Did you know that Teacup Maltese is one of the most popular dogs in the world? It’s true! These little dogs are loved by people all over for their adorable size and loving personalities.
For instance, did you know that Teacup Malteses were actually bred to be lap dogs?
Surprisingly, there are a few things about Teacup Malteses that many people don’t know. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most interesting facts about these adorable dogs. Stay tuned!
What Is A Teacup Maltese?
Maltese dogs are already quite small and are considered toy dog breeds. They usually weigh about 2 to 8 pounds and measure 8 to 10 inches. Teacup Malteses are much smaller than this, with most falling into the category of weighing under 2 pounds and not growing past 7 inches.
While this is the 2-pound mark is the cutoff for most Teacup Malteses, it is possible to find one growing as large as 5 pounds.
While Teacup Maltese are essentially miniature Maltese dogs, they are not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club. However, the Teacup Maltese is recognized by the International Toy Dog Society and the American Canine Association, Inc.
Instead, they are bred by taking the smallest Maltese dogs and breeding them with each other to produce even smaller dogs.
Teacup Malteses were kept by royals as lapdogs and were highly prized for their small size. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly owns two Teacup Maltese, named Hansel and Gretel.
They are also very popular as family pets for their sweet, docile personalities and how well they get along with young children and other pets.
How Long Does A Teacup Maltese Live? Are Teacup Maltese Dogs Healthy?
A Teacup Maltese has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
This contrasts with the regular Malteses that live for 12 to 15 years.
While they are the same breed in different sizes, Teacups are prone to more serious health issues that shorten their life span and reduce their quality of life. Here are some of the main health problems that Teacup Malteses have.
Obesity
This is one of the most serious issues that affect Teacup Malteses. These pups may be small, but they have very big appetites. They are also not very active especially compared to their larger counterparts. This is largely due to their weak joints.
The result is a high risk of developing obesity and its complications, including diabetes and heart disease. While this breed may not be the most athletic, it is important to invest in play time while also watching their portions to avoid these issues.
Related: Estimate Your Teacup Maltese’s Adult Weight
Hypoglycemia
This might seem a bit paradoxical, given the obesity point we just covered. Hypoglycemia is when excess burning of calories results in low blood sugar levels. This causes issues like tremors, weakness, altered sensations, and even loss of consciousness.
The reason why both this and obesity can happen is the fact that obesity is more of a long-term consequence, while hypoglycemia is a short-term consequence and requires a more immediate response.
Accident Prone
Teacup Maltese are prone to accidents because they are so small. Teacup Maltese are also more prone to health problems because of their size. Because they are so small, they are at a higher risk of being injured or killed.
Because Teacup Maltese are so small, they must be handled with care. They should not be left alone with children or other animals. They should not be allowed to jump off of furniture or out of cars. And they should never be picked up by the scruff of their neck.
There have been many incidents whereby Teacup Malteses have been stepped on, sat on, or even dropped. They are also more likely to get hurt when jumping off furniture or out of cars.
How Do You Take Care Of A Teacup Maltese?
We won’t sugarcoat it here. Teacup Malteses are very high maintenance. They are frail little dogs that need as much tender love and care as you can spare. To help you give your pooch a safe and happy home and a long, healthy life, here are the most important care tips.
Ensure They Get Enough Exercise
Your Teacup Maltese should get at least 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise. This helps them keep strong and healthy. However, ensure they are well-fed and do not push too hard to avoid hypoglycemia.
Dog Proof Your Home
Teacup Malteses are prone to accidents, including falling down stairs, getting stuck in odd spots, or even getting accidentally run over. Invest in dog gates or even a playpen to restrict their movement to places they may end up getting hurt.
Get Your Pooch On The Right Diet
Diet is everything with these dogs. It helps them grow strong, fight off infections, and keep up with their energy demands. You need to watch what your Teacup pooch eats in terms of quality to ensure they get the best balance of nutrients for a healthy life. The portions are also very important to consider given this breed variation’s likelihood of developing obesity.
All factors considered Pet Plate is the best to meet all your little pooch’s health needs. They use high-quality ingredients, balanced recipes, and individualized plans for your dog’s sake.
