10 Teacup Dog Breeds for Tiny Canine Lovers (2024)

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Pomeranian

Although today'sPomeranians have a reputation as lapdogs, they were originally bred to herd animals and pull sleds. Earlier versions of the Pomeranian breed weighed around 30 pounds. In the 1800s, they were bred to be smaller to be kept as companions rather than working dogs. Since then, they've only gotten smaller.

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Poodle

Known for their intelligence, athleticism, and sociability,poodles make amazing family dogs. Teacup poodles usually weigh about 4 pounds, while their standard-sized counterpartsweigh 45 to 70 pounds. One convenient trait of poodles? They shed little. Their curled coats don't drop much hair, which is great news for your allergies and your vacuum cleaner.

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Beagle

What they lack in size, teacup beaglesmake up for in friendliness and energy. Most of these beagles only weigh around 15 pounds, which is relatively large for a teacup dog. They can be stubborn when it comes to obedience. But they respond well when you make training fun with treats and games.

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Maltese

Not only is the Maltese one of the world's oldest breeds—originating almost 3,000 years ago—but it also was considered royalty back in the day. The teacup variety generally weighs between 2 and 4 pounds. Because of their small size and low energy, these dogs are a good fit for people who want a cuddle buddy.

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Pomsky

As its name suggests, the Pomsky is thecross between a Siberian husky with a Pomeranian. Pomskies tend to vary in size depending on how much of each breed they have in them. This mix tends to have a high energy level, so be prepared for lots of walks and play.

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Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terrierswere already popular dogs at their standard small size, so the teacup variety is a hit, too. These tiny dogs can weigh just 2 to 3 pounds, but they still have big-dog personalities. Yorkies tend to be vocal, protective, and confident. They're also very loyal and loving to their families.

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Bichon Frise

Bichon frise roughly translates to "curly lapdog" in French. And teacup bichons definitely live up to their name. They werebred to be loving companions who some people refer to as living stuffed animals. But while bichons are quite snuggly, they do have moderate exercise needs and love to play.

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Chihuahua

Between starring in fast food commercials and being toted around in celebrities' purses, teacup Chihuahuas have had their share of fame. But it's not all glamour for these tiny dogs. Chihuahuas need proper training and socialization, or they can become fearful and defensive around strangers. They also need regular exercise and mental stimulation.

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09 of 10

Pug

Teacup pugscan be great apartment dogs. Their small stature (weighing around 3 to 7 pounds), chill demeanor, and low exercise needsmake them ideal for small living spaces. Some pugs can be stubborn, but they tend to respond well to training, especially if treats are involved as a reward.

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Shih Tzu

Teacup shih tzus are generally regarded asdivas of the dog world. But these canines are also incredibly athletic. Underneath their long, silky hair, shih tzus have quite muscular bodies and were built for agility courses. But don't overwork them, as their flat faces make them prone to breathing issues and overheating.