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Teacup King Charles Cavalier Spaniel: Do They Exist?

Teacup King Charles Cavalier Spaniels are Cavaliers that weigh below 5 pounds (2.25 kilograms). They are the result of breeding small Cavaliers or cross-breeding Cavaliers with teacup breeds, such as Chihuahuas.

Teacup dogs are the smallest type of dogs. But not all dogs can reach this size.

So, do teacup King Charles Cavalier Spaniels exist? And how does it happen?

This article discusses the ethics behind teacup Cavaliers and the health issues that can come along the way.

You will learn about the Cavalier cross breeds that make the best teacup Cavaliers, as well as their appearance, intelligence, temperament, and health issues.

What are teacup King Charles Cavalier Spaniels?

Teacup King Charles Cavalier Spaniels are Cavalier Spaniels who are considerably smaller than their standard size. Full-grown teacup King Charles Spaniels weigh less than 5 pounds (2.25 kilograms) and are less than 10 inches (25 centimeters) tall.

Teacup dogs are smaller versions of pure breeds. The most famous teacup dog breeds are Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Yorkshires.

The maintenance of teacup Cavaliers is perceived as low. This is mainly due to their size.

Teacup cavaliers are easy to move around because they easily fit in a bag. You can take them with you almost everywhere.

Teacup Cavalier King Charles vs. Mini Cavalier King Charles 

The difference between teacup cavaliers and Mini Cavaliers is their size. 

Teacup Cavaliers weigh less than 5 pounds (2.25 kilograms) and are smaller than 10 inches (25 centimeters) in height. Mini Cavaliers are heavier and taller, but they are still smaller than the standard size for the breed.

Teacup Cavalier King Charles vs. Mini Cavalier King Charles 

How Do You Get King Charles Cavalier Teacup Puppies?

Teacup Cavaliers are the result of breeding small-sized Cavalier or cross-breeding Cavalier with other teacup breeds. 

Breeding Small-Sized Cavaliers

Breeding small Cavalier King Charles is not a common or recommended method to achieve teacup-sized cavaliers.

There is an infinitely small chance of two small cavaliers producing teacup-sized offspring is almost. And when it succeeds, the puppies often suffer from health issues.

Cavaliers that weigh less than 5 pounds usually suffer from canine dwarfism or other health issues that inhibit their growth. It is not considered ethical to breed these Cavaliers. 

Some breeders still do this, despite the health concerns related to this breeding process.[1]

This breeding process can lead to several health issues for the puppies:

  • Seizures
  • Collapsed trachea
  • Heart defects
  • Liver shunts
  • Respiratory issues
  • Digestive problems
  • Blindness
  • Hypoglycemia 
Breeding Small-Sized Cavaliers

Crossbreeding Cavaliers with Teacup Dogs

Crossbreeding Cavaliers with other teacup breeds does not result in teacup Cavaliers after the first breeding. Breeders need to breed the smallest puppies from the first generation, continuing until they get teacup-sized dogs. 

When crossbreeding cavaliers with teacup dogs, the mother is usually a Cavalier, while the father is a teacup breed. 

This process ensures that the weight of the poppies is not too much for the mother during pregnancy and birth.

5 Cavalier Mixes That Result in a Teacup Cavalier

Here are the five most common teacup Cavalier crossbreeds:

  1. Teacup Cavapoos
  2. Chiliers
  3. Cavapoms
  4. King Charles Yorkies
  5. Cavalons

1. Cavalier King Charles Teacup Poodle Mix (Teacup Cavapoo)

Teacup Cavapoos
Image Source

The teacup Cavapoo is the result of crossbreeding Cavaliers with teacup Poodles. They weigh below 5 ponds and measure 9 inches or less in height. Cavapoos are the most popular Cavalier mix because they are hypoallergenic and highly intelligent.

This table lists the main characteristics of Teacup Cavapoos.

TraitTeacup PoodleCavalier SpanielTeacup Cavapoo
Lifespan12 – 14 years9 – 14 years9 – 14 years
Height Below 9 in (22 cm)12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm)Below 9 in (22 cm)
Weight5 lbs (2.27 kg) or less13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg)5 lbs (2.27 kg) or less
Coat TypeSingleSingle Single
Coat TextureCurlyWavy or silkyWavy, curly or silky
Coat ColorApricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, silver, white beige, whiteBlack & tan, black & white, Blenheim, rubyApricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, silver, white beige, white, Black & tan, black & white, ruby
MarkingsYes – black points, black mask white maskYes – tanYes 
Coat Length LongMedium Medium or long
Grooming Difficulty424
Shedding121
Intelligence545

Teacup Cavapoo Appearance

Teacup Cavapoos have large eyebrows and wide floppy ears. Their tiny bodies are athletic but not muscular. They come in a wide variety of colors and have a friendly expression. 

