25 Popular Teacup Dogs if You're Looking for a Super Cute Tiny Pup

Small dog breeds are popular, and for good reason, but if you want the smallest of the small, teacup dogs are the smallest dog breeds you can own. They're famous for their perpetual puppy-like features and tiny sizes. Their small frames make them potentially perfect for pet owners who live in apartments or condos.

Before future owners run to adopt one of these designer breeds, however, there are a few things to consider. Teacup dogs are not the same as toy dog breeds, for one. Teacups are bred from the smallest puppies from a litter of toy-breed dogs. For this reason, the AKC does not recognize them as their own distinct breeds.

Each dog on this list requires further research, but if you're looking for a place to start, this article is for you. Read on to discover 25 popular teacup dog breeds.

Related: Oh No—Do Any of These Behaviors Sound Familiar? 5 Things That Can Hurt Your Dog's Feelings, According to Pet Experts

1. Teacup Chihuahua

• Height: Under 6 inches
• Weight: Under 5 pounds
• Life Span: 7–12 years

Chihuahuas are one of, if not the most, popular breed of teacup dogs. They are small and only weigh five pounds at most when fully grown. Though adorable, Chihuahuas are known to be tiny "guard dogs." They love and protect their immediate family but often take time to warm up to strangers. Some of these pups have short hair, while others have long hair that curls up at the ears and tail.

2. Teacup Poodle

• Height: Under 9 inches
• Weight: Under 6 pounds
• Life Span: 12–14 years

Poodles come in four different sizes: Giant, Standard, Toy and Teacup. The Teacup Poodle is less common than the other three and stands no more than nine inches tall as an adult. Poodles are smart as a whip, making them one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They are extremely adaptable and friendly and do well in households with children and other animals.

Due to their easygoing nature, they can be good dogs for first-time pet parents. They are also easy to train, though sometimes they're too smart for their own good and become quite stubborn. Additionally, this dog has a constant need for grooming from someone who knows how to deal with its curly coat.

3. Teacup Shih-Tzu

• Height: Under 9 inches
• Weight: Under 9 pounds
• Life Span: 10–15 years

Often lauded as "the most adorable pets ever," Shih-Tzus are quite popular, tiny fluff balls. These small dogs are good-natured and full of personality. They have long, silky hair that requires constant grooming either at home or at a doggie grooming salon.

These dogs usually have lower energy levels, and if you get a Shih-Tzu that isn't a big yapper, they can be perfect apartment dogs. These little pups are also known to be good with kids and other pets, which can sometimes be a point of contention with other teacup dogs.

Related: 25 Best Apartment Dogs

4. Teacup Yorkie

• Height: Under 7 inches
• Weight: Under 7 pounds
• Life Span: 10–15 years

Typically smaller than seven inches and seven pounds, the Teacup Yorkie sounds (and is) small, but they are mighty! The Yorkshire Terrier is often trimmed to keep its long coat at bay, but if left to grow, their famous fur is gorgeous and silky straight. These little dogs are rambunctious and playful. Much like Chihuahuas, though, they can be bossy and hesitant with strangers, other animals and even children.

5. Teacup Pomeranian

• Height: 6–11 inches
• Weight: 3–7 pounds
• Life Span: 12–15 years

Pomeranians are both smart and patient, which makes them relatively easy to train. While they are a popular teacup breed, they need less exercise than other similar breeds. Despite their lack of excessive playfulness, they are often curious about the world around them. Due to their calmness, they make great purse dogs and are widely considered one of the best breeds for women.

Related: 300 Unique Dog Names

6. Teacup Maltese

• Height: 4–6 inches
• Weight: 3–5 pounds
• Life Span: 12–15 years

Although this sweet face may need some work with its barking frequency, the Teacup Maltese is known to be sensitive and attentive. They usually have lots of energy and love to play around in their home. The Maltese is a true lap dog that loves to cuddle and give doggie kisses to its family members.

Because of their gentle nature, they enjoy a variety of toys, can make friends with dogs and cats and will most likely get along well with kids of all ages.

7. Teacup French Bulldog

• Height: 6–11 inches
• Weight: 15–25 pounds
• Life Span: 10–12 years

According to the AKC, the French Bulldog has topped or neared the top of the list of the most popular dog breeds in the world for several years. And it's no wonder why they are highly sought-after dogs; French Bulldogs are affectionate and easygoing, get along well with kids and other dogs and don't need a lot of grooming and exercise. They are perfect companion dogs for first-time dog owners and apartment dwellers.

