How Big Do Teacup Pomeranians Get

You are probably wondering what the size differences are between Pomeranians and Teacup Pomeranians. In this article I answer how big do Teacup Pomeranians get and explain why you should not get a teacup Pomeranian.

Pomeranians are 3 to 7 pounds in weight and 6 to 7 inches tall. Any small Pomeranian that is below this standard can be considered a teacup Pomeranian. Although adorable, these tiny Pomeranians do not come without health and ethical issues.

How Big Do Teacup Pomeranians Get

The AKC standard for a Pomeranian is 3 to 7 pounds with a height that ranges from 6-7 inches tall.

Many articles will refer to this as being the size of a teacup Pomeranian when that is incorrect.

A Pomeranian that falls within the 3 to 7 pounds, 6 to 7 inch size is a standard Pomeranian.

Of course, there are Pomeranains that fall outside of the standard. I even have one my buddy Murphy is 10 pounds. A dog larger than the standard can be referred to as a Throwback Pom since Pomeranains used to be much larger in size.

A Pomeranian that falls under the standard of 3 pounds and 6 inches tall can be referred to as a teacup Pomeranian. They also will be called miniature Pomeranians or dwarf Pomeranians.

When Is A Teacup Pomeranian Fully Grown

All Pomeranians are full grown by the time they are 12 to 15 months of age.

Do Teacup Pomeranians Stay Small?

Does The AKC Recognize Teacup Pomeranians

The AKC only recognizes Pomeranians that are 3 to 7 pounds in weight and are 6 to 7 inches tall.

How Are Teacup Pomeranians Bred

Dogs, in general, are bred by breeders who select breeding pairs based on their genetics and the outcome that they are aiming for.

If you want wolf sable puppies for example you would select a breeding pair that has the genetics to produce wolf sable puppies.

The same goes for the size of the Pomeranian. Through time with the help of Queen Victoria the overall standard size of a Pomeranian has been reduced from its original size of 30 pounds.

Selecting breeding pairs through the years and slowly producing smaller dogs is a healthy way to breed, unfortunately, there have been some breeders that have started using unethical breeding practices to produce tiny little teacup Pomeranians.

Some breeders will select the runts from litters with the hopes of producing smaller dogs and others will breed dogs that are only small due to a health condition.

Why Do They Breed Teacup Pomeranians

The cute little dog has become extremely popular. You’ll see celebrities like Paris Hilton carrying around their little dogs like an accessory.

For some reason a tiny dog has become coveted.

Breeders may be intentionally or unintentionally using unethical breeding practices, depending on their knowledge of breeding and Pomeranians in general.

Are Teacup Pomeranians Healthy

Teacup Pomeranians can have a huge list of health problems compared to a healthy standard size Pomeranian.

Pomeranians in general are pretty healthy dogs, they do have a few health concerns that are common and are more likely to occur in a dwarfed dog.

Are Pomeranians Fragile (Includes What Makes A Dog Fragile)

Common Health Issues Of Pomeranians

Collapsing Trachea

Pomeranians are prone to collapsed tracheas due to their small stature and fragile tracheas. A Pomeranian can be born with a collapsed trachea or it can occur by accident.

Due to the fragility of a Pomeranains throat, it’s important to never use a collar on your dog, always use a harness instead.

Luxating Patella

My Cream Pomeranian Murphy has a slight case of a luxating patella. When he was a puppy he would suddenly start limping out of the blue and then it would magically seem to go away.

A luxating patella is basically a slipped knee cap that can slip in and out of place. This condition can range from being very minor like Murphy where it’s only slipped a handful of times to severe and require surgery to repair.

Luxating patellas are usually an inherited condition.

Cancer

The sad statistic is that around 45% of all dogs will die of cancer over the age of ten.

Fractures

Our little and fiesty Pomeranains are at a high risk of fractures. Some are caused by them being overly excited and jumping from a high place or accidentally being stepped on.

Anesthetic Reaction

Small dogs are especially vulnerable to having severe reactions or death from anesthesia.

Eye Issues

Pomeranians are at high risk for eye problems including watery eyes, and cataracts.

Skin Issues

Pomeranians are known to have skin problems including allergies and alopecia (hair loss).

Health Concerns For Teacup Pomeranians

Heart Defects

Teacup Pomeranians are at a much higher risk of being born with life altering heart defects.

Liver Shunts

When a dog has a liver shunt they are born with a defective liver that is not able to process toxins in the body as effectively.

Hypoglycemia

Little Teacup Poms often experience hypoglycemia which is low blood sugar. You have to make sure they are eating enough food and at the correct times to avoid this condition.

Seizures

Many dwarf sized dogs can be born with seizure conditions like epilepsy.

Respiratory Issues

Mini Pomeranians are at a higher risk for severe respiratory problems.

Dental Problems

The health of your dog’s mouth is very important and is connected to their overall wellbeing. Small teacup Pomeranains are more apt to have dental issues.

Do Teacup Pomeranians Live Long Lives

A Teacup Pomeranian will most likely live a shorter life than a healthy average sized Pomeranian.

Of course, the situation will depend on the health of the specific dog but, small Teacup Pomeranians on average are less healthy.

Are Teacup Pomeranians Expensive

Yes, Teacup Pomeranians are expensive. It goes back to the classic economy of supply and demand.

Pomeranians don’t have many puppies to being with, usually a litter only has 3 to 4 puppies.

If you are now looking for only the smallest Pomeranians your supply just got smaller.

Breeders can ask a premium for these tiny little dogs. Be care when looking for your next Pomeranian.

Are Teacup Pomeranians Good Pets

Pomeranians are excellent pets, they are the best companions you could ask for.

Do I think teacup Pomeranians specifically are good pets? I would say no due, the high health risks. It would be very hard to have a dog that you love so dearly struggle in life due to health issues.

How To Find A Teacup Pomeranian Breeder

I would caution you to be leary of breeders who advertise “Teacup Pomeranians” or “Mini Pomeranians”.

Since Pomeranians are Pomeranians without there being a specific breed that are called Teacup Pomeranians it’s a bit misleading, to begin with.

Make sure any breeder you use is responsible and reputable.

Why I Shouldn’t Get A Teacup Pomeranian

Seeking out and paying money for a “Teacup Pomeranian” is possibly setting you up for a sad existence with a sickly dog. Caring for a dog with health conditions will not only be expensive but, can break your heart.

Another reason to not get a “Teacup Pomeranian” would be supporting unethical breeding practices and encouraging it to continue.

Final Thoughts

I love both of my Pomeranians with all my heart. In my eyes, there isn’t a difference between my big ten-pound guy Murphy or my little 4.5-pound firecracker Willow.

If you want a smaller Pomeranian it is possible to get a healthy petite Pomeranian like my Willow that’s been bred with healthy breeding pairs by responsible breeders.

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