Are you looking for small dog breeds to take home? Have you heard about teacup doggies? Yes! Teacups are a personal favorite because of their extra-adorable looks, size, and temperament! Whether it’s a poodle, Yorkie, or the class clown of the canine world, the teacup pug, you will have an amazing creature in your hands. Looking at photos, it is easy to fall in love with these tiny canines. But do you know that having them as pets also entails a steep price?
Teacup dog varieties are many coveted pets, especially if they are miniature versions of the comical Pug. A teacup Pug measure around six inches in height and weigh up to four pounds only. Teacup dog enthusiasts love the fact that these dogs have the same physical features and temperaments as the standard breed. However, due to their size, owners should be more careful of their health because they are more prone to several health risks.
If you are aiming to have a delightful teacup Pug for a pet, read on to know more about the littlest details that make them extra special pooches.
Are Teacup Pugs Real?
Uncanny as they might seem, these tiny versions of the adorable Pugs are as real as they can be. They are the ones you see posted on Instagram and Pinterest which are very appealing to pet owners. They are often showcased inside teacups to emphasize their diminutive appearance.
Smaller dog sizes can appear in any dog breed litter, they are often the runt of the litter – the smallest among their siblings. Some breeders would breed two Pug runts and come up with dwarf-sized canines. And often, teacup Pug exists because of breed manipulation. This technique is not encouraged by reputable breeders because of the health risks that come with the practice. However, many teacup dog lovers still seek out breeders that can present them with this variety.
What Does A Teacup Pug Look Like?
Is there anything different between a normal Pug and a teacup Pug? What makes the tinier version more in demand is that they have all the distinctive features of the popular canine, except for the size. You will know that it is a pug with its square frame and semi muscular built. These tiny Pugs also sport the same unique flat facial features including the squashed up folds, huge dark eyes, and wrinkled brows in a large round head.
The term “teacup” is derived from the fact that these tiny canines weigh around two to five pounds in their full-grown stage. They can even fit inside a teacup comfortably! But did you know that these miniature dogs also come in various coat colors?
Pug enthusiasts know for a fact that purebred Pug puppies have only two standard colors as recognized by kennel clubs – black and fawn. These two shades are also common in teacup puppies, but amazingly, there are other shades and colors that appear. Thus, they can have fawns, black, silver, white, and brindle.
These dogs also sport a double-layer coat and they also shed a lot. They will need regular brushing to keep control of their shedding issues, keep the coat clean and sleek.
Likewise, teacup Pug puppies have that special feature that is prominent in the breed. Apart from being heavily wrinkled in the face, they also have that black face mask, fuzzy ears, short muzzles, small teeth, and the cute underbite that makes them cute and popular.
What is the size of the Full Grown Teacup Pug?
It is true that teacup Pug puppies can comfortably fit inside a teacup. These dogs are notably smaller at birth than regular-sized Pugs, and many will remain dwarf-sized even as they reach maturity.
Compared to a regular-sized Pug, fully-grown teacup Pugs can grow up to six inches tall and weigh up to five pounds. This weight is even smaller than the toy group as recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Temperament of the Teacup Pugs
Although small, teacup Pug puppies are full of personality. They have a happy-go-lucky attitude, affectionate, and loyal to their owners. Pet owners love these characteristics and it’s even better because it comes in a small package.
However, they still display a strong mind and independence just like any standard-size Pugs. These dogs do not seem to comprehend that they are very small as they can be a bit of a challenge to train. Pet owners need to commit their time, effort, and attention to provide consistent training. Along with patience in teaching them obedience, these dogs will learn to behave properly.
Teacup Pug puppies are sensitive to their owner’s tone of voice and are very willing to please. To get the best result, always use positive reinforcement during training and socialization.
Additionally, a Pug puppy is exceptionally social and craves attention. They get along well with other pets like cats and dogs. They are also friendly to other humans as long as they are properly socialized.
Some traits that pet owners need to look out for in a miniature Pug are their never-ending curiosity and mischief. Along with their playfulness, they are always on a quest for adventures and discovery.
But overall, teacup Pugs are an ideal lapdog for pet owners who wants a quiet and even-tempered pooch. They love cuddles, easy to housetrain, even-tempered and they hardly ever bark when trained at an early age.
Teacup Pugs Lifespan
One of the things that pet owners should expect with their teacup Pug puppy is that they have a shorter lifespan than their standard-sized cousins. The teacup Pug has an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years, which is way below the 12 to 15 years of the standard Pug.
