Teacup Pomeranians: Should You Really Get One?

Last Updated on May 15, 2023

Pocket Pomeranians or Teacup Pomeranians are tiny little tots that never leave puppyhood – hence their appeal. 

Since Poms are already considered a toy breed, shrinking them down further might cause health issues.

This hasn’t stopped the miniature pet industry from booming as people rush out to accessorize their lives with these teacup pups. 

Find out more about these Toy Pomeranians and whether they are a good choice for you.

Where Did the Teacup Pomeranian Originate? 

Mini Pomeranians also go by Loulou, Dwarf Spitz, and Zwergspitz. They have a rich and complicated history that isn’t always clear cut.

However, everyone agrees that it was Queen Victoria was the one who made them into the popular dog breed that they are today.

They were named for Pomerania, an area between Poland and Germany, but the breed didn’t originate from there. They came from Arctic Spitz breeds, which gave them their dense double coats and perky ears. 

In the very beginning, Pomeranians were small to medium-sized dogs that herded stock and were even used to pull sleds.

Yes, these itty bitty Teacup Pomeranian puppies are related to wolves and are closely related to Huskies, Malamutes, and Samoyeds.

According to a Pomeranian specialist, Gill Taylor, Pomeranians and German Spitz used to be part of the same breed.

Much like the Long-Haired Chihuahuas and Short-Haired Chihuahuas, they have been separated into two breeds and disallowed from interbreeding.

They turned into these small dogs through crossbreeding and selective breeding.

They went from 30 lbs (13.6 kg) dogs to smaller than 7 lbs (3.2 kg), yet people are still seeking available puppies that won’t grow over 3 lbs (1.4 kg). 

The allure of a puppy that fits in a teacup can be irresistible, but they don’t come without controversy. Reputable breeders very rarely would breed such small dogs as they breed for the betterment of the breed.

Unfortunately, this allows unscrupulous businessmen to take advantage of this and supply the growing demand for sickly dogs.

While they look like the cutest thing that money can buy, their cuteness hides a sinister industry that preys on the lesser informed members of society.

A Teacup Pomeranian dog acquired through a puppy mill or backyard breeder might be extremely small and frail. 

The same miniaturization has befallen many other breeds, including the Teacup Yorkie. These tiny dogs are not recognized nor approved by the AKC. 

What is the Difference Between a Teacup Pomeranian and Standard Pomeranian?

Since these tiny dogs are purebred Pom-Poms, they simply look like a smaller version of the Standard Pomeranian and conform to the official breed information found on Kennel Clubs. 

They have a wedge-shaped head, with a properly defined stop. A delicate breed with delicate features, they have a dainty muzzle that can be prominent or have what’s called a teddy bear face.

Their most iconic feature is their coat. Rich and lush and coupled with their small size, they look like walking tumbleweeds, which, incidentally, is one of the lovable breed’s many nicknames.

According to the breed standard, their tails should be held high and lie flat on their backs to add to their profuse coats.

Teddy Bear Pomeranians are often marketed as Teacup Poms due to their ultra-short snouts that give them a cute, forever-puppy appearance.

However, don’t be fooled by this terminology. Teddy Bear Pomeranians can also be found in the standard size, as can Fox Face and Baby Doll Pomeranians.

Also read: Types of Pomeranians

Size: Do Teacup Pomeranians stay small?

Since Standard Poms are 3 – 7 lbs (3.2 – 1.4 kg), some breeders slap on the teacup label on puppies that are projected to be on the smaller end of the spectrum when fully grown.

This can be risky because unless the breeder is extremely knowledgeable of their lines, the puppy might grow up to be bigger than expected.

Breeding Poms is a tricky business, it’s not as simple as throwing two small dogs together to have a litter of small pups.

That’s why sometimes you can get Throwback Pomeranians that grow up to be much larger than even standard-sized pups.

Some puppies that are born small can surpass their bigger siblings when they reach their adult size.

The ideal home for a Micro Mini Pomeranian is anywhere with a loving human. They can live in an apartment or a huge house.

What’s important is that they are kept safe from the local wildlife or any other hazards that might plague such a tiny tot.

Teacup Poms should grow up to be less than 3 lbs (1.4 kg) which means they are at risk of being hunted by birds of prey, larger dogs, or other predators.

They can also sustain injuries quite easily if they land badly after a jump. It’s so important to make sure you have the right environment for a Micro Pom to thrive. 

Is a Miniature Pomeranian’s coat different from a Standard Pomeranian’s?

The Mini Pomeranian can come in any color that the Standard Pom can have. Orange or Red Pomeranians have been the classic Pom-Pom color, but they were originally all white.