Teacup Cavapoo Intelligence

Teacup Cavapoos are extremely smart. If they get their intelligence from Poodles, they are among the smartest dog breeds. 

In the most popular study[2] on canine intelligence, Poodles rank second among 130 breeds. Cavalier rank 44th but they are still above average. 

Teacup Cavapoo Temperament

Teacup Cavapoos are affectionate and like to spend time with their family members. They are protective towards their owner and sometimes become territorial.

They have a predisposition for separation anxiety[3]  and are not suited for busy people who leave them home alone. 

Cavapoos love to bark to communicate their feelings.

Teacup Cavapoo Health Issues 

The most common health issues of Cavapoos are:

  • Epilepsy
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Luxating patella
  • Cataracts
  • Entropion
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Mitral valve disease

Related: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle Mix

2. Cavalier King Charles Chihuahua Mix (The Chilier)

Cavalier King Charles Chihuahua Mix
Image Source

The Chilier is the result of mixing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chihuahuas. This mix is friendly and adaptable. They don’t like being alone and like to display affection towards their family. Chiliers don’t shed much and are moderate droolers.

This table lists the main characteristics of Chiliers.

TraitChihuahuaCavalier SpanielChilier
Lifespan14 – 16 years9 – 14 years11 – 15 years
Height 5 – 8 in (13 –20 cm )12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm)5 – 13 in (13 – 33 cm)
Weight3 – 6 lbs (1.5 – 3 kg )13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg)3 – 18 lbs (1.5 – 8 kg)
Coat TypeSingle or doubleSingle Single or double
Coat TextureSmooth Wavy or silkySmooth, wavy or silky
Coat ColorBlack, black & tan, blue & tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, fawn & white, redBlack & tan, black & white, Blenheim, rubyBlack, black & tan, blue & tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, fawn & white, red, black & white, ruby
MarkingsYesYes – tanYes 
Coat Length Short or longMedium Short, long, or medium
Grooming Difficulty122
Shedding222
Intelligence243

Chilier Appearance

Chiliers come in different colors, from black and brown to gray and white. They either have short, long, or medium-length hair, depending on the parent they resemble the most. 

Chiliers have a kind and friendly expression. Their round eyes are sometimes prominent. 

Chilier Intelligence

Chiliers are moderately intelligent. If they resemble Cavaliers, they have above-average intelligence.

If Chiliers resemble Chihuahuas, they are not smart. Chihuahuas only understand new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions and obey first commands only 30% of the time. 

In his study, “The Intelligence of Dogs”[2], Stanley Coren places them 67th among 130 breeds in terms of working intelligence and obedience. 

Chilier Temperament

Chiliers are great with children and other dogs, but they have a problem with strangers. They often engage in territorial aggression. 

The mix is adaptable but has a predisposition for separation anxiety. 

They are not well suited for first-time owners because they are sometimes self-willed and stubborn. This is what makes chiliers hard to train.

Chilier Health Issues

The chillier is a healthy mix with a long lifespan. Regular vet checkups are recommended though.

The most common health issues of Chilliers are:

  • Patellar luxation[4]
  • Glaucoma[5]
  • Hip dysplasia

3. Cavalier King Charles Pomeranian Mix (The Cavapom)

Cavalier King Charles Pomeranian Mix
Image Source

The Cavapom is the result of crossbreeding Cavalier Spaniels with Pomeranians. They love to spend time with their owners and are eager to please. They come in different colors, from black and blue to cream and sable.

This table lists the main characteristics of Cavapoms.

TraitPomeranianCavalier SpanielCavapom
Lifespan12 – 16 years9 – 14 years10 – 15 years
Height 6 – 7 in (15 – 18 cm )12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm)6 – 13 in (15 – 33 cm)
Weight3 – 7 lbs (1.5 – 3 kg)13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg)3 – 18 lbs (1.5 – 8 kg)
Coat TypeDouble Single Single or double
Coat TextureSmooth Wavy or silkySmooth, wavy or silky
Coat ColorBlack, blue, tan, orange, red, white, sable, cream, beaver, tri-coloredBlack & tan, black & white, Blenheim, rubyBlack, blue, tan, orange, red, white, sable, cream, beaver, tri-colored, Black & tan, black & white, ruby
MarkingsYesYes – tanYes 
Coat Length Long Medium Long or medium
Grooming Difficulty322
Shedding222
Intelligence444

Cavapom Appearance

Cavapoms have pointy firm ears and almond-shaped eyes. Their expression is warm and kind.

They have medium or long hair which is smooth, wavy, or silky.

Cavapom Intelligence

Cavapoms display above-average intelligence. 

Pomeranians are more intelligent than Cavaliers. They learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions and obey the first command 85% of the time. 

