Teacup Pug: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Teacup Pugs are a miniature version of the popular standard Pug. Like other teacup breeds, Teacup Pugs are not officially recognized as a Pug variety but as a novelty for Pug enthusiasts looking for a unique, pint-sized pup. Though these dogs are gaining popularity, it’s important to understand the possible concerns that come with choosing a Teacup Pug for your family.

Teacup Pugs are not a standard breed but a variation of the Pug breed standards. They are technically designer dogs bred for novelty. Teacup Pugs are created by breeding runts together to produce smaller varieties of the standard Pugs or mixed standard Pugs with smaller breeds, such as a Chihuahua. Breeders often advertise them as purebred Pugs, however.

Teacup Pug Characteristics

Teacup Pug Puppies

Teacup Pugs, like other designer or novelty breeds, are popular for their small size. Because of this, Teacup Pugs can reach high prices.

Some breeders work to produce smaller and smaller puppies, which is done by breeding with toy breeds or breeding the runts. Unfortunately, this means breeders are selecting for size rather than health or temperament, so you could have a puppy that grows into an adult with behavioral or health issues.

It’s also important to note that there’s no guarantee that a Teacup Pug puppy won’t grow into an adult that’s closer to the breed standard. If you’re set on a smaller Pug, look for adult Teacup varieties in shelters and rescues.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Teacup Pug

1. “Teacup” Is a Not an Official Term

The term “teacup dog” isn’t an official breed size or standard for breed registries or kennel clubs. This unofficial term is more of a cute buzzword that highlights the novelty of these tiny dogs, which can often literally fit within a teacup. A toy breed, on the other hand, is an official term for small versions of standard breeds.

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2. The Standard Pug Is the Only Official Pug

Teacup Pugs, Toy Pugs, and Micro Pugs refer to Pugs that are smaller than the breed standard, but there’s no official Teacup Pug. They’re not a recognized subcategory, but a size that’s outside of the accepted sizes for a Pug by breed registries and kennel clubs.

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3. Pugs Are Ancient Lap Dogs

Pugs have a long history as lap dogs to royalty. They were favored as the impish companions of Chinese emperors and became the beloved mascot of the royal House of Orange in Holland. Even today, they’re still a beloved companion for owners who prefer to relax with their pups.

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Temperament & Intelligence of Teacup Pugs 🧠

Other than the small size, Teacup Pugs are similar to standard Pugs. Here’s what you need to know:

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Pugs are versatile dogs that generally get along with children, especially if they’re socialized early. They make excellent companions and enjoy playing with their owners, including young children. It’s important that kids are taught to interact with your pup safely, however. Pugs are small and can be injured from rough play—a risk that’s exacerbated by the shrunken size of a Teacup Pug.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Teacup Pugs, like standard Pugs, are generally sociable with other pets. They enjoy company and don’t have a high prey drive, so they can co-exist peacefully with cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Be sure to always supervise interactions, however, particularly if you have large dogs that can easily injure a miniature pup like a Teacup Pug.

Things to Know When Owning a Teacup Pug:

There’s a lot to consider before you bring home a Teacup Pug, including:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Teacup Pugs thrive on high-quality commercial dog food that provides all the nutrients they need. It’s important to use a diet that’s appropriate for the dog’s life stage. Puppies should be on high-quality puppy food for the first year. Then they can transition onto a quality adult formula.

Pugs are food-motivated and tend to overeat, so it’s vital that their calories and weight are monitored. Small, stocky dogs like a Pug can suffer from health problems if they become obese. Speak with your vet about your dog’s body condition and the best food for its individual needs.

Exercise 🐕

One of the traits that make Pugs ideal for apartment dwellers is that they’re generally relaxed. They prefer snuggling to a lot of exercise, especially as they get older, and they’re happy to lounge on the bed or couch. Still, Pugs are playful and lively, so they will engage in some exercise to stay fit.

Short-faced breeds like Teacup Pugs (and standard Pugs) often struggle to cool themselves in hot and humid weather, however, so be sure to limit exercise in the heat.

Training 🦮

Pugs are kept as companion animals, and Teacup Pugs are no different. They have a stable temperament and outgoing personalities that are eager to please, so they’re generally easy to train. It’s important to use positive reinforcement training methods because Pugs can be sensitive and don’t respond well to punishment. Early socialization is important for keeping Pugs friendly and tolerant of other pets and people.

Grooming ✂️

The Teacup Pug has a similar coat to the standard Pug, which is short and glossy. Though they shed, it’s minimal, and they have low-maintenance grooming needs. Regular brushing will remove loose hair and prevent shed hair from building up. They also benefit from occasional baths, and their nails should be trimmed regularly. Allowing the nails to grow too much could cause discomfort and, in severe cases, arthritis.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Standard Pugs have some health conditions to be aware of, which may be worse in teacup varieties. Because these dogs are sometimes selected for their small size rather than good health, they can be more susceptible to common Pug health issues. Eye problems often occur, as well as ear issues, skin allergies, mange, and skinfold infections. Like other short-faced breeds, Pugs struggle with breathing conditions.

The best way to prevent health problems in your Pug is with regular veterinary exams.

Male vs Female

There are no notable differences between a male and female Teacup Pug. Unlike some breeds, the male is not considerably larger than the female. Some studies suggest that male dogs are more aggressive and more playful, while females enjoy interactions with humans. There’s not enough evidence to definitively classify the differences in the sexes, however, especially with an affectionate, playful breed like a Pug.

Instead of choosing based on sex, it’s best to look for a dog with a personality you connect with.

Final Thoughts

Teacup Pugs are an adorable mini version of the playful Pug, but they’re not an officially recognized breed. They’re a novelty and ideal for many home environments, including families with children, single owners looking for a companion, city dwellers with small apartments, and more. Though they share many of the same traits as standard Pugs, the breeding practices to produce Teacup Pugs could lead to issues with health or temperament.

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Featured Image Credit: wriemis, Shutterstock