Last Updated on September 20, 2023
. Pomeranian puppies are friendly, affectionate, and look just like a teddy bear .. For decades, the Pomeranian has been a favorite dog breed in America. Owners are looking for smaller versions of the already small Pomeranian – the Teacup Pomeranian was born. This breed is a great choice for dog owners who want a tiny dog that fits in your palm. They aren’t just a unique Pomeranian/ hybrid Pomeranian.
There is a lot of controversy and mystery surrounding teacup puppies. This is mainly due to the health issues they have and the questionable breeding methods used to make them “teacup dogs”. They are still a popular breed. They could be argued that their unique characteristics have made them more popular.
Below, we’ll cover all aspects and expectations of the Teacup Pom. Let’s see if this tiny dog is worth the effort.
Teacup Dogs & Controversy
The term “Teacup Dog” was coined because these ultra-small pups can literally fit inside a teacup. Although they are adorable, it is clear that some breeds have been subject to a lot of controversy ,.
Breeders who claim to be teacup-sized breeders are not professionals, do not breed healthy dogs and use harmful breeding methods that result in smaller dogs. There are many Teacup breeds of dogs like the Teacup Yorkie . Some breeds can be considered miniature, which is the same concept but not quite as the Teacups. Some of these would include the Miniature Labradoodle or the Mini Goldendoodle.
If you have ever thought “I would love to own a tiny dog, how adorable!” you are not alone. It’s not unusual to want these adorable pups. However, it’s then up to you to make sure you choose your tiny pup responsibly. It is important to research the breeder before you buy a teacup puppy. Here’s why.
What is known as “backyard breeders” and puppy mills have taken advantage of this growing trend for teacup dogs. Some breeders use unsafe breeding methods to get the desired size. This can often lead to sick pups. Others lie about the expected size of the dog at maturity. You may end up dropping a pretty penny for a mixed breed pup being passed off as a purebred Teacup Pomeranian.
Teacup Pomeranians
The Teacup is the smallest Pom you can purchase. They are tiny, fluffy, and adorable in so many ways. These puppies have become very popular in the past decade, regardless of their size. If you are able to welcome these pups into your home, they can be quite expensive.
The standard Pom comes from the Spitz family of dogs, and they are quite popular all over the world. Before you adopt them, it is important to know the basics. Let’s now take a closer look at this tiny little fluff.
History
This delicate small breed was actually bred from large Icelandic sledding dog . Their popularity began to grow in the 1600s when they became the desired choice amongst royal families. However, Queen Victoria popularized the craze for littler Pomeranians – hers was much smaller than the average Pomeranian during her reign in the 1800s. The average was about 30 pounds.
Since then, the obsession with breeding small dogs has only increased. Pomeranians were entered into the American Kennel Club in 1888, and by the 1900s, the small Pomeranians we know and love today had become the breed standard, usually weighing under 10 pounds.
This breed is not a recognized breed standard. The Pomeranians recognized by the American Kennel Club are from the “toy group.” Meaning that contemporary breeders are striving for an even smaller dog – this demand has resulted in the “Teacup” Pomeranian.
Temperament
Pomeranians, particularly teacups, are small, but their personalities can be larger than life. These tiny creatures are playful, brave, and lively. Sometimes this spunk can translate into quite the feisty dog . They have a tendency to bark and are wary of strangers. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and don’t like strangers taking their attention.
To curb jealousy and territorial tendencies, it is important to socialize your Teacup Pomeranian
with other dogs and humans. Teacup Pomeranian owners should be vigilant when their dog interacts with larger dogs. Pomeranians don’t know how small they really are, and they can try to win fights that they could never win.
Pomeranians are a great guard dog because of their natural barking ability. This instinct can become a problem if it is not controlled. If properly trained and given plenty of opportunities to mingle, a Teacup Pomeranian will turn into a smart and alert companion who is certain to keep you entertained and laughing with their joyous disposition and animated spirit.
Size & Appearance
As mentioned, a Pomeranian “teacup”, as we have discussed, is not an officially recognized breed. American Kennel Club recognizes Pomeranians only in the Toy Group. They are characterized by their weight between 3-7 pounds. A “teacup Pomeranian” is any Pom that weighs less than 3 lbs HTML1. (Wow, that’s tiny.) Although there aren’t any official breed standards for Teacup Pomeranians, one can assume that this dog will be very similar to a purebred Pomeranian.
