Teacup Maltipoo: Facts About This Miniature Hybrid

The teacup Maltipoo is an extremely small dog with a lovely personality. These dogs are playful, friendly, and of course, super charming. But did you know that a teacup Maltipoo can also serve as a therapy dog?

Moreover, are you aware of the health issues of this teacup Maltese Poodle mix? 

If all of these questions got you wondering, then you should definitely read this guide. Here, we will talk about everything you need to know about the teacup Maltipoo.

What Is a Teacup Maltipoo?

The teacup Maltipoo is the smallest member of the Maltipoo designer dog breed. This dog is the offspring of a Poodle and a Maltese. At just four to six pounds when fully grown, the teacup Maltipoo is one of the smallest pooches out there.

Teacup is a term used to describe the smallest variant of a dog breed and it is not exclusive to the Maltipoo. 

Interestingly, because it is so small, the teacup Maltipoo puppy literally fits inside a teacup. 

At its full-grown size, the teacup Maltipoo is much smaller than the toy Maltipoo size. An adult teacup Maltipoo can easily fit on the top of your palm.

Teacup Maltipoo vs. Miniature Maltipoo and Toy Maltipoo: Are They the Same?

The teacup Maltipoo, mini Maltipoo, and toy Maltipoo are the same dog in different sizes. 

The smallest among the three is the teacup Maltipoo, while the largest is the miniature. Meanwhile, the toy Maltipoo sits in the middle ground.

Another aspect where the teacup, miniature, and toy Maltipoos differ is in pricing. 

The miniature and toy Maltipoo is priced similarly at around $200 to $2,000. On the other hand, the teacup is significantly more expensive, selling for $1,500 to $4,000.

Teacup Maltipoos are generally more expensive than the other two because it is more difficult to breed. 

Breeding these scaled-down pooches requires crossing “runt” parents from every litter. And as you know, this takes time and patience.

Health-wise, all Maltipoo sizes share the same life expectancy range. These pooches are also prone to the same health issues. 

That said, teacup Maltipoos are the most susceptible to injury among the three. Because of their small stature, their bones are not as robust as other small dogs, such as the miniature Poodle and the other sizes of Maltipoo dogs.

However, one advantage the teacup Maltipoo has over its beefier siblings is that it is extremely compact. You can bring them on weekend trips with no problems.

How Big Do Teacup Maltipoos Get When Fully Grown?

A fully grown teacup Maltipoo weighs somewhere between 4 and 6 pounds. Height-wise, these pups range between 8 and 14 inches. This hybrid dog reaches its full-grown size at around 9 to 13 months. 

Unlike many dogs, male and female teacup Maltipoos do not have a noticeable size difference. This means you are likely to get the same dog size regardless of which gender you pick.

For comparison, a full-grown teacup Maltipoo is about as heavy as a two-liter water bottle. That’s half the size of a toy poodle and about a third of miniature Poodles. 

What Does a Teacup Maltipoo Look Like?

The teacup Maltese Poodle mix looks like a tiny teddy bear with a fluffy coat. It has medium-length wavy hair, a cheerful face, and bright, charming eyes. Usually, a teacup Maltipoo will resemble either its Maltese or Poodle parent.

The most common coat colors of a teacup Maltipoo are white, cream, black, apricot, red, and brown. 

Although rare, these dogs also come in gray, parti, and phantom. Teacup Maltipoos that exhibit rare coloration are usually lower-generation dogs.

The size of the teacup Maltipoo is usually its most admired trait. On average, this teacup Maltese Poodle mix will just be about the size of a small soccer ball.

Where Do Teacup Maltipoos Come From?

There are three main ways to breed an extremely tiny dog, such as the teacup Maltipoo. 

These include introducing the dwarfism gene, breeding runts, and mixing with other small dogs. Let’s take a closer look at each of these to determine whether the teacup Maltipoo is indeed a result of poor breeding practices.

Introduction to the Dwarfism Gene

According to many, the small stature of teacup Maltipoos is the result of introducing the dwarfism gene somewhere in the bloodline. 

While this may sound like a fail-proof methodology, it is important to know that dwarfism comes with many repercussions.

Canine dwarfism is a health condition in dogs associated with restricted growth. A dog with dwarfism will fail to grow fully. 

