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The Teacup Goldendoodle: Your Complete Guide To Pocket-sized Curly Canine - PawSafe

The Teacup Goldendoodle: Your Complete Guide To Pocket-sized Curly Canine

Photo of Tamsin De La Harpe

Written by Tamsin De La Harpe

Teacup Goldendoodle

Teacup Goldendoodles may be the dog you are looking for with their irresistible looks and merry personalities. They are a cross between a mini F1b Goldendoodle and a toy Poodle, resulting in an even smaller dog than the Toy Goldendoodle. This means other names for these dogs include:

  • Teacup Mini Goldendoodle;
  • Teacup Groodle;
  • Mini Teacup Goldendoodle;
  • Pocket Goldendoodle; and
  • Micro Goldendoodle.

Whether you’re already looking for Teacup Goldendoodle puppies for sale or you just discovered the term, it’s vital to know what this breed needs from their future pet parents. This includes safe full-body dog harnesses, as collars can damage their fragile necks on walks.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Teacup Goldendoodles, exploring their unique characteristics, temperament, and the joy they bring to their lucky owners with the book The Goldendoodle Handbook: The Essential Guide For New & Prospective Goldendoodle Owners.

Teacup Goldendoodles are usually F1bb mixes (meaning they are 88% Poodle mixes) and the smallest Golden Retriever Poodle mix. They result from breeding an F1b miniature Goldendoodle and a purebred Toy Poodle. They weigh as little as 7 pounds and are significantly smaller than Toy Goldendoodles.

The good news is that this tiny dog is usually healthier than other teacups, like the Teacup MorkieTeacup Yorkies, Teacup Maltese, and Toy Bulldog. These Teacups may occur from breeding the smallest dogs in a litter (runts) and dwarfism, increasing the risk of diseases. On the other hand, Teacup Goldendoodles usually only happen by crossbreeding to the tiny Toy Poodle.

History and Origins of the Teacup Groodle

History and Origins of the Teacup Groodle

Groodles came from the designer dog craze that started in the 1990s. “Doodles,” referring to Poodle mixes, specifically the Labraddodle, are the first and most popular designer breeds to exist. Since then, all types of dogs have been mixed, mostly to get a smaller version of a popular dog.

The breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, Wally Conron, created the first known Labradoodle in the 1990s to make a hypoallergenic seeing-eye dog. Doodle mixes have skyrocketed in popularity ever since this discovery, with the low-shedding Poodle coat being the most significant incentive.

Both parent breeds have been around for centuries, bred to help hunters retrieve bird game. Poodles originated in Germany to fetch birds from the water, so they were made athletic, intelligent, and curly. Golden retrievers came from Scotland for the same retrieving purposes, as you can tell from their name. 

F1 vs. F1b vs. F2 Doodles: What Does It Mean?

F1 vs. F1b vs. F2 Doodles: What Does It Mean?

You can probably recall that Teacup Golden-poodles are typically F1bb mixes, but what does all this mean? Mixes can be First Generation (when two purebreds are mixed) and Multigeneration (when Goldendoodles are bred). The “F” stands for “filial”, which means the offspring of a cross, and “b” stands for “backcross”. 

This is a summary of how Goldendoodle generations work:

  • F1 means the dog is a 50/50 mix of a purebred Golden Retriever and purebred Poodle
  • F1b mixes is a F1 Goldendoodle x Purebred Poodle, creating a 75% Poodle 
  • F1bb mixes are a F1b Goldendoodle Purebred poodle, creating an 88% Poodle 
  • F2 is an F1 Doodle x F1 Doodle
  • F3 is an F2 Doodle x F2 Doodle (this can continue but often breeders just start calling them “multigenerational.”

These are called multigenerational Groodles and are more likely to appear more uniform. 

Teacup Goldendoodles vs. Toy Goldendoodle

A Toy Goldendoodle is usually a F1 Mini Goldendoodle and a Toy Poodle, creating a F1b Goldendoodle that is smaller than the Miniature Goldendoodle. On the other hand, A Teacup Groodle is usually an F1bb mix. They result when you mix a Toy F1b Goldendoodle with a Toy Poodle again to create an even smaller dog. However, both the Teacup and the Toy can multigenerational Doodles bred for a smaller size.

What Does a Teacup Goldendoodle Look Like?

What Does a Teacup Goldendoodle Look Like?

Teacup Goldendoodles can have physical characteristics from Goldens and Poodles but since they usually have more Toy Poodles in their bloodline, they tend to take after the Poodle a bit more. They have a soft, wavy or curly, medium to long length coat.

Their fur can be dense and plush, often resembling the Golden Retriever’s coat, but with a texture more similar to the Poodle’s curly or wavy fur. They should shed far less than the Golden are typically more hypoallergenic with a low-shedding single coat. However, since the Golden Retriever has a shedding, double coat, a teacup Groodle puppy may still inherit a coat that sheds to some extent.

 The coat colors can vary widely and may include shades of:

  • Cream;
  • Gold;
  • Apricot;
  • Red;
  • Chocolate; and
  • Black, or parti-colors.

Teacup Goldendoodles typically have an expressive face with dark, round or almond-shaped eyes that radiate warmth and intelligence. Their ears are typically floppy and silky.

They have a sturdy yet compact body, well-proportioned and balanced in appearance. Teacup Goldendoodles generally have a straight back, a deep chest, and a moderately long tail that may be carried straight or with a slight curl.

How Big Do Teacup Golden-Poodles Grow?

Full-Grown Teacup Goldendoodles are tiny dogs, growing to 8 to 13 inches (20 to 33 cm) and weighing 7 to 15 pounds (3 to 6 kg). 

