Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds in America and probably worldwide. Their excellent temperament and beautiful looks have been stealing the hearts of many existing and soon-to-be dog lovers for many years now.
But have you ever seen a mix of these two beloved purebred dogs?
If not, let us introduce you to the world of cuteness that is the Labradoodle breed. There are several Labradoodle varieties, but today we are talking about the smallest among them all – a Teacup Mini Labradoodle.
If you are interested in learning more about this small dog with lots of character, keep reading because we present you with a guide through this amazing mixed breed.
What Is A Teacup Mini Labradoodle?
Photo from: @morganvalleydoodles
If you love Labradoodles but want a smaller version, a Teacup Mini Labradoodle is the perfect solution. This Teacup Miniature Labradoodle has all the great qualities of a Standard Labradoodle but comes in a much smaller size which many people prefer.
So, how do you get a Teacup Mini Labradoodle?
This designer dog breed is made by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Toy Poodle (sometimes even a Miniature Poodle). The name “teacup” refers to their size, which is so small that it is said they can fit into a teacup.
Sometimes these pups can be called Micro Labradoodle, The Mini Labradoodle, Petite Labradoodle, Toy Labradoodle, or simply Teacup Labradoodles. However, they all refer to the same small dog that wins hearts with its cuteness.
Some Mini Teacup Labradoodles will look more like their Labrador parent, while others will have more Poodle characteristics; however, they are definitely one of the cutest mixed breeds out there.
In order to know more about this Poodle mix and its most important traits, let’s first look at its parent breeds and what makes them special.
Teacup Mini Labradoodle: Meet The Parents
A long time ago, breeders got the idea to mix different breeds in order to get a dog with the best qualities of both. The same applies to Labradoodles.
As we mentioned above, some Teacup Mini Labradoodles can inherit more genes and characteristics from either parent breed or perhaps be the perfect mix of both.
So, let’s see what some of those amazing qualities are.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of America’s most popular dog breeds, enchanting everyone with their lovable, friendly and outgoing nature.
They make perfect family companions since they are affectionate dogs that will bond with the whole family, including having a good relationship with children, other pets and visitors.
History Of The Breed
The Labrador Retriever comes from the island of Newfoundland (Canada), where they served as a duck retriever and fisherman’s mate for a long time.
In the early 1800s, these dogs were spotted by English nobles visiting Canada, and since then, their popularity has skyrocketed.
In the second half of the 19th century, they were brought to England, and British breeders refined and standardized the Labrador breed, making them one of the most sought-after dogs.
The Kennel Club of England recognized the breed in 1903, while the American Kennel Club finalized the registration in 1917.
Once these dogs topped the chart of most popular breeds, they haven’t left, which is just another confirmation of their outstanding qualities.
Temperament
A wonderful temperament is definitely the hallmark of the breed. They are known for being friendly, outgoing, non-aggressive and their eagerness to please is what they are known for.
Their kind, gentle, intelligent and adaptable personalities make them ideal dogs for many families, and it makes perfect sense that they are the favorite breed for many dog lovers.
However, if you think their easy-going nature makes them low-energy dogs, you are highly mistaken. These pups are very energetic dogs that require lots of exercise to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Appearance
These pups have the most amazing personality, and they certainly don’t lack in the appearance department either. They have a dense, thick coat that can come in various colors; for example, yellow, black, or chocolate are the most famous ones.
Their head is wide, and they have gentle eyes that are just the perfect sign of their true temperament. The thick, ever-wagging “otter tail” is something we can’t forget to mention either.
With slight differences between male and female Labradors,, they usually stand between 21.5 to 24.5 inches and weigh between 55 to 80 pounds on average. All in all, they are considered to be medium-to-large dogs.
Health
Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, like any other breed, they are not completely immune to disease.
The most important health problems that need to be mentioned include elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disorders, eye conditions including PRA, exercise-induced collapse (EIC) in young adult Labs, and a life-threatening stomach condition called bloat.
It is important for breeders to do DNA testing and screen their breeding stocks to prevent these diseases from occurring.
Recommended health tests are Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, and EIC DNA Test.
