Last Updated on 25/04/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on November 25, 2023.
The Pomeranian is a fluffy, loyal, adorable dog that has been gaining popularity for decades. Recently, smaller versions of this breed have been advertised – including the Teacup Pomeranian, which promises to be even tinier than their already miniature counterparts.
However, the demand for tinier versions of this already toy-sized pup has grown recently, with dog owners wanting teacup Pomeranian dogs or asking for the teacup breed. These are supposed to be small enough to fit in your palm and promise a lot more than just being cute.
Teacup puppies may be more controversial than ever, but that doesn’t mean they’re unpopular. You could argue the opposite – these traits make them so desirable.
Dog breeders are known to be very particular about the breeds they love. The mention of teacup puppies upsets them because it reminds them that a reputable breeder usually uses this term as a sales gimmick.
Pomeranian Teacup Facts
- The Teacup Pomeranian is a toy-sized pup that has been gaining popularity for decades.
- “Teacup” is an unofficial alternative name for the show-type Pom, not an actual breed.
- Adult Teacup Pomeranians weigh between 3 and 7 pounds with a height of 8 to 11 inches from the top of their shoulder blades to the ground.
- They are known for being small, cute, cuddly, and loyal, with lots of energy and intelligence.
- Colors include cream, white, brown, black & white parti poms, orange or tan, blue merle, sable, and more.
- The teacup Pom’s temperament can be corrected if they receive early socialization & training. However, they may suffer from small dog syndrome due to their elevated self-image, which could lead them to aggressive behavior.
- Prices range anywhere from $2000 – $5000 depending on factors such as color, sex, health testing, parents’ champion status, etc.
- It’s best not to search advertisements for teacups but instead look out for reputable breeders with real show standard-size puppies available.
What’s the difference between a Pomeranian and a Teacup Pomeranian?
This article focuses on the Pomeranian vs. Teacup Pomeranian Puppy debate and is for all dog lovers and people interested in getting a new puppy.
The Pomeranian is a small breed of dog. They are energetic, intelligent, and friendly.
Some people believe the Teacup Pomeranian dog is a smaller version of the typical Pommy dog.
Read on to learn why this is a myth and learn the truth about adorable, tiny Teacups—Pomeranian vs. Teacup Pomeranian puppy and the difference between Pomeranian and Teacup Pomeranian dogs.
Are Teacup Pomeranians Real?
Many believe that teacup dogs, like Pomeranians and Yorkies, are considered distinct dog breeds. However, this is not the case; they’re small, but their breed type remains as terrier or toy dog varieties of these well-known purebreds.
The Teacup Pomeranian dog is not an acknowledged breed. “Teacup Pomeranian” is often used as a marketing ploy to describe these adorable and tiny pups.
The cute balls of fluff called Teacup Pomeranians are dogs bred by preservation Pomeranian breeders. This tiny dog breed is officially called the Pomeranian, is fully grown, and weighs between 3 and 7 pounds.
What Is a Teacup Pomeranian?
Teacup Pomeranian is a common term used to refer to small-size Pomeranians. The word “teacup” refers back to olden times when tea was served in very tiny and delicate cups. The phrase Pomeranian teacup is an unofficial alternative name for the show type Pom.
The truth of this matter is the fact no official, recognized dog breeds, such as Teacup Pomeranian, Miniature Pomeranian, Teddy Bear Pomeranian, Toy Pomeranian, Pocket Pomeranian, Miniature Poms, Mini Pomeranian or Pomeranian Teacup exists. The Pomeranian dog is the only recognized variety by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in this breed.
What Does a Teacup Pomeranian Look Like?
Some People think that “Teacup Pomeranian’ is the correct term for a show standard size Pomeranian. This is a tiny teddy bear-type Pomeranian dog or a very small Pomeranian with a fluffy double coat and a short snout.
A regular Pomeranian originating from a reputable Pomeranian breeder is typically the type of dog often wrongly believed to be called a Teacup. People incorrectly think a show-sized Pomeranian is called a Teacup Pomeranian.
The Pomeranian is a small, beautiful dog that loves to snuggle. These small dogs have a lot of puppy cuteness that lasts well into adulthood.
Poms are cute and cuddly with a soft, luxurious coat. In addition, they sport the distinctive double coat that makes them look fluffy and furry. They have thicker hair on their shoulders, chest, and neck area. They also grow longer fur on the back that runs from the thighs and hock. Their tail is covered in long, plumed, or fan-shaped hair.
