Teacup Cavapoo – The Controversy Over Miniature Cavoodle
The teacup cavapoo is a delightful and inquisitive cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Its charm has captured the affection of many dog lovers worldwide.
This pocket-sized creature has its own needs and demands; a concerning point is that its eye health requires extra care, as it is prone to eye infections, necessitating more caution than other breeds.
This very beautiful and lightweight creature that melts many hearts, if not cleaned properly or groomed regularly, will not have a long lifespan.
If you have this Poodle mix and want information about its care and grooming, I have over ten years of experience in the field and extensive knowledge about its health. If you want to benefit from my expertise, read the full article, and you will find answers to many of your questions without looking further.
What is teacup cavapoo
A teacup mini cavapoo is a miniature cavapoo bred to be exceptionally tiny. Most teacup cavoodles max out at 4-7 pounds compared to the typical cavapoo size of 10-20 pounds.
Teacup cavadoodles are produced by selectively breeding the smallest poodles and Cavalier King Charles spaniels over several generations. The goal is to shrink the cavapoo to a “purse size” dog.
Teacup Cavapoo Size
Teacup cavoodles are usually categorized as:
- Micro teacup – 2-4 pounds
- Teacup – 4-7 pounds
- Mini – 13-20 pounds
However, there are no official breed standards for teacup dogs. Unscrupulous breeders may exploit these arbitrary size labels to charge premium pricing for undersized, unhealthy puppies.
Teacup Full-Grown Cavapoo Puppies Size and Weight
Most teacup cavoodle stand under 10 inches tall and weigh between 4-7 pounds at their full adult size.
Factors like nutrition, exercise levels, and genetics can affect their size. Some teacup bloodlines mature smaller than others.
Any full-grown cavapoo over 10 pounds is not considered a true teacup. False advertising by disreputable breeders accounts for many mismatches.
Teacup Cavapoo colors
Teacup Cavadoodles display a lovely spread of hues, including the following:
- Single Tint Varieties: Off-white, jet black, snowy white, golden, and ruby.
- Combined Tones: The Blenheim design (a blend of deep brown and pristine white), three distinct shades (pitch black, pure white, and light brown), sandy mixes, and even mottled multicolor.
Teacup Cavapoo Dog Temperament
Despite their petite size, teacup cavoodles have all the personality of a regular cavapoo. They are playful, energetic, affectionate, and highly social.
However, poor breeding may make these toy cavapoos more prone to behavioral issues like separation anxiety, fearfulness, and snapping. Extensive socialization is essential.
Their tiny stature also makes them fragile. Teacup cavadoodles are easily injured and should be supervised around children. They are better suited for adult-only homes.
Health Concerns for Cavapoos Teacup
Breeding cavapoos down to teacup sizes raises many health concerns, including:
- Heart defects
- Collapsing trachea
- Fragile bones prone to fractures
- Luxating patellas
- Hydrocephalus
- Hypoglycemia
- Dental overcrowding
Reputable breeders will not intentionally produce teacup dogs due to the high risk of genetic disorders. Only disreputable breeders seek tiny stature over health.
Cavapoo Teacup Lifespan
A healthy cavapoo can live, on average, 10-15 years with proper care. However, teacup cavoodles often have a life expectancy of 9-12 years.
Their many health issues, combined with their delicate size, result in a shortened lifespan. It is common for teacup dogs to pass away in their youth due to avoidable genetic conditions.
Finding a Teacup Cavapoo Breeder
Seeking out a specially-sized teacup cavoodle is strongly discouraged. No ethical breeder will intentionally produce unhealthy teacup dogs.
Insist on health testing for both parent dogs. Cavapoos that happen to be on the smaller side are acceptable, but exaggerating tiny size leads to suffering.
Avoid any breeder marketing “micro”, “toy”, or “tiny teacup” cavapoos. Report them to animal control to prevent further unethical breeding.
Adopt don’t shop to provide a loving home to a cavapoo in need instead of supporting bad breeders who exploit dogs for profit.
Caring for a Teacup Cava doodles
If you have already adopted a teacup mini cavapoo, extra precautions are needed:
- Use indoor potty pads to avoid outdoor risks
- Feed small, frequent meals to prevent hypoglycemia
- Use a carrier bag or stroller outside for safety
- Avoid young children and big dogs that could injure them
- Handle gently and never leave unattended on furniture or stairs
Monitor their health closely and budget for likely high vet bills. Providing the best care possible can prolong a teacup’s lifespan.
Teacup Cavadoodles Cost
Disreputable breeders charge exorbitant prices for teacup and micro cavapoos, from $15,00 to over $4,000!
Never pay premium pricing for a dog based solely on undersized stature. Toy puppies with health issues are common.
For a healthy, well-bred cavapoo, expect to pay $1,200 to $3,000. Size should be a minor factor compared to health and temperament.
Wrapping it Up
Promoting teacup dog breeds is considered highly unethical due to health risks. Legitimate AKC breeders oppose breeding for extremely small size.
Yet teacup puppies remain popular “handbag” dogs. Misleading marketing exploits teacup obsession for profit despite resulting suffering.
Stick to responsible cavapoo breeders focused on health and avoid promoting teacup sizes. Toy dogs can still lead full, happy lives when bred properly.
While teacup cavadoodles may look cute online, their cuteness comes at the cost of extensive health issues. Focus your search on finding a healthy, cherished companion instead of supporting unscrupulous teacup breeding.