Furthermore, it will also experience an increased likelihood of developing cancers, bone deformities, alopecia, renal failure, and more.

As expected, many people opposed the breeding of teacup dogs because of this. However, many argue that this claim is nothing more than a conspiracy.

Breeding Runts Together

Often in a Maltipoo litter, there will be a few puppies that will not grow as fully as the others. These underdeveloped puppies are called runts. 

One way to achieve the size of the teacup Maltipoo is by breeding runts from different litters together. Because runts are innately small, the resulting hybrids are even smaller. 

In theory, if breeders do this continuously for many generations, a smaller variant of the hybrid will be developed. 

However, there is also a downside to this methodology. Breeding runts together will increase the likelihood of immune system issues for toy breeds and teacups alike.

Mixing With Smaller Breeds

Another way of achieving the incredibly small size of the teacup Maltese Poodle mix is by throwing an even smaller dog. This method is considered the safest, and is also the most common. 

Breeders do this by mixing a Chihuahua, a teacup Poodle, a toy Poodle, or a smaller Maltese dog somewhere in the lineage. Afterward, they breed dogs from this resulting litter with small Maltipoos, and the process continues. 

Sure, this method may result in an “impure” Maltipoo hybrid, such as the Maltipoo Chihuahua mix, but it is by far the most effective. This is also arguably the most ethical way of breeding the teacup Maltipoo.

Teacup Maltipoo Temperament and Personality

The teacup Maltipoo dog is an outgoing, friendly, intelligent, and healthy dog. Much like its Poodle and Maltese parents, this dog loves to play and goof around with its owners.

These pups also do well as playmates for young children and even as therapy dogs. In fact, many pet owners recommend the teacup Maltipoo for both experienced and first-time dog owners.

However, do not be deceived by the adorable looks of this mixed breed, as it can also cause mishaps. Because of the so-called small dog syndrome, teacup Maltipoos can get rambunctious at times. 

They may exhibit aggression towards other pets and sometimes strangers, too. When it feels threatened, a teacup Maltipoo jumps, barks, and goes wild.

All things considered, the teacup Maltipoo is a fantastic family pet. The only thing you need to know is that these dogs require constant companionship. 

So unless you need to leave your dog unattended for long hours, chances are, the teacup Maltipoo is probably the ideal pet for you. This is a companion dog that will easily snuggle its way into your heart.

Teacup Maltipoo Lifespan and Health Issues

On average, teacup Maltipoos have a life expectancy of around 10 to 15 years as they are a variant of a very healthy breed. In fact, these dogs can even reach 17 years old.

Evidence suggests that most crossbreeds, such as Maltipoos, exhibit some form of hybrid vigor. In effect, hybrids are a little more robust compared to their purebred parents.

Nevertheless, teacup Maltipoos are still susceptible to certain health problems including the following:

• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a common health condition in miniature, toy, and teacup Maltipoos. This condition is accompanied by seizures that occur at random. A Maltipoo with epilepsy should be given the right kind of medication. This health issue is common in dogs around six months to six years old. 
• Diabetes: Canine diabetes is a health condition that is brought about by environmental factors such as diet. This condition is a type of metabolic disorder that affects how the body converts food to energy. A diabetic teacup Maltipoo will show signs of weight loss and increased appetite, among others.
• Shaker Syndrome: Shaker syndrome is a syndrome in dogs characterized by head and body tremors. This health condition is also called “little white shaker syndrome” because it is commonly diagnosed in small dog breeds with white fur.

Aside from these health concerns, your pooch may also develop luxating patella, obesity, bloat, and the like. But all these health problems are preventable if you give your pooch proper care. 

How to Take Care of Your Teacup Maltipoo

Caring for large dog breeds is one thing, but caring for an incredibly small dog is a whole different thing. If you are planning to get a teacup Maltipoo, you need to know a few tips and tricks in your arsenal.

Feeding and Diet

It is easy to overfeed or give too many treats to a small and adorable dog like the Maltipoo. 

However, it is best to keep the diet in check as small dogs are prone to obesity and other health problems. Low blood sugar is also something to watch out for.

Ideally, you should feed a teacup Maltipoo four times a day, but this can be adjusted to two to three feedings once they turn into an adult.