Toy Poodle
Poodles can come in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, but all three are equally beautiful and intelligent. Each variety is bred to the same standards and is an exact replica of each other, except for their size.
Although Toy Poodles might be the smallest, they are certainly not less valuable; quite the opposite, as they are actually said to be the true aristocrats of the canine world.
History Of The Breed
While Poodles are the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany as a duck hunter. Their german name, pudelin, actually means splashing in the water, which perfectly describes their swimming and retrieving qualities.
However, the breed soon became favored among French nobility, and due to their flamboyant looks, they became popular all over Europe.
Breeders first started breeding Miniature Poodles from Standard ones, and eventually, the first Toy Poodle was bred in early 20th century America to be a city companion dog.
Temperament
The Toy Poodle, like other Poodle variants, is known for its superior intelligence and excellent learning abilities. They are remarkably versatile, eager and athletic dogs.
Overall they make great companion dogs, filled with happiness and friendliness towards people and other dogs. Since they are one of the smartest dogs out there, they do great at obedience training.
However, due to their habit of forming a close bond with their family, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Other than that, they are lively and fun and are great for small apartments.
Appearance
We already know that they are the smallest among Poodles, but how small are Toy Poodles actually? Well, Mini Poodles stand around 15 inches or less while Toys stand no more than 10 inches and weigh about 4 to 6 pounds.
These dogs are definitely most known for their thick, curly coat that can come in various colors and markings and their low-shedding qualities.
Underneath that fluffy coat stands an athletic and square-proportioned dog with an elegant appearance.
Their coat does require regular maintenance and grooming, so if you want to keep your pup looking fresh and clean, you might want to look at some Poodle haircuts that will make them look even sweeter than they are.
Health
The average lifespan of a Toy Poodle is between 10 and 18 years if they don’t have any health issues. Most Toy Poodles live a long and happy life; however, they may have some health problems such as hip dysplasia and several eye disorders.
Some other diseases, like idiopathic epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, Von Willebrand’s disease and immune-mediated disorders, can also be seen in this breed occasionally, and it is important to be aware of them in case it happens.
Legg-Calve-Perthes and Luxating Patellas, which are orthopedic problems, are more likely to occur in this Poodle variation than in a standard sized one.
Recommended health tests include PRA Optigen DNA Test, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, and Patella Evaluation.
Related: Top 15 Toy Poodle Breeders: Pupvine’s Top Picks!
A Guide Through Teacup Mini Labradoodle Breed
Photo from: @finneasthedood
Now that we have met the parent breeds, let’s move on to the star of the article – the Teacup Mini Labradoodle.
In the next few paragraphs, we will mention everything you need to know about this small dog, so let us introduce the perfect mini blend of two beloved purebreds.
History Of The Breed
While Standard Labradoodles have been around for many years, the Teacup Mini Labradoodle is a fairly new breed that has grown popular in recent years due to its small size and hypoallergenic properties.
If you are one of those people that is allergic to dogs, you may want to try this breed because their low-shedding coat makes them a perfect companion even for people suffering from allergies.
Labradoodles were one of the first designer breeds created in Australia in the 1980s.
Breeders wanted to develop a dog with the amazing temperament of the Labrador Retriever, the low-shedding coat of the Poodle and that could work as a service animal.
Although these two breeds seem very different at first, the choice to breed these two is not that surprising, considering both have retrieving qualities. It is said that the first breeder of the Mini Labradoodle was Wally Cochran.
In 1988, Wally, who is a breeder and a member of “The Royal Guide Dogs”, had a client who needed a hypoallergenic guide dog. This is how the Labradoodle came to be.
Teacup Labradoodles soon became extremely popular because their small Labradoodle size and fantastic qualities made them a great choice for many people.
Not to mention that these teddy bear puppies were and still are famous among many celebrities, which just adds to their popularity.
Temperament
The Teacup Labradoodle’s temperament is definitely the star of this mini breed. Combining the best qualities of two such great dog breeds results in nothing but perfection. They are extremely intelligent, friendly, and affectionate.
They make great family pets since they are eager to please, well-behaved and lovable. Usually, they are able to form a close bond with their family members and get along well with children and other pets.
