First, imagine how small a Miniature Pinscher is — then imagine how incredibly tiny a teacup Min Pin is. This small dog is sometimes called a micro or pocket Min Pin. It is so cute that it could fit in the palm of your hand or a small bag.
Its small size can be very intimidating because it feels so brittle and gentle. But don’t be mistaken — inside that small frame is a humongous behavior ready to keep any owner entertained.
This guide aims to provide everything there is to know about this pooch, including its physical and behavioral traits, how it is produced, tips on taking care of it, and even where to find one. Let us begin!
What Is a Teacup Min Pin?
The teacup Miniature Pinscher, also known as the micro or pocket Min Pin, is the smallest variant of the Miniature Pinscher breed. Its height and weight are relatively smaller compared to the standard size of a purebred Min Pin. Teacup Min Pins can be purebred or mixed, depending on how it was bred.
Since teacup Mini Pinschers fall below the breed standards of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in terms of size and weight, they are not recognized by the organization.
In addition, there are several approaches to producing this tiny dog. This means that slight variations may occur in terms of its physical or behavioral traits, especially if mixed with other small dogs.
Teacup Min Pin Size and Weight
Teacup Mini Pinschers are some of the tiniest dogs, weighing only about 4 to 8 pounds and standing only 7 to 10 inches at the shoulder. Due to their smaller build, they reach their full adult size early, which is by 10 to 11 months old.
The teacup Min Pin is even smaller than its standard Miniature Pinscher parent, which is dubbed the “king of toy breeds.” The Miniature Pinscher measures 10 to 12.5 inches tall and weighs around 8 to 10 pounds.
The variations of these micro-sized dogs may be attributed to the approach done in breeding. If they are mixed with a smaller breed, expect the size of the parent breeds to influence the size of the teacup Min Pin puppies.
Watch this video of a teacup Miniature Pinscher to see how tiny this pooch really is:
Teacup Min Pin Appearance
Appearance-wise, the teacup Mini Pinscher mostly exhibits the same features as the standard Min Pin, except for the smaller size and overall build. This is expected more for those produced using purebred runts of the breed.
These cute pooches have small heads that are proportional to their tiny bodies. They also have full and slightly protruded black eyes, erect and high-set ears, and medium to long muzzles.
They also carry compact bodies that slope slightly towards their rear. Further, they sport firm, strong, and well-proportioned legs that allow them to have a movement known as the “hackney gait,” similar to a prancing horse.
Most teacup Min Pins follow the procedures done for the standard Mini Pinscher or Doberman Pinscher, like ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal. These practices give them the traditional look of their canine lineage.
Further, the teacup Min Pin’s coat colors take after its parents’ coat colors, such as red, stag red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, black and rust, and chocolate and rust. Expect more variety if they are crossed with other breeds.
How Are Teacup Miniature Pinschers Made?
There are three known methods to produce this pocket version of the Miniature Pinscher, and each process has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of approach and effect on the puppy’s traits.
As you review this section, you will have a better outlook as to what process fits your personal preferences and principles the most.
1. Mixing Miniature Pinschers with another small breed
Mixing your Min Pin with a smaller breed is an ethical approach to coming up with a teacup version of the Miniature Pinscher. This results in a cross-breed puppy that may deviate from the standard look of a Mini Pinscher.
Here are some common mixed breeds by breeders in coming up with a small-sized Min Pin:
- Chipin (Chihuahua & Miniature Pinscher Mix): The Chihuahua is known as the smallest dog breed in the world. Hence, it is a very good candidate to mix with the Min Pin to create a teacup Min Pin. The Chipin is also called the Pinhuahua or the Minchi. This pocket dog only grows to about 7 to 12 inches tall and weighs between 5 and 11 pounds.
- Yorkie Pin (Yorkshire Terrier & Miniature Pinscher Mix): The Yorkie Pin is another micro-sized dog produced by mixing the Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. It weighs just about 6 to 10 pounds and stands at 7 to 13 inches high.
- Pineranian (Pomeranian & Miniature Pinscher Mix): The Pineranian is produced by crossing the Min Pin with the cute and tiny Pomeranian breed. The resulting hybrid weighs only between 5 and 10 pounds and stands around 8 to 10 inches tall. It is sometimes called the Pin Pom.
The temperament and appearance of teacup Miniature Pinschers produced in this manner will depend on the partner breed of the Miniature Pinscher.
2. Introducing the dwarfism gene
Dogs that have dwarfism suffer from a lack of growth hormones, leading to many abnormalities such as limb deformities or shorter legs, late development of teeth, stunted growth, reproductive disorders, and progressive skin peeling.
