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Do Teacup Boston Terriers Exist? (4 Teacup Boston Terrier Mixes)

The teacup Boston Terrier is uncommon among breeders. The standard weight for the Boston Terrier is 12 to 25 pounds. They need to weigh less than 5 pounds to qualify as teacup dogs. Teacup Terriers are rare and are the result of cross-breeding.

Have you heard of teacup dogs? They are the smallest types of dogs, weighing less than 5 pounds.

While some dogs do reach this requirement, the Boston Terrier rarely does. But they can.

This article explores the ways teacup Boston Terriers come to be. It also offers an overview of four Boston Terrier mix breeds that can result in a teacup Boston Terrier.

What is a Teacup Dog?

A teacup dog is a dog that weighs 5 pounds or less. The term “teacup” refers to dogs so small that they fit into a teacup. Teacup dogs are smaller versions of regular breeds. The most common teacup breeds include Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Poodles, and more.

What is a Teacup Dog

Teacup dogs are preferred by a wide variety of owners. Either due to their cute size or low needs.

The maintenance of teacup dogs is perceived as less than the one for regular-sized dogs. 

Teacup dogs are easy to carry around on any means of transportation. They make great companions for restaurants or coffee shops because they easily fit in a bag.

Teacup Boston Terrier vs. Mini Boston Terrier

Teacup Boston Terriers are smaller than mini Boston Terriers. Teacup versions weigh less than 5 pounds, while mini Boston Terriers weigh between 5 and 12 pounds.

The difference between a teacup dog and a mini dog is the size. Teacup dogs are smaller than minis. Both are smaller than a standard Boston Terrier

Mini Boston Terriers can qualify as teacup Boston Terriers, but not the other way around.

The standard measurements for Boston Terriers:

  • Height: 15–17 inches
  • Weigh: 12–25 pounds

Miniature Boston terriers measure less than standard Boston Terriers but are not always small enough to qualify as teacup dogs. 

Read More: Boston Terrier Size Charts

How Do You Get a Teacup Boston Terrier?

There are two ways of getting a teacup Boston Terrier: 

  • By breeding two small Boston Terriers until you get a teacup Boston.
  • By crossbreeding Boston Terriers with other teacup breeds.
How Do You Get a Teacup Boston Terrier

Getting a Teacup Boston Terrier by Mating Two Small Bostons

To breed a teacup Boston Terrier, breeders need to pair two of their smallest dogs and hope for the best. There is no guarantee the offspring will be teacup-sized. If they are, they will be bred again with another miniature Boston terrier, and so on. 

This breeding method is rarely used by breeders. It leads to the propagation of several health issues the initial parents pass on to their offspring.[1]

Boston Terriers that weigh 5 pounds or less are usually so small because of various health issues, including dwarfism. 

Teacup and mini Boston Terriers bred using this method can suffer from many health issues:

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Heart defects
  • Collapsed trachea
  • Blindness
  • Patellar luxation
  • Seizures
  • Liver shunts
  • Respiratory issues
  • Digestive problems

Crossbreeding a Regular-sized Boston Terrier and a Teacup Dog 

By breeding a regular Boston Terrier with a teacup dog, breeders often get a mini Boston Terrier instead of a teacup Boston. If they are lucky, the puppies are teacup-sized when they become adults. Still, there is no guarantee.

Mixing regular-sized Boston Terriers with teacup dogs is safer than breeding unhealthy teacup-sized dogs. 

During this type of cross-breeding, the father is a teacup and the mother is a regular Boston Terrier. 

Otherwise, the risk of death during or at birth is too high for the female.

Related: Boston Terrier Mix Breeds

4 Boston Terrier Mixes That Result in a Teacup Boston Terrier

1. Chihuahua Boston Terrier Mix (The Chibo)

Chihuahua Boston Terrier Mix
Image Source

The Chibo is the result of cross-breeding Chihuahuas and Boston Terriers. As Chihuahuas are considered teacup dogs, the chances of getting a teacup Chibo from this mix are high. 

In terms of appearance, a Chibo is the closest of all crossbreeds to a teacup mini Boston Terrier.

This table lists the main traits of the Chihuahua Boston Terrier mix.

TraitChihuahuaBoston TerrierChibo
Lifespan14 – 16 years11 – 13 years12 – 15 years
Height 5 – 8 inches15 – 17 inches5 – 17 inches
Weight3 – 6 pounds12 – 25  pounds3 – 25 pounds
Coat TypeSingle or doubleSingleSingle or double
Coat TextureSmooth Smooth Smooth 
Coat ColorBlack, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, fawn and white redBlack, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac, whiteBlack, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac, white, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, fawn and white red
MarkingsYesYes Yes
Coat Length Short or longShortShort or long
Grooming Difficulty122
Shedding222
Intelligence233

Chibos have strong personalities and are often self-willed. They are reserved by nature and lack patience. As a result, this mix is not recommended around small children. 

This mix has great stamina, a playful nature, and is full of energy. They need high amounts of mental stimulation to be happy.

If they resemble their Chihuahua parent, Chibos bark a lot. They are easily triggered by small animals, unfamiliar noises, and small objects. They are territorial and are not always friendly to strangers.

Chibos are sometimes similar in appearence to regular-sized Boston Terriers. This happens especially if one of the parents is a short-haired Chihuahua. 

