The teacup poodle is the smallest type of the poodle breed, even smaller than the toy poodle. You may have already heard about the personality and basic requirements of the teacup poodle, but you may not yet know some of the more interesting traits. In Petlifey, we explain some curiosities about this tiny poodle.
Poodle or Poodle teacup
While this breed is commonly known as the “teacup” poodle, that’s not the only name for it. Depending on the location, it is also called a teacup poodle, a French teacup poodle, and a teacup poodle.
It is an unofficial type of poodle that, although it is not accepted in most canine clubs, continues to gain popularity among lovers of the breed.
Teacup Poodle measurements: less than 22 cm
What differentiates a teacup poodle from a toy poodle is size. The teacup is less than 22cm tall and generally weighs less than 6lbs .
However, as it is an unofficial breed, there are no specific standards for its weight and height.
Colors of the Teacup Poodle
Teacup poodles should never have blemishes, markings, or mixed colors on their fur. They only exist in solid colors, for example black, silver, blue, grey, red, cream, apricot, brown, white, and latte.
They are a great option for people who live in apartments
Although it needs daily exercise, a teacup poodle can adapt well to apartment living. Being so small, they do not require a large patio to exercise.
Physical Characteristics of the Teacup Poodle
You may have seen pictures of the teacup poodle without a tail. Apparently some owners choose to dock their pet dog’s tail for cosmetic reasons.
This practice is relatively common in the United States, but rare in other countries due to the illegality of the procedure (animal cruelty).
Behaviour of the Teacup Poodle
Teacup Poodles tend to be dominant and want to be the leader of the pack. If you want to have this type of poodle as a pet, be sure to establish yourself as their leader from the start.
Otherwise, the dog will believe that it is your superior and will begin to show behavioural problems that are difficult to correct later.
Teacups are social dogs. They like to spend time with humans and they even like to be around other animals. Their need for company makes them suffer when left alone.
In this variety of poodle, spending prolonged periods of time without its owner can lead to anxiety and stress-related behaviour problems. With this in mind, the teacup poodle is not the best option if you spend most of the day away from home.
Teacup Poodle Breed Training
Poodles are among the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. This means that they are very easy to train, an advantage if your time is limited or if it is the first time you train a dog.
Teacup Poodle Breed Record
Most of the world’s breed and club registries do not recognize the teacup poodle as a separate specimen from the toy poodle.
For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) states that any poodle under 10 inches is a Toy Poodle, hence the Teacup Poodle falls into this category. Contrary to the AKC, the Dog Registry of America (DRA) does recognize them as a different type within the breed.
Teacup Poodle Health and Diseases
Like other type of poodle teacup poodles are often more prone to developing certain health conditions.
Common problems include allergies, epilepsies, diabetes, heart problems, fractures, suffocation, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Despite this, it is known that teacup poodles can live up to 15 years when healthy.