Since dwarfism is a congenital condition, breeders take this opportunity to breed dogs with this gene to produce smaller versions of a certain dog breed.
In this case, mating a healthy Min Pin with another dog predisposed to dwarfism will result in a Mini Pinscher with a smaller build. However, it will also carry a ton of health issues associated with dwarfism.
3. Breeding runts together
The smallest, and usually the weakest, puppy in the litter is called the runt. It is normally given extra attention for it to survive the early stages of puppyhood.
Some runts who surpass the critical early stages of their lives and who have been given the best possible care may actually catch up to their other littermates in due time. However, some remain very small even into adulthood.
Opportunistic breeders use these runts to produce micro versions of the Min Pin. The risk involved with this method is that runts may have congenital or developmental issues, which is why they fell below the normal birth rates.
Breeding two Min Pin runts may indeed produce purebred pups. However, their entire litter may also inherit the genetic conditions and weak immune systems of their runt parents.
Teacup Min Pin Lifespan and Health Issues
The teacup Min Pin shares the same lifespan as the standard Miniature Pinscher, which is between 12 and 16 years. However, this is with the condition that your puppy comes from an ethical and reputable breeder.
On the other hand, a healthy teacup Min Pin may also carry some health conditions that are common with the Miniature Pinscher breed in general.
Here are some of the health issues pocket-sized Min Pins are predisposed to:
- Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the dog’s brain, which may eventually lead to brain damage or even death. This is a common condition in tiny dog breeds, such as the teacup Min Pin. Mild symptoms of hydrocephalus may be treated with medication, but severe cases must undergo surgery.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a collective term for diseases that cause the degeneration of the retina of the dog’s eyes, leading to blindness. If left untreated, a teacup Min Pin may totally lose its vision in one to two years.
- Cervical Disc Disease: When your micro Min Pin suddenly can’t turn its head to the sides, it may possibly be due to cervical disc disease. This is a painful condition where the intervertebral disc of the dog presses on its spinal cord. Lighter cases of this disease can be treated with medication or create rest, while severe ones require surgery.
Awareness of the possible health issues in your teacup Mini Pinscher is your first level of protection to prevent these from happening. Just make sure not to miss your regular vet visits for early diagnosis to keep your pooch healthy.
Teacup Min Pin Temperament and Personality
The teacup Mini Pinscher is full of personality and is sure to entertain all family members. It is very lively and energetic. Expect this little bundle of energy to be on the move all day and follow you everywhere you go.
They can also be very feisty and brash. They tend to react to situations around them, making them quite yappy and stubborn at times. Hence, training teacup Miniature Pinscher puppies early for obedience is suggested.
Further, they love to play and catch your attention, so keep them busy with toys that will stimulate them mentally. They are also affectionate and loving dogs, and they really appreciate the companionship of their owners.
However, they can be very possessive and protective. This makes them battle for your attention and be scrappy and jealous of other dogs and humans too!
So make sure to socialize with them early to avoid this unwanted behavior later on.
How to Take Care of Your Teacup Miniature Pinscher
Despite the health issues that may potentially affect the quality of life of teacup Min Pins, there are certain ways we can support them in terms of optimizing their lifespan.
Here are some tips for taking care of a teacup Mini Pinscher:
Food and Diet
Keep in mind that even though the teacup Min Pin has a very tiny body, it is also very active, meaning it consumes calories ever so often. With this in mind, giving it frequent, high-quality, and nutritious meals is a must.
Teacup Min Pins roughly need around 120 to 320 calories of food daily, depending on their weight, which is about ⅓ to 1 cup daily of dry kibbles. Due to their level of activity, it would be good to distribute this to 3 feedings a day.
Cleaning and Grooming
Grooming is one of the easiest aspects of owning a teacup Min Pin, especially if it inherits the short, light-shedding coat of its standard Min Pin parent. Brushing once a week and bathing once a month is enough to keep it clean.
However, if your teacup Min Pin is a mix that sports a longer coat, more frequent bathing may be needed to keep the coat fresh and tangle-free.
Further, basic hygiene practices, like trimming nails, cleaning ears, and brushing teeth, should be done regularly to maintain the dog’s good health.
Training and Exercise
Given the bold, feisty, and active behavior of the teacup Min Pin, expect it to be all over the place and show stubbornness. Hence, obedience and crate training is recommended for it to follow your commands and keep it in place.
