How Big Do Teacup Poodles Get? [Average Height, Weight & Size]

Any dog with the word ‘teacup’ in its name will spark interest in its size, particularly if you are looking at getting one. But how big do these dogs get, and what does this all mean for ownership? Here is what you need to know.

So, how big do teacup poodles get? Teacup poodles typically reach between 6-8 inches in height and weigh between 2-5 pounds (1.2-2kg) when fully grown. These tiny dogs will typically reach their height by 8 months of age but will continue to fill out up until 18 months of age.

That’s right; these are very small dogs.

So much so that they have even carved out their own classification from the other sizes of poodles.

Even if it is not recognized by all kennel clubs.

But more on that later.

All you need to know that this is the ultimate lapdog.

Not only in terms of size and cuteness but in temperament too.

These are particularly loving dogs. Keen to cuddle up and spend time with their owners and get a lot of fuss and attention too!

Let us now take a closer look at the Teacup Poodle size in closer detail, including their growth rate from birth.

Towards the end, we will be discussing what their tiny size will mean in regards to their care if you do ultimately decide to get one.

So, be sure to keep reading to get all the information you need on this little teddy bear!

Teacup Poodle vs. Other Poodle Size

First and foremost, it’s useful to compare the Teacup Poodle to the other classifications of Poodle.

They are the smallest, as you might have guessed.

When we compare their average sizes, we can see this more clearly:

Poodle Size Classification	Average Height Range (Inches)	Average Weight Range (Pounds)
Teacup Poodle	6-8″	2-5 lbs
Toy Poodle	8-10″	6-8 lbs
Miniature Poodle	10-15″	10-15 lbs
Standard Poodle	13-17″	40-70 lbs

And it’s important to note at this juncture that only three sizes of Poodle are recognized by the various kennel clubs globally.

This includes the AKC (American Kennel Club) in the US, TKC (The Kennel Club) in the UK, and the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council) in Australia.

As such, you will not find teacup poodles on the breed lists of such organizations.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that they are not available from breeders or to purchase.

It does just mean that you need to be particularly careful when finding a breeder as they will not have been able to get listed or accredited via these institutions for their dogs.

Do Teacup Poodles Stay Small?

Teacup Poodles do stay small, never weighing beyond 5-6 pounds if kept at a healthy weight.

Of course, they do begin life a lot smaller – at around 70 grams (0.15 pounds). 

So there is a fair amount of growth throughout puppyhood.

But even despite their growth, this dog does not get big.

At least compared to every other typical dog breed.

Like any other dog, they can put on excess weight through inadequate diet and exercise.

In fact, it’s easy to overfeed these dogs due to their tiny size.

They do not need to eat the same amount of food as much more considerable, physical dogs.

So in many ways, it’s essential they stay small, too.

Well, within the healthy range.

At What Age Is A Teacup Poodle Full Grown?

A Teacup Poodle will typically reach their full and final height by 6-8 months. They will however, continue to fill out in weight up until the age of 16-18 months. This is when they can be considered fully grown.

Nevertheless, predicting a teacup puppies’ final weight is not definitive.

Below you can see a rough estimation, based on the data of various poodle breeders and experts, of a teacup poodle’s growth rate.

Growth Of A Teacup Poodle

• The weight of a Teacup Poodle at 3 months will be between 1.17 and 2.03 pounds.
• At 6 months, they will likely weigh between 2.16 and 3.69lbs (pounds).
• At 1 year, a Teacup Poodle should weigh between 2.38 and 4.31 lbs (pounds).

Age	Weight – Low Average (lbs)	Weight – High Average (lbs)
Birth	0.15	0.26
2 Weeks	0.33	0.62
4 Weeks	0.49	0.91
6 Weeks	0.67	1.23
8 Weeks (2 Months)	0.8	1.48
*10 Weeks	0.98	1.72
12 Weeks (3 Months)	1.17	2.03
14 Weeks	1.35	2.4
16 Weeks	1.54	2.71
18 Weeks (4 Months)	1.66	2.96
20 Weeks	1.79	3.2
22 Weeks (5 Months)	1.91	3.45
24 Weeks	2.03	3.5
26 Weeks (6 Months)	2.16	3.69
34 Weeks (8 Months)	2.27	3.84
52 Weeks (12 Months)	2.38	4.31
18 Months	2.64	5

As you can see from the data, this is a small dog that grows very slowly.

I’ve highlighted with an asterisk the time that you are likely to pick up a puppy from the breeder, around 10 weeks of age.

For the most part, they’ll only weigh between 0.98-1.72 pounds when an owner first gets them.