A thick double coat and fanned tail are the preferred look. Their dark eyes, alert nature and delicate features are what make them so popular. Because of their adorable faces, fluffy coats, and tiny frames, Pomeranians are often referred to as teddy bears. You can’t help but fall in love with a dog like this ..
Coat & Colors
*Teacup Poms will be wearing the standard Pomeranian coat. This is a double-coated Pomeranian with a fluffy undercoat, and a shiny outer coat. There are many beautiful, varied colors available with almost endless options. A few of their most frequently seen and popular colors are black, white, chocolate, tan, orange, red, and brindle. *This is a great news if you have specific color preferences. It’s possible to find a Pomeranian with your preferred style. This is why they are so beloved. It is important to remember that unique coats are more expensive. This is especially true of brindled Pomeranians , ..
Exercise & Living Requirements
It is not surprising that this small breed can live in almost any place – even apartments. These dogs are great companions for those who live in cities but may not have access a large backyard. However, this doesn’t mean a Pomeranian won’t need any exercise.
Teacup Pomeranians don’t realize how small they really are. They are lively and spunky with a fun personality. They love to go on walks or play with their favourite human. They are able to take long walks despite their small legs. However, they are very sensitive to heat and can walk for long periods even when it isn’t too warm. We recommend that you resist the urge to take your Teacup everywhere, and instead let them do the heavy lifting.
It is also important to mentally stimulate your Teacup Pom. This can be accomplished through interactive Pomeranian-sized games, and doggy treat puzzles. You can also flex their brain cells with regular training exercises, which we will discuss in the next section.
Training
Teacup Pomeranians, as we have mentioned, are great apartment dwellers. They can find many ways to entertain their selves inside. These smart little creatures should still be given plenty of stimulation. Regular training can help stimulate their brains. They love to learn new tricks and looks just the cutest doing it.
Pomeranians have a tendency to be very attentive. Keep training sessions brief and enjoyable. This sensitive breed . can only be trained by positive reinforcement. If they are given harsh treatment, they can be easily depressed or act out. If they are being treated with affection and a treat, they will likely be happier and more content.
*) It is important to not spoil this teacup breed. It’s easier said than done when a dog looks more like a pet than an animal. They still have the same instincts and needs, regardless of their size, as other canines . Therefore, they should be treated like such to enjoy happy and fulfilling lives. If they are not given structure and regular training, they can develop “small dog syndrome” and become very difficult to handle.
Health
When discussing Teacup Pomeranians it is important to take into consideration their health. These tiny dogs can often have health problems – something every potential adopter should seriously consider before buying one. Many of these health issues are due to unethical breeding practices that were used to get the smallest possible dog.
*Some of the most common issues include heart problems, dislocated patellas, skin irritations and eye infections, tooth decay, allergies and epilepsy. If you work with a reputable breeder, you should request a health certificate for your dog, which can help reduce some of these concerns.
Unfortunately this breed is also vulnerable to sudden death due to trauma. A small dog can be severely injured by trauma. It is possible to cause death by rough play, sitting, stepping on them ,, or dropping a cup of teacup. This is a very frightening thought. However, it must be mentioned so that Teacup Pom owners take the necessary precautions when handling them.
Nutrition
A healthy adult Teacup Pom will consume between 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high quality dog food daily. This amount could vary depending on how large your Teacup is. Experts recommend that a Pomeranian be fed this amount in two small meals per day. This is easier for their tiny stomachs. It’s best to not allow them to graze all day. This could cause overeating.
When deciding on a diet, it is important to consider your Pomeranian’s size, age, activity level and other health factors. Every dog is different, and there isn’t exactly universal guidance for every dog. A dog with such fine bones needs to be kept at a healthy weight to avoid putting unnecessary strain on fragile joints.
Make sure your kibble is specific for small-breeds, and even better would be dog food specific to the Pomeranian. The morsels might be too large for a teacup to eat. A lot of dog food brands will include a size-based eating guide on their products. This can be useful, but it is only a guideline. Talk to your vet to ensure that you are providing the right amount of nutrition and calories.