Related: 64 Smallest Dog Breeds in The World
Supplement The Main Diet With Supplements
You should also seriously consider supplementing the dog’s diet with multivitamins and other important compounds to make up for anything missing in the main diet. These come in different forms, from bone and joint compounds to immunity multivitamins.
Temperaments Of A Teacup Maltese
Teacup Malteses are the ideal companion dog whether you live alone and want your first dog or you want to add a furry best friend to your big family. This is because of this dog’s beautiful and loveable personality.
Let us look at some of the main traits that make them special.
#1 Incredibly Playful
Teacup Maltese puppies bite at their human companions when excited playfully. This is just one of the many awesome quirks you have to look forward to with this super playful dog. You can rest assured there will never be a dull moment in your home.
#2 Affectionate And Clingy
These little pups embody the lap dog persona, including their affectionate nature. They love to cuddle with their best human friends and will always find a way to be near you. Some even develop Velcro personalities and will follow you pretty much anywhere they have access.
#3 Intelligent
Teacup Malteses are quite intelligent and eager to learn. This makes teaching them new skills and tricks quite a lot of fun. However, as you will soon see, it is not always easy.
#4 Easily Distracted
While Teacup Malteses are smart and quick to pick up on training, they are very easily distracted. It is, therefore, best to keep their training sessions short. You could also use a reward system with lots of treats to keep their attention.
#5 Docile
Teacup Malteses are very calm dogs. They have bursts of goofy energy but are generally very laid back. When they are not cuddling with you or playing with their toys, you will find them just lounging quietly in their favorite spot.
#6 Very Vocal
Where Teacup Malteses lack in size, they more than make up for with their vocal cords. These dogs can be very loud and need early obedience training to curb the habit.
Do Teacup Maltese Dogs Shed? Grooming Tips Of A Teacup Maltese
Like their standard-sized counterparts, Teacup Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic and have long, thick coats that do not shed much.
This makes them easy to maintain for the most part. To give you an idea of exactly what it is you are getting yourself into, here are some of the key grooming tips when caring for a Teacup Maltese.
Brush To Detangle
You still have to brush the Teacup pooch’s fur at least once a week. This helps to detangle any matting in their long, beautiful coats. It also helps remove any loose fur that may be shed later on.
You must work with the right tools to get through their thick coats. We recommend the FURminator Deshedding Tool for its strong bristles and ergonomic handle that make grooming super easy.
Wash The Teacup Maltese Once Every 4 To 6 Weeks
You should bathe your Teacup Maltese once every 4 to 6 weeks. This helps keep their coats healthy and is especially important if they suffer from skin irritations.
Check out Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Puppy Shampoo for effective and puppy-friendly grooming. The formula contains oatmeal proteins that have a soothing and healing effect on irritated skin. The proteins also help restore damaged skin or fur for a healthy coat.
Consider Chew Toys For Dental Hygiene
If you have a Teacup Maltese dog, then you know that they are prone to dental problems. Their small mouths make it difficult for them to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Find a toy that is small enough for them to hold in their mouth comfortably. You also want to find a toy that is durable and will not break easily.
Related Questions
Can Teacup Maltese Have Babies?
Teacup Maltese can have babies, but this does not mean they should. Due to their very small build, carrying a pregnancy to term and delivering puppies can be life-threatening for the Maltese and their unborn puppies. It is also unethical as the resulting teacup pups are usually very frail and unhealthy and may have very miserable lives.
Where Can I Get Teacup Maltese Puppies For Free?
You can get Teacup Malteses for free from shelters or adoptions from individuals through online forums and advertisements. This will save you a lot as purchasing from a breeder could cost you between $700 and $2,200 per puppy or even more, depending on where exactly you get yours.
Are There Any Teacup Maltese Breeders?
While teacup-size Maltese dogs sometimes occur spontaneously, they are usually developed by breeders. Many breeders around the country produce these dogs despite the controversy surrounding teacup breeds and their numerous health issues. If you want to go this route to get your Teacup Maltese pooch, you just have to do a quick search in your area, city, or state, and something should pop up.
