Best Teacup Puppies And Top 3 Dog List Comparison!

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The three mentioned breeds are popular to pet owners looking for lapdogs. As much as they have similarities in grooming needs and nutrition, their attitude will be the determiner if they suit as a family pet.

What is a teacup dog?

Teacup dogs are canines bred to be as small as possible. Most teacup dogs will weigh around five pounds or less on its adult phase.

Usually, small breeds are the common options to be bred for teacup versions. The like of Poodles, Yorkies, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Maltese are common options.

The cute appearance of teacup dogs makes them appealing to aspiring dog owners. A responsible breeder can produce healthy teacup puppies.

In this post, we will look into three of the famous and the best teacup puppies nowadays: Maltipoo, Shih Tzu, and Pomeranian.


Maltipoo teacup dogs are cross breeds of the Maltese and Poodle breed. They are affectionate, balls of energy, and versatile pets that can thrive in any home setting. But is this the best teacup dog? Here’s a video with some quick facts about the breed:


Maltipoo dogs are intelligent, energetic, affectionate, and non-shedding. It bears the bold personality of a Maltese and the intelligence of a Poodle.

Maltipoos love being part of things and they always seek adventure when they find the chance to. With this, they can last long playtime sessions.

But if they are not into playing, they will cuddle and follow you around. As much as Maltipoos are total sweethearts, they can also become alarm dogs when they sense danger.

Maltipoo dogs also have an affinity to barking and wandering around. Still, they have very low prey drive and tendency to mouth things.

Even if they are an active bunch, a short walk will suffice for a daily dose of exercise.

General behavior

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu? Unlike Shih Tzus, Maltipoos are a little cautious of strangers. Still, they welcome strangers better than Pomeranians. Also, Maltipoos are easy to win over with petting and some treats.

Like Shih Tzus, Maltipoos form a strong bond with their families. They are also great with kids, though their playfulness will need supervision in the case of very little children.

Maltipoo can live with another dog and would enjoy the company. Still, some petty dog fights may happen as Maltipoos’ playfulness can annoy the other dog. If you are to raise a Maltipoo teacup dog with another canine, make sure that their behavior matches.

However, you should watch out as Maltipoos can get really noisy. They like barking and can get an annoying fit at times.

Friendliness level

When it comes to friendliness, Maltipoos have a lot to give. They are alarm dogs that you can expect to bark, but they will never attack anyone.

Still, like any dog, a Maltipoo needs enough training and socialization.

Their exposure to strangers will help them become more accepting and welcoming dogs.

Maltipoos share the same friendliness of Shih Tzus. They can even live together as family dogs. Both these dogs love being with people.


Maltipoos are very intelligent dogs. Although they are playful, you can channel their energy into learning experiences.

They can easily pick up and remember commands with the right approach.

The good thing is that they have very low prey drive. This reduces the possible distraction during training. However, you should keep your area fenced since these little doggos love to wander.

Even without the help of a professional trainer, you can train a Maltipoo at home. This makes them the best teacup dog for families.

Outdoor behavior

Expect a Maltipoo dog to romp and run outdoors. This breed has a hard-wired playfulness, something that they inherit from their Maltese lineage. Still, their intensity is manageable and can be left with older kids.

Of the three breeds we’re comparing here, Maltipoos are the most energetic and playful breed.

Just make sure that you train and socialize a Maltipoo early on to prevent the formation of negative behavior.

As a teacup dog, it’s not best to live a Maltipoo outdoors without supervision. And if you are to bring them out in the yard, make sure that gates are closed to prevent them from wandering away.

Pros and cons

✔️Non-shedding, low-maintenance dog

✔️Highly intelligent

✔️Friendly to everyone including strangers

✔️Ideal for first-time owners

✔️Can thrive in apartments livings



❌Intense playfulness may harm kids under 6 years old


❌Has an affinity to barking


Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dogs are very affectionate and gentle dogs. This is the total opposite of what its name means: little lion. This majestic and best teacup dog is outgoing but not demanding. They are contented to follow their people around and play some exciting games.

Here are some fun facts about the Shih Tzu breed:


Like the Maltipoo dog, Shih Tzus love being with people and joining the fun. These dogs were initially bred to be lap dogs so you can’t expect them to hunt and retrieve. Still, their moderate prey drive may kick in from time to time.

Shih Tzus live for affection that they give and that they expect to receive. In the Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu sense, Shih Tzus are quiet pooches and they will rarely bark unless hurt or too excited.

This dog isn’t just good-natured, it’s also highly adaptable. It can live in a city apartment or a farm where it gets to mingle with other animals.

Although they love cuddles, Shih Tzus aren’t total couch potatoes. They are also vibrant dogs that a moderate level of playfulness to match their manageable energy levels.

You should also be cautious a Shih Tzus tend to mouth things. But unlike Maltipoos, these pooches are less likely to wander off. If you’re looking for a teacup dog that has the least wanderlust tendency, you’re better off with a Pomeranian.

General behavior

Shih Tzus share the same friendly nature of Maltipoos. They are outgoing doggos that like being with people. This means they welcome strangers wholeheartedly and without any resistance.

Shih Tzus also don’t mind being with other dogs. And since their energy is lower than Maltipoos, they are less likely to figure in dog fights.

