This article is about the teacup cavalier king charles spaniel phenomenon. Here I explain what it actually is, how the teacup size is achieved, the health problems they have, and I point out the problematic and unethical side of this variation of cavaliers. I can’t tell people what kinds of dogs they can or can not purchase but I hope this blog post gives you a realistic and factual look at the teacup cavaliers.
As a breeder, I write about all things related to cavalier king charles spaniels. The colors, the health, the temperament, etc. I talk more about controversial topics on Cavalcadia’s Instagram stories but hey, it’s 2024 I can’t help myself! It’s time to bring the topics here as well.
What Is a Teacup Cavalier?
The teacup cavalier is a miniature version of the standard cavalier king charles spaniel, a breed well-known for its affectionate nature, graceful appearance, and unfortunately, various health problems.
The trend of owning a small dog like a chihuahua has been booming since the early 2000s thanks to Paris Hilton. Some people wanted to take advantage of this high demand for very small dogs and started breeding teacup dogs, aka mini versions of already existing breeds.
The term “teacup” in “teacup cavalier” is metaphorically used to convey the dog’s tiny size, suggesting that it is small enough to fit into a teacup, emphasizing its miniature stature within the context of the breed.
The term “teacup” in “teacup cavalier” is metaphorically used to convey the dog’s tiny size, suggesting that it is small enough to fit into a teacup, emphasizing its miniature stature within the context of the breed.
A full-grown cavalier typically weighs between 13 and 18 pounds (6-10kg) and stands about 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. A cavalier is already considered to be a small dog but for some people, it wasn’t enough. They wanted a dog, that could be carried around in a purse.
Unethical Breeding Practices
While small-sized dogs have been around for a long time and can be perfectly healthy, the deliberate creation of teacup varieties underscores the ethical problems associated with breeding dogs for aesthetics and profit, often at the expense of the dogs’ health and welfare.
The popularity of teacup cavaliers can encourage negligent breeding practices where the cavaliers’ welfare is secondary to profit. This can support irresponsible greeders who do not adhere to ethical breeding standards and may neglect the dogs.
The fashion of breeding teacup cavaliers places a higher value on the dog’s looks rather than its well-being, which ethically contrasts with the principle of treating animals humanely and concerning their natural needs.
To achieve the tiny size, greeders may use runts of the litter or introduce dwarfism genes. Breeding from runts can carry a risk of passing on the weakest genetic traits while encouraging genetic conditions like dwarfism can result in dogs that suffer from a lifetime of health complications.
If the puppy business has back-up social media pages! This means the business knows they operate unethically, they get regularly reported by other users and they are prepared to get their main page suspended.
If the puppy business has back-up social media pages! This means the business knows they operate unethically, they get regularly reported by other users and they are prepaired to get their main page suspended.
The Problem with Choosing a Runt of the Litter
Greeders and puppy mills may use their runts of the litter to achieve the tiny size. A “runt of the litter” is a term used to describe the smallest and often weakest member of a litter of dogs, which can be a result of prenatal development issues.
These runts can also be smaller due to less developed bodily systems, inadequate nutrition, or other developmental challenges faced in utero or shortly after birth.
In other words, runts are exactly the opposite of what a reputable breeder would use in their breeding program. Breeders are looking for vitality, strong healthy puppies that grow up without complications and display the wanted characteristics in health and temperament.
To produce a teacup dog, the bad operators will use the weakest, smallest, and sickliest individuals and pass along those genes to create a litter of even tinier dogs. This sort of selective breeding is not sustainable or ethical.
The Problem with Dwarfism Genes on Dogs
Dwarfism in dogs is a genetic condition leading to abnormally small size and disproportionate body proportions. Causes include genetic mutations and hormonal imbalances.
Cavalier king charles spaniels do not carry genes specific for dwarfism. There are two main types of dwarfism in dogs: proportionate (uniformly small) and disproportionate (short limbs).
Some breeds, like dachshunds and corgis, have been selectively bred over generations to express these types of dwarfism genes, giving them their characteristic short, stocky limbs.
For cavaliers, the downsizing to create teacup sizes is not due to naturally occurring dwarfism genes but rather through selective breeding techniques such as crossbreeding with a breed like a dachshund.
It’s important to note that, while cavaliers aren’t genetically predisposed to dwarfism, they do have a predisposition for other health issues, and the practice of creating teacup cavaliers can exacerbate these issues.
Ethical breeding focuses on the health and welfare of the animals rather than achieving extremely small sizes at the expense of the dogs’ well-being!
Breeding for Size vs. Health
Teacup cavaliers are bred to be smaller than what is natural for their species, which can lead to a host of health problems. Breeding teacup dogs is often considered unethical for several reasons related to both the health and welfare of the dogs.
