Teacup Pomeranians are exceptionally cute. They are quite literally, a little ball of fluff. But how big do they get? Are they actually the size of, or fit in, a teacup? With these questions in mind, I decided to spend some time researching their size and its impact on their ongoing care. I’d like to share my findings with you here today.
So, how big do Teacup Pomeranians get? Teacup Pomeranians typically reach a height of 6-10 inches, weighing as little as 3 pounds when fully grown. They generally reach their full adult size by the time they are 12 months old. The Teacup Pomeranian is therefore a tiny dog, not much wider than your hand, so specific care and attention are mandatory when owning or around this breed.
Whether you know them as Teddy Bear Pomeranians, Pocket Pomeranians, Miniature Pomeranians, or Toy Pomeranians; you’re looking at the same dog breed.
Equally, this specific breed is still not recognized by the AKC or other reputable Kernel Clubs. You’re not going to find them on their breed finder pages any time soon – they do not simply register or endorse them.
This is partly due to the way they are bred, and the fact that there are no breed standards. For instance, there are no specific tea cup Pomeranian breeders.
Instead, you’ll generally find regular Pomeranian breeders offering this variety.
In fact, you do need to be particularly careful when looking for teacup Poms; as those purposefully breeding them are unlikely to be following ethical or moral practices, and may even be producing mixed breeds.
Nevertheless, if you do manage to find a reputable breeder, you’re in for a treat.
This little Pom is becoming popular, due to the fact that they take up very little space, while still being energetic, friendly and playful in temperement.
Let us now take a closer look at the average size of the Teacup Pomeranian breed; whether you can expect them to stay small and some of the size considerations you will need to take into account to raise and keep these tiny dogs safe.
So, be sure to keep on reading to get all the information you need!
Average Teacup Pomeranian Height, Weight, And Size
Teacup Pomeranians are tiny dogs with a compact body. They weigh as little as 2 to 5 pounds, and reach between 6-10 inches in height, on average.
The American Kennel Club (AKC), which is the main registry of purebred dogs in the United States, describes a Teacup as a breed that weighs 2-5 pounds.
Furthermore, ‘toy’ breeds are classified as those that weight under 15 pounds, so you can also consider teacup dogs to be included in the ‘toy classification’, too.
As such, their size makes them very adaptable to any living space, including small apartments or even story buildings.
But despite their size, they are big in terms of personality!
They are full of energy and willing to play with their owners.
Equally, they love a cuddle and a snooze on the couch, fitting almost perfectly onto your lap. Although it goes without saying that you need to be careful not to drop them from height!
They are also known for their loyalty; but are not the best breed for families with young children. Besides, they are a fragile dog breed, and small children are often not as gentle as they need to be.
Teacup Pomeranians do possess fluffy double coats, and this can make them appear to be bigger than they actually are.
You’ll find them in various colors, with the main ones being all white and all black.
Do Teacup Pomeranians Stay Small?
Teacup Pomeranians stay small throughout their entire life; they are genetically predetermined to be between 2-5 pounds.
Besides, their parents – the standard Pomeranian is equally small, standing at 7-12 inches themselves.
Despite their very small size, teacup poms do not seem to realize it; they are quite lively and brave. They have a feisty personality and a tendency to bark.
They are also wary of strangers due to their loyalty to their owners.
Regardless of their size, Teacup Poms need adequate training because of their propensity to bark.
These dogs make excellent watch dogs for this reason, but outside of their barking and alerting they’ll not be able to provide much else against intruders.
This dog breed also requires adequate socialization; both mingling with people and other dogs alike.
With adequate training, it’s possible to have an alert and intelligent companion who also has self-control!
At What Age Is A Teacup Pomeranian Full Grown?
Teacup Pomeranians typically reach their final size by 10 months old and continue to fill out until 12 months old. These dogs are declared adults at the age of one.
The rate at which Pomeranians grow isn’t linear; while they do most of their growth early on in life, they do not grow bigger by the same measure each day, week, or month.
Growth is usually fast in their first few days of life, but after a few weeks, growth slows down gradually, becoming staggered with fast and slow growth spurts.
For this reason, growth charts can often be misleading as these dogs grow at different rates.
Nevertheless, below is an estimated growth chart that you can reference.
It is based on the assumption that you will take your puppy home at around 8 weeks of life, the standard often used by breeders.
Teacup Pomeranian Growth Chart
Age | Weight (In Ounces) |
8 Weeks | 11-33 |
9 Weeks | 12-35 |
10 Weeks | 13-38 |
12 Weeks | 15-45 |
14 Weeks | 17-52 |
16 Weeks | 20-59 |
18 Weeks | 22-65 |
20 Weeks | 24-70 |
22 Weeks | 25-74 |
24 Weeks | 26-78 |
26 Week | 27-80 |
So, while you can use the above table as a brief overview, consider this growth chart to be mere estimates.
Remember that your teacup pom may have slowed down or may experience a growth spurt at different ages against that of the chart – this can affect the final estimate.
Often two teacup poms who are at the age and height may finish at different sizes.
Nevertheless, they rarely exceed 5 pounds in total weight.
Ultimately, no breeder will be able to guarantee you a total weight when their puppy is full grown.
There are many factors that influence their final size; from genetics, to nutrition, to general health.
Weight should not be the only factor you look at when selecting a teacup puppy. You should be looking for other more visible signs of health, such as movement and a willingness to socialize.
