Teacup Poodle
Canis lupus

The teacup poodle is the smallest poodle breed!
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Teacup Poodle Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.
Teacup Poodle Conservation Status
Teacup Poodle Facts
- Name Of Young
- Puppy
- Group Behavior
- Pack
- Fun Fact
- The teacup poodle is the smallest poodle breed!
- Most Distinctive Feature
- It is incredibly small!
- Gestation Period
- 63 weeks
- Temperament
- Intelligent, fun, people loving.
Teacup Poodle as a Pet:
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Shedability
- Trainability
- Intelligence
- Tendency to Chew
- Size
- Family and kid friendliness
- Yappiness / Barking
- Moderate
- Hypoallergenic
- Yes
- Separation Anxiety
- High
- Preferred Temperature
- Average climate
- Exercise Needs
- Low
- Friendly With Other Dogs
- High
- Pure bred cost to own
- $2,000 to $2,500
- Dog group
- Toy
- Male weight
- 2-4 lbs
- Female weight
- 2-4 lbs
View all of the Teacup Poodle images!
Introduction
The teacup poodle is a designer/toy variety of the standard poodle that so many dog owners know and love. The origins of the poodle are shrouded in mystery, but it has been known for over 400 years in western Europe. When many think of the poodle, they think of France, but the AKC believes that the breed originated in Germany as a type of water retriever. Regardless of its origin, the breed is known as a highly trainable and trustworthy dog that has been used for various tasks, from retrieving to actual circus work in France.
As the popularity of the standard poodle grew, so did the desire for a smaller version of the dog suitable for families and small homes; this led to the development of miniature and then toy poodles. The teacup poodle is just a smaller version of the toy poodle. Breeders in the United States just bred smaller versions; there is no standard for AKC recognition. Apart from its size, the teacup poodle shares the same temperament as the other poodle varieties and is highly intelligent, fun, and people-loving.

Teacup poodles are the smallest poodle breed.
©Eloine Chapman/Shutterstock.com
Teacup Poodle Fun Fact
The teacup poodle is the smallest poodle breed!
3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Teacup Poodle
Pros! | Cons! |
---|---|
Of course, the teacup poodle is extremely cute! It is bred specifically for that purpose. This is the primary function of the teacup variety. | The teacup poodle’s small size makes it a fragile dog. It has a slightly shorter lifespan than standard poodles because of its susceptibility to injury. |
The teacup poodle is alert and can be vocal, making it a good watchdog for its size. | A teacup poodle that is not shown its place in the hierarchy through training can develop small dog syndrome. This dog will assume the alpha role with improper boundaries, causing behavior problems. |
Like the standard poodle, the teacup likes to be with people. This makes it an excellent companion or lapdog. | Its love of people and its sense of vulnerability can give the teacup poodle separation anxiety. Don’t own one if you don’t plan on spending much time at home. |
The Best Dog Food For Teacup Poodles
Though teacup poodles don’t require much food, they should eat multiple meals throughout the day as they are prone to issues with low blood sugar. We at A-Z Animals recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed.
Teacup Poodle Size and Weight
The teacup poodle is the smallest poodle breed. Males and females stand only 5-8 inches tall and seldom weigh more than 4 pounds.
Weight (Male): | 2-4 pounds |
Height (Male): | 5-8 inches |
Weight (Female): | 2-4 pounds |
Height (Female): | 5-8 inches |
Teacup Poodle Common Health Issues
Teacup poodles are subject to a variety of disorders that can occasionally affect poodles of all sizes, including:
- IMHA (immune-mediated hemolytic anemia)
- dysplasia
- diabetes
- epilepsy
- heart disorders
- PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)
- runny eyes
- ear infections
- digestive tract problems
- skin conditions, possibly as a result of improper clipper use
- allergies to shampoos or dyes
Apart from conditions common to poodles, there are some issues associated with toy and teacup breeds that owners should be aware of. One common issue is hypoglycemia: the teacup poodle’s metabolism and feeding schedule need to be in sync, or they may experience episodes of low blood sugar. That’s why it’s so important to feed them on a schedule. The second issue is their vulnerability due to their size. The lifespan of teacup poodles can be just as long as a standard poodle, but average lifespans are decreased due to accidents and injuries simply due to their accidentally being stepped on or rolled over. Finally, these smaller dogs can be vulnerable to patellar luxation or kneecap dislocation. This is due to stress on the joints being greater than usual.
