Teacup Puppy Growth Chart: Week-by-Week Size Guide

Nothing compares to the feeling of joy of bringing home a puppy. This impossibly tiny little thing is now a part of your family, and you must take care of it like your own child. They won’t make it difficult with those heart-meltingly cute phases. Today, we’re talking about the smallest of puppies out there; the teacup variety. If you’re wondering how big, or how not big, they get, keep reading. 

Growth in teacup breeds is fast, delicate, and a little unpredictable.

Unlike standard-size dogs, teacup puppies hit developmental milestones differently. Monitoring their weight and size week by week can help you better manage their diet, vet care, and environment. So let’s walk through what you can expect as your little fluff ball grows.

What Is a Teacup Puppy, Really?

Now, Teacup isn’t a real breed name, like the Shih-tzu or Poodle. Teacup is just a name given to them because of their teeny-weeny size. The prefix can be attached before any name, for example, teacup Yorkies, Pomeranians, Maltese, and Chihuahuas.

Most teacup puppies are under 4 pounds when fully grown. That’s lighter than a Chihuahua, which averages around 5 pounds. These pups often come from the smallest dogs in a litter, what breeders might call “runts.”

Because of their size, growth needs to be carefully monitored. Teacup puppies are more vulnerable to hypoglycemia, developmental delays, and bone fragility.

Week-by-Week Teacup Puppy Growth Chart

Alright, let now break down what typical growth looks like from week number 1 to 12 and beyond. Now, keep in mind, this is a generalization. All puppies are different. Just like human babies grow up at different paces, so do pups. So, with that in mind, here is a general guide based on average data from small breed development charts (American Kennel Club).

Week 1–2: Just Born

• Weight: 2–5 ounces

• Growth Rate: ~0.5 ounce per day

• What's Happening: Eyes and ears are closed. Completely dependent on the mother. Teacup puppies at this stage are usually smaller than the palm of your hand.

Tiny bodies of these pups aren’t strong enough to tolerate temperature changes, thus they’re unable to regulate their body temperature. Keep them warm, that will keep them comfy.

Week 3–4: Eyes Open, And They See The World

• Weight: 6–10 ounces

• What's Happening: Puppies start opening their eyes, attempting to stand, and wiggling around. They're still very fragile.

The little bundles are very delicate but they’re active now, to an extent. You can handle them gently, and you should. This is how they familizars themselves with you. Oh, make sure your hands are clean. Keep the sessions not too long.

Week 5–6: First Steps

• Weight: 10–14 ounces

• What's Happening: Walking, playing, and barking may begin. Puppies may start to lap milk from a shallow bowl and explore soft solids.

This is also when weaning begins. Still, many teacup puppies may take longer and prefer bottle feeding.

Week 7–8: More Independent

• Weight: 1–1.2 pounds

• What's Happening: They’ll have a few baby teeth, show distinct personalities, and start to mimic littermates. They're curious but still nap a lot.

This is often when breeders start preparing for adoption, though some wait until week 10 due to the puppy’s fragility.

Week 9–10: First Vet Visit

• Weight: 1.3–1.5 pounds

• What's Happening: The first vaccinations happen here. Socialization is key, but teacup puppies must be introduced to new environments slowly and safely.

Diet should include high-calorie, nutrient-rich puppy food, sometimes with supplements for weight gain.

Week 11–12: Growing Up

• Weight: 1.6–2 pounds

• What's Happening: They're becoming more coordinated and expressive. By now, many teacup puppies start to show their eventual body shape.

Potty training can begin in earnest, but patience is key. Smaller bladders mean more frequent breaks.

Months 3–6: Peak Growth

• Weight at 6 Months: 2.5–3 pounds (on average)

• Growth slows down after this point. Teacup puppies typically reach 80% of their adult weight by 5 to 6 months. You’ll get a good sense of their adult size by now.

Final Size: 9–12 Months

By their first birthday, most teacup puppies weigh between 2.5 and 4 pounds. Some may be even smaller, depending on genetics and health.

But here's the important part: even if they stop growing, care continues. These tiny dogs are prone to injury, blood sugar crashes, and dental problems. They’ll always need a little extra attention.

Watch for Red Flags

Growth that suddenly stops, or a puppy that seems tired or uninterested in food, needs vet attention right away. Because they’re so small, teacup puppies can go downhill quickly if something’s off.

Common issues include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Fragile bones

• Delayed teething

• Digestive sensitivity

Frequent, small meals and safe, padded environments help reduce risks.

A Word on Responsible Breeding

It is crucial that you deal only with a breeder who cares more about puppies than profit, which in the real world translates to someone called an ethical breeder. These are the ones that prioritize health over everything. A tell-tale sign that someone is an ethical breeder is that they are completely about health screenings, vet visits, and socialization.

If you’re considering a teacup puppy, talk to your vet first. They can help you determine if your lifestyle fits the care such a tiny dog needs.

Final Thoughts

Raising a teacup puppy is rewarding but requires close attention. Growth happens quickly, and each week brings new changes. Tracking their size helps ensure they’re on the right path and gives you peace of mind.

Whether you’re watching them wobble through their first steps or holding a fully grown dog that still fits in your hand, knowing what to expect helps you care better and worry less.

FAQs

What's the Difference Between a Toy Dog and a Teacup Dog?

A toy dog refers to a small breed recognized by kennel clubs, like the Toy Poodle or Pomeranian. A teacup is a very small version of that breed, often bred below the breed standard size.

Can Teacup Puppies Grow Larger Than Expected?

 Yes, sometimes. Genetics aren't always predictable. Some puppies labeled as "teacup" may end up closer to the size of a standard toy breed if breeding lines are mixed.

Is It Safe to Travel with a Teacup Puppy?

 Only once they’ve had all core vaccinations and are stable in weight. Even then, it’s best to use a soft carrier with proper ventilation and bring high-calorie snacks for blood sugar control.