If you’re interested in owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel but prefer a smaller and more compact version, the teacup King Charles Spaniel could be the perfect pup for you.
The teacup King Charles Spaniel has continuously grown in popularity over the years. Its incredibly adorable appearance and sweet nature have made it one of the most sought-after breeds on the market.
If you’re curious to learn more about this pup, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know and more. Its size, health issues, personality, and other fun facts are included below.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 5 – 10 inches |
| Weight: | 6 – 10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9 – 14 years |
| Coat Colors: | White and fawn, white and chestnut, black and tan, white and black, red |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loving, playful, friendly, sweet-natured, high-spirited |
| Suitable for: | Families or individuals who are often home; experienced dog owners; families with no other pets |
What Is a Teacup King Charles Spaniel?
Also referred to as the mini King Charles Spaniel or mini Cavalier, the teacup King Charles Spaniel is a miniature and more compact version of the standard Spaniel. All physical features and characteristics are typically the same as the standard Cavalier except for the size and weight.
Despite its small size and endearing nature, the teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very lively, energetic, and outgoing dog. It typically enjoys doing fun, high-energy activities with its owner and family.
Although teacup Cavaliers usually have common features and characteristics, this may still vary depending on the appearance and personality they may inherit from their parent dogs.
Aside from its lively disposition, the teacup King Charles Spaniel tends to be a very curious dog, especially when outdoors. Owners must keep a close eye on this pup when going on regular walks or other outdoor activities.
Where Do Teacup King Charles Spaniels Come From?
Since teacup dogs are a rather modern and recent development, we can take a look into the background of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and how its appearance has evolved over the years instead.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was initially bred to be a companion dog or a lap warmer. This breed was particularly popular with royals such as King Charles II and the Queen of England.
In later years, the appearance of the Cavalier King Charles started to change. The change was due to this pup being combined with other breeds resulting in a shorter or flat-faced appearance and a smaller body.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was also mixed with other breeds of smaller sizes, which has resulted in what we now recognize as the mini or teacup King Charles Spaniel.
Teacup King Charles Spaniel Size and Weight
Generally, teacup King Charles Spaniels are around 5 to 10 inches tall and can weigh around 6 to 10 pounds. This is significantly smaller and lighter than the standard Cavalier, which can weigh around 13 to 18 pounds.
Unlike other breeds, both male and female teacup Cavaliers usually have the same size and weight. Several other factors may affect their weight, including lifestyle, genetics, and metabolism.
An important factor that may greatly affect the size and weight of your teacup King Charles Spaniel is its food intake. It is important to monitor how much you feed your King Charles Spaniel to maintain a healthy weight.
Generally, a teacup Cavalier typically stops growing at the age of one. A full-grown teacup King Charles Spaniel can stand at around 10 inches tall though this may also vary based on the genetics of its parent dogs.
Since this breed is so small, it may easily be carried in one hand or even fit in tiny bags. Given its size, a teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel must be handled with great care to avoid injuries.
Teacup King Charles Spaniel Appearance
The teacup King Charles Spaniel usually has the same physical features as the standard variety except for its size and weight. This pup typically has large eyes, long, floppy ears, and a round black nose.
Teacup King Charles Spaniels may have a short and smooth or a long and wavy coat, depending on their genetics. The majority of teacup Cavaliers tend to have short coats on their bodies and long hair on their heads.
With regard to their colors, Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may come in several color combinations. These may include white and tan, white and black, or a combination of three different kinds as well.
The most common teacup King Charles Spaniel color combinations are white and chestnut and white and fawn. On the other hand, tri-color teacup King Charles Spaniels are some of the most difficult kinds to come across.
Teacup King Charles Spaniel Temperament and Personality
Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very affectionate, loving, and high-spirited dogs. They adore spending time with their owners and family and are always eager to please and receive praise in return.
Given their need for affection, they do not tolerate being left alone, especially for long periods. Doing so could lead to the development of separation anxiety and can result in destructive behavior.
The teacup King Charles Spaniel is most suitable for individuals or families who are able to spend lots of time with this pup. It is also suitable for those who enjoy doing physically and mentally stimulating activities together.
To ensure the development of a good disposition and temperament, early obedience training and proper socialization are encouraged. The use of positive reinforcement when training is also highly effective.
Teacup King Charles Spaniel Lifespan and Health Issues
Generally, teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can live up to around 9 to 14 years, similar to the lifespan of the standard Cavalier. This may also vary depending on their genetics and how they were raised and taken care of.
Like many other dog breeds, the teacup King Charles Spaniel may be susceptible to several kinds of health problems. Interested owners must first take these into consideration before purchasing or adopting one.
Listed below are some of the most common health issues found in teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a health condition where the joints in the hip deteriorate or no longer fit in their respective sockets. Although this disease is typically found in larger breeds, smaller breeds such as the teacup Cavalier may be prone to this health risk as well.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a health condition that affects the vision of teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This disease destroys the cells in the eye, which may result in permanent vision loss.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological health problem that affects the normal function of the brain resulting in sudden, involuntary, and uncontrollable movements. This is usually caused by excessive electrical activity in the cortex of the teacup Cavalier’s brain.