Sometimes, however, they can become a little bit aloof with strangers or perhaps protective of other dogs. However, this is something that can be easily solved with obedience training and early socialization.
The great thing is that since they are extremely intelligent, training should be a piece of cake.
Certain surveys have shown that smaller breeds tend to exhibit more problematic behavior than some larger dogs.
This does not mean that all teacup dogs will have these behavior issues, but it is important to mention it can happen. There are several reasons for this.
Some claim that it is a result of bad breeding processes, bad upbringing, or simply that because of their small size, dog owners tolerate more of the unwanted behavior (biting, for example) because it doesn’t cause any harm.
Physical Appearance
Photo from: @morganvalleydoodles
Since we are talking about the crossbreed, it is always possible that Teacup Mini Labradoodle puppies will vary in appearance from litter to litter.
Whether your puppy looks more like its Labrador parent or Poodle parent depends greatly on the genes they inherit.
They are usually tiny in size; however, a fully grown Teacup Labradoodle puppy is sometimes not teacup at all but much larger than it is supposed to be because it takes after its Labrador parent.
Most of the time, these pups inherit the curly Poodle coat and the broader snout and build.
Just like their parents, they can come in many beautiful color combinations and patterns, some of them being quite unique, such as merle or phantom Labradoodles.
However, the real question is how big does a Teacup Mini Labradoodle actually get?
These are really small dogs; however, since they are a crossbreed of the Labrador Retriever, who is a medium-to-large dog, they will never be as tiny as, for example, Chihuahuas.
Although there is no official size measurement for the breed, it is said that they stand 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh approximately 15 to 25 pounds. You can find out more about this dog’s size in our Labradoodle growth chart.
Related: How To Tell How Big A Mixed Puppy Will Get
Achieving this small size can sometimes, unfortunately, lead to many health issues since breeders focus on the size and completely disregard the health aspects of shrinking it.
Health And Lifespan
Photo from: @goatmdiner
Teacup Mini Labradoodles generally have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and while they are usually healthy, they can still develop some health issues that are either connected to small dog breeds or inherited from their parents.
Due to their size, they are prone to bone fragility or problems with their bone structure, obesity, and pain sensitivity. Also, because of their small bladder, they might have problems with potty training.
Other health issues that are most probably inherited from their parents include:
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and other eye issues
• Ear infections
• Patellar luxation and Arthritis
• Skin conditions including Sebaceous Adenitis and Atopic Dermatitis
• Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Seizures
In order to ensure that your pup stays healthy, it is important to attend regular veterinarian checkups, adopt preventive measures that include learning about possible health issues and how to notice them early on, never miss a vaccination, and try to implement regular healthy exercises.
Training Requirements
Photo from: @loco.for.leo
Teacup Mini Labradoodles are extremely intelligent dogs and therefore easily trained, which is not surprising at all since their parent breeds are one of the smartest dogs in the canine world.
You can easily teach them many commands and tricks, so obedience training will be like a quick course.
Although they are trainable, starting with training and socialization as early as possible is important since it highly improves their behavior from the beginning.
Positive training experience and positive reinforcement are essential in the training approach of any breed, as it is for these small dogs.
Since these pups can sometimes be reserved with strangers and overprotective, it is also important to fully socialize them.
Try to expose them to different surroundings, situations, noises, as many different people as possible, children, and other animals.
All of this will teach them how to behave properly and be the best family pets ever. Don’t worry if this sounds too complicated, it really isn’t.
Labradoodles are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners, and I am sure, if you choose to have this dog as your pet, you will not regret it.
Exercise Needs
Although these are small pups, they still require a lot of exercise. Both physical and mental stimulation is very important in keeping these dogs happy and healthy.
Providing them with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day is recommended. Regular visits to a dog park and a fenced backyard are something they will surely enjoy.
Keep in mind that a fenced yard is absolutely necessary since these pups can jump surprisingly high.
In addition to strenuous physical exercise, never forget the importance of mental stimulation in the form of interactive toys, puzzles or playtime.
If you are unable to provide them with this kind of exercise each day, it might be better to choose another dog breed.
Dietary Needs
Photo from: @thatdudecristiano
A great thing about small dogs is that they don’t require a lot of food. However, since they can vary in size and physical activity, their food requirements should also change to meet their needs.
