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Teacup Poodle: Breed Info, Pictures, Puppies, Size, Health, & Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Teacup Poodle Breed

Height: 6-8 inches
Weight: 4-6 pounds
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Colors: Black, white, grey, silver, red, brindle, apricot
Suitable for: Families, companion dogs, elderly people
Temperament: Cuddly, energetic, stubborn, cheerful, social, playful

If you dream of owning a living, breathing teddy bear, look no further than the Teacup Poodle. These dogs might be small, but they pack plenty of brains and charm into their tiny bodies.

Of course, it’s important to remember that even the smallest dogs are still dogs. They require training, exercise, and regular grooming to stay happy and healthy. With the right care, however, the Teacup Poodle is a fulfilling companion that will never leave its owner’s side.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. By these official standards, a Toy Poodle stands no more than 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.

Teacup Poodles are even smaller than their Toy counterparts. Although the Teacup Poodle is not officially recognized by the AKC, it has gained popularity with breeders, groomers, and everyday dog owners around the globe.

Ready to find out if this dog is a good fit for your home? Let’s find out.

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Teacup Poodle Puppies

teacup poodle puppy
Image credit: Eloine Chapman, Shutterstock
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

As with any purebred dog, getting your hands on a Teacup Poodle can be a long and exhausting process. But taking the time to do your research and vet your sources will ensure your new family member is happy, healthy, and responsibly bred.

Teacup Poodles have very similar proportions to their larger brethren, with slightly longer legs and an up-turned tail. While some breeders and dog owners choose to dock their Poodles’ tails, this practice is falling out of favor in many circles.

Because of their small size and squared-off proportions, many Teacup poodles resemble walking, barking teddy bears. Like other Poodle varieties, the Teacup Poodle has a curly or even corded coat that can be groomed to meet the owner’s preferences. This breed can technically come in any color, though most show standards dictate a solid coat.

Where to Buy

Organizations like the AKC can make finding a responsible breeder pretty easy. Since the Teacup Poodle isn’t officially recognized by the AKC, though, this process gets a bit more difficult.

Although the vast majority of breeders have their dogs’ best interests at heart, this isn’t the case for everyone. To avoid accidentally supporting an unethical breeder, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research your options before going through with buying a puppy.

If you want to know which breeder in your area is the most reliable, one of the best resources to check out is your regional Poodle club. By reaching out to members of local breed-specific organizations, either face-to-face or through social media, you can learn a bit about their experiences with nearby Teacup Poodle breeders.

Can You Adopt a Teacup Poodle?

Yes, there’s always a possibility that a Teacup Poodle will show up in your local rescue or Humane Society. However, these chances are very slim.

If you have your heart set on a Teacup Poodle but don’t want to buy directly from a breeder, check your area for Poodle-specific rescues or charity organizations. Oftentimes, these organizations keep tabs on local dogs in need and help connect them to compatible owners. But because the Teacup Poodle is so popular right now (and because it costs so much to buy in the first place), very few dogs end up in shelters.

Watch out for owners trying to resell their Teacup Poodle on social media or on local bulletin boards, as you can never know the health or history of a dog. At the end of the day, it’s always best to source a Teacup Poodle from a breeder or official rescue organization.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Teacup Poodle

1. They are prone to breaking their bones.

Their tiny bodies make them susceptible to breaking bones.

2. They are great watchdogs.

Despite their size, they are loyal and fiesty.

3. They do not shed!

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Teacup Poodle 🧠

The Teacup Poodle has a good temperament but can be quite strong-willed and stubborn if they do not have the proper training, after all, they are highly intelligent. They are loving, friendly, cuddly, sweet, and make great companions. They love to be part of the family and don’t like being left alone for too long. If they develop separation anxiety, they can get into mischief.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

These dogs are good for families, but they do love to be the center of attention, so being around little children can be an issue if you don’t have the time to commit to them. They won’t be aggressive, just get into everything to get the attention back on them. They are wonderful dogs for older families and older couples because they love to be cuddled and doted upon.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Teacup Poodles are generally sociable and happy to play and interact with other dogs and cats, though proper socialization is always recommended before assuming your Teacup Poodle will be fine in multi-pet situations.