Grooming
Pomeranians can be very attractive, so it shouldn’t surprise that they require a lot of care to keep their fluffy .coated coats smooth and clean . To shed their hair and maintain healthy skin, they should be brushed twice per week. Although some owners enjoy trimming their dog’s fur, it is not a necessity. You don’t need to spend too much on your pup’s groomer due to their small teacup sizes.
Regular nail trimmings and dental hygiene are important for your dog’s health. Dental decay is more common in smaller dogs than it is in larger dogs. Teacup Poms’ tiny teeth should be taken extra care of.
Pomeranians shed moderately so be ready to find dog hairs lingering around your house . Their hair is small and can be easily managed with regular maintenance. We’d recommend regular grooming with a deshedder, and using an anti-shed dog shampoo if the hair gets to be too much.
Puppies
I bet that just thinking about tiny teacup poms makes you as happy and content as it does us. It’s impossible to believe it could not. It’s bound to bring you joy. It’s important to remember how fragile these puppies are . when talking about adorable puppies. These puppies are delicate and fragile and should be handled with care.
A litter of Teacup Pomeranians usually contains between two and four pups. They typically weigh less than one pound each. The price of a purebred Pomeranian is subject to change. Generally, you’ll pay anywhere from $1,500 and up, with some pups approaching around $5,000.
The price of a puppy that is “teacup-sized” will greatly affect its size. The price of a puppy will likely increase if it is smaller than the parents.
As Family Pets
Teacup Pomeranians, small . dogs that are bold and courageous, are known as Teacup Pomeranians. Their personalities are nothing short of amazing. They love to be played with and cuddled, and they are just plain adorable. They are the perfect companion for older children, singles, and adult-only families.
Unfortunately, this breed is not recommended for families with young children. They could accidentally handle the fragile breed rough and injure it. Children must be supervised at all times and taught how to play and pet a dog.
They get along with other animals well and can live in a multi-pet household although they are known to enjoy being the centre of attention. This little dog is a great addition to any family who can show them love and delicacy.
Finding a Breeder
The most important decision in your search to find a Teacup Pomeranian breeder is the one you make. It shouldn’t take long to find a breeder for Teacup Pomeranians. However, it might prove difficult to find a reliable breeder who is committed to the health and well-being of their dogs. You can easily search the internet to find potential breeders that claim to have “the smallest Pomeranians .”
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Because of some of the unscrupulous breeding techniques sometimes used to achieve the “teacup” aesthetic, it’s up to you to do your due diligence to ensure you are not contributing to unethical breeding practices that endanger innocent animals. Breeders who are motivated by profit over the health and well-being of their dogs is what they do. Before you contact a breeder, make sure that you do your research.
Never purchase from puppy mills or puppy farms. Not only are they becoming illegal in many states due to inhumane practices, but the dogs bred from these facilities are often unhealthy. Helping a dog in distress is the best way to locate a Teacup Pomeranian. In the next section, we will discuss how to contact shelters and rescues.
Rescue & Shelters
Unfortunately some people buy this breed purely for their cuteness and not because they want to care for and own a dog. They quickly realize that they have not bought an accessory, but an animal that can act out, needs maintenance, or misbehaves.
This is a heartbreaking and devastating experience for Pomeranian dogs. They form a strong bond with their owners. There are wonderful shelters that specialize in Pomeranian rescue. Look for accredited shelters that are non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations. You can also search for shelters in your area.
Thanks to online sites like Petfinder.com, this search is made easier due to the site’s ability to apply breed and location parameters. This is a cost-effective way to give lonely or scared dogs a home. Although it may seem difficult to find a Pomeranian of the right size in shelters, it is possible. A home could be your best option for saving a dog in dire need.
Final Thoughts
We understand the reason you would want a Teacup Pomeranian despite all the controversy. They are too cute. They are adorable and love to be with you. If this breed is for you, it’s important to make your decision responsibly.
Please find responsible breeders who will look out for your best interests. Your puppy is very delicate and should not be handled by rough dogs or other rowdy dogs. Due to their size, be prepared for health-related costs. The perfect addition for your family . is the Teacup Pomeranian. They will delight and entertain you. It is hard not to fall in love with this adorable puppy.