Also, it is best to give them dog food that contains less calcium, fat, and protein. Teacup Maltipoos have delicate tummies so you should always consult a vet before switching their food.

Cleaning and Grooming

The teacup Maltipoo needs frequent grooming. Because of its curly nature, its coat gets easily tangled and matted. 

It is advisable to regularly groom your teacup Maltipoo by brushing its hair daily and scheduling regular trips to a professional groomer every few months.

When it comes to bathing, it is recommended to do so approximately once every three weeks. Avoid bathing your Maltipoo daily as this can lead to dryness and loss of natural oils in the coat.

Training and Exercise

Luckily, training your teacup Maltese Poodle mix to behave is not an impossible task. Sometimes, these dogs will just test your patience a bit but it is still manageable.

You can begin training this teacup dog when it is around 8 to 12 weeks old but it takes 3 to 6 months before it can get fully house-trained. Positive reinforcements such as treats and phrases work best for these tiny pups.

As for exercise, the teacup Maltipoo is pretty low maintenance. A daily 20-minute walk would suffice for this breed. The teacup size makes them very much delicate so extensive exercises won’t do them any good.

How Much Are Teacup Maltipoos? Puppy Prices and Expenses

The teacup Maltipoo often comes with a premium price tag. On average, these pups will set you back between $1,500 and $4,000. These pooches are considerably more expensive than the mini Maltipoo and toy Maltipoo.

If you are looking to save a bit of cash, you can consider adoption instead. Adopting a teacup Maltipoo costs around $100 to $800. Adoption fees usually depend on the age of the puppy.

The cost doesn’t end at the puppy’s purchase price. Here’s a list of all the other expenses you need to consider for a teacup Maltipoo puppy:

The total initial cost above is only a rough estimate. Your actual spending for your puppy will depend on many factors. 

Although it is not recommended, you may opt to buy some of these items at a dollar store or the nearest pet store. It’s also worth mentioning that some breeders bundle their puppies with freebies. 

Places to Find Teacup Maltipoo Puppies for Sale or Adoption

The teacup Maltese Poodle dog mix is a popular designer dog breed. Getting this teacup dog is just a click away on the internet. After all, these dogs are advertised everywhere.

As always, it is recommended to get your Maltipoo from trusted sources only, preferably reputable breeders and rescues who have been in the business for years. 

Don’t purchase this pup at pet stores and puppy mills at all costs.

Here are some breeders where you can find teacup Maltipoo puppies for sale: 

• Maltipoo FurBabies – This Chicago-based breeder has been breeding dogs for over 20 years. They pride themselves on top-quality dogs that are healthy and well-mannered. Also, all of their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed before being sold.
• Country Acres Puppies – Country Acres Puppies is a reputable breeder located in Fairbury, Illinois. This breeder specializes in small dog breeds such as Maltese, Yorkies, and of course, Maltipoos. They often have teacup Maltipoos on their listings, so be on the lookout.
• Pocket Poos – If you live near Cookeville, Tennessee, Pocket Poos is a nearby breeder to check out. This reputable breeder offers all sizes and coat colors of the Maltipoo. Maltipoos from Pocket Poos are trained and socialized at an early age. Moreover, their dogs are always free to roam around their facility. 

Meanwhile, it is also a good idea to adopt an adult dog. This will help save a dog’s life and you will save money at the same time.

Below are some animal rescues and online advertising platforms where you can find teacup Maltipoos for adoption:

• Metropolitan Maltese Rescue – Metropolitan Maltese Rescue is an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of Maltese and Maltese mixes. With over two decades of experience, this rescue is adept at rehoming unwanted pooches. You can call them to inquire about teacup Maltese Poodle dogs.
• NorCal Poodle Rescue – The NorCal Poodle Rescue is the third largest Poodle rescue in the country. They adopt and rehome toy Poodles and Poodle mixes, such as the Maltipoo. This rescue is a fantastic option if you are looking for teacup Maltipoos for adoption.
• Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is an online adoption platform that aims to make pet adoption accessible to everyone. Partnered with thousands of rescues and animal shelters, this site has thousands of adoptable pets. Make sure to visit their website from time to time to check for a teacup Maltipoo dog.