White Pomeranians are making a comeback and are quite hard to breed for, so a white teacup might be significantly more expensive.

You will also be able to find Poms in Sable, Brindle, or Merle patterns. The latter can even give you dogs with blue eyes. Brindle is rather rare in a Pomeranian and can be hard to find.

The Pom’s coat not only comes in various different colors, but it also comes in different textures. White Poms often have a soft and cottony pelt, whereas Wolf Sables have the harshest topcoats.

To learn more about the difference between coat colors and how many different color variations the Pom comes in, you can check out our Pomeranian Colors post. 

One of the reasons why Pomeranians are such a popular breed is due to their incredibly varied colors, which allows them to be visually appealing to a wide range of different people.

Do Toy and Standard Pomeranians Have Different Personalities?

Pomeranians are such wonderful personalities and their joyful temperaments transcend size.

All Poms, regardless of size, boast the same kind of confident, almost cocky qualities. These loving dogs will brighten up every dark corner of a room.

Male Pomeranians are said to be the more affectionate of the lot. They are happy to snuggle with their owners for hours on end.

Females tend to be a bit more energetic and love exploring and checking on things around the house.

But of course, every dog comes with its own personality and there are those that just break stereotypes.

Do Teacup Pomeranians bark a lot?

One thing that is true of all Pomeranians is their tendency to bark. Anything and everything can set them off. From the alarm on your phone to the bird flying overhead.

These dogs are yappy little critters. Their high-pitched barking can be quite grating, especially when they don’t know when to stop.

Fortunately, it’s something that training can control, but you have to start young. Once your doggie gets into the habit of something, it’s extremely hard to change it because they are such constant little things.

They might have been working dogs for many years, but they haven’t lost their intelligence. Their small size does make it harder for them to potty train, though.

It’s hard for them to hold it in when their bladders are so tiny. By the time you rush her to her toilet area, she might have already relieved herself. That’s why it’s recommended to crate train instead.

Aside from that, since Poms are kept as companion dogs, they are often extremely attuned to their owner’s intentions. This makes teaching them new tricks or commands a walk in the park.

How Do You Take Care of a Micro Teacup Pomeranian?

Poms look like an extremely high-maintenance breed but they aren’t really. All they require is a thorough brushing twice a week to keep their coat in tip-top condition.

In the summer, they should be given a cool mat to lie on if they wish. You can get self-cooling cushions off Amazon.

While they can be susceptible to heat strokes, Poms do surprisingly well in the winter, in spite of their size.

Their thick coats protect them from the cold but you should invest in snow booties to keep their paws from cracking, especially if they spend time outdoors in winter.

If it’s below 32 F (0 Celsius), you want to make sure your pup’s wearing a sweater.

Since they are much smaller than they used to be when they were sled dogs, it can be hard for them to regulate their temperature in extreme conditions. 

Little kids should also be kept far from this delicate pupper. One wrong move and it’ll mean a trip to the emergency room. They should not be left alone to swim, either.

These small dogs aren’t the most athletic breed, even if they think they are.

It’s so easy to baby these little pooches, but be warned, that’s your one-way ticket to creating a dog with small dog syndrome. Spoiling your dog is as bad for them as it is for you.

But take a look at adorable Yuya’s morning routine! Isn’t she just the sweetest?

Exercising your Miniature Pomeranian

It’s so tempting to keep these tiny pooches in your arms and carry them everywhere but you should put them down! They love going for walks and zooming around. They can be pretty good at fetch, too.

They might be small, but they can have enough energy to keep up with you. 

They do have pretty short attention spans so you want to rotate their toys and make sure that their playtime isn’t too long.

They also shouldn’t be overstimulated due to their small size. Try to keep sessions close to 10 – 15 minutes and if they show signs of fatigue, give them a chance to catch their breath.

Grooming: Do Mini Poms shed?

Pomeranians are little balls of fluff so of course, they aren’t hypoallergenic. These dogs shed less than you would imagine, though.

Male dogs, in particular, keep most of their coats even through the winter months. It’s the females that will truly blow their coats out for summer, and winter, after having puppies, and when they are in season.

Because they seldom have the chance to wear down their nails, you will have to clip them once in a while. If the thought of slipping their paws into a clipper freaks you out, you can use a nail file instead.

Dental hygiene is also extremely important. The bacteria build up in their oral cavities or plaque could contribute to early death. 

Also read: Pomeranian Haircuts You Need to Show Your Groomer

Miniature Pomeranians Food Consumption

You want to get a high-quality kibble that’s suitable for small breed dogs and feed them twice a day. Kibble comes more highly recommended because they are prone to dental problems.