Adult Mini French Bulldogs tend to be less than 6 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. Some are nearly half the size of the standard French Bulldog, which weighs up to 28 pounds.

8. Pocket Beagle

• Height: 7–12 inches
• Weight: 7–15 pounds
• Life Span: 10–15 years

Teacup Beagles, much like normal-sized Beagles, are pack animals and thus are great with kids and other pets. As a close relative to standard Beagles, which are some of the best hunting dogs, Teacup Beagles are active and playful and still have hunting instincts. So, they will need to be trained not to bark excessively or to chase any of the other furry friends in the house.

9. Mini Pug

• Height: 6–10 inches
• Weight: 4–10 pounds
• Life Span: 10–13 years

Originally from China, Pugs were eventually imported around the world and became popular in households across Europe and the United States. These small dogs are known for their stubby legs, wrinkled faces and curly tails. Since they have short snouts, this makes them susceptible to health problems like overheating and troubled breathing.

Their faces need to be cleaned regularly to make sure that their airways are open and their face folds aren't growing bacteria. But despite the extra grooming and health concerns, these snuggly dogs are loyal, affectionate, smart and instinctive.

10. Sleeve Pekingese

• Height: 6–9 inches
• Weight: Under 6 pounds
• Life Span: 11–13 years

Pekingese are known as the "Princess Dog." These dogs don’t eat much and require minimal exercise. Instead, they simply prefer to keep your lap warm! Their low energy makes them great for apartment living. These little fur babies are known to be a bit aloof and stubborn, so their owners will need to be patient with training. 

Related: 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

11. Teacup Russian Toy

• Height: Under 8 inches
• Weight: Under 6.5 pounds
• Life Span: 10–12 years

If you are looking for a tiny dog with plenty of spunk, the Russian Toy is for you! The teacup version of this breed weighs in at a whopping six pounds when fully grown. Their coats have some variety—they're either thin and short or long and wavy with hair growing from their tails and ears.

These Chihuahua doppelgängers are playful, intelligent dogs that are eager to please their family members. However, they can be a bit stubborn, which may require extra time and patience when it comes to training.

12. Teacup Maltipoo

• Height: 6–7 inches
• Weight: Under 5 pounds
• Life Span: 11–14 years

Maltipoos are a cross between a Poodle and a Maltese. The teacup-sized Maltipoo weighs about five pounds and is only about seven inches tall when it reaches adulthood. This adorable little dog adapts well to all situations, making them great for apartments, as well as loving to animals and people alike. Their wavy fur comes in a variety of colors. They are often considered hypoallergenic because they hardly ever shed.

Related: 25 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

13. Teacup Papillon

• Height: Under 11 inches
• Weight: Under 8 pounds
• Life Span: 14–16 years

These elegant dogs are known for their beauty! The tiny Teacup Papillon will measure less than 8–11 inches at the shoulder (the standard breed size) and have a plumed tail and a long, silky coat in several color combinations, the base color being white. Their signature feature, their large, wing-shaped ears, gives the breed its name.

Papillons are lovable, intelligent and friendly. Despite their small size, they are excellent agility dogs!

14. Teacup Brussels Griffon

• Height: Under 10 inches
• Weight: Under 8 pounds
• Life Span: 12–15 years

These little dogs are known for their big personalities. They love to run and play all day long. The teacup variety weighs no more than about eight pounds fully grown and stands no taller than 10 inches. Despite their small size, they get along well with kids and other dogs.

The Brussels Griffon, with its smooth yet curly coat, is a well-rounded and easy-to-train dog that could be perfect for most dog owners. Their downfall? They don’t like being left alone much at all. If left alone for too long, the Brussels Griffon can show signs of separation anxiety with disruptive chewing or excessive whining.

15. Teacup Dachshund

• Height: Under 6 inches
• Weight: Under 8 pounds
• Life Span: 12–16 years

Teacup Dachshunds are small pups that are bold and attentive despite their small stature. They have endless amounts of energy and love their humans. When they are put on the appropriate diet, they can be healthy dogs, too.