The Pomeranian has tiny ears hidden in a fluffy mane, making him look like a tiny lion, and this dog’s sparkling eyes are almond-shaped.
I have found, after talking with people who ask if I have a Teacup Pomeranian puppy for sale, that these buyers wish to purchase a correct show-type Pomeranian puppy.
By asking for a Pomeranian Teacup, they hope to avoid the disappointment of buying a tiny Pomeranian puppy who ends up larger than breed standard size and looks.
Adult Teacup Pomeranian Size
A fully grown adult Teacup average Pomeranian will weigh between 3 and 7 pounds.
The present Pomeranian AKC (American Kennel Club) standard states the Pomeranian should be within the following weight:
- Size: Dogs 1.8. kg to 2 kg. Bitches 2 kg. to 2.5 kg.
- The U.S. Pomeranian breed standard size is between 3 and 7 lb in weight for a mature Pomeranian.
- Newborn Pomeranian Pups are usually between 2 and 5 oz.
- An average adult Pomeranian can range in height from about 8 – 11″ (20.3 – 27.9 cm).
How Big Do Teacup Pomeranians Get?
This tiny dog usually matures between 3 and 7 lbs and is 8 to 11 inches tall ( from the top of the shoulder blades to the ground).
Suppose the Mini Teacup Pomeranian dog is a show-type Pomeranian. In that case, the adult Teacup Pomeranian’s height and a Teacup Pom’s full-grown size will be the same as the show Pomeranians.
The Pomeranian standard deviates from most others by requiring the female to be slightly larger than the male.
At What Age Is A Teacup Pomeranian Full-Grown?
I would expect a very tiny Pom puppy to be adult-sized at 18 months to 2 years of age.
Using my many decades of Pomeranian breeding records as a guide, I have noticed tiny pups often grow slower and for longer than their larger littermates.
Pomeranian Growth Chart
Teacup Pomeranian Colors
Cute Teacup puppies come in a wide variety of beautiful American Kennel Club Pomeranian colors, including:
- Cream Teacup Pomeranian puppies.
- White tiny Teacup Pomeranian dogs.
- Brown Teacup Pomeranian puppies.
- Black and white Teacup Pomeranian dogs.
- Teacup parti Pomeranian pups.
- Black Teacup Poms.
- Orange or Tan Teacup Pomeranian dogs.
- Blue Merle Teacup Pomeranian puppies.
- Sable Teacup Pomeranians.
Teacup Pomeranian Temperament
To completely understand the Pom temperament, you must study this dog’s breed history. The teacup Pom is the descendant of large sled dogs despite its name suggesting that it’s small.
Teacup Pomeranian History
Pomeranians are known for being small, cute, and cuddly. The fact that this dog breed’s ancestors are the ancient Spitz sled dogs may shock dog owners.
The ancestors of the Pomeranian were working dogs that lived in Arctic areas. They have sharply pointed ears like all Wolf Spitz-type dogs. However, they got smaller over centuries as owners preferred tiny, cute pets around their homes instead of large working animals.
This Spitz-type dog was named after Germany and Poland’s Pomerania region, where it originated in the 18th century. They were popularized by royals like Queen Victoria, who owned the breed.
This shift from a work animal to a fashion accessory helped with the widespread popularity of these dog breeds worldwide.
Teacup Pomeranian Personality
A Pomeranian is agile, friendly, and playful. The striking character traits of this breed include loyalty, sociability, playfulness, and guarding.
The Teacup Pom is a small packet of energy. This pup is full of energy, and because of that, it is active, agile, and playful. They love to walk, trek, and play.
Because of their playful nature, they are considered an excellent walking companion. They walk proudly, holding their heads high, excited about their surroundings, and meet and greet people. Exercise for this small dog should be very short. Most Teacups enjoy outings in a backpack.
These Pomeranians may be tiny, but as the legend shows, they have a Texas-sized personality. Intelligent as they are, don’t let the tiny little canine fool you. They have a brain of their own and a larger self-image of themselves.
Because of an elevated self-image, they might pick up fights with larger dogs. These small dogs seem to believe they are capable as guard dogs and suffer from small dog syndrome.
The personality and temperament can be corrected easily if these dogs are allowed early socialization with humans and other dogs. Early training helps this dog to understand reality and be a happy dog.
This little intelligent dog is loyal to its family and loves to play with them. However, it can be wary of strangers and other dogs. Although always a loving dog, it can be difficult with children. An adult should supervise the children and dog time.
