The Teacup Pomeranian is on the wish list of many dog lovers that want the cutest, smallest dog going.
However, there is a lot of debate over the true nature of these teacup dogs and what to really expect when dealing with breeders.
It is important that all Pom lovers have the facts before going into this purchase. The Pom you see on an advert may not be quite what you had expected.
In this guide to Teacup Pomeranians we are going to cover the issues surrounding these dogs into two sections.
First we have a section on the controversy over the name teacup and the queries over the existence of this sub-breed. We will look at the truth behind their size and genetics and some of the reasons for the rise in popularity of this teacup name.
Once we have clear idea on what it means for a Pom to be a teacup, we will look at some of the important Teacup Pomeranian facts that all potential owners need to know. This includes information on appearance, coat type, health, diet, personality and training.
Then we we look at the issues behind finding a miniature Pomeranian for sale and adoption.
Table of Contents
The big question for many potential owners here is whether or not the teacup Pom really exists
There are many owners that criticise the term, as it suggests that teacups are their own separate breed when this isn’t really true.
In reality, this is really just a small Pomeranian. It is essentially the same dog with the same genetics, it is just much smaller. It all comes down to breed standards and the American Kennel Club guidelines.
A Teacup Pomeranian full grown can reach between 3-7 and 8-11 inches in height. The AKC prefers a weight of 4-6 Pounds, these teacup dogs could simply be those bred to ensure they don’t reach a weight any higher than 3 pounds.
They certainly look much smaller compared to a 7 pound dog or an oversized one, but this doesn’t mean they are another breed.
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How has this been allowed to happen? Why do we get these mini Pomeranian dog?
The breed has become smaller over time. Our normal sized Poms would be considered miniature compared to their ancestors.
It is all about breeding certain traits for a more desirable dog. The Pom stopped being anything close to a working dog and become a desirable toy that accompanied royals.
Some copycat citizens wanted the same smaller dog, which lead to this version of the Teacup Pomeranian for sale. Today, the ongoing desire for designer, small dogs means another shift towards the smaller sizes.
Just for fun here is a video showing cute Pomeranian puppy
What should Pomeranian lovers look out for when turning to breeders?
Teacup Pomeranian breeders need to be responsible about creating these litters of smaller dogs. It is one thing to breed from dogs that are on the smaller end of the scale for the breed standard, but there are other underhanded tactics at play here.
Some try and over breed small dogs to create even smaller pups in large litters. In some cases this may go below the recommended weight. Others may be trying to sell an undersized runt of the litter as a specialist breed for unsuspecting buyers.
The tactics of these bad breeders can work the other way too. There are pictures of Teacup Pomeranians online to tempt buyers, but there are no guarantees that these dogs are either the pips being sold or actually teacup sized.
They could be small pups that are likely to grow to full sized adults. They could be made to look smaller too. There is a lot in a name too, such the idea of the Micro Teacup Pomeranian. If you see an ad saying Micro Teacup Pomeranian puppies for sale, they may be trying to get away with something.
So we can we really expect from these dogs?
Now that we have dealt with the issue of the classification of these Tea cup Pomeranian pups, it is time to look at the other elements of ownership of these dogs.
If we look at them as smaller versions of a Pomeranian, rather than their own breed. The expectations and considerations seem a lot more straightforward and we are better informed when looking for toy Pomeranian puppies for sale
The physical characteristics of Teacup Pomeranians
In addition to the size characteristics mentioned above, there are other important traits to the Pomeranian, whatever its weight. It has a small body with a short back and large tail laying flat across its back. Ideally, there are also erect ears and a foxy expression.
Many teacup Pom photos will show a softer look, rounder features and a “cuter” appearance to draw people in. They will grow into the adult Pom features with time.
What about the coat and grooming needs?
Generally, these dogs have red fur with some white, also the potential for a black teacup Pomeranian and brown Teacup Pomeranian. Then there are the “parti-colored.” dogs. This is where you have a white teacup Pomeranian with other patches of color. Then there are the brindle dogs. These dogs have a double coat with a dense undercoat, for a fluffy appearance.
Shedding is pretty frequent with these dogs because they have such a thick double coat. There are just so many hairs to lose on such a small dog.
It it interesting to note that males and females have their large shed at different times. Males have one big yearly shed. This is a pain at the time, but good grooming tools and patience will get you through and it will soon be over.
Females that have not been spayed tend to shed when they come into season. This could be a good sign of when to keep them away from males, although spaying may be a better course of action for some owners.
This all means frequent brushing and bathing to maintain the coat. This is potentially an issue with a very small Pom, so use a gentle approach at all times.
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Important aspects of mini Pomeranian care at home
The Pomeranian was purely bred to be a companion dog, and very little has changed. They are not running around chasing after prey or working in agriculture, they are much better suited to the indoor life. This, plus their size, means that apartment living is absolutely fine for a Pomeranian.
These tiny mini Poms will feel it is their palace if owners treat it as such, although there are potential issues in overindulgence that will be seen later on.
Also, it is best not to keep these pups in homes with other pets, or to pick them as the perfect family pet. The reasons for this will become clear when we get to the section on temperament and behavioral issues.
Just because these Teacup Pomeranian puppies are indoor pups, that doesn’t mean that they don’t require their fair share of exercise to keep fit and burn off energy.
They are intelligent dogs, so some games in the yard and a short neighbourhood walk will help them to stay occupied and give them new experiences.
They are likely to get bored pretty easily so bring plenty of toys into the yard, if you have one, or have them run around the living room with squeak toys and food puzzles.
A good diet of small portions is essential for keeping these little dogs fit and healthy.
Be careful with portion sizes and the amount of treats you give because there is the potential for them to overeat.