2. Pomeranian Boston Terrier Mix (The Pomston)

Pomeranian Boston Terrier Mix
Image Source

The Pomston results from mixing Boston Terriers and Pomeranians. 

Pomeranians weigh between 3 and 7 pounds, which raises the chances of getting a teacup offspring from this mix. 

This table lists the main traits of the Pomeranian Boston Terrier mix.

TraitPomeranianBoston TerrierPomston
Lifespan12 – 16 years11 – 13 years11 – 14 years
Height 6 – 7 inches15 – 17 inches6 – 17 inches
Weight3 – 7 pounds12 – 25  pounds2 – 25 pounds
Coat TypeDouble SingleSingle or double
Coat TextureSmooth Smooth Smooth 
Coat ColorBlack, blue, tan, orange, red, white, sable, cream, beaver, tri-coloredBlack, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac, whiteBlack, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac, white, black, blue, tan, orange, red, white, sable, cream, beaver, tri-colored
MarkingsYesYes Yes
Coat Length Long ShortShort or long
Grooming Difficulty323
Shedding222
Intelligence434

Pomstons are great family dogs and make good watchdogs. They are affectionate and loving to their family members. But, they are not recommended around young children because of their lack of patience.

Despite their high intelligence, this mix is challenging to train. They are self-willed and have strong personalities. Pomstons respond well to firm training techniques but require patience from the trainer.

This mix loves to spend time with their family and has a predisposition for separation anxiety.[2]

3. Papillon Boston Terrier Mix (The Bostillon)

The Bostillon is the result of crossbreeding Papillons and Boston Terriers. 

Papillons weigh between 5 and 10 pounds, so the Bostillons only turn out as teacup dogs in rare cases. If you are lucky, they inherit the appearance features of the Boston Terriers.

This table lists the main traits of the Papillon Boston Terrier mix.

TraitPapillonBoston TerrierBostillon
Lifespan14 – 16 years11 – 13 years12 – 15 years
Height 8 – 12 inches15 – 17 inches8 – 17 inches
Weight5 – 10 pounds12 – 25  pounds5 to 25 pounds
Coat TypeSingle SingleSingle 
Coat TextureSilky Smooth Silky or smooth
Coat ColorWhite, black, lemon, liver, red, sable, tri-coloredBlack, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac,  whiteWhite, black, lemon, liver, red, sable, tri-colored, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac
MarkingsYesYes Yes 
Coat Length Medium ShortMedium or short
Grooming Difficulty222
Shedding323
Intelligence534

Papillon Boston Terrier mixes are highly intelligent and easy to train. A study[3] on canine intelligence places Papillons 8th among 130 breeds. 

The study revealed that they understand new commands in less than 5 repetitions, and obey the first command in more than 95% of the cases.

This mix is open towards strangers but is reserved around other dogs. Once Bostillons get to know them, they become friends and enjoy playing together. 

Bostillons have a protective nature and have a predisposition for barking. They require moderate to high amounts of exercise and mental stimulation.

Despite their size, teacup Bostillons have a big heart. They are affectionate and form strong bonds with their family. This mix is great for elderly people because they are calm and patient. 

4. Yorkshire Boston Terrier Mix (Yorkie Boston)

Yorkshire Boston Terrier Mix

The mix of Boston Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers is the Yorkie Boston. 

This crossbreed has the highest chances of getting a teacup dog, as Yorkies can weigh as little as 2 pounds. 

This table lists the main traits of the Yorkshire Boston Terrier mix.

TraitYorkshire TerrierBoston TerrierYorkie Boston
Lifespan11 – 15 years11– 13 years11 – 14 years
Height 7 – 8 inches15 – 17 inches7 – 17 inches
Weight2 – 7 pounds12 – 25  pounds2 – 25 pounds
Coat TypeSingleSingleSingle
Coat TextureSilky, wavy, or woollySmooth Smooth, silky, wavy, or woolly
Coat ColorBlack and tan, blue and gold, blue and tan, black and gold Black, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac,  whiteBlack, brown, brindle, red, blue, lilac,  white, black and tan, blue and gold, blue and tan, black and gold
MarkingsYesYes Yes 
Coat Length Long ShortShort or long
Grooming Difficulty523
Shedding122
Intelligence434

Yorkie Bostons are intelligent and easy to train. They are eager to please and love spending time with their family. If they are left alone regularly for a long period, Yorkie Bostons display separation anxiety.

Despite its small size, this mix has a highly protective nature. They protect their territory and their family members. As a result, Yorkie Bostons bark loudly and a lot. 

Yorkie Bostons need high amounts of mental stimulation. They are energetic and playful and enjoy being around other dogs. 

They adapt well to changes in their routine and environment. As a result, Yorkie Bostons are suited for people who move a lot or don’t have the time to add a routine to their dog’s life. 

Conclusion

The teacup Boston Terrier is rare. To get a pure teacup Boston, breeders need to mate two really small Bostons which are usually sick. 

Cross-breeding is the safest way to get a teacup Boston Terrie, but there are chances that the puppies turn out to resemble Boston Terriers in terms of size. 

About Ioana Moldovan

Ioana is a Misfit Animals staff writer and psychology student interested in animal behavior. She likes to dive deep into the newest scientific studies to find out the latest discoveries in the field.

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