Gone are the days when dogs were only for homeowners who lived in the wide-open country. Now, breeders are breeding tiny dog breeds, known as teacup breeds. Some of these dogs can weigh as little as 5 pounds, making them small enough to keep in almost any apartment — and certainly small enough to carry around. Here are four different teacup breeds to consider bringing home soon.

Teacup Poodles

Poodles are widely known for their docile personalities. They also have hypoallergenic coats, which means their hair and dander does not make people who are allergic to dogs sneeze. Standard poodles are about 60 pounds, and years ago, breeders bred them down in size to get miniature poodles, which were about 15 pounds. Now, you can find teacup poodles at less than 10 pounds. They do require regular grooming, but they are naturally social and easy to train — making them good for a first-time dog owner.

Teacup Maltese

If you want a quiet, less active dog, then a toy Maltese might be for you. These dogs like to spend their time sitting in someone's lap being adored. The standard Maltese was popular with the wealthy, who needed pets, not working dogs. They are known for their fluffy white coat, which needs to be cut carefully and often. Teacup Maltese tend to be healthy; they are not that much smaller than the standard breed, which was about 15 pounds.

Teacup Yorkie

More formally known as the Yorkshire Terrier, this English dog comes in a teacup variety. Yorkies are known for their big personalities. They are very social and loving, and they like to run and play. Of course, a tiny teacup Yorkie does not need as much space to run as a full-size one. Yorkies do tend to bother allergy sufferers, so they may not be the best choice if a family member is allergic to dogs.

Teacup Pug

If you prefer a less conventional dog, consider bringing home a teacup pug. With their squished faces and calm demeanor, these dogs are easy to love. They can have some respiratory issues, which are seen in both the standard-size pug and the teacup variety. Teacup pugs have short hair, unlike most other breeds on this list, and they live well in very small apartments since they are not terribly active.

If you want a dog but are short on space, one of these tiny teacup breeds may fit the bill. For more information, contact a company like puppy heaven.