Lastly, getting a puppy under a weight of 2 pounds is rare, and those puppies will need additional support and care – with a watchful eye over them due to their vulnerable size.
Size Considerations For Owners
Teacup Pomeranians are undoubtedly brave, intelligent, and capable little dogs; nevertheless, they are fragile and can get hurt easily.
You need to be mindful when around your little dog.
They are prone and often experience a lot of trauma in their lives, including being sat on, dropped, and trodden on. While these may all be accidental, they have the same impact on your dog.
This size of dog breed, therefore, needs a lot of supervision, and someone with a lot of time to give them the care they need.
Consider the following which is required for owning a teacup breed:
- Handle with care, being mindful of their fragile nature without dropping them,
- Ensure everyone in your home is consistently watching and looking out for your dog. This is especially true of seats and areas where they could be lying down or sitting.
- Always use a leash and harness when taking your dog outside.
- Watch out for other people and animals, opening doors, interacting with your dog etc.
Hypoglycemia is the primary cause of death with teacup breeds.
They have a very high metabolism and are only able to eat small portions. Therefore a regular feeding schedule is a must, and you cannot afford to let your dog miss them.
Teacup poms are unable to put on much fat mass; meaning their food is their only real source of energy. So hypoglycemia (low-blood sugar) can be fatal.
Other than this, trauma is the other significant risk to their health of this breed.
Beyond this, there are a few other medical conditions to be mindful of:
- Gastrointestinal: These issues include inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal blockages, lymphangiectasis, pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among other issues associated with a loss of protein.
- Infection: These include viral diseases (parvovirus and distemper), fungal infections, protozoal diseases (babesiosis and leishmaniasis), and bacterial infections (like leptospirosis).
Teacup dogs are a lot more vulnerable to the above issues.
So, a big part of their ownership is ensuring that they are quickly seen to by a vet should any complications arise.
Pomeranians in generally are genetically predisposed to certain conditions such as:
- Patellar luxation – this is a hereditary problem where the kneecap slips out of its’ joint.
- Tracheal collapse is also a common problem for Poms, and it affects the throat.
These physical injuries are just something to be aware of.
It’s therefore essential to look into a puppies family history, as these issues will have an impact on your dog, their quality of life and potential lifespan.
The most crucial aspect of Teacup Pomeranian ownership is to ensure their environment is as safe and pet-friendly as possible.
Consider the following ways you can help support them:
Diet
We’ve already mentioned the importance of regular feeding in teacup dogs, but the choice of food is essential to.
You’ll need to ensure they are consuming nutritionally balanced meals at regular intervals.
Avoid commercial foods with low quality ingredients as much as possible; especially those with preservatives, and fillers.
Clean Environment
Part of keeping this breed safe and healthy is to not inflict any trauma on them. Accidental tripping, sitting etc. are easily done but can prove fatal.
They are very fragile after all.
So, it makes sense to have a cleaner home with less possibility for your dog to get lost, concealed or hidden under something.
Clothes on furniture is perhaps the most common example.
Besides, it makes for a much nicer home and environment for everyone.
Activity
Teacup Pomeranians do not require much exercise. And, you need to be especially careful not to damage their growth plates.
While exercise is still important for mental stimulation and to prevent boredom; this is not the kind of breed that you will be able to walk for miles.
10-15 minutes at a time should suffice, but you should work up to this. Over-exercising a puppy is not advised, irregardless of their size.
General playing, like fetch is another good activity for you to enjoy with them.
But, you do need to be careful of any ledges or heights that they could possibly fall from.
It goes without saying that this breed should not be dropped, or allowed/forced to jump down from the sofa.
Equally, you will need to allow your dog space and peace throughout the day. While also keeping an eye on them.
Vaccinations And Veterinary Care
Teacup breeds are susceptible and vulnerable to a range of issues.
You should therefore ensure that you have a vet you can contact if you suspect that anything is up with your dog.
Equally, they can provide all the necessary vaccinations and jabs required to keep them safe.
Adequate Dental Care
Like most other breeds, your dog will require good dental hygiene. Failing to do so can risk your dog getting ill from dental-related infections.
Plus, dogs that lose teeth face further challenges eating and getting sufficient nutrition.
Getting dental sticks, chews or carefully brushing your dogs teeth is advised.
Finally
Teacup Pomeranians generally make excellent pets, for those willing and able to provide and look after this naturally vulnerable dog.
They are genetically predisposed to always being small, so you need to be wary of their fragile size, always handling them with extreme care, and keeping an eye out for where they are and what they are doing at all times.
Keep in mind that hypoglycemia and trauma are the main dangers to a teacup breed. This is not the type of dog you can afford to let skip a meal or leave to their own devices.
Nevertheless, they are great fun, and their small size makes them an option to any potential owner, regardless of the size of their home and the amount of space they have.
Last but by no means least; if you are seriously considering this breed – do your research.
You need to be particularly careful with breeders and you need to ensure you conduct your due diligence on each one before proceeding.
As they are not recognized by the AKC or the other main breeding associations, the risk is that much higher.
You do not want to support unethical or immoral breeding practices; even despite your desire to own this small and cute dog.
Inbreeding and purposeful stunting of growth are two such hideous practices used – and ones you do not want to support.
Instead, seek out an ethical and regular Pomeranian breeder who has a litter with smaller than average pups.
It may be harder and they are definitely rarer, but it will be in everyone’s best interests that you do. Including the health and happiness of your dog.
Failing that, just go for the larger, standard Pomeranian!
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I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.