Teacup Poodle Dog Breed

The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the name "Teacup Poodle," as the so-called Teacup Poodle is merely a very small Toy Poodle. Since the Teacup is essentially a non-hybrid Poodle, it is in the Toy Group. This dog was not so much bred as down-bred, and its only purpose — and possibility — is pure decor. Like fine porcelain on wheels, the tiny Teacup Poodle must be watched at all times, lifted and set down to prevent it from tumbling and breaking, and handled with great care lest it be seriously injured. Not only is this dog not for inexperienced dog owners, it is not for people who must budget.

Consider these Teacup Poodle facts:

PROS

• Easy to train
• Hypoallergenic
• Highly intelligent
• Loves human company
• Wonderful watch dogs
• Low grooming maintenance
• Perfect for apartment living

CONS

• Very expensive
• Barking can be a problem
• Crate training is a must
• Extraordinary equipment needed
• Veterinary bills can be astronomical
• Requires around-the-clock monitoring
• Exercise needs are specific and demanding
• Mortal danger can occur from simple activity
• Might be told a litter runt is a Teacup Poodle
• Not good for households with small and / or young children
• Presents a seemingly endless laundry list of health problems
• Expensive house modification and new furniture is practically a must
• Early, constant and careful socialization, training and care is mandatory
• Owners and all others must shuffle rather than walk to prevent crushing a Teacup underfoot

The Teacup Poodle is basically a very small Toy Poodle. These are extremely small dogs that are practically guaranteed to be expensive from day one to their very end — and as they are remarkably fragile and require an extraordinary amount of care, that end can come from very little effort. The high price of acquiring one of these dogs is but the first of a life-long series of payments that will be required to maintain this dog's well-being. For more in-depth Teacup Poodle information, visit our Toy Poodle breed page.

Although the Teacup Poodle is a tiny dog, it is still a Poodle and as such has the typical Poodle's high intelligence. They are easy to train, somewhat stubborn and in severe cases, prone to Small Dog Syndrome. You must make sure your Teacup is properly trained and very carefully socialized so as to prevent overexertion, agitation and nervousness.

Poodles are dogs that prefer to have relatively unique relationships with each family member rather than a singular preference for one person. They are somewhat protective of those whom they love, they can be a bit obnoxious in the company of larger dogs and they clearly forget that they are so small that simply jumping from a bed or couch to greet you can result in them breaking a bone or getting fatally injured.

They are minuscule, they are dainty, but they are not lazy — nor are they strong. They do need exercise, but that exercise needs to be done carefully to prevent injury.

Technically, Teacup Poodles are Toy Poodles, as the American Kennel Club (AKC) describes any Poodle under 10" as exactly that. It is not unusual to hear Tiny, Very, Tinnie, Micro, Micro-Mini and any given odd name implying petite and / or coat color when dealing with dog lovers and breeders of Teacup Poodles.

Unlike most designer dogs, Teacup Poodles are not mixed breed dogs but produced from down-breeding the smallest — and, some people state, the runts — of Poodles (and Poodle litters). The AKC doesn't recognize this variety, and breeders tend to not disclose generational information. As such, filial chain of custody — better known as F1, F2, etc. — is rarely, if ever, observed.

Teacup Poodles have coats similar to typical Poodles: curly, thick, usually silky and essentially hypoallergenic. Granted, little fuzzy Teacup Poodles are mind bogglingly cute, but for the most part, the Teacup is little more — no pun intended — than a normal, healthy and less-expensive Poodle.

These very tiny dogs are hard-wired to have a big-dog disposition. Since Teacups can easily possess and exhibit the Small Dog Syndrome that in turn may prompt them to perform in ways that are fine for larger dogs, they require practically round-the-clock care. They may insist on jumping up and then off furniture; they may challenge other (almost always larger) dogs; and they may try to behave in a protective manner that can literally lead to their death. You need to be the "leader of the pack," but you need to be so in a very careful manner. These tiny dogs can quickly and easily develop separation anxiety, a bad temper and nervousness. If they are allowed to become fearful, it can be deathly detrimental to them; a weak heart, unfortunately, tends to be typical to Teacup Poodles.

Despite all the potential problems that can occur with the Teacup Poodle temperament, these are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They make great watch dogs and tend to have a unique relationship with each family member even as at least one person should establish the "alpha dog" role.

Due specifically to their size — an aspect which more and more breeders, sadly, are attempting to make more and more smaller — Teacup Poodles have a laundry list of ailments apparently larger than the dog and longer than his life span. Worse, many of the ailments are fatal if left untreated.

• Blood, heart and bone disorders are the most serious of the oftentimes fatal disorders that can quickly develop within Teacups. There are also eye, ear, nose, skin, joint, digestive and internal organ conditions that must be monitored. There are also food and other allergy issues that require careful diets, close and constant monitoring and very careful handling to prevent the easily incurred injuries that can result from simple activities, basic negligence and incorrect handling.
• When taking in a Teacup Poodle, the transition alone — if done hastily and without significant preparation — can prompt fatal stress reactions in this very small dog. There are countless stories that you can easily find regarding Teacup Poodle owners whose dogs died "mysteriously" after a seemingly innocuous action, last-minute diet change or imprecise medicinal dose. Although some of those stories may be outrageous, exaggerated or simply untrue, the point is that Teacup Poodles can easily fall victim to the simplest health issues.
• You should also understand the differences and respective health concerns between Teacup Poodles and litter runts that some thoroughly unscrupulous backyard breeders (BYBs) fob off as so-called Teacups. The typical Teacup has enough problems because it is so small; runts tend to have far more as well as very different health problems.