Teacup Poodle

Does the Teacup Poodle make a good family pet? Are they good around other animals? Find out the answers to these and many other common questions in our big guide.

When the Teacup Poodle was first bred, it was to fulfill the desire of those who wanted a stunning dog that was tiny!

These dogs have become more popular as the years have passed and are now sought by people who want to enjoy a dog without any hassles.

Height: Up to a maximum of 9 inches
Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Pedigree Breed: No, not recognized

Positives and Negatives of the Breed

If you have fallen in love with this breed, then it is worth making sure that they fit into your lifestyle requirements before you purchase one.

Here are the main positives and negatives that come with owning a Tea-cup Poodle.

Pros

• This breed is a great choice as a companion dog
• They can thrive in the smallest of apartments or the biggest homes
• They need little exercise each day so are great for those people that struggle to get out and about
• They are easy to train and want to please you at any given opportunity

Cons

• They are incredibly expensive, starting at around $2500 per pup
• They are hard to find as most litters only produce two puppies
• They are not good when left along and become distressed, with separation anxiety appearing if this is a frequent issue
• They can be very destructive if they get bored and need regular interaction to thrive

Overview

Whilst the Tea Cup Toy Poodle is not a KC recognized breed, it comes with a long and extensive pedigree history.

This breed was selectively bred from the larger Toy Poodle, which was bred from the more widely known Poodle.

Many people love the look of a Poodle but don’t want the demands that come with owning a larger dog, and so breeders began working on smaller variations in order to produce a dog that looks great and is easy to maintain.

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History

The Poodle line of ancestry dates back hundreds of years and is one of the oldest dogs that can boast purebred heritage.

They originated from Germany and were first used as working dogs and gun dogs as they are intelligent, easy to train, and are fantastic at retrieving.

They even have a water-resistant coat to protect them when they are out and about.

As the years have gone by, the breed has become more popular as a domestic pet and is used as a status symbol amongst the wealthy who want to demonstrate their sophistication.

To make them the perfect pet, the breed has slowly been reduced in size, allowing people to keep them for their looks without needing to give them so much exercise and adventure.

These days there are many different variations with some, including the Toy Poodle, Micro Poodle, and Teacup Poodles. They seem only to be increasing in popularity, and we are certain that they will be around for some time to come.

Personality

One of the key things any prospective owner looks for in a new dog is whether their personality is a good fit or not.

The great thing about Teacup Poodles is that they come with a big personality compared to their tiny stature.

Are They Good with Strangers?

Teacup Poodles are wary of new people and will sometimes bark or yap if they are uncertain, which can be an asset if you were unaware that a stranger was about.

However, if you are accepting of a person that is new to your dog, then they are more than likely to be as happy to see them as you are.

Are They Good with Other Dogs?

This breed is great with other dogs as long as they are not too big or boisterous. They are able to hold their own in a pack and love nothing more than playing with other dogs who show an interest in them.

Are They Ok with Children?

Teacup Poodles are great with children that they know and care for as well as being good with new children.

However, like any dog, this breed can become overwhelmed and even intimidated when being held and passed around a group of new and small children.

To avoid this, it’s important to train and socialize your pup from a young age, but it is also wise to consider the appropriateness of passing a dog around lots of little people.

Are They Good with Other Pets?

This breed is not dominant over space and will be happy to share their home with other pets. If you have cats and dogs, this should not be a problem as the Teacup Poodle is friendly and loving.

However, small animals and rodents may find themselves to be the object of interest and even chased if you let them all out together. Common sense will help you to navigate owning multiple animals.

Do They Have A Good Temperament?

Teacups have a wonderful temperament and are very like larger Poodles in nature. They are very loving and caring and want to please you whenever they are given the opportunity.

They love to spend their time at your side and will be devoted to you in return for lots of fuss and attention.

Are They Sociable?

As long as you put them through training at a young age, you will find that this dog is incredibly sociable and loves to be around people and other pets.

They will slot into your life easily and be happy to go on any adventures you have planned.

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Health

As with many breeds, the Teacup Poodle is at risk of developing some hereditary diseases that have been passed through the line by the Poodles before them, there is little that can be done to stop the passing of these illnesses, but there are things you can do to mitigate the risk.

The main issues for this breed are:

• Dysplasia
• Low blood sugar
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Heart defects

It is wise to consider any test that can be done prior to owning a pup so that you can be aware of anything that they may need as their life progresses.

It is also important to take them for regular health checkups with the vet so that they can be monitored appropriately.

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Exercise

One of the most appealing factors of owning a Teacup Poodle is that they do not require much exercise every day.

However, it is important to remember that they do still need some exercise and lots of activities that keep their brains active.

Teacup Poodles love to get outside to explore and will be keen to play with anyone that shows them interest. Short regular walks are much better than long, tiring ones.

If you find your pup is tired before you get home, you can just scoop them up and carry them for the last lengths.

As an intelligent dog breed, you will enjoy training your Teacup to do lots of fun tricks, and they will love any time spent with you on this. The more you put into your pup, the less likely they are to become bored and destructive.

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Intelligence/Trainability

This breed is naturally intelligent and easy to train so that you can be the proud owner of the smallest and smartest pup on the block.

They are at risk of becoming spoiled because many owners let them develop bad habits in their first few months. By training them as soon as possible, you will end up with a dog that is obedient and happy.

They love to impress and will work hard to learn whatever you want to teach them, but it is best to train in regular but short bursts to ensure they do not become frustrated or despondent.

They love it when you praise them and will try their best at the promise of their favorite treat.

Grooming

The sight of a perfectly groomed Poodle is one to behold, and this is more than possible in the Teacup breed too!

Many groomers will offer you a range of styles that can be done, and your pup will be happy to oblige, loving the fuss that comes with grooming.

They have thick coats that do not shed easily so that your home will not be covered in pet hair. However, it is important to brush this breed from a young age so that they get used to it and learn to accept it.

Teacups need to be brushed regularly to keep their coat in the best condition, twice weekly is the minimum and will provide your pooch with some downtime they can enjoy.

In addition to brushing, it is important to keep their teeth clean and nails clipped to avoid any issues that may arise in the future.

Your pup will thank you for your love and care in the long run, and appropriate care will help them to live their best life, for the longest time.

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