Teacup Dogs Pack a Lot of Cute Into a Small Package

Puppies are some of the cutest animals on the planet; their big eyes and small frame adding up to the most adorable package of a pet. But when they get older and bigger, that petite cuteness is gone. Wouldn't it be great to have a pet in puppy form forever? With teacup dogs that can be a possibility.

Teacup dogs are the smallest dog breed, yet still exist within the "toy" classification. They weigh between two and five pounds and do not exceed 17 inches when fully grown. They are often the runt taken from a litter of a toy breed of dog, with continued breeding of the micro animal to select for the smaller size. This can lead to inbreeding and unintended health risks, as an animal that can be held in one hand is not evolutionarily advantageous. It means they'll need a protector and lots of care and attention.

Common Breeds of Teacup Dogs

There’s many different breeds of teacup dogs that can be brought into your family. Some of the most popular include: 

• Chihuahua - The most common type of teacup dog, since the breed is already a popular dog for laps and purses. While they are cute, they tend to be needy and demand constant attention. They are easily trained and perfect for apartment living
• Maltese - Their soft fur and big eyes make them a constant target for petting and baby talk. Their loud bark and distrust of strangers make for an alert watchdog in a tiny package.
• Poodle - The perfect teacup pet for those allergic to dogs, or unwilling to deal with a shedding animal. The smartest of the teacup breeds are easiest to train and can be styled to their owner's satisfaction.
• Shih Tzu - This docile breed is slow to bark and great with kids, making it the perfect miniature family pet. The living embodiment of puppy-dog eyes, this is one of the most in-demand breeds of teacup dogs, and for good reason.
• Pomeranian - Active, curious, and alert, this teacup breed is perfect for the on-the-go person. A Pomeranian is the most popular teacup breed among women, and it's unarguable that the little fluff-ball looks adorable hanging out of a purse.
• Yorkie - The last of the typical teacup breeds has the longest coat, making it the perfect cuddle dog. This is an active breed and loves to run and play, even if it's in a studio apartment or an open field in the countryside.

How to Care for a Teacup Dog

Due to their diminutive size and potential inbreeding, these breeds can be fragile and will require a lot of care and attention. A heightened awareness of heights, access to stairs, and other opportunities for the dog to fall are important. If the dog is around children, then extra care must be paid to make sure they are gentle with the delicate creature. The same goes for playdates with other dogs, since a bump or nudge from a larger dog could mean a broken leg or worse. Those living in the country should be aware of flying predators as well.

For more common daily care, because of their tiny size, their bladders and stomachs are much smaller as well. This will mean more frequent pee breaks and more frequent mealtimes. Moreover, frequent meals can sometimes lead to weight issues, especially if regular exercise is not provided in conjunction. Pee pads can be found online if the dog will be kept inside, especially during the difficult period of house training.

Other genetic issues can arise from breed to breed, so it's important to talk to the veterinarian to look for signs of heart disease, cataracts, or diabetes that might be passed down. And given how small the teacup dogs are, keeping them warm should always be a priority. But it is a great opportunity to dress them up to look even more adorable.

While teacup dogs are a large amount of adorableness in a tiny package, the level of care and attention they require is no joke. For an owner that is looking to pour their care, love, and affection into an animal, a teacup dog is a perfect match.