Eating soft food would encourage the growth of plaque. 

The amount should really depend on the size and activity level of the dog itself. However, an adult Standard Pom often eats ¼ – ½ cups daily.

Your dog should be eating enough to sustain its weight. If they are gaining or losing, you’ll want to adjust it accordingly. 

Most dog food comes with feeding instructions that you can try out and cater to your little baby.

Do Teacup Pomeranians have health problems?

All pedigrees suffer from some form of health problem. The Pomeranian dog breed is considered to be one of the more problem-free breeds and has a significantly shorter list than most breeds. 

They suffer from cryptorchidism, luxating patella, black skin disease, and tracheal collapse. Other problems to look out for concern their eyes, ears, and teeth. 

In the case of Mini Pom, their small stature makes them susceptible to organ failure such as heart problems. They are also more prone to low blood sugar, which can be fatal.

That’s why you should always ask for a health guarantee from your breeder when bringing home a Teacup Pom.

What’s more worrying is that dropping them or stepping on them accidentally could result in death. Trauma is easily inflicted on their fragile constitution.

With the right care, Mini Poms are likely to live as long as a Standard Pom, which is 12 – 16 years. 

How Much are Teacup Pomeranians?

Pomeranians rarely have more than 4 puppies in a litter, but most of the time have only 1 or 2.

When you’re breeding two very small dogs together, the chances of having a litter of more than 2 puppies are very low. This makes teacups quite expensive.

Also read: Factors that Impact the Price of a Pomeranian

Miniature Pomeranians breeders

If you’ve got your heart set on a Teacup Pomeranian, you should ask around for recommendations when it comes to breeders.

There are so many instances of owners who are conned out of thousands of dollars on a tiny puppy, only to have it grow up larger than projected, or worse, die on them after fetching up high vet bills.

Since they aren’t a recognized or accepted size by the AKC, it’s relatively hard to find reputable organizations or kennels that breed them.

Furthermore, many breeders that have Teacup Pomeranian puppies for sale aren’t invested in creating a better breed – only a better price. It’s up to you to decide whether a breeder is worth your time.

If you’re uncomfortable with going through a Micro Teacup Pomeranian puppy breeder, you can try your luck with Standard Pomeranian breeders and see if they have any tiny puppies that spontaneously appeared in their litters.

This can happen, and since they aren’t specially bred for, they are much healthier.

• Prince of Poms (Warfordsburg, PA)
• Silhouette Poms (Hampton, VA)
• Chars Poms (Bark River, MI)

Miniature Pomeranians rescue and adoption sites

Thinking of adopting? It’s quite rare to come across puppies for adoption, and you’ll have better luck with an older dog.

Adult Teacup Poms are a better alternative because baby Mini Poms can be so fragile. At least with an adult, you’ll know what kind of health conditions she has and whether you are able to cope with it.

Many Mini Poms are left behind in shelters when it’s apparent they aren’t the small teacup size that was promised. Or it could be due to health issues.

Regardless, it can be quite devastating to these beautiful dogs because they form such close bonds with their owners. To find a good shelter, make sure they are accredited as 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations.

• Rescue Me Animal Network (Watkinsville, GA)
• Recycled Poms (Dallas, TX)
• Second Chance Poms (Santa Fe, TX)

Mini Pomeranian Mixes

These little toy dogs make very popular designer breeds. Surely you’ve seen a Pomsky mix floating around the internet. They are the most adorable little mini-wolves I have ever set my eyes on.

But did you know? Poms come in Wolf Sables too. You can read our article about Pomeranian colors, but if you’re more interested in Pomeranian mixes, you can check that out too.

• Aussie Pom
• Pomchi
• Pomapoo

Who Should Get a Miniature Pomeranian Dog?

Buying a Teacup Pomeranian should not be taken lightly. These fragile dogs need careful supervision and care.

If you really love these tiny little dogs, you can always choose to rescue rather than get a new puppy. It’s unfortunate that they are bred for demand, with little to no regard for their wellbeing. 

Standard Poms are already a toy breed. They are cute enough and don’t need to be smaller.

Further reading: Similarly sized breeds to Mini Pomeranian

Plenty of breeds have undergone this miniaturization and if you’re looking to see what other breeds have been made tiny, look no further! Do note that none of these teacup variations are endorsed by any kennel clubs.

• Teacup Chihuahua
• Teacup Poodle
• Teacup Shih Tzu
• Teacup Pomsky
• Teacup Maltese
• Teacup Yorkie