Tiny Poms are NOT a good mix with young children. A small dog can be easily killed or suffer serious injuries by being dropped by a young child.
Do Teacup Pomeranians Bark a Lot?
Pomeranians have a loud bark. The tendency to stay alert, barking, and informing the human members of their family about any intruder makes them suitable candidates for becoming guard dogs.
Teacup Pomeranian Price and Puppy Costs
Even though the Teacup Pomeranian is not a recognized dog breed, this tiny pup has a hefty price tag. Teacup Pom prices often start at $2000 and rise to over $5000.
The price of Teacup puppies depends on a lot of factors, including color, sex of the puppy, breeder’s location, health testing, and whether the pup’s parents are champions or not. As a breeder, I receive many inquiries for a female white teacup Pomeranian puppy.
The American Kennel Club estimates that you will spend well over $20k on your dog during its lifetime. This estimate includes high-quality dog food, treats, veterinary care, toys, grooming, puppy training, and boarding expenses. If your Teacup puppy experiences health issues, expect puppy cost to triple.
Teacup Puppies Characteristics
Stats | Description |
Family Friendly | Not suitable for families with young children |
Purpose | Companionship |
Health | Requires lots of care and regular vet checks. |
Temperament | Lively, Bold, Inquisitive |
Amount of shedding | Moderate |
Energy level | High |
Attention needs | High |
Life Span | 12 to 16 years |
Ancestry | Spitz breed. Ancestors were sled dogs. |
Ease of Training | Intelligent and easy to train. |
Price | A quality puppy will have a high price tag. |
How to Buy a Teacup Pomeranian
Looking for the right Teacup Pomeranian breeder can be tricky. First, you want to find a reputable one who cares about their dogs’ health and well-being more than anything else.
Unfortunately, an internet search will provide dozens of potential breeders claiming “the smallest Pom I have ever seen.” Ads like these are what you should avoid.
We have all seen advertisements for Teacup Pomeranian puppies or Mini Teacup Pomeranian puppies for sale. You can be sure that anyone who uses these terms to sell Pomeranian pups is not reputable.
My advice is to always purchase from a reputable Pomeranian breeder, so I advise you to avoid any “breeder” advertising or mentioning their puppies by these terms. I would look for your new family member elsewhere.
A Pomeranian dog recognized as show quality should be in the weight range of 3 to 7 lbs. There is a good reason to have a minimum weight of 3 lbs.
A genuine Pomeranian preservation or show breeder would not be attempting to breed dogs who mature smaller than 3 lb.
Owners are often confused when buying a puppy. A lot of this confusion is caused by dubious outlets, e.g., pet shops, backyard breeders, and unfortunately, even by some not-so-good registered breeders using these advertising ploys on unsuspecting buyers.
Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or farm if you want a dog. These places are being outlawed in many states for their cruel practices, and the dogs that come out of them may be unhealthy as well.
Where to Buy a Teacup Pomeranian?
The answer is nowhere, but don’t give up just yet; the realities of where to buy teacup Pomeranians will be revealed. I will explain how to find small, real Pomeranian puppies for sale.
Are you looking for a white teacup Pomeranian puppy or a tiny toy pomeranian puppy for sale? Please be prepared with the correct Pomeranian breed information before searching.
People Looking for a Pomeranian Puppy:
I will tell you to stop searching for or even looking at these advertisements for Teacup Pomeranian puppies or Teacup dogs.
A puppy buyer looking for a teacup Pomeranian breeder is probably looking for a show or preservation breeder. Always purchase a Pomeranian from SHOW Pomeranian puppy breeders.
A show Pomeranian breeder breeds dogs conforming closely to the Pomeranian breed standard. You can expect a pup purchased from someone showing their dog to be a short-nosed Pomeranian, and this tiny Pomeranian dog should mature between 3 and 7 lbs.
People buying a pup advertised as a Teacup dog often purchase a very tiny puppy, with an increased risk of potential health issues and a shorter life span.
Before purchasing, always ask the breeder:
- Results of health testing done on the parents before breeding.
- Ask to see the parent’s official pedigree paperwork.
- Is the pup’s parents’ DNA profiled?
The Type Of Advertisements to Also Avoid Often Include Terms:
- Mini teacup Pomeranian.
- Cheap teacup Pomeranian for sale.
- Miniature Pomeranians for sale.
- Micro mini Pomeranians for sale.
- White Teacup Pomeranian.
- Micro mini Pomeranian.
- Teacup Pomeranian breeders.
- Micro teacup Pomeranian.
