Stories abound of people acquiring adorable puppies under the pretense that their new household pet will remain small as an adult. To their surprise, these unwitting owners find themselves in the company of larger-than-advertised adult dogs, whose appearance and demands far exceed their expectations.
Whether you’re looking to avoid a situation like this or you’ve always dreamed of owning a dog that will stay a puppy, there are several breeds of dog with puppies that stay small. We’ll guide you through our list and help you discern which breed is best for you.
The 14 Puppies That Stay Small
While these breeds will remain roughly the same size into adulthood, it’s important to note that all dogs, regardless of size, have different needs as adults than they do as puppies.
1. Teacup Pomeranian
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Adult Size: 2-5 pounds
Coat: dense, long
The Teacup Pomeranian is a spitz-type breed originally from northern Poland and Germany. Bred as a companion animal, this breed is known for being loyal and fiercely dedicated to its owner.
Coming in at almost half the weight of a regularly sized Pomeranian, the Teacup Pomeranian is an exceptionally small dog that can fit in the palm of a hand as a puppy, and doesn’t get much larger than that.
2. Teacup Yorkie
Average Lifespan: 5-7 years
Average Size: 2-3 pounds
Coat: medium, straight
The Teacup Yorkie is a terrier breed originally developed in England as a lapdog and comfort animal. One of the smallest breeds with puppies that stay small, the Teacup Yorkie is known for being a loving family pet that is welcoming of strangers and has a sensitive temperament.
While the Teacup Yorkie is painfully cute and does keep its puppy size, it’s important to note that this miniature breed has a significantly shorter life expectancy than its regularly sized counterpart.
3. Teacup Chihuahua
Adult Lifespan: 12-20 years
Average Size: 3-6 pounds
Coat: short
Originally from Mexico, the Teacup Chihuahua is one of the best known miniature breeds that has gained in popularity in recent years.
Although they may be small, teacup chihuahuas have more than enough personality to compensate for their small stature, and they can be known to challenge dogs more than ten times their size.
A loving and affectionate pet, the Teacup Chihuahua fiercely guards its home and family. Thankfully, this breed has a similar life expectancy to its regular counterpart, and relatively few health issues.
4. Teacup Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 3-7 pounds
Coat: medium, soft
The Teacup Shih Tzu is a relatively recent toy breed version of the Shih Tzu, which originally hails from Tibet, where they were popular companions of royalty.
Bred for its companionable disposition and gentle demeanor, the Teacup Shih Tzu makes for an excellent support animal. However, due to its small size, this breed is fragile and should be handled with care.
5. Teacup Dachshund
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 4-8 pounds
Coat: short, fine
The Teacup Dachshund originates from Germany and retains the same signature elongated body and short legs of the regularly sized Dachshund, just on a smaller scale.
Unlike others on this list that were bred from companion breeds, the Teacup Dachshund is a toy breed of the Daschund, which was originally bred as a working dog.
6. Mini Pug
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 3-10 pounds
Coat: short
The Mini Pug, like the Pug, is recognizable from its flattened facial features and curled tail. This breed originated in China, where it was bred for its companionable disposition and charming appearance.
Although less rotund than the normal Pug, the Mini Pug still stuffers from similar congenital defects and breathing problems, and should be monitored by a vet.
7. Teacup Maltipoo
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Average Size: 3-6 pounds
Coat: fluffy, wool-like
The Teacup Maltipoo, as the name suggests, is a mix of a Maltese and Poodle, and is a designer dog breed well suited for family life. This breed is an excellent support animal and responds well to children, enjoying the companionship of its owners and family.
Like others on this list, due to its small size, this breed should be handled with care and requires supervision when in the presence of young children.
8. Teacup French Bulldog
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 10-25 pounds
Coat: short, fine
Larger than many of the other breeds on this list with puppies that stay small, the Teacup French Bulldog is a trending toy breed that was bred as a companion animal. Popular with celebrities, this cute and curious breed will make a loving addition to your family.
Due to its more moderate size in comparison to other teacup breeds, the breed has the added benefit of being more resilient and sturdy than other teacup breeds.
9. Pocket Beagle
Average Lifespan: 11-14 years
Average Size: 15-18 pounds
Coat: short
The Pocket Beagle is a recently developed miniature version of the Beagle, which has been a favorite breed among American families for decades.
Cute as a button, this breed still retains some of the working characteristics of regular beagles, and is known for its excellent sense of smell and distinct vocalizations.
10. Pomsky
Average Lifespan: 11-15 years
Average Size: 20-30 pounds
Coat: dense double-coat
The Pomsky is a designer dog breed cross between a Pomeranian and a Husky. This breed retains the appearance of its Husky parentage while inheriting the size and disposition of the Pomeranian.
A great small-dog alternative to owning a Husky, the Pomsky requires far less space and maintenance, and can be kept in smaller households without issue.
11. Teacup Morkie
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 4-12 pounds
Coat: medium, soft
The Teacup Morkie is a toy breed cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese, two breeds which have already shown up as the parent stock of other crossbreeds on this list.
This breed comes in all white or black and tan, and most closely resembles the Yorkie. This breed’s longer lifespan makes it a great alternative for those who are worried about the health concerns of a Teacup Yorkie.
12. Teacup Poodle
Average Lifespan: 12-14 pounds
Average Size: 5-6 pounds
Coat: curly, soft
Perhaps the tiniest poodle out there, the Teacup Poodle, like the Teacup Dachshund and Beagle, comes from a breed that was originally developed as a working dog. Although not a well known fact, Poodles were bred to help retrieve downed waterfowl on hunts.
That said, the Teacup Poodlethat is unlikely to be a useful hunting companion, and is more suited to indoor activities. Cute and cuddly, this pocket-sized breed is one of the more endearing breeds with puppies that stay small.
13. Teacup Maltese
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 3-5 pounds
Coat: medium, soft
The Teacup Maltese is a spitz-type breed from central Europe which was primarily bred for companionship. Commonly used as a lapdog and emotional support animal, the Teacup Maltese is known for being a great family dog with a subdued and amiable demeanor.
An even tinier version of the Maltese, this breed retains all of the Maltese’s characteristics, but in a smaller package.
14. Teacup Corgi
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 3-6 pounds
Coat: medium, double-coat
Popularized by celebrities and online media, the Teacup Corgi has its roots in cattle herding in England.
The Corgi’s popularity in part stems from its teddy-bear appearance and elongated body. The Teacup Corgi’s small size and puppy-ish looks only adds to the Corgi’s charm, making it one of the cutest dog breeds on this list.
