Teacup Pomeranian Facts
Have you ever wondered how it would be if your pet looked precisely the same and never grew up? Well, teacup dogs are a family of dogs that meet the above condition. Often, we refer to them as ‘micro dog breeds’.
To understand what a ‘teacup dog’ is, first, it is essential to know the term ‘teacup’. In a literal sense, teacup dogs are miniature versions of the standard dog breeds.
We associate these dog breeds with the words cute, adorable, and super cuddly. These dogs seem to be everywhere, from advertisements to some of the cutest videos on the internet! One such teacup dog breed is the ‘Pomeranian’.
About Pomeranians in general
The ‘Pomeranian’ breed was first raised in Pomerania as household pets. Pomerania is a region in northern Poland and Germany. Since then, this breed of dog has been known as ‘Pomeranian’. The ancestors of these dogs were the Spitz or Wolf Spitz dogs.
The popularity of these dogs rose only when royal figures started adopting them. One such royalty was Queen Victoria of Great Britain. People discovered these dogs in the 18th century. Since then, these dogs have gained popularity and are now worldwide!
These dogs have also received several names from enthusiasts all across the world. Some are ‘Teddy Bear Pomeranian’, ‘Pocket Pomeranian’, ‘Miniature Pomeranian’ and ‘Toy Pomeranian’. Even so, they are mostly referred to as ‘Teacup Pomeranian’. Regardless of their appearance and names, they are not a different breed.
What do Teacup Pomeranians look like?
A ‘Teacup Pomeranian’ is a Pomeranian that is smaller than usual. Pomeranians are by nature fluffy and loyal. The fur on their body makes them look like teddy bears! Added to their small size, the Teacup Pomeranians look even more adorable and cuddly.
The breed has big round eyes and pointy ears. The dogs have tails that are soft and fluffy. Each Teacup Pomeranian has a distinct head shape. There are three common head shapes that most Pomeranians have. They are:
- The Fox Head Type
- Babydoll Face
- Teddy Bear face
To the touch, these dogs have thick layered coats and have a creamy texture. These dogs originally had bigger bodies with white fur, which was thick and heavy.
What colors do they come in?
Teacup Pomeranians have the expected Pomeranian coating. They come in various colors. Some of the most popular colors are :
- Red
- Orange
- Cream
- Brindle
- Black
- Chocolate
- Pure White
- Tan
How Big Do Teacup Pomeranians Get?
Initially, this breed was much more prominent in size. The breed weighed over 20 pounds. Ever since they have become popular, there has been a craze to make them smaller and smaller. This led to the birth of the so-called ‘Teacup Pomeranian’. This dog now weighs a little less than 3 pounds! This implies that while carrying them, you will hardly feel their weight.
The growth of these dogs is not linear. They grow quickly in the first few weeks. Their growth gradually slows down. They also have occasional growth spurts along the way. They grow to their full size in about 12 months. These dogs generally reach a height of around 6-12 inches. This only goes to say that they have a tiny body and frame. They can fit on the palm of your hand!
What do Teacup Pomeranians eat?
These dogs need regular feeding at proper intervals. Apart from this, the choice of food they need is also essential. These dogs generally need a nutritionally balanced meal. Teacup Pomeranians usually don’t fare well with commercial and low-quality ingredients. It is especially advised to not feed them foodstuffs with preservatives and fillers.
On average, a healthy adult Teacup Pomeranian eats anywhere between ¼ to ½ cups of high-grade dog food. The amount a dog eats also depends upon its size, age, activity, and health. Allowing the dog to graze through the food the entire day is not advisable. This could lead to overeating. This can put stress on their already nimble bones and body structure.
Hence, it is essential to keep these dogs at a healthy weight.
In the end, it is advisable to have regular check-ups with a vet. It is to ensure that the nutrient requirements of the dog are being fulfilled.
What is the average Teacup Pomeranian Life Span?
The small size of the Teacup Pomeranian allows it to live longer than most breeds. These dogs show signs of ageing between 7-12 years of age. These dogs can live up to the age of 15. Indeed, a healthier dog will live longer. In the case of Teacup Pomeranians, a maintained dog can live even till its late teens. Regular nutritional diet, timely exercise, and general caring can keep your dog healthy.
Are they indoor or Outdoor Dogs?
These dogs are generally indoor dogs. Despite this, their nature allows them to adapt well, even outdoors. They have a harsh dual-layer coat. This will enable them to adapt themselves to extreme weather. They can survive in both hot and cold climates.
These dogs are incredibly loyal and friendly with people they know. Being indoor dogs, they can be an excellent addition to a family. Owing to their small size, they can easily be kept and trained in apartments and smaller houses.
Teacup Pomeranians get along quite well with other animals. They also fare well in a household with many pets. This is because they are interactive, responsive, and love to cuddle.
These dogs are also less prone to wandering when left unleashed. Hence, it is pretty convenient to keep them at home without a leash. Teacup Pomeranians are also less prone to biting and chewing. This is helpful as they are not likely to chew essential house equipment.
Reproduction in Teacup Pomeranians
It would be best if you found the right breeder while searching for a Teacup Pomeranian. Most breeders use unethical breeding methods to breed these dogs. Often they sell teacup dogs that are of mixed breeds on the pretext of being purebred. Most breeders sell such dogs to make money. As a result, many such dogs are malnourished.
Breeding two ‘runt’ Pomeranians will lead to overly small pups. This is unethical and may cause health problems later on. In the case of ‘toy dog breeds’, it is advisable that the female be larger than the male. A female should be at least eight months old and a male at least seven months to breed. However, a female should be at least 2-3 years of age and a male at least one year.
You can check German Shepherd facts for kids.