These "Wiener Dogs" aren’t fans of strangers, and for this reason, they may not be the best with other animals, but they make excellent watchdogs! Due to their long backs, they should not live where they will have to do a lot of stair climbing.

16. Teacup Bichon Frisé

• Height: Under 10 inches
• Weight: 4–10 pounds
• Life Span: 14–16 years

With a stature of just 10 inches tall at most, the Mini Bichon Frisé is another well-known teacup breed due to its loving nature and hypoallergenic coat. They have big heads and eyes, alongside cotton-ball-soft fur, making them look like real-life stuffed animals. The Bichon Frisé will get along with children and other animals alike if introduced to them early on.

Related: 30 Teddy Bear Dog Breeds

17. Teacup Boston Terrier

• Height: Under 10 inches
• Weight: Under 12 pounds
• Life Span: 11–13 years

Nicknamed the "American Gentleman" because of their well-behaved demeanor in the house, the Boston Terrier has a signature flat, scrunchy face. When teacup size, they weigh just under 12 pounds fully grown, which is about half the size of the standard Boston Terrier. No matter the size, these dogs are nearly always friendly and amusing.

18. Teacup Affenpinscher

• Height: Under 9 inches
• Weight: Under 7 pounds
• Life Span: 12–14 years

Many people think this mini dog looks like a little monkey, and they’re often compared to Ewoks from Star Wars! Also referred to as the Monkey Terrier, the Affenpinscher is a small German dog breed developed in the 17th century. Their rough fur offers them protection from the outdoor elements for their original job of killing rodents and vermin. Though bred for hunting, they are also playful and loving.

19. Teacup Japanese Chin

• Height: Under 8 inches
• Weight: Under 9 pounds
• Life Span: 10–12 years

The Japanese Chin was bred to be a companion dog and is considered the ultimate lap dog. This is a breed that cannot stand to be away from its humans, so an owner that is home a lot is ideal for this pup. This teacup breed is shy and sensitive, so a home without small children will be ideal for them. Due to their short muzzles, they often snore and reverse sneeze, so just keep an eye out to ensure they’re able to breathe normally.

Related: 26 Best Couch Potato Companion Breeds

20. Teacup Morkie

• Height: 6–10 inches
• Weight: 4–12 pounds
• Life Span: 10–15 years

The Morkie—a mix between a Maltese and Yorkie—is a fun-sized, affectionate dog that loves to play and snuggle with its people. They do like to bark, and they tend to be overprotective of their human family members (it’s the terrier in them). In order to curb their not-so-desirable traits, adequate exercise and socialization will do these playful dogs well.

21. Mini Cavoodle or Cavapoo

• Height: 8–10 inches
• Weight: 5–10 pounds
• Life Span: 12–15 years

This breed is a mix between a Toy Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. With an average life span of 12–15 years, the fun-loving Cavoodle (more commonly referred to as a Cavapoo) offers plenty of years to enrich your life! Their stellar personalities allow them to adapt to nearly any environment. They can thrive in a house or small apartment, or they’ll be content in the city or the country.

22. Teacup Pomsky

• Height: Under 10 inches
• Weight: 7–15 pounds
• Life Span: 13–15 years

A cross between the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian, the Pomsky has become a new popular dog breed. Though they are considered a bit larger than your average teacup dogs, most of them still prefer to be near their human companions. Really, who can resist a soft, double-layer coat that feels like a pillow? Their coat patterns usually mimic the Husky’s, but their coloring can vary quite a lot.

Related: 25 Best Dog Games

23. Teacup Schnauzer

• Height: Under 12 inches
• Weight: Under 7 pounds
• Life Span: 10–15 years

Teacup Schnauzers are independent dogs, which means they tolerate being alone much better than some of the other minis on this list. Their confident attitude makes them great dogs for owners on the go. Their overconfidence, though, leads to them being one of the most stubborn dogs. They'll likely need an experienced handler. Just like most other miniature dog breeds and small dogs in general, they tend to have a longer life span.

24. Teacup Toy Fox Terrier

• Height: Under 8.5 inches
• Weight: Under 5 pounds
• Life Span: 13–15 years

Thanks to crossbreeding, the Teacup Toy Fox Terrier has a calmer personality than the standard variation of the breed. Like most terriers, they are active and require exercise regularly. Foxies are lovable with adults, but they tend not to be as great with kids and other pets. They want to be the only apple of your eye!