If these sources didn’t work out for you, you could also utilize social media to look for teacup Maltipoo puppies. You just have to join public Maltipoo groups on Facebook and Reddit. 

From there, you can read through posts or ask other owners about this designer breed. Just make sure that you won’t end up buying puppies from puppy mills.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Teacup Maltipoo

There is no such thing as a perfect pet. Owning any kind of pet comes with advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we’ll explore the pros and cons of owning a teacup Maltipoo dog.

Here are the advantages of owning a teacup Maltipoo puppy:

• Small and portable: The most obvious advantage of owning a teacup Maltese Poodle mix is its size. With a dog this small, you won’t have any problems bringing your pup on trips. There is also less risk of your dog breaking random household items.
• Highly intelligent: Another perk of owning a teacup Maltipoo is its intelligence. This highly trainable dog can learn tricks and commands very quickly. This also means that they are quite easy to potty train. But keep in mind that the level of intelligence depends on the individual dog.
• Non-shedding: The teacup Maltipoo is perfect for you if you hate vacuuming dog fur on your furniture. Unlike most dogs that shed fur many times a year, they hardly shed. This also makes them perfect for people with allergies.

Here are the disadvantages of owning a teacup Maltipoo puppy:

• Small dog syndrome: One of the biggest gripes of teacup Maltipoo owners is that their dogs exhibit small dog syndrome at times. This behavioral condition is common in small dogs, thus the name. A dog with small dog syndrome asserts dominance by barking or whining.
• High maintenance grooming: While the teacup Maltipoo puppy sheds minimally, its coat maintenance requirement is quite high. This dog requires frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangled hair. You may also need to take it to the groomer frequently to keep its fur in the best condition.
• Prone to accidents: Because of its extremely small stature, the teacup Maltese Poodle is very prone to accidents. In fact, some of the leading causes of death in teacup Maltipoos are associated with accidents. That said, you will always need to treat your Maltipoo like the fragile baby it is.
• Health risks: Many dog lovers condemn the breeding of teacup dogs. According to these critics, breeding these small dogs takes a toll on the litter’s overall health. They also claim that this increases the chances of developing health issues.

For many dog lovers and teacup Maltipoo puppy owners, the pros easily outweigh the cons; however, the case may differ for you. 

It is important to assess these gains and drawbacks before getting this very special dog. Keep in mind; you’ll be with your pet for over ten years!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Teacup Maltipoos Aggressive?

Teacup Maltipoo dogs have the so-called “small dog syndrome.” This syndrome is commonly diagnosed in small breeds, especially those with white fur. 

Dogs with small dog syndrome may exhibit aggression towards other people and other dogs.

Are Teacup Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

The teacup Maltipoo inherits the hypoallergenic coats of its parent breeds, making it a suitable pet for individuals with pet allergies. They have medium-length curly coats that are low-shedding and low-dander.

Do Teacup Maltipoos Shed?

Similar to the Poodle and the Maltese, teacup Maltipoos are low-shedding dogs. These pups shed very minimally, if any. However, the downside of having a low-shedding dog is that its fur can get matter quite easily.

Do Teacup Maltipoos Bark a Lot?

Teacup Maltipoos can be barkers at times. After all, its parent breeds, the Poodle and the Maltese, also exhibit barking tendencies. 

However, most small dogs have this tendency. The good news is that teacup Maltipoos can be trained not to bark.

Do Teacup Maltipoos Stay Small Forever?

Yes, teacup Maltipoos stay small forever. Once your teacup Maltipoo reaches its full-grown size, it will no longer grow. 

The usual size of these dogs is between 4 and 6 pounds in weight and between 8 and 14 inches in height.

Final Thoughts

While the teacup Maltipoo can please just about anyone, sadly, this dog is not suitable for all. 

Teacup Maltipoos are the right fit for those who stay at home most of the time. This dog is also perfect for those who don’t have spacious backyards.

Similarly, this pooch will do best in a not-so-busy household where the risk of accidents is minimal. 

But if you want a dog that will be your jogging buddy or hiking partner, the teacup Maltipoo is not for you. Otherwise, getting this fun-loving dog is a great idea.

Do you think owning a Maltipoo will work for you? Let us know in the comments.