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Things to Know When Owning a Teacup Poodle

Although the Teacup Poodle requires much the same care as any other type of Poodle, their needs are not identical. Be sure you know exactly how to groom, feed, exercise, and train your new companion before adding a Teacup Poodle to your home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Due to their extremely small size, we recommend selecting a wet or dry food specifically designed for toy dog breeds. Teacup Poodles have very small mouths and digestive tracts, so choose a dry food with extra-small kibble pieces.

Teacup Poodles also have different nutritional requirements than larger Poodles. Talk to your veterinarian for specific food recommendations for your dog’s needs.

Exercise 🐕

If you think the Teacup Poodle’s small size means it doesn’t require daily walks, think again. While your Teacup Poodle certainly won’t make it as far as a German Shepherd or Golden Retriever, they require regular walking just like any other breed.

Outside of taking your Teacup Poodle for walks, the vast majority of their exercise needs will be met indoors. Even small apartments offer plenty of space for this breed to run and play.

If you have access to a safe yard or other outdoor space, playing outside can be a nice change to your pup’s routine. Some Teacup Poodles even enjoy playing in shallow water. We always recommend supervising your Teacup Poodle when outside, even in fenced areas.

Training 🦮

Many owners of small and toy breeds neglect training their dogs because of their size. If you own a Teacup Poodle, though, adopting this mindset will be doing your pup a major disservice.

In fact, the Teacup Poodle is highly intelligent, with many breeders and owners considering them some of the most trainable dogs in existence. Really, this should come as no surprise considering the full-sized Poodle’s remarkable intelligence.

With that said, Teacup Poodles can be quite stubborn and resistant to household rules. It’s important to address these issues early on while your dog is still a puppy, as they can grow worse with maturity.

As with any breed, consistent training and socialization will result in an affectionate, trusting, and overall well-rounded dog. So don’t underestimate the importance of training your Teacup Poodle!

Grooming ✂️

Poodles of all sizes are infamous for their intensive grooming needs — the Teacup Poodle is no exception. However, their smaller size means that grooming takes far less time than with larger varieties.

The Teacup Poodle requires bathing and trimming at least every two months, if not more often. While the Teacup Poodle’s coat can be left natural, many owners choose to have it clipped into a pom-pom cut or other style. Despite the need for a consistent grooming regimen, Teacup Poodles shed very little fur.

Because of their overturned ears, regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent buildup and infection. Many Teacup Poodles also require daily cleaning around the eyes to wipe away buildup and prevent staining.

Teacup Poodle Breed
Image credit: Black Teacup Poodle sitting on the grass by Freepics4you, Pixabay

Health and Conditions ❤️

Every breed presents its own range of health risks, but the Teacup Poodle is especially prone to genetic issues. While some of these concerns can be managed through responsible breeding, there is always a chance with any dog that health conditions will emerge over time.

For the Teacup Poodle, common health concerns include:

  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Anemia
  • Heart disorders
  • Ear and eye infections
  • Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
  • Skin disorders

Scheduling regular vet visits for your Teacup Poodle from an early age is key to ensure a long and happy life for your pup. With proper care and veterinary oversight, Teacup Poodles can live to be 12-14 years old.

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Male vs Female

Male and female tendencies can vary in many dog breeds, though Teacup Poodles aren’t as easily distinguishable in their personality by sex.

If you have a preference for one sex, you’re just as likely to get a loving and affectionate pup that is highly sociable as you are to get one that is more distant with strangers and other pets.

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No, tiny dogs aren’t for everyone. For those who crave a sweet and affectionate companion that will always be by their side, though, the Teacup Poodle is an excellent option.

Although purchasing or adopting a Teacup Poodle isn’t always easy — it certainly isn’t cheap — these dogs make excellent companions in the right household. They require minimal exercise and thrive in even the smallest apartments. Their sharp minds also make them perfect candidates for learning tricks.

While you will need to pay special attention to your Teacup Poodle’s unique coat, these dogs shed very little. This trait makes them almost allergen-free, though you should consult with your doctor before bringing any dog into a home with allergy sufferers.

With regular veterinary care, the Teacup Poodle can live a long and healthy life. So, if you have the time, money, and resources to bring one of these adorable canine teddy bears into your home, you’re sure to enjoy years of loving companionship!

What’s your favorite extra-small dog breed? Have you ever met a Teacup Poodle face-to-face? Let us know in the comments below!

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Featured Image Credit: PetraSolajova, Pixabay

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