Generally, Teacup Mini Labradoodles require one to two cups of quality dry food. However, since they are prone to several health issues related to their diet (obesity and bloat), it is vital to monitor their food intake strictly.
The best solution is to visit a vet and, in consultation with them, prepare a detailed food chart that is specifically aimed at your pup’s protein and calorie requirements.
Many vets will also suggest a slow feeder to prevent some issues from happening, which makes it easier for you to monitor your dog’s nutrition levels.
Read also: 11 Best Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers In 2022
Teacup Mini Labradoodle Price
There are various factors that influence the price of the Teacup Miniature Labradoodle Puppies, such as location, pedigree and color The most important one, however, is the size.
Since these puppies are known for their miniature size, the smaller they are, the higher the price is.
Usually, for a Teacup Labradoodle from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anything between $1000 and $2500.
If you would like to save some money, you can perhaps look for these pups at your local shelter, where if you are lucky to find one, you’ll have to pay only a small adoption fee.
Grooming And Care Tips
Although their coat can vary between a short, double Labrador coat and a long, curly Poodle coat, usually, these Teacup Labradoodles inherit the low-shedding, hypoallergenic Poodle coat.
Their coat requires a lot of maintenance and regular grooming. Frequent brushing and trimming are absolutely necessary to keep their beautiful coat in perfect shape.
If it is left unattended for a longer period of time, it can easily become matted and tangled.
Bathing is required every two to three weeks in order to keep your Labradoodle’s fur clean and healthy.
Additionally, you will need to trim your dog’s nails twice per month and clean its ears regularly to make sure they are dry, clean, and free of debris to prevent possible ear infections.
Related: Dog Ear Plucking: Necessary Or Harmful? A Guide To Dog Ear Care
Is The Teacup Mini Labradoodle The Right Dog For You?
Teacup Mini Labradoodles are great dogs for smaller apartments and people that don’t have a lot of space in their homes but would like to have a family pet.
They are also great for first-time dog owners since they are really intelligent and easy to train.
Additionally, they are affectionate and great with children and other animals, which is another great plus.
However, due to their miniature size, they are susceptible to many different health problems, so taking care of them can sometimes require a lot of time and money.
They have their pros and cons, like any other breed, but one thing is for sure, they are 100% adorable and will make your heart melt as soon as you see them.
So, if you decide to get yourself a cute little Labradoodle puppy, definitely check out some equally cute Labradoodle name ideas to help you choose the perfect name for your pup.
Where To Find A Teacup Mini Labradoodle?
Photo from: @morganvalleydoodles
With Teacup Mini Labradoodles potentially having many health issues, it is more important than ever to find a reputable breeder that actually cares about its puppies and their health.
Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the teacup breeds, there are many unreliable breeders that incorrectly present themselves as responsible ones.
In fact, due to them having many health issues, many responsible Labradoodle breeders will not even consider breeding them.
However, there are many puppy mills that see them as an opportunity to earn more money, so you can actually find many of these puppies there.
Puppy mills prioritize profit over the dog’s health, so at these places, all pups are bred and raised in really unethical ways.
You should be extremely careful and try not to support these “breeders” in any way.
The red flags of unethical breeders include multiple litters, multiple dog breeds being bred, dogs raised in bad conditions, lack of health certificates and testing, pushing a sale on you, etc.
On the other hand, a reputable breeder will have evidence of health testing, the puppies will be raised at home and in a loving environment, they will happily answer all your questions and will be more than happy to have you visit them and meet the pups in person.
Recommended: Top 10 Most Responsible Labradoodle Breeders In Ontario
Final Thoughts
The extremely adorable Teacup Mini Labradoodle can be a perfect choice for your next family pet. Their cuteness and intelligence will win you over before you even realize it.
If you are able to deal with possible health issues and high maintenance, these pups definitely have a lot to give you.
Just make sure you have regular vet visits, practice a healthy diet, and provide them with a lot of daily exercise, and everything should be all right.
The most important step is to find a truly trustworthy breeder that will provide you with a healthy and happy pup that will spend many years in your family.
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