Health Issue
A Teacup puppy is far more fragile than any other dog breeds. It is not only their tiny size that makes them extra delicate but also their overall tiny structure. These dogs also have a higher risk of having various health issues than other dogs experience in their lifetime. If you have a teacup Pug, look out for these common problems which might affect your pet’s health.
- Hypoglycemia – Teacup Pugs do not have high energy reserves that can sustain their active lifestyle and playfulness. Thus, they are often wiped out and become hypoglycemic at the end of their activities.
- Hip Dysplasia – This condition is common in dogs and teacup Pugs are particularly prone to this because of their short stature. They have an abnormal attachment of the hip joint which can affect their mobility later in life. Hip dysplasia may also lead to arthritis and chronic pain in dogs.
- Respiratory Distress – Due to the Pug’s brachycephalic facial features, they are prone to breathing issues and other conditions associated with the respiratory system. The dog’s flattened face makes it harder for them to breathe and potentially fatal respiratory distress.
- Heart Conditions – Heart defects in teacup Pugs are associated with genes they inherited from sickly parents. But these conditions may also be spontaneous in the breed. Dogs suffering from this condition may die at a young age, but those that survive enjoy a few more years without affecting their physical capabilities.
- Collapsed Trachea – Teacup Pugs require extra care in handling as they are more fragile than standard Pugs. A collapsed trachea is one of the leading causes of death in a teacup puppy. The condition may be congenital, but it may also be due to poor handling considering the unique structure of the dog’s neck and chest areas.
- Digestive Problems – These teacup Pug puppies are also prone to various digestive issues such as food intolerance and constipation.
- Blindness – Teacup Pugs are also prone to other health issues such as blindness. This may not be fatal, but it can risk accidents and trauma in these little canines.
Caring Requirements of Your Teacup Pugs
Smaller dogs are more fragile physically, in health, and in general well-being. Considering all the health problems mentioned above, caring for teacup Pugs is both easy and challenging. They are easier to groom and exercise, but their overall delicate structure makes them difficult for some owners to care for. Here are some pointers to remember when you have a teacup Pug for a pet.
Give Them A Fiber-Rich Diet
An ideal diet for your teacup Pug puppies is one that is rich in fiber. Be sure to include fruits, vegetables, chicken, and eggs when planning their food. You should also include ingredients with omega-3 fatty acids. To help keep their blood sugar stable, you can also add Karo Syrup to their meals.
Moderate Exercise and Playtime
Teacup dogs cannot handle long walks and too much play. Compared to standard dogs, a teacup Pug puppy may develop hypoglycemia because of its limited energy reserves. A 30-minute short work each day is enough physical activity for your tiny canine.
Be Mindful of their Temperature
The Pug’s facial features prevent them from properly controlling their temperature. They can easily overheat and their small bodies can grow colder faster. Thus, always be mindful of their temperature. When it is hot, make sure that your teacup Pug puppy is properly cooled by giving them cold water and keeping them in a cool place. And when it is cold, keep them warm with doggie sweaters for comfort and protection.
Handle Teacup Pugs With Caution
The teacup Pug’s fragile nature makes them extra delicate and they require more attention than larger dogs. If you have children, teach them to carefully handle your tiny puppy as they can easily suffer fractures.
Tips For Grooming a Teacup Pug
Pugs are heavy shedders and this is also true for their teacup size versions. If you or some members of your family are allergic to dander, take extra effort in minimizing their shedding at home. Teacup Pugs shed throughout the year, thus it best to have good grooming practices to keep complications at bay.
Brushing 2 to 3 times per week – make brushing a regular practice with your teacup Pug. It will remove loose hair and prevent them from dropping all around the home. Take about 5 to 10 minutes of brushing to de-shed every other day to take care of the issue.
Bath Teacup Pugs once every month – coat and skincare are also very important in teacup Pugs. It is vital that their skin’s natural oils are maintained, thus, limit full baths to once or twice every month.
Use products that are gentle to the eyes – Pugs have eyes that are disproportionately large and exposed. Make sure to invest in tearless grooming products when choosing shampoos or wipes. There are products that are specially formulated to be gentle on the eyes and the dog’s nasal airways.
Dry their facial wrinkles properly – teacup Pug’s unique facial wrinkles often harbor moisture and germs which can lead to infections. After washing them or any contact with water, wipe these folds thoroughly and keep them dry.
Are Teacup Pugs Ideal Family Pets?
