So you want a teacup poodle?
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So, You Want a Teacup Toy Poodle?
And Let’s Clear Up a Few Misconceptions About Size!
From time to time, we produce toy poodles that most people would refer to as “teacups”—typically, these are tiny toy poodles weighing 5 pounds or less. For the record, we prefer the term tiny toy.
These little ones are truly special—not just because they’re ridiculously cute, but because they require a higher level of care and attention. They’re in high demand among a select group of clients, but many breeders choose not to work with them due to the extra care and pressure involved in raising such delicate puppies from birth to go-home day.
Let’s Talk About the “Teacup” Label
The word “teacup” gets tossed around a lot. Sometimes, people asking for a “teacup” are picturing a 10-pound dog! That’s why we always ask for clarification when someone uses the term.
We, as breeders, are fully committed—to finding the right home for our tiny toys.
Thinking of Taking One Home? Read This First.
Here’s some important information about tiny toy poodles:
To produce tiny toys, inbreeding (or line breeding) is sometimes used in the breeding world. This is because there are hundreds—if not thousands—of genes that influence body size. The genes responsible for smaller size are relatively rare, so getting two dogs to produce a tiny puppy means those rare genes need to align. Unfortunately, inbreeding increases the chances of not only matching for small size, but also for unwanted genetic traits.
Some common traits in smaller poodles—genetic or not—can include:
• Finer hair texture
• Excessive eye tearing (often due to a shorter snout or narrower bridge)
• Retained baby teeth (from a small jaw)
• Plaque buildup due to dental crowding
But there are simple ways to help manage these:
• Adult coats come in with age—just give it time
• Daily eye wiping helps reduce staining
• Regular home grooming is essential
• Rope toys help loosen stubborn baby teeth
• Brushing teeth daily can prevent plaque and buildup
Sometimes, a pup just needs more time to naturally lose baby teeth. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
And yes, these issues can happen in any dog.
Some vets may call it “genetic”—and in a way, they’re right. Every dog is a living creature with inherited traits. Just remember: it’s not unique to tiny toys, it’s just a bit more common in them.
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Let’s Talk About Genetic Diversity
One of our top priorities is maintaining genetic diversity. Yes, we have tiny toys—but we achieve this without relying on inbreeding. We work with a wide range of bloodlines, which allows us to focus on health, structure, and longevity.
You may wonder: “Why do you have so many poodles if only a few are sold?”
Because diversity matters. We are always planning for the next generation, and that requires options. Some dogs are bred only once or twice—or not at all—depending on what the future needs. We find real joy and purpose in this long-term vision.
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Back to Size… Because That’s What Everyone Asks About!
Estimating a puppy’s adult size is tricky. Some toy poodle parents tend to produce smaller pups more often, simply because they carry more of the rare genes for reduced size. That said, this doesn’t mean diversity is sacrificed.
A few facts about predicting size:
• Parental size doesn’t guarantee puppy size. Pups can outgrow their parents.
• You can’t judge size from a photo—puppies always look bigger in pictures.
• Birthweight is not an indicator of adult size. Sometimes the biggest at birth becomes the smallest by go-home day.
• “Tiny” doesn’t mean “runt.” That term isn’t helpful—and we try to avoid it.
• Puppies grow at different rates, and growth spurts can throw off predictions.
• A puppy may appear larger than its littermate, but actually weigh less—size isn’t just about weight.
• Chunky pups often lean out as they mature.
How we estimate size:
We consider:
• Past litters from the same parents
• Growth rate compared to siblings
• Current age and weight
• Physical traits (like eye placement or body proportions)
• Lineage and generational trends
Keep in mind, weight estimations are just that—estimations. If your puppy grows larger than expected, rest assured we did our best, and you still have a healthy, genetically diverse, and well-loved poodle.
Interesting note: Spaying, especially at a young age, can sometimes lead to a higher-than-expected adult weight for a female poodle.
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Caring for a Tiny Toy Poodle Puppy
Our puppies are pampered from day one—especially the tiniest ones! When you take one home, you’re becoming a full-time puppy parent. Here’s what to expect:
• Be prepared to wake up at least once per night for feedings, if needed
• Be available full-time for the first two weeks—after that, arrange help if needed
• Tiny pups can get lonely fast, which affects eating and well-being
• They need warmth and small, frequent, protein-rich meals
• Appetite can drop during transition—some may need temporary syringe feeding
• Picky eaters require variety—rotate proteins and textures
• Puppies can’t regulate blood sugar well—always keep a sugar syrup on hand
• Be your pup’s personal chef and comforter
• Expect some crying or whining—they miss mom and littermates
• Accidents will happen—focus on love and comfort, not discipline early on
• Be ready for a lot of cuddling—and yes, even nap time on the floor together
• Set a timer to remind you to feed every 3–4 hours
• Puppy-proof your home for safety
• Keep your pup home—avoid public places like Petco early on to prevent illness
• Consider taking your pup to work instead of leaving them home alone
• Down the road, you may want to invest in obedience or behavior training
• Be mindful—tiny pups love to be underfoot! A collar with a bell is a must
If that doesn’t sound too overwhelming—congratulations! You’ve got what it takes. The first two weeks are the toughest, but with routine and patience, you’ll quickly find your rhythm. Tiny toys are incredibly loyal and will bond deeply with you for the next 15–20 years.
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A Final Thought
For your puppy, leaving home is like moving to a foreign land where no one speaks your language. Everything is new, stimulating, and even overwhelming. Eating may be the last thing on their mind. That’s where you come in—as their coach, comforter, and guide.
Some pups adjust quickly. Others need more time. Either way, when you adopt one of our tiny toys, we’ll give you in-depth instructions and support to help you through those first crucial weeks.
And remember: our support doesn’t stop after the first two weeks. We’re here for the lifetime of your poodle. Always.
We strongly encourage communication—you’re never alone in this journey.
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