Their behavior and temperament are fit for first-time owners and apartment settings. Also, they require very little exercise and can stay indoors for very long periods.

Since Shih Tzus are lap dogs, they aren’t supposed to be left outdoors for long. Its wavy hair can catch too much grime.

When it comes to playfulness, Shih Tzus are as equally lively as Maltipoos and far from the level of Pomeranians. Still, their intensity is moderate and not a big problem as the best teacup dog.

Friendliness level

Need I say more? Shih Tzus are total sweethearts and lousy guard dogs. They will welcome just about anyone who comes into your doorstep. Also, they’re likely to watch a burglar than fight back.

Although Shih Tzus may bark at times, these are harmless distress signals.

Shih Tzus are very friendly with kids, their families, and even strangers. Although it’s one of the best teacup puppies, it’s not ideal that they are left alone with kids 6 years old and younger.


Compared to Maltipoos and Pomeranians, Shih Tzus can be a pain to train. Sure, they are an intelligent bunch, but their tendency to chase and mouth things will distract them from the task at hand.

The consolation here is they don’t like wandering around. Still, it will take a little more effort to get them around answering commands and remembering cues.

Shih Tzus will prefer to cuddle and relax than to engage in physically tiring activities aside from playtime. With this, you can go further with training if you employ a creative approach.

Outdoor behavior

Outdoors, Shih Tzus are just like Maltipoos if engaged in play. But if there’s nothing to interest them, they will just lie on the ground or walk around the place.

Shih Tzus are fairly easy to handle in social settings. They prefer to keep it low key but it will help you if you train and socialize them ahead of time.

Pros and cons

✔️Low energy requirements

✔️Very low wanderlust tendency

✔️Friendly to everyone

✔️Barks less than Maltipoos

✔️Low-maintenance dog



❌A bit difficult to train than Maltipoos and Pomeranians




Teacup Pomeranians or Poms are the descendants of large sled dogs. They have a foxy look and a big attitude that’s quite surprising for their size. Pet owners dub Pomeranians as “the dogs who think they can”. True enough, Poms could be small, but the dog inside them is larger than life.

Here’s what you need to know about the Pomeranian breed:


Pomeranians have an insatiable curiosity to explore things. It often forgets its size and it will always try to prove that he can do anything. Poms are extroverts and like meeting new people and dogs although they can be on the edge at times.

You should watch out as Poms can challenge other dogs and put itself in harm’s way. This dog thinks that it’s larger than its actual size. If we are to compare Maltipoo vs Pomeranian, Poms are bolder.

Overall, Pomeranians are inquisitive pooches and always on alert mode. If they notice something unusual, they will bark endlessly. This makes the best teacup dog and a great alarm dog.

Poms can be lap dogs too as long as you pick them from a responsible breeder and you train them early.

Also, Pomeranians aren’t as playful as Maltipoos and Shih Tzus. They like being with people but playtime isn’t their strongest suit. Poms have moderate energy levels and undemanding exercise needs.

Most of all, you should know that Poms don’t like being alone. They will bark ceaselessly.

General behavior

As one of the best teacup puppies, Pomeranians are loyal and affectionate to their families. However, strangers have to take caution. This dog is a toughie and isn’t as welcoming as the first two teacup pooches. Early socialization is needed to raise a friendly Pomeranian.

Like Maltipoos, Poms have an affinity to barking. This may annoy a neighbor, especially if the dog is left alone. The consolation here is that Poms have low prey drive, though their vivacious stance could be provocative for other animals.

Mouthiness isn’t a problem with Pomeranians. Also, since Poms have a majestic gait and look, they are hot in the eyes of dognappers. With this, never leave a teacup Pomeranian outdoors without supervision. As much as they have a fighting personality, their size will fail them.

Friendliness level

Also, other dogs don’t sit well with Poms. They are likely to figure in dog fights due to their strong personality. If you’re planning to raise a teacup Pom with another dog, you should match their personality and train the pup early on.

Also, it’s better to get a Pomeranian if your kids are old enough to know how to handle a teacup dog. Pom’s personality and size aren’t ideal for very young children.


Pomeranians are intelligent dogs and like Maltipoos, it’s easy to train them. However, you should have a strong resolve as these dogs will try to get their way.

The strongest trait of Poms is their dedication to stay within their territory – their advantage in the Maltipoo vs Pomeranian comparison. This makes them a great pet and an alarm canine if someone rings the doorbell or tries to enter your home.

Training can also dampen their barking tendencies. Most of all, it’s important that you focus on socialization.

Outdoor behavior

Pomeranians do well in outdoor settings. However, you should subject them to obedience training if you’d bring them to social settings.

Poms don’t like bolting and zooming. Outdoors, it prefers playing silently or scouring the place. If you are to bring this dog outside, make sure that there are no big animals nearby that may harm the little Pom.

Pros and cons

✔️Very intelligent and easy to train

✔️Fine for novice owners and apartment living

✔️Low prey drive

✔️Very low tendency to wander off

✔️Lively and moderately playful



❌Excessive barking

❌Poms think they are large dogs



Maltipoos, Shih Tzus, and Pomeranians are the best teacup puppies. Still, you should identify their differences to get the pup that suits your lifestyle and personality.

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