Poodles are a breed of dog recognized in three sizes, which are standard, miniature, and toy. Standard poodles are the largest of the three sizes, weighing forty-five or more pounds, and more than fifteen inches at their shoulder. The miniature, which is the middle-sized dog, weighs approximately fifteen to twenty pounds and stands up to fifteen inches high but with a minimum height of more than ten inches. The smallest of the recognized poodle group is the toy poodle weighing around ten pounds and ten or less inches in height. No separate classification exists for teacup poodles, as teacup is really a term or name many breeders use to describe a very small toy poodle, so there is not any universal standard.
Every breeder of toy poodles has their own size definition for a teacup poodle but most agree an adult teacup poodle should weigh four pounds or under and stand less than eight inches tall at shoulder height. Although the average teacup poodle weighs just over three pounds, there are very tiny poodles weighing less than three pounds.
Some people mistakenly believe that teacup poodles are not healthy dogs and that is not the truth. There is always a chance of a puppy having health problems regardless of size but teacup poodles, bred by a reputable breeder from a healthy line and bred specifically to be tiny, are normally healthy. It is important for anyone wanting to purchase a teacup poodle to get one from experienced, knowledgeable breeders that specialize in toy and teacup poodles. The life expectancy of a teacup poodle is fifteen or more years, which is the same as standard, miniature, and toy poodles.
There are several advantages to having a teacup poodle as a pet. Because of their extremely small size, they are very portable, making them easy to lift, take traveling and are often permitted in places where they do not allow larger dogs. Teacup poodles are the perfect size dog for apartments, condominiums, and small homes with no yards, as they require less space for exercise due to their tiny size. Teacup poodles are inexpensive to feed, easy to clean up after, and do not take as long to groom as a larger poodle.
Although teacup poodles are intelligent, wonderful, loving dogs, they are not suitable for everyone. They need a lot of attention and companionship, so are not the right choice for people away from home all day. Because of their small size, they are fragile and do not make a good pet for young children or as a playmate for a larger dog. It is easy to injure a teacup poodle, if you accidentally step on or drop the dog. Often, the small teacup poodles cannot get up on the bed or furniture and if they do, you must supervise them so they do not fall and injury themselves. Teacup poodles make a wonderful pet for people that want a tiny dog and have a lifestyle suited to one.
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