- Pomeranian teacups.
- Mini Pomeranian.
- Mini poms.
- Micro mini Pomeranian.
- Micro Pomeranian puppies for sale.
- Affordable teacup Pomeranian puppies.
- Baby teacup Pomeranian puppies for sale.
- Teacup pom for sale.
- Toy Pomeranian.
The above terms are common sales gimmicks utilized by puppy scammers and unscrupulous puppy sellers to attract buyers, and probably, for the most part, they are puppy scams.
How to Take Care of a Teacup Pomeranian
A Teacup Pomeranian should be taken care of by ensuring it gets a proper diet, at least 14 hours of sleep, safe walks on the footpaths, proper dog training, and a regular checkup from a vet.
You can take care of a Teacup Pomeranian in the following ways:
● Take special care of their diet. They should be fed a diet that is rich in fiber. Ingredients like eggs, chicken, fruits, and veggies should be included in their diet to fulfill the required nutrition.
● Teacup Pom pups usually get very tired after play. On average, they require 14 hours of sleep. Ensure they obtain enough sleep and rest.
● A small-sized Pomeranian is vulnerable when you take him out for a walk. Protect him from cars, traffic, and people.
● Some dog owners don’t care about tiny dog training. These dogs are small, and owners often overlook and allow their puppies to develop bad manners. Never allow bad habits to develop. All dogs benefit from proper training.
● Seek regular medical help from a certified vet to protect your puppy from diseases.
Teacup Pomeranian Health Issues
There are often problems with very small animals. Among the most common to appear are associated with health and vulnerability to ailments that larger animals of that breed often take in their stride.
Teacup Pomeranian Health Issues Can Include:
- Luxating Kneecaps.
- Collapsed Trachea.
- Reverse Sneezing.
- Hair Loss or Black Skin Disease.
- Cushing’s Disease.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Heart Disease.
- Eye Problems.
- Seizures or Epilepsy.
- Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
- Liver Shunts.
- Open Fontanel.
- Teeth Problems.
- Gonad Descent Abnormalities.
Causes of Death for the Majority of Teacup Dogs
Teacup dogs may die from various medical conditions, including trauma, viral infections, and gastrointestinal problems. The dog could also be injured falling out of your arms or off the couch. To prevent these injuries in our beloved pets, we must take good care of them.
Are Teacup Pomeranians Healthy?
Very small Pomeranians are far more fragile than normal-sized Pomeranians. Often requiring a lot of special care during their lifetime.
Underlying health issues usually restrict a very small puppy’s growth. Most often, this health problem will be very serious.
Vet bills can also be significantly higher for these teacup-size Pomeranian dogs.
If you are still determined to have a very small Pomeranian ( less than 4lb as an adult ). Go to extreme lengths to ensure that you purchase a healthy and active Pomeranian puppy.
I would avoid having a small Pomeranian puppy shipped, so make arrangements to see the puppy in the fur before purchase. Ask about the puppy’s age.
Pomeranian puppies should not leave their mother and siblings until at least eight weeks. A very small Pomeranian dog puppy should not leave the breeder until at least 10 to 12 weeks.
When purchasing a Pomeranian as a family companion or pet, it is always important to select the healthiest puppy available. A shortened life span for a much-loved family pet will greatly affect all family members.
How Long Does a Teacup Pomeranian Live?
Owing to substantial health issues common to tiny Poms, a Teacup Pomeranian’s lifespan will be much shorter than a normal-sized Pomeranian. Pomeranians are small in size and weight. Because of this, they have a longer lifespan than other dog breeds.
Do Teacup Pomeranians Shed?
Yes. Teacup Pomeranians do shed. However, their shedding is not excessive.
Teacup Pomeranians come with a thick double coat. The undercoat is soft with thick, fluffy hair, while the outer coat has long, straight, shiny hair. The coat is rough to the touch. The longer hair around its neck and chest adds to its beauty, making it look sublime.
The problem, however, is that the coats shed. Shedding makes cleaning difficult. Some dogs shed excessively and make it a pain to clean. But with Teacup Poms, things are quite easy.
Teacup Pom dogs are small in size and have fewer coats than bigger dogs. Moreover, they shed little.
Hence, although Teacup Pomeranians shed, the shedding level is moderate. Typically, males shed their coats once a year. Females also shed when they are in season or whenever they are stressed.
The grooming requirements of this dog are minimal. It is advised that the coat should be brushed at least twice a week. Brushing takes off weak hair from the coat and helps with the cleaning.
