We all know that small dogs make the most adorable pets. Teacup got their name because of their exceptionally tiny size. They are bred to be extra small, measuring about 18 inches and weighing less than five pounds. Teacup dogs are not a specific breed, but rather their name refers to their size. Teacups are essentially versions of toy dogs, but smaller.

Toy dogs are classified as pups weighing less than 15 pounds, meaning that teacups fight right in. Amazing, right? When you think these furry little creatures can’t get any cuter, they surprise you!

Some dog breeds that fall under this category include the Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Pug, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. We’ll delve into a few of these popular teacup dogs, their temperaments, and their appearance.

If these are the kind of furry companions you’ve been looking for, this article has you covered. We’ll delve into some of the most popular tiny dogs weighing less than 10 pounds! 

Small Dog Breeds That Stay Tiny Forever

Over the years, small dog breeds under 10 pounds have become people’s favorites due to their small, cute frames. It’s almost like they are stuck in that puppy size stage throughout their lifetime. Isn’t that amazing? 

Their petite size makes them an excellent pet for people living in apartments, or without backyards. All you need to do is create a little room in your home for them to play and run around in, and they are good to go.

Their size also makes them easier to carry around, hence the nickname “toy dogs.” Some people go to the extent of using them as accessories and have them in their bags as they run errands. Others have even dared to refer to them as the perfect balance between cats and dogs.

Don’t be fooled by their size; these cute little canines have very bold personalities. They are known for being very feisty and thinking they are bigger than they are. If they feel intimidated, they can get aggressive and bark for hours on end. However, with adequate training and socialization, this should not be a problem.

As if they couldn’t get any cuter, some people have taken things a step further and accessorized their fur babies with colorful bow ties and little sweaters. Did you know there’s a whole canine couture industry for these pups? 

  1.Chihuahua: The Smallest Dog in the World

The first name that comes to mind when most people imagine small dogs is Chihuahuas. These pups are so famous that some kids confuse all small dogs for Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas have held the title for the smallest dog in the world for several years now.

Milly, a female Chihuahua, was recorded as the world’s smallest dog, according to Guinness World Records 2013. She registered a height of 3.8 inches (9.65cm). When Milly was born, she was so small that she could fit on a teaspoon. Hardly believable, but it’s surprisingly accurate. She was also so little that it was hard for her mother to feed her. She was instead fed with an eyedropper.

Before Milly, previous record holders were Booboo, Ducky, and Danka, who were all Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas get their name from a Mexican state where the first of their kind was discovered in the mid-19th century. They later earned global popularity status after celebrities started carrying them around in their bags. These energetic canines weigh 2-6 pounds, growing to an average height of 7-9 inches.

Chihuahua’s coats, which are low maintenance, come in a variety of colors and patterns. Unfortunately, these pups tend to feel cold quickly and need extra care like keeping warm blankets for them or dressing them up in cute warm outfits when it gets cold.

Chihuahuas are obedient and highly intelligent. They are naturally overprotective over their owners, making them good watchdogs. However, it is prudent to socialize them with other people and animals from a young age as they tend to be snappy towards strangers. Chihuahuas are also not ideal for families with small children (less than eight years) as they are quite fragile and can get injured easily, especially during innocent playtime sessions. 

Chihuahuas log sufficient exercise hours just by running around in the house due to their miniature size. This makes them a perfect fit for people living in apartments without enough space for their pets to exercise and play.

These little furballs arguably have one of the most extended lifespans in the canine kingdom. A healthy Chihuahua can live to see their 15th birthday. If you’re lucky, they can even get to 20 years. That’s the equivalent of an adult college student. Wonders never cease with these cuties.  

  2.Yorkshire Terriers aka Yorkies  

This elegant breed is best known for its silky steel-blue and tan floor-length fur. Most owners like to use colorful ribbons to hold some of the facial hair. Although their human-like hair makes them hypoallergenic, it is relatively high maintenance. Despite their elegant and demure appearance, Yorkies are very playful and quite tenacious.