General Care and Maintenance of a Teacup Golden-Poo

General Care and Maintenance of a Teacup Golden-poo
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Shedding: Very little 
  • Exercise: 30 minutes of daily exercise 
  • Temperament: Lively, playful, affectionate, playful, intelligent
  • Trainability: Easy to train

Energy Levels 

Teacup Goldendoodles may be small, but they are typically very energetic and thrive with work to do. Due to their small size, they don’t need too much exercise to tire out, but they do not frequent, short bouts of activity throughout the day 

Exercise Needs

Teacup Golden-poos need about 30 minutes of daily exercise in two sessions. They get easily fatigued by just running around the house but walks give them much-needed exploration. Snuffle mats and food puzzles keep their intelligent minds stimulated. 

Housing Requirements 

These dogs must live indoors, so they’re great for apartment life. A fenced yard is great for additional zoomies but regulates their time outside to avoid fatigue and other issues like heatstroke. 

Diet & Nutrition

Teacup Groodles need a diet for small dogs packed with animal proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals. These dogs can quickly develop hypoglycemia, where their blood sugar runs too low, where symptoms may include shaking back legs. Feeding them several meals daily (3 to 4) is the best way to prevent the condition. When creating a meal plan, your vet will consider any medical issues that could affect their diet.

Grooming Needs

These dogs need regular coat brushing at least two to three times a week because their curly coats can easily tangle and mat. They also need teeth brushing twice a week to prevent oral diseases, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and regular baths.

You may need to see a doggy parlor every six months to keep their coats trimmed and manageable. 

The Health of a Teacup Groodle

The Health of a Teacup Groodle

Since a Teacup Goldendoodle may be 88% Poodle, they are susceptible to health conditions prevalent in the breed. This means that they tend to have less “hybrid vigor” which makes mixed breeds healthier than pure breeds.

Poodles are considered to be robust dogs with few health conditions. However, they are susceptible to a few diseases that they may pass to Teacup Groodles.

One study showed that these dogs are more likely to develop immune disorders like Addison’s Disease. The increased risk is due to possible inbreeding. Thyroid problems are another common condition, necessitating more-than-usual check-ups to keep at bay.

These dogs are also prone to health issues prevalent in Teacups and toy breeds. Certain health issues like liver shunts, collapsed tracheas, and hypoglycemia are more frequent in miniature dogs. A study showed a strong relationship between the collapse of the trachea and middle-aged toy breeds.

Other health conditions in this mixed dog include:

Severe Health Issues

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia; 
  • Hypoglycemia;
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy; 
  • Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy; 
  • Patellar luxation; 
  • Addison’s Disease;
  • Collapsed trachea;
  • Cushing’s disease; 
  • Blood clotting issues; and
  • Cancers. 

Mild to Moderate Health Problems

  • Dental problems; 
  • Obesity; 
  • Allergies; 
  • Hypothyroidism;
  • Skin problems; and 
  • Stomach sensitivity. 

Occasional Risks

  • Epilepsy 

Teacup Goldendoodle Temperament and Trainability

These mixes pack larger-than-life personalities in their small bodies. They’re playful, outgoing, loving, and intelligent and have a taste for the ridiculous. These tiny dogs do love the spotlight, so try your best not to spoil them too much with attention, but don’t ignore them.

Due to their sensitive natures, these mini dogs are prone to developing reactivity, anxiety, and aggression if neglected. They can develop separation anxiety if they stay too long away from their hoomans.

Don’t let their small sizes fool you. Teacup Groodles are incredibly smart; It wouldn’t be shocking if they tried to train you instead. The intelligence that makes training these pups so easy is the very thing that could make them stubborn.

Training and socializing your pup from an early age is vital when they’re still malleable. These dogs have a knack for mischief every once in a while, where proper training would come in handy. Some people neglect their Toys and Teacups just because they’re tiny. Don’t let it be you. 

How are Teacup Goldendoodles Around Children and Other Pets?

Teacup Groodles are excellent with children but must be monitored around them to avoid accidents as they are very fragile and easily hurt. They are friendly around other animals, but the risk of injury remains. Early training and socialization are the biggest indicators of sociability with kids and animals.

Suitable Home 

  1. Apartment dwellers or smaller homes;
  2. Allergic households ( keep in mind no dog is completely allergenic);
  3. A home without small children or many bigger animals to avoid accidents;
  4. Mildly active lifestyles (daily short walks and a lot of playtime or activities like agility);
  5. Novice owners;
  6. People who want a lap dog or a companion dog;
  7. Empty nesters, retired people, or people who work from home and are home most of the time;
  8. Dog owners committed to regular and consistent grooming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Much Are Teacup Goldendoodles Puppies?

Teacup Goldendoodles for sale go for about $1500 to $5000. Their steep prices result from the multiple generations needed to attain their small sizes. Be wary of unethical breeders who’d misuse the term “Teacup” to sell you dogs that will grow to be bigger than advertised. Always make sure you see the parents.

Are Teacup Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

There’s a very good chance that Teacup Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic as they are usually low-shedding. The only way to ensure a dog is allergy-friendly is to spend time around them, as no dog is completely allergenic.

How Long Do Teacup Groodles Live?

These dogs can live for 12 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Proper breeding is arguably the most crucial factor in how long your pup will live.

Is it Difficult to Potty Train a Teacup Groodle?

Their small bladders may make Teacup Groodles a hassle to potty-train. This is because they can’t hold pee as long as larger dogs, necessitating more potty breaks. However, they will get the hang of it with patience. And they are generally very trainable dogs.

Final Thoughts

Teacup Groodles are small but mighty pups and good home additions. You must be careful around them because their small size makes them prone to traumatic injuries. They are healthier than most Teacup dogs but have their risks too.

Meet Your Experts

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Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.