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Are you looking to adopt a small dog? It can be challenging to choose between small dog breeds, especially if you have a couple of favorite breeds! But what if you could put your favorite dog breeds into one dog?
If you love Shih Tzus and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, we’ve got good news for you! You can have these dogs in one dog, the Cavatzu!
We’ve put together some information about the Cavatzu to help you decide if this is the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is a Cavatzu?
The Cavatzu is a hybrid dog breed that’s a cross between a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a purebred Shih Tzu. These dogs are small and adorable. But we don’t have much information about the history of this hybrid dog breed. However, we can learn something about these dogs by taking a quick look at both purebred parents.
Quick Overview of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog breed that was first developed about 100 years ago. They were originally bred in the UK to be companion dogs. They were often favored by royal and noble families, including by Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, and others.
These small dogs are beautiful and always seem to be wagging their tails! These dogs have large, soulful eyes that are very appealing to humans. And they love to be with their humans constantly.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is an intelligent dog that does well with training. They do best with the positive reinforcement training method.
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Ask a Vet Live NowThe Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient dog breed that originally comes from Tibet and China. The dogs have been traced back in history to as long ago as 8,000 BC! These dogs were also bred to be companions to their pet parents. These dogs are known for their long, flowing, silky hair. Their hair requires daily brushing to keep it from matting.
The dogs are also friendly, lively, and loyal to their families. These dogs also make friendly companions and usually love kids; however, they do best with older kids who have been taught how to treat dogs properly.
With parents like these, how could a Cavatzu go wrong?
The Cavatzu usually stands between 9 to 18 inches tall and weighs between 10 to 16 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The Cavatzu is not a recognized dog breed because it is a hybrid dog breed.
Cavatzu Appearance
The appearance of the Cavatzu may vary; however, these are small dogs that usually come in black, brown, white, tan, or ruby. They tend to have fine coats that are medium-thick and silky.
The dogs also have small, round faces with oval-shaped eyes that are quite soulful, with an alert appearance. Their ears tend to hang down, and the dogs have tails that curl over the back.
Cavatzu Temperament
The Cavatzu is intelligent; however, they’re not as intelligent as Poodles or Border Collies. So, you won’t have to worry about your dog outsmarting you or trying to find ways to escape the yard and more. These small dogs love to please.
What’s more, the Cavatzu also learns easily and quickly. They also tend to be very obedient little dogs.
Do Cavatzus Make Great Family Companions?
The Cavatzu makes a wonderful family companion! The dogs are also good with kids and have the energy to keep up with them.
On the other hand, these hybrid dogs are also great companions for seniors. The dogs are highly affectionate and active but not too overwhelming. They also love to snuggle up with their pet parents.
Do Cavatzus Get Along with Other Pets?
These dogs usually get along well with other pets! They love to play and will play with anyone who happens to be there. So, if you have another dog, cats, or other small pets, these dogs will make great companions for them, too.
Cavatzu Food Requirements
The Cavatzu won’t eat up your budget as larger dogs do. They only need about 1 cup of kibble (or less) a day. The amount of dog food depends on the dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
Cavatzu Exercise Requirements
These small dogs are active; however, they aren’t as active as a Labrador or other active dog breeds. Catatzus love taking moderate walks and need about 30 to 40 minutes of exercise each day.
While the dogs can tolerate the cold somewhat, they don’t do well in the heat. And these dogs enjoy training and obedience classes, which can also take up some of their daily exercise requirements.
Cavatzu Training
Training the Cavatzu is pretty easy as the dogs are eager to please. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods that include plenty of praise and snacks. However, be sure to go easy on the snacks, as these small dogs can easily gain weight.
Grooming
Fortunately, the Catatzu doesn’t shed too much; however, they are not hypoallergenic dogs (there is no such thing). The dogs should be brushed at least once a week to keep their fur from matting.
What’s more, these small dogs only need a bath when they’re dirty. Some pet parents do take their Cavatzus to the groomer for a haircut once in a while. Otherwise, the dogs are fairly easy to groom.
Common Health Problems in the Cavatzu
Like other hybrid dog breeds, the Cavatzu can develop certain health conditions, including:
- Mitral valve disease
- Syringomyelia
- Reverse sneezing
- Ear infections
- Dental problems
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Brachycephalic syndrome
Cavatzu Recognized Clubs
While the Cavatzu is not recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), this hybrid dog breed is recognized by the following:
- Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
- American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
- Dog Registry of America (DRA)
- International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! The Cavatzu is an adorable small dog that can resemble either their Charles Cavalier King Spaniel or Shih Tzu parent. The dogs are sweet-natured and tend to love their families and get along with kids and other pets.
We’re pretty sure if you adopt one of these adorable dogs, you’ll have a loving companion for years to come!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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