As always, it is better to ensure that it is safe by going to the vet. It is essential to do so as any irregularities can affect the health of the dog. A female should be especially mature. The female should be healthy enough to handle the schedule.
A female is usually in the gestation period for an average of 63 days. Anywhere between 58-70 days is normal. A litter of Teacup Pomeranians consists of 2-4 pups. These cups usually weigh less than 1 pound each. These pups can sell anywhere between $1500-$5000. The cost depends on the rarity and if it is a pure breed or not.
It is better to avoid breeding a dog if it is older. In this breed, the dog should retire from breeding by the age of 7. If a dog has pups at an older age, it could significantly affect its health. During breeding, a dog’s routine is greatly affected. The exercise routine and diet change drastically. Hence it is advised to keep in mind the cost one has to bear and only go ahead if ready.
Teacup Pomeranian Behavior and Temperament
A Teacup Pomeranian is a dog that has a well-rounded temperament. Even though they are small, their nature doesn’t give off that feeling. They are loud, cheerful, and enthusiastic dogs. Their bodies are pretty flexible. One of their most important characteristics is that they can quickly adapt to most environmental conditions.
Teacup Pomeranians are good pets for first-time pet owners. They are playful, affectionate, and are filled with joy. These dogs are also more intelligent than most of the other dog species. They can also be easily trained.
Usually, they are pretty friendly towards known people. However, they become aggressive when they are around strangers or unknown dogs.
Fiercely Loyal
The most important trait that these dogs exhibit is that of loyalty. Despite its size, a Teacup Pomeranian will without a doubt protect its owner. If they come across anything unusual that may be a threat, they become aggressive. This is a defence mechanism that it uses to protect its owner.
The bond that a dog forms with its owner is everlasting. This strong relationship between the two ensures the loyalty shown by the dog. It is even more so in the case of a Teacup Pomeranian as they are affectionate by nature.
Super Confident
The Teacup Pomeranian is a rather social dog. It is an attention seeker. It likes to be the centre of attraction. If the owner pays attention to something else, it often becomes jealous. Teacup Pomeranians fare well with other pets but, in return, want their attention as well.
Without realizing it, it will even pick fights with bigger and older dogs without minding much. This goes to show its haughty and somewhat overly confident behavior.
Full of Energy
Being enthusiastic, these dogs are brimming with energy. They are playful around other dogs and lighten the mood. Being super confident and seeking attention, they often interact a lot with other animals. As they are lively and cheerful, they always find excuses to release their excessive energy.
Are they good pets?
Overall, they are perfect pets to be around and enjoy. They are excellent family pets. Teacup Pomeranians bode well with families having older children and adults. However, for families with small children, it is not advisable to own such a dog. Small children will most definitely treat them as toys. Despite being toy-sized, Teacup Pomeranians hate being treated like toys. The dogs will get agitated, and the situation can become dangerous.
Apart from all this, their characteristic nature will not bore you. They will become an amusing source of entertainment. Being tiny, you can take them and carry them to many places. They can even fit in your handbags! The amount of things that you can do with them increases as they are tiny. This is also quite convenient as they would be easier to maintain compared to other dogs.
The only drawback is that they require proper grooming from time to time as they are one of the hairiest dog breeds. Hence maintaining their hair is essential to prevent excessive shedding.
Do Teacup Pomeranians Bite?
Typically, when dogs play, they bite. Teacup Pomeranians bite as well. However, due to their playful nature, they often get overexcited. Thus, many times they bite harder unknowingly. It might be okay if it is just playful mouthing, but it may become severe later. In short, Teacup Pomeranians do bite.
Thus it is advised to train them not to bite at an earlier age to prevent anything significant from happening.
Do Teacup Pomeranians Drool or Shed Hair?
We know that dogs drool. It is caused due to the unintentional saliva that flows out from the dog’s mouth. While many dog breeds drool a lot, the Teacup Pomeranian doesn’t drool much. Excessive drooling can be a sign of health problems.
Teacup Pomeranians do not shed as much as other breeds. However, their shedding is significant. This is because they are pretty hairy. They are not heavy shedders but do leave a trace of their hair in their surroundings.
Are Teacup Pomeranians easy to train and do they bark a lot?
Teacup Pomeranians are relatively easy to train. Training them from when they are small is advisable. They understand easily and follow their training. As the dogs are quite delicate and fragile, avoiding any harsh training is recommended.
Teacup Pomeranians have a loud and excellent bark. They can act as good watchdogs. However, they have a tendency to bark continuously. Hence, it is suggested to train them not to bark.
Health Issues in Teacup Pomeranians
Even though they are pretty active, their bodies have some limitations. Their small size indicates that they are often plagued with many diseases. Unethical breeding practices often cause these. A few common health issues are:
- Skin irritations
- Eye irritations
- Collapsed trachea
- Tooth decay
- Dislocated patella
- Premature death
- Hypoglycemia
Their bodies are also quite delicate and fragile. Rough handling while playing, overfeeding, or even accidentally sitting on them can prove to be fatal. Hence, regular check-ups with the vet are an absolute necessity.
Teacup Pomeranians do not require much exercise. However, some movement is a must, or the dog will become lazy, lethargic, and unhealthy.
Overall the dog requires care and consideration.
If you are willing to buy a pet, always search for the necessary information before buying one. It is of utmost importance that you care for it and act accordingly.
Interesting Facts about Teacup Pomeranians
- The Teacup Pomeranian is called so because it can literally fit inside a teacup.
- This breed of dog is so famous that it is the most popular dog breed in America.
- This dog is actually a descendent of a large, Icelandic sledding dog.
- These dogs are affectionately called ‘Poms’ or ‘Pom Poms’.
- These dogs are famous for fearlessly standing up to larger dogs with a little bark.