In Yorkshire, England, Yorkies spent their time hunting down rodents in mills in the 19th century. With an average weight of between 5 and 7 pounds, this dog’s size may fool you into believing that they don’t possess Terrier breeds’ typical traits. They can get snappy towards small children and strangers and bark excessively, causing a stir. However, you can quickly resolve this hostility with some good training. 

Due to their adventurous nature, Yorkies may require a little more exercise than the usual running around in the house that Chihuahuas like. Something as effortless as a walk in the park can suffice since this an activity that the little canine is sure to enjoy thoroughly.

Just like Chihuahuas, Yorkie’s teacup size makes them great travel buddies. They are also overprotective over their owners, making them cute guard dogs. Similarly, they do not do well in extreme temperatures and need extra care when it gets too cold or too warm.

Yorkies are also a good choice if you have other pets since they get along with cats and even dogs (with training). As long as the pets are not too large, your Yorkie will be safe playing with them. Since they are fragile like Chihuahuas, they are not ideal in homes with small children.

These snuggly pups may experience separation anxiety; hence it may not be a good idea to leave them unattended for long. Most Yorkie owners opt to keep two for companionship’s sake. Nonetheless, your solo Yorkie friend will do just fine with a little love and attention. They have an impressive lifespan of between 13 and 16 years, meaning that you’ll have a friend for life.  

  3.Pomeranian aka Poms 

This super fluffy canine is a member of the Spitz family, originating from the Pomerania region, Germany. This 3 to 7-pound pet was adopted by Queen Victoria, who eventually started breeding them, making them a hot commodity in 19th century England.

Poms are very curious and inquisitive. They pick up quickly to new sounds, things, and even scents. They are also very active and need their daily dose of exercise. They tend to be commanding or bossy and express dominance. This means that you need to be careful, or this pup can become your boss and get what they want whenever they want.

At night, Poms like to sleep next to their owners as this gives them some sense of protection and tranquility. However, it’s best to start this habit when they are older. The reason behind this statement is their fragility, especially at a tender age. They could easily fall off the bed and get hurt.

Another factor to consider before inviting them into your bed is that once they get used to sleeping with you, it’s bye-bye to their crate! They will not want to sleep elsewhere other than next to you. 

Since Poms get easily attached to their owners, they tend to be overprotective over them, making them great little guard dogs. They are also not ideal pets for small children due to their fragility.

Just like Yorkies and Chihuahuas, Poms are brilliant and respond well to training. If you’re looking to teach your pet some clever tricks, Poms will make it worth your time. They are not hard to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. You can reward them with their favorite snacks after performing the desired action.

You can always top up these lovely reinforcements by cuddling your little furry pet, making them feel special and loved. Poms, like most tiny dogs, also boast an impressive life expectancy of 15 years.

  4.Other Teacup Dogs 

• The Toy Poodle: This canine weighs 6 to 9 pounds and ranks as the second most intelligent dog. They are also popular in dog shows.
  
  
• Papillon: The Papillon, a French word for butterfly due to the dog’s wing-shaped ears, weighs 4 to 9 pounds. 

Tiny, Low Energy Dog Breeds

From the above, it is evident that small dog breeds are like little energy balls since they tend to be very active.

However, if you are a busy individual, you may find it impossible to create time for these fun activities. Luckily, there are still plenty of miniature dogs to suit your busy lifestyle. You can opt for low energy dog breeds, such as Pugs, Shih Tzu, Brussels Griffon, French bulldog, Boston terrier, and Bichon Frise. 

Final Thoughts

Don’t miss out on having a friend for life just because you live in an apartment. Don’t cancel your business trips because you couldn’t find a pet sitter. Instead, get yourself an adorable, tiny pup that you can easily carry on your errands or travel with. They’ll shower you with unconditional love and attention just like any larger breed.

Despite their diminutive size, these cute canines will also protect you from any lurking menaces. Whether you’re keen on exercising or not, you’ll always find the perfect miniature dog to suit your personality. We hope this little write-up has helped you reconsider these wonderful tiny dog breeds as your next companion!