- Ear Infections: Ear infections in teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically involve symptoms such as redness, itching, and general irritation within the ears. This may be due to genetics or the build-up of excessive ear wax.
It is highly encouraged to have your teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel regularly checked by a veterinarian. Getting pet insurance can also help owners be prepared and save money in unforeseen medical emergencies.
How Much Does a Teacup King Charles Spaniel Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Teacup King Charles Spaniels typically cost around $2,000 to $14,000. Their high purchase prices are due to their rarity and the difficulty of producing this particular breed variation.
Given how expensive this mini pup can be compared to how much a standard Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs, interested owners must carefully assess whether the teacup Cavalier is the right match for them.
Aside from the initial purchase cost, there are several other expenses when owning a teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Below is a table summarizing all the initial expenses you can expect when caring for this mini pup:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
Although the list of expenses may seem quite long and costly, do not be overwhelmed as the majority of them are only one-time purchases. These may include a microchip, dog license, and grooming essentials.
In order to save more money, it is recommended to only invest in high-quality items that are durable and would last a long time. Avoid purchasing cheap, low-quality items that result in repeat purchases.
Places to Find Teacup King Charles Spaniel Puppies for Sale and Adoption
When deciding to purchase a teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, only do so from responsible, reputable, and ethical Cavalier breeders. These breeders prioritize the health, safety, and overall well-being of their dogs.
Listed below are some reputable sources where you may find a teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for sale:
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – The American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace is one of the most trusted and reputable online sources for purchasing purebred puppies. Although they do not formally recognize the teacup King Charles Spaniel as a specific breed variation, they feature over 500 credible Cavalier breeders that may have teacup King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale as well.
- Puppy Spot – PuppySpot is an online network of dog lovers who are committed to connecting the nation’s top breeders with loving and responsible individuals or families. They have a user-friendly interface that can easily be navigated based on your desired pup’s breed, gender, color, age, and location.
- Puppy Heaven – Puppy Heaven features one of the largest selections of high-quality teacup and toy puppies for sale from some of the best breeders across the country since 2004. Their teacup King Charles Spaniels are ensured to be healthy and well-socialized and come with a health guarantee.
Although some sites only feature Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders, interested buyers are still encouraged to inquire about the availability of teacup Cavaliers by contacting them via email or phone.
Aside from purchasing from reputable breeders, adopting from your local shelter or rescue organization is another good option when deciding to get a teacup Cavalier.
Listed below are a few sources where you may find teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels up for adoption:
- Cavalier Rescue USA – Cavalier Rescue USA is the longest-standing rescue organization for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They have foster homes in several locations across the country. Most of their Cavaliers are adults and seniors who are looking for permanent and loving homes.
- American King Charles Spaniel Rescue Trust (AKCSRT) – The AKCSRT is the rescue site for the American King Charles Spaniel Club (AKCSC) Cavalier parent organization. They help in placing neglected or abused Cavaliers in better homes. Individuals or families with experience in caring for dogs are most likely to get approved in the adoption process.
- The Cavalier Rescue – The Cavalier Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, reuniting, and rehoming Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They also promote education focused on Cavalier health, reputable breeding, and puppy mill awareness.
Buyers must always practice utmost caution when selecting a breeder online. Conducting thorough research on the selected breeder’s background, facility, and methods is highly recommended.
Beware of online scammers who feature prices that are extremely low and too good to be true.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Teacup King Charles Spaniels Good Family Dogs?
Generally, teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make wonderful pets and companions. They are affectionate, loving, and sweet dogs who adore spending all their time with their owners and family.
On the other hand, owning a teacup Cavalier is a big full-time responsibility. Although they are great pets, they are most suitable for individuals or families who are fully capable of providing their special needs.
Do Teacup King Charles Spaniels Shed?
Similar to the standard Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, teacup Cavaliers tend to have moderate to high levels of shedding depending on the season and weather throughout the year.
Since they may have long wavy coats, daily brushing and regular grooming are highly recommended to keep their coats healthy, soft, and tangle-free. The use of organic and chemical-free bath products is also encouraged.
Are Teacup King Charles Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
Generally, it is nearly impossible to find a 100% hypoallergenic dog breed. Some dogs may have coats with more manageable allergens levels than others.
Since teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have medium to long coats that tend to have moderate to heavy levels of shedding throughout the year, they are not hypoallergenic.
Final Thoughts
Aside from their extremely adorable appearance, there are many other reasons why teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make wonderful companions.
Despite their small bodies, they pack big hearts and personalities. They are very loving, high-spirited, and affectionate pups who enjoy bonding closely with their owners and family.
Although teacup Cavaliers are such endearing companions, owning this kind of pup is a big and full-time responsibility. Since they may be prone to health risks, they are most suitable for dedicated, caring, and loving owners.
If you own a mini Cavalier, we’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below! All questions regarding the teacup King Charles Spaniel are also welcome.