Most puppies of the same litter will be the same size, but around the 6-8 week mark, the differences between pups will become evident.

In regards to their height, a teacup poodle will gain roughly a further 3 inches beyond the 8 weeks of age mark.

So, the shorter the puppy at 8 weeks, the more likely they will remain smaller as fully grown adults.

Teacup breeds are often held back a little longer than with other breeds. For most breeds, you can pick them up at the age of 8 weeks.

However, for teacups, an extra couple of weeks can help give a better indication of size, which is why adoption is often delayed somewhat.

Nevertheless, for these particular dogs, its very difficult to get a rough estimation of final size.

Genetics and the parental dogs used in breeding are good indicators to go by, but this is not always the case. This is because of other dogs in the lineage.

At 12 weeks of age, a teacup puppy will start to give insight into their final size.

As a rough estimate of what a teacup puppy’s final adult weight will be, you can:

• Multiply their weight by 3 at 8 weeks of age.
• Multiply their weight by 2.5 at 10 weeks of age.
• Multiply their weight by 2 at 8 weeks of age.

Remember, this will be just an approximation.

Size Considerations For Owners

A dog of this size does come with several considerations. Safety and attention to care are paramount with this particular breed.

Let us now run through the different aspects of care that you will need to be especially mindful of:

Supervision

Due to their tiny size and small nature, you first and foremost need always to consider where they are.

They are quite energetic and can move deceptively quickly.

You do not want to kick them, sit on them, etc., accidentally; these things can cause serious injuries.

You must handle them with great care too. It’s easy to injure a Teacup, even entirely unintentionally.

At the same time, you do need to hold them with the correct approach and grip. Dogs of this size can easily wriggle or fall out of their owner’s grasp, lap, or furniture.

And these dogs love to be around.

They are very loving and caring and want to be in your presence.

They require a lot of fuss and attention – so you do need to be very cautious and mindful of where they are at all times.

Grooming

Teacup poodles possess very curly, thick coats – just like with other size Poodles.

Therefore, they must be groomed often, with brushing every day.

While they do not shed, brushing this dog does not come easy.

And their curls can quite easily matt or tangle, and being so small in size; you cannot brush them as you would for another breed.

This is why wetting them a little with a spray bottle is generally advised. It makes the process much easier!

Nevertheless, you will need to keep on top of grooming with this dog!

Exercise Requirements

Teacup Poodles do not need a huge amount of exercise, but they still need an appropriate amount for optimal physical and emotional wellbeing.

Two short and brief walks of 10 minutes, along with around 30 minutes of play per day, is enough for an adult dog.

Of course, a puppy Teacup should be given less and should slowly and carefully work up to this amount.

When exercising them, again, you need to take great care.

Their small and fragile bodies should not be overworked, nor should they be allowed or able to jump or fall off anything.

You need to be very mindful of letting them outside – they can easily get through tiny spaces (such as under fences), and they are very vulnerable to other animals and even birds.

You must remain vigilant and with them at all times.

At the same time, when it comes to walking – you’re going to need to invest in a good harness.

A leash is a no-go for this particular breed. Their small and lightweight necks can easily be injured from even moderate tugs.

Nutrition

Teacup poodles do not need to eat a lot, but they need to eat often.

You should have food and water available for a Teacup at all times.

Due to their small size, they need to be able to restore their energy more frequently than in other breeds.

They do not carry much fat naturally, and due to their small stomachs, are not capable of eating much at any one time or serving.

So, small, frequent meals are best for this breed.

At the same time, you need to be mindful not to feed them the wrong types of food or too much.

Obesity is not good for these dogs.

1/2 a cup of kibble is a good starting spot.

But be sure to contact a vet to get the appropriate amounts, for each age and stage of life.

Finally

The Teacup Poodle is a tiny dog. There is no doubt about it.

But despite their small size and frame, they are full of energy and have a thirst for life.

You could say their big personalities do not match their little bodies.

But despite being immensely cute, this dog is not for everyone and every home.

They need a lot of care. They need to be closely monitored and supervised at all times.

There are so many ways that this breed needs support.

They require regular access to food, and they need to be constantly accounted for.

So, you’re going to need to invest a lot of time if you do decide to get one of these dogs.

You’ll also need to properly dog-proof your home too.

You’ll be rewarded, though.

For those willing and able to care for them, you will get all the benefits of the Poodle’s traits.

Intelligent, loyal, loving, and affectionate.

Besides, they do not shed either!

Related guides you may want to read:

• How Big Do Dogs Get?