You can use either a wire slicker brush or a metal comb to brush the coat of Teacup Pomeranian. Brushing the coat keeps it healthy, distributes natural oils, prevents dust, dirt, and fleas, and collects loose hair from the coat.
Are Teacup Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?
Pomeranians are also known as teacup poms. They can be hypoallergenic, but there is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic breed” of the dog.
Breeding Teacup Pomeranians
Breeding very small Pomeranians is often fraught with problems. Natural whelping is often impossible, and veterinary intervention may be required, with the resultant vet bills.
The smallest puppies in a litter often have problems feeding naturally from their mother. The larger, stronger puppies will push the smaller sibling of the teat.
Human intervention, tube feeding if the puppy is very weak, or bottle feeding for a slightly stronger puppy, is required if this puppy is to survive.
In most animals, the small members of the litter are called “runts.” The runts are not looked at as having any breeding potential and are certainly not used in any breeding program, nor are they built up as something to be sought after.
The percentage of “runts” is generally kept to a minimum in any good breeding program.
Are all Pomeranian’s Teacups?
No, as stated in this article, the words ” Teacup Pomeranian” are just a term designed to attract attention and increase appeal. Unfortunately, this term seems to be here to stay and is usually used by dishonest sellers and uneducated buyers.
Owning a Teacup Pomeranian: Pros and Cons
Teacup Poms Pros:
- Teacup Poms are highly intelligent.
- Tiny dogs cost less to feed.
- Teacup Pomeranians are charming and loving.
- Teacup Poms make up for their lack of size with huge personalities.
- It is easy to hug and hold a Teacup puppy.
- They don’t require heaps of exercise.
- They are suitable for owners living in small homes and apartments.
- You take a Teacup pom just about anywhere.
- Teacup poms love traveling in their human handbag or backpack.
Teacup Poms Cons:
- Teacup Pomeranians are often prone to health issues.
- The price of a Teacup Pomeranian can be higher than other Pomeranian dogs.
- Teacup Poms are not suitable for families which include small children.
- Potty training Teacup Poms can be difficult.
- Teacup Pomeranians are inclined to be happy and like to be heard.
- The life span of these little dogs is often short.
- Teacup Pomeranians cannot walk or run long distances.
- These little dogs are not suitable for homes with lots of stairs.
Can You Afford a Teacup?
Getting a Teacup Pomeranian may be expensive. If you are saving up for one, research before purchasing to ensure it is worth the cost of adoption and upkeep.
Consider the cost of having this cute little furball before rushing out and buying one. Puppies of any breed are expensive, but it’s even more so with Poms because they have special needs that go beyond what other dog breeds need in terms of food, exercise, and grooming requirements due to their small size, which makes them very prone to health problems such as dental disease if not cared for properly by their owners.
The costs of a puppy are ongoing. Puppies need food, vet visits, and toys, but they will be your best friend.
There’s no shame in passing on such a pricey pet until you’re financially stable enough for its upkeep costs. Just because celebrities like Paris Hilton have them doesn’t mean everyone should follow their example by going into massive debt so they can own one, too.
Adopting a puppy from a shelter is less expensive than buying one. Additionally, you may have to wait for months or even years before adopting small breeds like Teacup Pomeranians, as usually, only the larger Pom dogs end up in rescue.
Why Not to Buy a Teacup Pomeranian Puppy
Paying money for a “Teacup Pomeranian” may set you up with an unhealthy dog. Caring for a dog with health conditions can be an expensive and heartbreaking experience.
Here’s why you should not get a “Teacup Pomeranian.” The AKC sets boundaries on the size of dogs, so if your new pup is smaller than the breed standard, it might be unhealthy.
Final thoughts on Teacup Pomeranian vs Regular Pomeranian
Teacup Pomeranians are small, furry dogs that love to delight and entertain their owners. However, they require a lot of care due to their size. They need gentle handling from other animals and should be kept away from rough play because they can’t handle it.
Also, expect some health-related expenses when looking after them as teacups tend to have obesity problems compared to larger dogs with more active lifestyles, which means less chance for weight gain issues.
The Pomeranian seems like a great addition to your family, but many responsibilities come with owning a puppy.
Dogs need time for exercise and attention to stay happy and healthy. If you’re ready for the commitment, adopt or buy responsibly.
At this point, you can continue your journey to Pomeranian puppy ownership with accurate Pomeranian info and facts to assist you.
Good luck with your Pomeranian puppy.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
[2] Official English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
[3] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
[2] Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.