The average is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals, for adults. This is where the Dog Food Secrets e-book can come in handy. It offers great recipes with nutritious meals and portion control. There are great ways to ditch the unhealthy treats and poor quality dog food that may cause obesity and other health issues. On that subject, what other health issues can owners expect here?
Important healthcare issues of the Pomeranian
The general lifespan is 12-16 years, so it is a pretty long lived dog if looked after well.
There are some risks of hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy VWd, eye issues and dental problems.
It is important to check with breeders that these pups come from good stock with a proven history of good health. These checks, and visits with the parent dogs can also allow the chance to see if the mother has been cared for. If there are any concerns, move on and find a reliable breeder.
There are some additional health care issues of having such a tiny Pomeranian to care for.
A Pomeranian teacup dog is sometimes said to be healthier than larger dogs. Yet, there are important issues to consider here.
First, remember the idea that some smaller dogs are runts rather than specially bred dogs, as this could cause issues down the line.
Second, there are considerations for such small dogs. They are more fragile due to their tiny size, body weight and bone structure, making them more susceptible to injury.
Also, they are less able to handle chances in temperature and bad weather. They should not be outside too long, especially in the cold because of the risk of hypothermia.
What about the temperament and personality of the Teacup Pomeranian dog
There are many owners that concede that this is one of those dogs that you either love or hate because of its personality.
They are an outgoing dog that possibly thinks it is much bigger than it is, which is ironic when dealing with a miniature dog. There is a cockiness to their demeanour and a sense that they want to be in control.
There is also a strong sense of loyalty with these dogs and they can form wonderful bonds with their owners. However, this can sometimes lead to a possessive trait and a little jealousy of other people or animals. If another dog comes to visit and you make a fuss of it, your Pom may not be too pleased. In addition to this, this can lead to negative relationships within households. They may love their kind human “mother”, but hate her boyfriend, friends or other people that come to stay.
Then there are other behavioural problems to deal with. The biggest issue here is probably the barking. These miniature Pomeranian are pretty vocal, either expressing their dislike of a situation or their excitement at seeing their owner.
This sense of attachment to their owners also means that they may have problems being left alone for long period.
This is not the sort of dog to leave unaccompanied if you have to work for 8 hours a day. The additional problem here is that they might not take to family members or strangers coming in as dog sitters. 
So what does this mean for training Teacup Pomeranian puppies?
The benefit here is the fact that these little dogs are pretty smart, so can pick up on commands easily. Their need to be the centre of attention means that they may also appreciate the attention of praise and treats when performing the tasks correctly.
The problem comes from this idea they have that they are boss of the household. If you don’t establish your standing as their master quickly enough, training will become very difficult.
Socialisation training is clearly a must with these dogs because of this difficulty with people and other animals. If you have a family or a cat, your Pom has to be able to get along with them and know its place.
If you do find yourself struggling to train a Pom puppy, whatever their size, because of the behavioral traits mentioned above, it may be best to turn to professional guidance. Obedience schools are a start for some dogs, but you may not want your tiny Pom in a class with untrained overactive dogs from bigger breeds, especially if the socialisation problems and jealousy kick back in.
The best alternative is a guide such as Doggy Dan the Online Dog Trainer or the Secrets to Dog Training online program.
Both of these guides are online resources that are easy to access and use. They offer step by step guidelines on lots of different problems that your little Pom dog may face. This option lets you train from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace. This is ideal for dogs that get bored and may need an alternative approach to the problem.
Is it ethical to look at a Pomeranian teacup for sale rather than a normal sized dog?
This is a question that many dog owners may ask when looking into owning these tiny Pom dogs.
The answer to this will depend on the health and breeding of the dog involved. Some will say that we should not encourage the over-breeding of tiny Poms at all, and just be happy with the normal sized toy dogs.
Alternatively there are those that will say that it is not the pups fault that there is such a demand for these dogs. Also, not all breeders of smaller Poms are doing this with a bad heart or poor conditions.
Consider the pros and cons of this smaller Pom dog. If you have come through this guide and are still unsure about your conscience with teacup pets, don’t do it.
If you do choose to buy one, remember the tips about breeders and be aware of price with Teacup Pomeranian puppies for sale.
Remember that a Teacup Pomeranian price is going to be higher than that of a Pomeranian price because of the “work” that has gone into creating these dog and their popularity.
You do have to consider the benefits and cons of paying so much more for a smaller version of the other dog.
Don’t forget that there is also the option of Teacup Pomeranian adoption where possible. It is is much more appealing for some potential owners to adopt a Teacup Pomeranian rather than buy one.
First of all, this eliminates any issue of having to deal with breeders that may not be reputable.
Second, it lowers the cost that comes with these designers dogs.
Third, you would be saving a life. There is no guarantee that the shelters have mini Pomeranians to adopt, and they may not even be able to guarantee that any pups they have won’t turn out to be a full-sized adult. It all depends on whether you would rather take this gamble than deal with a breeder.
Is the Teacup Pomeranian right for you?
Whether we continue to call them teacups, micro Pomeranian or just smaller dogs, there are some important considerations with these pets.
It is easy for owners to feel they are walking on eggshells around such a small, delicate dog. It really isn’t for those that want someone to play with and run around with the family. It is for single owners and apartment living, where owners have the patience and trust to care for them properly.
If you do buy a Teacup Pomeranian, consider the implications of their care needs, health and lifestyle from all angles. Also make sure to buy as responsibly as possible.
If you have any doubts on whether these tiny Poms really are right for you, but like the idea of the breed generally, ignore the teacup angle and just get a Pomeranian. If it all seems to much, look for a different breed entirely.
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