Teacup Poodle Temperament
The teacup poodle is an intelligent, loving, and playful dog by nature. Its intelligence makes it highly trainable, which is fortunate because, like all small dogs, the teacup poodle is susceptible to small dog syndrome. This can occur when the owner does not train the dog properly and put down boundaries to let the poodle know it is not the alpha. Apart from this, the teacup can be a lovable, obedient companion.
Given its size and temperament, the teacup poodle makes an ideal apartment and family dog, though it is not suitable for small or rambunctious children as it is somewhat fragile. Only children with training or experience in dog behavior or handling should interact with the dog.
How To Take Care of a Teacup Poodle
Teacup Poodle Maintenance And Grooming
As their coats are the same as those on standard and miniature poodles, groom and maintain the teacup poodle the same as you would a standard. Brush the dog daily, bathe the dog regularly, and clip the coat every 6-8 weeks.
Brushing the dog’s teeth a few times a week, at least, is necessary, as is yearly dental scaling at the vet’s. Also, check the dog’s ears regularly for mites and wax buildup, and trim the nails regularly.
Teacup Poodle Training
Poodles are among the most trainable dog breeds, and the teacup is no exception. Its diminutive size makes it challenging to perform some of the activities which later breeds excel at, but obedience training is a worthwhile activity. This may help to stave off some of the most annoying behaviors displayed by small dogs that develop “small dog syndrome.”
Teacup Poodle Exercise
Teacup poodles need a 30-minute walk daily. It is ideal if this is broken up over 2-3 walks. Additional play is good for their demeanor and development, preferably indoors or in a safe, enclosed yard. Be aware that the teacup’s small size makes it vulnerable to predatory animals, and never leave it outside unsupervised.
Teacup Poodle Puppies
Teacup poodle pups should be obtained from reputable breeders with health and genetic information on the sires. Immunize them at the appropriate stages, and socialize them with other dogs and people as soon as possible. Establish training and boundaries early on to avoid the demanding, alpha behaviors sometimes shown by small dogs with lenient training.
Teacup Poodles And Children
Due to the fragility and small size of the teacup poodle, they are usually unsuitable for households with children. Older children who are conscientious and trained in dog handling may be okay with this dog. The teacup is not a breed capable of rough play and needs to be handled with extreme care.
Dogs Similar to the Teacup Poodle
Toy Poodle: The teacup poodle is just a miniaturized version of the toy poodle. As such, they share all of the main characteristics of the standard poodle apart from size.
Chinese Crested Dog: The Chinese Crested Dog is a toy breed that shares a tendency to have a stylish haircut. It is a bit larger than the teacup poodle, though.
Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu is a toy breed that shares the cuteness factor of the teacup poodle. It also has a zest for life and a sense of fun that compares well with the teacup.
Popular Names for Teacup Poodles
- Peanut
- Bruiser
- Neo
- Valentino
- Frankie
- Chanel
- Coco
- Fifi
- Buttercup
- Bella
Up Next:
- Adorable Teacup Dog Breeds
- Toy Poodle vs. Miniature Poodle vs. Teacup Poodle
- Types of Toy Dog Breeds
Teacup Poodle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How big will a teacup poodle get?
An adult teacup poodle will reach a maximum weight of 5 pounds, and will be under 9 inches tall.
Do teacup poodles have health problems?
Apart from the standard problems associated with poodles, teacup poodles will have similar issues that impact many toy breeds. This includes hypoglycemia and patellar luxation.
Are teacup poodles and toy poodles the same?
Teacup poodles are purposely bred to be smaller than toy poodles. Apart from that, they are the same.
What is the smallest size of poodle?
The teacup variety is the smallest of the various poodle varieties.
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Sources
- A-Z Animals / Accessed January 9, 2023
- Dog Breed Info / Accessed January 9, 2023
- Animal Corner / Accessed January 9, 2023
- Dog Pregnancy Calendar / Accessed January 9, 2023
- Wag / Accessed January 9, 2023
- Wikipedia / Accessed January 9, 2023
- A-Z Animals / Accessed January 9, 2023