Teacup Goldendoodle Breed Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Teacup Goldendoodles are intelligent dogs that are great with kids and provide years of playful companionship. Half Golden Retriever, half Poodle, these adorable mixes are sought-after for their non-shedding coats and affectionate personalities.
Teacup Goldendoodle Breed Overview
Energetic Teacup Goldendoodles do well with active individuals and families. This breed needs lots of mental stimulation to be happy. They learn pretty quickly and are eager to be trained.
They stay relatively small; many people mistake full-grown Teacup Goldendoodles for puppies. Rest assured, these small dogs believe themselves to be the larger 50-pound version of a standard Goldendoodle.
While standard Goldendoodles tip the scales at 30 pounds, the Teacup version weighs around 15 pounds. Standing at a height of 11 inches, these curly-haired pups have wide-set, oval eyes and come in lots of shades, including tan, apricot, and black.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, these sweet, playful pups may be a good option for people who suffer from mild allergies.
History of the Teacup Goldendoodle
The Teacup Goldendoodle’s history begins around 1960 but it wasn’t recognized as a “hybrid” breed until the 1990s. Breeders mixed the friendliness of Golden Retrievers with the intelligence of mini Poodles to create the Teacup Goldendoodle.
Neither the Westminster Dog Show nor the American Kennel Club recognizes the small dog breed because they are "hybrids” or “designer dogs." Of the 174 breeds recognized by the AKC, none of them are “doodle” dogs, including Labradoodles and Schnoodles.
Are Teacup Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
When adding Poodle genes to the mix, chances are high that a puppy will be hypoallergenic. The term “hypoallergenic” is a bit of a misnomer, as all dogs shed and have dander.
Goldendoodles shed less than dogs without poodle genes, so people with “dog allergies” prefer this breed. Also, the smaller the dog, the less fur it sheds and collects around the house. Brush their dense, wavy coats once or twice per week to remove dander and fur.
Will a Teacup Goldendoodle Make a Good Family Dog?
Teacup Goldendoodles make fantastic family pets. They’re extremely affectionate, gentle, and patient with children. These teddy bear pups are trained as therapy dogs and assist disabled people.
Don’t depend on your Goldendoodle as a guard dog because strangers are all friend-shaped to them. They tend not to vocalize too much, so if someone comes to your door, they won’t bark to warn you about it.
They can, however, train to take on lots of tasks, so you could teach them to bark at “intruders.” But the excitement of a new person just might get the best of them.
Do Teacup Goldendoodles Get Along With Other Dogs?
Teacup Goldendoodles tend to seek out older dogs, especially as puppies, for attention and affection. Introduce older dogs to your new puppy slowly, either by keeping them separated in different parts of the house or separate crates.
Allow them time to get used to each other's scent. Then, allow them to be in the same room together. Treats will go a long way towards making the introduction go more smoothly.
Tips For Training Your Teacup Goldendoodle
Once they arrive at their new home, training needs to begin as soon as possible. They will need to be potty trained by monitoring their food and water intake, establishing a routine, and using positive reinforcement.
Train them on how to enter their crate on their own. Teacup Goldendoodles become very attached to their humans, so when you leave the house without them, they can become distressed and act out. Train them to enter their crate and give them toys to play with while they wait for you to return.
Teacup Goldendoodle Potential Health Issues
These dogs are susceptible to a wide range of health conditions, so it's important to know what to look out for.
The most common health issues for Teacup Goldendoodles include:
- Progressive retinal atrophy — As eyesight deteriorates over time, some dogs may become blind.
- Von Willebrand’s disease — Dogs affected by this blood disease have clotting issues.
- Patellar Luxation — Sometimes the kneecap slips outside the femoral groove; this especially affects smaller dog breeds.
- Hypothyroidism — Although not curable, hypothyroidism can be managed in dogs who show lethargy and fur loss.
- Hip Dysplasia — The ball joints may dislocate in the smaller breeds.
- Allergies — Your Goldendoodle may experience food allergies as evidenced by skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems.
- Ear Infections — Puppies with downturned ears experience ear infections due to yeast overgrowth, mites, and allergies.
Diet and Exercise
Energetic Teacup Goldendoodles do best in enclosed yards with space large enough to run and play. These social dogs require at least 30-60 minutes of active, engaged playtime with their owners every day. Don’t leave them alone to play in the water, as these small pups may get tired quickly and have difficulty getting out of the pool.
Feed your Goldendoodle twice per day; a good rule-of-thumb is 1 cup of dry food for every 15 pounds of dog. They may require more food if they are training heavily.
Try to keep them on one type of protein only. Switching foods can lead to stomach upset. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if you have concerns about food allergies.
Things to Consider Before Adoption
Take a good look at the breeder before making any decisions on a puppy. Find a reputable breeder through the Goldendoodle Association of North America. They’ll help you find someone who supports healthy breeding practices.
While many Teacup Goldendoodles can live up to 15 years, breeders cannot guarantee the health of any dog. Hybrid Teacup Goldendoodles may experience health issues into adulthood. Recognizing the need for regular checkups and having good communication with your veterinarian is crucial to the health and wellbeing of your dog.
Unlike some more independent breeds, Goldendoodles become very attached to their owners and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They match your energy and are just as happy to play fetch in the yard as they are to snuggle up to you for a nap.
