can’t be left on his own for any length of time. The need for frequent feeding and separation anxiety are big factors that potential owners need to consider before taking on these little guys. (Photo credit: JStaley401/Shutterstock)


Teacup Pekingese

Not everything becomes miniaturized with a Teacup pup and the assertive Pekingese personality comes through loud and clear with this tiny take-off. While he still loves to play and cuddle, the small size of this pooch means extra care needs to be taken to monitor his whereabouts as falls off a chair or sofa can be deadly and broken bones happen easily if he’s mishandled. (Photo credit: Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock)

Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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