Teacup Pugs are expensive to have as pets and they come with lots of potential health risks. But many people still love to have them as family pets. The growing demand for these tiny creatures is because of their temperament and aesthetic good looks.
Pugs in their standard size are wonderful to have around, but teacup versions share the same traits and personalities too. They are perfect for families in urban locations especially those in small apartments. These dogs do not need a lot of exercise and have simple grooming requirements. Though they need extra care and attention, their mild manners, social attitude, loyalty, and affectionate nature makes them a well-coveted family pet anywhere in the world.
Training Tips for Teacup Pugs
Pet owners claim that teacup Pugs are perky, intelligent, passionate, and playful. Despite their size, they make remarkable companions. Their adorable good looks may be the first to catch your attention, but soon you’ll discover that these dogs come with a larger-than-life attitude and a mischievous nature. Thankfully, all these can be addressed with proper training and socialization.
Without consistent training, any dog can become terrors of the home. And although teacup Pugs are obstinate at times, they are quite intelligent and teachable.
Take them out for this short daily walk to pump up their happy hormones. They are also less likely to misbehave after a tiring activity. Your teacup Pug will also learn more quickly when they have some mental stimulation before the training.
Additionally, it is important to teach them to walk beside you and keep them from pulling on the leash. Keep in mind that these dogs are brachycephalic in nature, thus they are prone to breathing issues. Pulling on the leash can put pressure on their small throats and cause them to choke or be out of breath.
How Much Do Teacup Pugs Cost?
There is a growing demand for teacup dogs and this caused the prices to shoot up even more. For a Teacup Pug, expect to pay up to $4,000 for an extra adorable miniature copy of the comical Pug.
Teacup puppies are difficult to breed and the demand for them is quite high, thus check for their authenticity carefully. There are some breeders that will pass on a Chug, which is a cross between a chihuahua and a Pug. Some would also advertise the runt of the litter as dwarf or teacup Pug variety.
Miniature Chugs also look like a Pug when they are very small, but as they grow, their Chihuahua features will become more evident. Thus, it is easy for new buyers to get conned off by unethical breeders.
For other expenses that come while caring for a teacup Pug, they are far cheaper as long as they are healthy. The initial costs will be around $700 for spaying, regular check-up, vaccinations, and necessities. Other ongoing expenses can go up to $500 for grooming, medications, food, and annual veterinary care.
In case of any major health issues, you may pay expensive veterinary bills. Their small size makes it a challenge for vets to handle and cure health conditions common to them.
Teacup Pug FAQS
Are Teacup Pugs Hypoallergenic?
Pugs and teacup Pug versions are not hypoallergenic. They are heavy shedders and can cause allergies when not properly controlled or groomed. The risk of allergic reactions to Pugs can be lessened by being on top of their grooming routine.
Do Teacup Pugs Shed?
Like their standard Pug cousins, teacup Pugs also shed heavily. And unlike other dogs that shed depending on the season, Pugs shed year-round. They can leave coat hairs in clothes, floors, chairs and anywhere around the home.
Are Teacup Pugs Noisy Barkers?
Excessive barking is a common issue among teacup Pugs, but early training can address this habit. For some pet owners, the teacup’s barking is not that annoying than other dogs because it is not loud or disturbing. But there are still other owners that find the behavior undesirable in their teacup Pugs.
Do Teacup Pugs Remain Small Throughout Their Lives?
Yes! Full-grown teacup Pug weighs around 5 pounds in their adulthood. These dogs are bred to be smaller than the regular-sized Pugs even when they reach adult stages. They are extremely delicate and will need extra attention especially if you have children as teacup dogs can easily get injured.
Final Thoughts
Teacup-sized Pugs are real and there is a very high demand for their kind. They have the looks, unique features, and the loveable temperament of the standard Pug. But these dogs come in miniature packages, which makes them too fragile. There is also some controversy surrounding the breeding practices to come up with dwarf Pugs. Apart from this, teacup Pugs are more prone to developing major health risks associated with their smaller stature. They have a shorter lifespan compared to their standard size cousins.
If you want one of these as pets, you have to put in extra time, effort, and attention in caring for them. And when you are ready to commit yourself to a teacup Pug, you will also be well-rewarded with their affection, love, and loyalty from the best canine companion.
Related Reads:
- 8 Popular Teacup Dog Breeds
- Interesting Facts About the Teacup Maltipoo
- Different Types of Yorkies
- Shiranian – The Cute Pomeranian and Shih Tzu Mix
- Teacup Poodle – The Cute and Adorable
- What You Need to Know About Teacup Chihuahua