Due to its small size, it should always get its share of physical activity at home. However, they need a lot of supervision, especially around small children.
Their tiny bodies may be prone to injury if children do not know how to handle them with care, and they may also snap at small kids accidentally during rough play if they feel threatened by abrupt motions.
Further, given the possessive and protective nature of the teacup Min Pin, it might show aggressiveness with other dogs and people that get close to its owner. Socialization training should help curb this behavior.
How Much Does a Teacup Min Pin Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Given the difficulty of breeding this minuscule-sized Min Pin, it fetches around $750 to $2,000 if coming from an ethical and reputable breeder. Adopting is a cheaper alternative and could set you back only by around $200 to $500.
This pricing can be affected by factors such as lineage, breeder’s reputation, age, and gender.
However, your expenses to being a teacup Min Pin parent will not stop at buying the puppy. In fact, this is just the start as you also need to prepare for the upkeep costs, especially as you bring your puppy home for the first time.
Here is a summary of the initial expenses you need to consider for your teacup Min Pin:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
As you search for some of these items, it would be wise to look for sturdy, high-quality ones. It may seem more expensive at the onset, but it will save you money in the long run since it may last your dog’s entire lifetime.
Places to Find Teacup Min Pin Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Research is critical as you search for your teacup Miniature Pinscher puppy. Avoid unethical and irresponsible breeders to ensure you get a healthy and active puppy.
Here are some recommended sources of teacup Miniature Pinscher puppies for sale:
- Teacup Pups – Teacup Pups was established in 1984 by an animal lover and dog trainer. They are based in Brooklyn, New York, and their puppies come from credible breeders, are socialized well, and from excellent bloodlines.
- Teacups Puppies and Boutique – Based in South Florida, Teacups Puppies and Boutique have been carrying standard and pocket-sized Min Pins since 1999. Their pups come with a health certificate, a 1-year health guarantee, vaccinations, and a complimentary vet visit.
- Uptown Puppies – Uptown Puppies is a database that works only with very reputable breeders who pass their 47 breeder standards, including background, care, health and well-being, housing facilities, and adoption process. They cater to different sizes of Min Pins in their listing, including teacups.
Adoption is a good option if you want a cheaper alternative to owning a teacup Min Pin. Here are some of the rescue centers to find a teacup Miniature Pinscher for adoption:
- Internet Miniature Pinscher Service, Inc. (IMPS) – IMPS was formed in July 1998 with the mission of improving the lives of homeless and abandoned Min PIns by providing services like foster care, transport, rehoming, and veterinary care.
- Rescue Me! – Rescue Me! is a database that conveniently displays dogs needing rescue in each state. This makes it easier for you to locate a teacup Min Pin near your area. Since its inception, they have already rehomed over 14,000 Min Pins to loving homes.
- MO Min Pin Rescue Corp. – Established in 2017, this non-profit rescue is based in Missouri but caters to the rest of the United States. It follows a comprehensive adoption process, including a complete application, reference and vet checks, home visits, and adoptive parent education and briefing.
No matter how you obtain your teacup Min Pin, always be diligent in checking your source for you to get your money’s worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Teacup Min Pins Bark a Lot?
Teacup Miniature Pinschers bark a lot. They are bold, feisty, possessive, protective, and reactive to their surroundings, which are all reasons why they tend to be yappy.
Obedience and socialization training using positive reinforcement will help lessen their barking tendencies inside the house.
Do Teacup Min Pins Shed?
Purebred teacup Min Pins do not shed often, which makes grooming very easy, and this also makes them ideal apartment companions.
However, if they are produced through cross-breeding, shedding would depend on which parent they take after. If you are sensitive to shedding, do not go for a mix with a parent who sheds heavily.
Are Teacup Min Pins Hard to Potty Train?
Potty training a teacup Mini Pinscher entails a lot of patience due to its stubborn nature. A well-established routine should help in housebreaking your dog.
Further, begin potty training your pocket Min Pin as a puppy using positive reinforcement since adults are harder to train.
Final Thoughts
Teacup Min Pins are very entertaining dogs. Their tiny statures, coupled with their giant personalities, make them very interesting companions. However, be prepared to spend a lot of time with them as they need plenty of supervision.
Further, they have a tendency to get too attached to their owners, making them overly possessive and protective. Hence, obedience and socialization training is a must for them to get along well with other pets and people.
That said, with the right guidance, teacup Miniature Pinschers are some of the most enjoyable dogs you’ll ever have. Are you ready to have one? Let us know your thoughts about the teacup Min Pin by leaving a comment below!