If Cavapoms resemble Cavaliers they are still more intelligent than the majority of dog breeds.

Cavapom Temperament

Cavapoms are highly adaptable. They don’t have a problem with changes in their routine or environment.

They are friendly to strangers but have a problem with other dogs and pets.

This mix is not suited for families who have young children because they are not patient or tolerant.

Cavapoms are not easy to train but make great watchdogs.

Cavapom Health Issues

The most common health issues of Cavapoms are:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Entropion
  • Mitral valve disease
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

4. Cavalier King Charles Yorkshire Terrier Mix (The King Charles Yorkie)

King Charles Yorkie
Image Source

The king Charles Yorkie results from mixing Cavalier Spaniels with Yorkshire Terriers. This mix is energetic and easy to train. They are social dogs who like human company. Some King Charles Yorkies are hypoallergenic because they are minimal shedders. 

This table lists the main characteristics of King Charles Yorkies.

TraitYorkshire TerrierCavalier SpanielKing Charles Yorkie
Lifespan11 – 15 years9 – 14 years10 – 14 years 
Height 7 – 8 in (18 – 20 cm)12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm)7 – 13 in (18 – 33 cm)
Weight2 – 7 lbs (1 – 3 kg )13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg)2 – 18 lbs (1 – 8 kg)
Coat TypeSingleSingle single
Coat TextureSilky, wavy, or woollyWavy or silkySilky, wavy, or woolly
Coat ColorBlack & tan, blue & gold, blue & tan, black & gold Black & tan, black & white, Blenheim, rubyBlack & tan, blue & gold, blue & tan, black & gold, black & white, ruby
MarkingsYesYes – tanYes 
Coat Length Long Medium Long or medium
Grooming Difficulty524
Shedding121
Intelligence444

King Charles Yorkie Appearance

KingCharles Yorkies have a loving expression. They have round friendly eyes.

They are generally double-colored and single-coated. King Charles Yorkies can either have long or medium hair, depending on which parent they resemble. 

King Charles Yorkie Intelligence

This Cavalier mix is smart and need a lot of mental stimulation. 

Yorkshire Terriers are ranked 27th while Cavaliers occupy the 44th position in terms of intelligence according to Stanley Coren.[2]

King Charles Yorkie Temperament

King Charles Yorkies are sweet and affectionate. They are known as velcro dogs. When they see their owners they like to be around them all the time. 

This mix is playful and curious. They need a lot of exercise but are suited for apartment living.

Training them is not always easy but they are not extremely self-willed.

King Charles Yorkie Health Issues

The most common health issues of King Charles Yorkies are:

  • Retinal dysplasia[6]
  • Syringomyelia[7]
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Obesity[8]
  • Diabetes
  • Patellar luxation

5. Cavalier King Charles Papillon Mix (The Cavalon)

Cavalier King Charles Papillon Mix
Image Source

The Cavalon comes from mixing Cavaliers with Papillons. This designer breed is double or tri-colored and has medium-length wavy or silky hair. They are playful and energetic, which makes them suited for active owners.

This table lists the main characteristics of Cavalons.

TraitPapillonCavalier SpanielCavalon
Lifespan14 – 16 years9 – 14 years12 – 15 years
Height 8 – 12 in (20 – 30 cm)12 – 13 in (30 – 33 cm)8 – 33 in (20 – 33 cm)
Weight5 – 10 lbs (2.2 – 4.5 kg)13 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg)5 – 18 lbs (2.2 – 8 kg)
Coat TypeSingle Single single
Coat TextureSilky Wavy, silkyWavy or silky
Coat ColorWhite, black, lemon, liver, red, sable, tri-coloredBlack & tan, black & white, Blenheim, rubyWhite, black, lemon, liver, red, sable, tri-colored, black & tan, black & white, ruby
MarkingsYesYes – tanYes 
Coat Length Medium Medium Medium 
Grooming Difficulty222
Shedding323
Intelligence545

Cavalon Appearance 

Cavalons have a sophisticated appearance and a friendly expression. 

They are single-coated and come in a wide variety of colors, from white to ruby and sable.

Cavalon Intelligence

Cavalons are extremely smart if they resemble Papillons. The papillon is the 4th most intelligent dog in the world[2]

If they resemble Cavaliers, Cavalons are still above-average intelligent.

This mix is relatively easy to train and easily understands what humans want from them.

Cavalon Temperament

Cavalons are easy-going dogs. They are friendly to strangers, dogs, and other pets. 

Their ancestors have been bred for companionship, this is why they lack the aggression gene.

This mix is hyperactive and not suited for sedentary owners.

Cavalon Health Issues

The most common health issues of Cavalons are:

  • Cataracts 
  • Mitral valve disease
  • Neuroaxonal dystrophy[9]
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Patellar luxation
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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