The Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a miniaturized and super cute variation of the popular King Charles Cavalier. This Teacup Cavalier weighs less than 10 pounds and should stand between 5 and 12 inches. The Teacup Cavalier Spaniel also has a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years.
Over recent times this teacup canine has slowly gained popularity among dog lovers that are fond of smaller versions of popular breeds.
This is a great pooch for apartment dwellers and with his affectionate demeanor, he should make a pretty good Lapdog.
The Teacup Cavalier King Charles may be small but his personality is not. He is also a great family dog.
However, as much as this dog is endearing, he may not be suitable for all individuals and families.
Keep on reading to find out if this dog would make a perfect addition to you.
About the Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Most people may not this but the King Charles Spaniel breed almost went extinct during the Second World War.
But thanks to 6 six dogs from this breed that survived the war, we have been able to see the miniature versions and mixes of this dog.
This miniature version is also known as the “Mini/Teacup Cavalier King“, “Teacup Cav“, or “Teacup Cavies.”
These dogs are some of the cutest canine friends you are ever going to own or come across with their wide eyes and flowing coats.
However, this cute appearance comes at a high price which makes the Teacup Cavalier King Spaniel as expensive as its predecessor the Teacup French Bulldog.
So, how did the Mini Cav come to be?
There are several methods that breeders use to create this dog including the following;
- Mating King Charles Cavalier with smaller breeds.
- Breeding of runts.
- Dwarfism.
Let us look at each of these breeding methods in more detail.
1. Repeated breeding of Runts
This breeding practice is considered unethical and it is.
I would not recommend getting a Teacup King Charles Cavalier bred through this method as the pup may develop serious health complications later on.
Let me explain.
When Cavalier Spaniel puppies are born, some are born underweight and smaller than the rest. These puppies develop to become smaller over time and are known as runts.
So, runts are simply the smallest dogs in a litter.
These puppies don’t grow as big as they are supposed to mainly because they are not able to compete for the mother’s milk as well as the other puppies and other reasons.
There is also a reason why these puppies are born underweight in the first place and it is almost always health-related.
Runt pups are therefore prone to developing serious health complications such as heart diseases and immunity problems.
You should, therefore, avoid Mini King Charles Cavaliers that have been repeatedly bred from runt to make them even smaller with time.
2. Dwarfism
This is a genetic mutation that can occur randomly and naturally or with the deliberate introduction of the dwarfism gene by the breeder.
The deliberate introduction of the dwarfism gene to create Mini Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is also highly discouraged and unethical.
This occurs when a breeder mates two dogs that have this dwarfism gene.
When this is done the offspring’s growth is restricted which gives him an abnormally small body and short feet.
This method of breeding teacups can also cause health problems in the dog such as;
- Hair loss
- Heart complications
- Underdeveloped muscles.
- Spinal problems.
- Dental problems.
If you suspect that you are about to purchase a Miniature Cavalier bred using this method carry out a DNA test for the dwarfism gene.
3. Crossing King Charles Cavalier with smaller dog breeds
This is the best method of breeding Teacup Cavs as it reduces the risk of health complications.
However, when this is done there is also the chance the resulting offspring may be more like the other breed and less like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The offspring has to have more Cavalier Spaniel traits and looks and should weigh under 10 pounds to be considered a Miniature Cavalier King.
Breeds that are commonly used are;
- Teacup Poodle
- Chihuahua
- Mini American Eskimo dog
- Maltese
Pros and cons of a Teacup Cav
Pros
✓ Great for families.
✔ Relaxed and easy-going.
✓ Playful.
Cons
✗ Expensive.
✘ Prone obesity.
✗ Fragile.
General Characteristics of the Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Teacup King Charles Cavalier summary table | |
|---|---|
| Height | 5-12 inches |
| Weight | Under 10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Breed Type | Mixes and more |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| Suitable For | All families |
| Grooming requirements | Moderate to high |
| Color Variations | Red, White, Black, Black, and Tan |
| Health concerns | Mitral Valve Disease, Syringomyelia, Thrombocytopenia |
| Temperament | Sweet, Loving, Intelligent, Playful, Affectionate |
| Other names | TeacupCav, Teacup Cavies, Teacup Cavalier king |
Teacup Cav Appearance
One of the most adorable features of the Teacup Cavalier King is his large brown eyes.
His ears should hang sweetly beside his head.
This dog should also have a toy-sized but compact body covered with a beautiful coat that is soft and silky.
However, this pooch sheds but this can be managed through frequent brushing.
Colors;
- Red.
- White.
- Black with mahogany markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail.
- Black and Tan.
- White with red patches (Blenheim).
Temperament and Personality Traits of the Mini Cavalier King
This Miniature Cavalier Spaniel is generally good-natured with a good personality and sweet temperament.
He is one to easily win you over with his love coupled with his large brown eyes.
The Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great pooch for apartment dwellers and will be suited for most living situations.
They love to meet and make new friends whether it is other pets or humans alike. However, you should make sure you socialize this canine early and consistently.
His understanding and mellow temperament make this dog a great companion for children. He also bonds well with other dogs and is extremely loyal making him a perfect family dog.
Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies
Litter size:
2 to 4 puppies.
These puppies take about 9 months to reach their full size but some may take up to 12 months.
How much does a Teacup Cavalier King cost?
This miniature version of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will cost you between $1000 and $2500.
You must find a reputable breeder as it is common to come across many unreliable backyard breeders.
How much does a Mini Cavalier King Spaniel eat?
Being a small dog, the teacup Cav also has a small appetite but you can easily overfeed or underfeed this dog.
He can be prone to obesity and overfeeding him could affect his health.
A general rule of thumb is to give your Miniature Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 30 calories for every pound that he weighs.
| Mini Cavalier Spaniel Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Guide | 200 to 350 calories |
| Cups of Kibble | ~1 |
The food should be high-quality and should be formulated for smaller breeds.
You should split the meals into two or more portions a day to help this canine digest better.
Avoid any temptations to give this dog extra treats even if he looks at you with those cute eyes.
How to groom
This dog’s coat should be brushed daily to prevent it from knotting and tangling.
Start grooming early to get this teacup pooch used to it and to be more tolerant of grooming practices.
It is also recommended that you take him to a groomer every 2 months to get his eyes and ears cleaned and nails clipped.
Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel exercise requirements
This dog will need a total of 20 minutes of daily exercise.
There should be no intense exercise or rough play while dealing with this dog as this could easily get him hurt.
Also, when taking him for walks make sure that you use a leash with a harness but not a dog collar to reduce the risk of tracheal collapse.
During winter make sure that you get some sweaters for this dog as he cannot stand cold weather and avoid taking him out when it is extremely cold.
| Number of walks | 2 ( 10 minutes each) |
| Exercise needs | 2o minutes |
Training
Proper training and guidance are crucial for this dog to prevent him from developing small dog syndrome.
With that said, you should know that this pooch is a fast learner and simple training will not be complicated.
All you need is patience and positive reinforcement training methods to develop a desirable mini Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Keep the training sessions for the Teacup Cavalier King short, sweet, and gentle so that he does not get bored.
Summary
The Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an intelligent and down-to-earth canine and a perfect family addition.
He is also great for single individuals and seniors.
However, you should handle this couch potato with a lot of care as he can easily get injured, and also make sure that you watch his diet to prevent him from getting obese.
Is the Teacup Cavies the right dog for you?
Share your thoughts and opinion in the comment section below and let us know if you would love to get this dog as your next pet.
There you go, WOOF!
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