Teacup breeds in general typically have a shorter lifespan than their appropriately sized counterparts. This is a direct result of the strain their tiny bodies are under.
These dogs are more prone to congenital disorders, including heart defects, respiratory problems, eye disorders, and dental issues due to the structure of their skulls.
Because their bones are so small and fragile, they have a higher risk of fractures. Also due to their size, teacup dogs can suffer from a decreased quality of life. They are more vulnerable to injuries from falls or interactions with larger animals.
Prospective buyers should exercise caution when considering a “teacup” cavalier, as the extreme breeding practices necessary to achieve such a small size may lead to a lifetime of health problems and vet visits.
I have to remind readers that cavaliers already suffer from various hereditary health problems so adding extremely small size to the list is just plain human selfishness and ignorance.
Misleading Marketing of Teacup Dogs
I’ve already explained how teacup dogs are bred to profit from the demand for small dogs. To sell the said dogs, puppy mill businesses need clever words and promises to market efficiently.
Consumer Deception
These types of puppy mill businesses will give customers a one-year health guarantee. The reality is, that the effects of bad breeding often occur when the dog gets closer to 5 years of age.
A one-year-old dog is still very young and therefore disorders in skeletal development like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are often missed. The aggressive heart problems will show signs most likely between the years of 2-5. Giving a one-year guarantee is a seemingly legit way to promise puppy buyers sweet nothings.
Financial Considerations of Owning a Teacup Cavalier
Owning any dog comes with financial responsibilities, but teacup dogs can present particularly challenging costs, stretching from the ridiculously high purchase price to ongoing healthcare needs.
Buyers may not be fully informed about the potential health and financial costs associated with caring for such a delicate animal.
Initial Purchase Costs
It is not a consequence that these teacup dogs typically cost more, often double the price of a registered pedigree dog (5k-6k€). The business will justify high prices with all sorts of excuses like lineage, rare color, or around-the-clock care but these are not reasons to waste that much money.
No breed has a variation known as the ‘teacup’ —greeders use this term to describe extremely small dogs and persuade buyers to think they are purchasing a unique or exclusive variation of a certain breed.
The term ‘teacup’ isn’t officially recognized by any legitimate dog breed organization or Kennel Club.
Veterinary Expenses
The tiny stature of teacup dogs is unfortunately accompanied by a plethora of potential health issues, as discussed previously in this article. Veterinary expenses for teacup dogs can be considerable due to:
- Fragile Health: Teacup dogs are prone to congenital disorders and complications due to their small size. Regular check-ups and emergency health scares can result in costly vet bills.
- Specialized Care: Given their delicate nature, they may require special attention from veterinarians who specialize in toy or small-breed dogs.
- Dental Problems: With their tiny mouths, teacup dogs often face dental issues that require professional cleaning and sometimes surgery.
Behavioral Challenges in Teacup-Sized Dogs
Here’s a list of behavioral challenges commonly observed in teacup-sized dogs:
- Heightened vulnerability to fear and anxiety due to their small size
- Increased tendency towards defensive reactions in perceived threatening situations
- Greater likelihood of displaying territorial behavior to compensate for their physical limitations
- Heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli, leading to issues such as excessive barking or nervousness
- Potential difficulty in socialization due to their fragile nature and fearfulness
- Higher risk of developing separation anxiety when left alone due to their strong attachment to their owners
- Increased susceptibility to injury or harm in interactions with larger animals or rough play
- Potential for behavioral issues stemming from overprotective behavior toward their owners
- Greater dependence on their owners for reassurance and guidance
Anxiety and Temperament
Teacup dogs often exhibit increased levels of anxiety and nervousness, which can be attributed to their fragile physiology and often overprotective owners.
Being so small, teacup cavaliers are inherently more vulnerable to the world around them, and this vulnerability can translate into anxious behaviors. Furthermore, owners may unintentionally reinforce these behaviors by coddling the dog too much in an attempt to protect it from harm.
Conclusion
The popularity of teacup cavalier king charles spaniels is a concerning trend that plays into the human desire for novelty, often at the expense of the dogs’ health and wellbeing. While these miniature companions may be enticing due to their cute and convenient size, the potential price paid is not merely financial.
As explained throughout this article, the breeding practices employed to create teacup cavaliers are not only ethically questionable but also impose numerous health risks on these dogs. From the exploitation of runts to the use of dwarfism genes from other breeds, the path to creating a teacup cavalier is fraught with moral and medical pitfalls.
Prospective owners must be diligent in their research and consider the long-term implications of supporting businesses that prioritize aesthetics over the robustness of the breed. The cavalier king charles spaniels, prized for their affectionate nature and companionship, deserve breeding practices that uphold their health and dignity.
