Cava-Tzu Breed Information
Description: The Cava-Tzu is a designer breed, mixed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. These dogs are toy-sized with small round faces, oval-shaped dark eyes and alert expressions with flopped down ears.
Type: Designer
Height: 9-18 in.
Weight: 10-16 lbs.
Colors: The Cava-Tzu have a variety of colors including black, brown, white, tan and ruby.
Coat: The coat of a Cava-Tzu is best described as dense and medium length.
Temperament: Cava-Tzu are the companion dogs that know how to take a break from being enthusiastic all the time. While they love to play with younger members of the family and are always down for a game of fetch with their owner, this breed is just as comfortable lounging on the couch and cuddling. They are friendly, very social and comfortable in almost all environments indoor and outdoor. With Children: This breed is a hit with kids due to its affectionate nature and willingness to play games. They are very gentle and patient with young ones. With Pets: Cava-Tzu is friendly and laid back with other pets, especially other dogs. They are open to meeting all strangers and treating them with kindness.
Watch-dog: Cava-Tzu is known for being a quiet breed, which is not a desirable trait in a watch dog.
Guard-dog: Cava-Tzu dogs are better companions than guard dogs due to their petite size.
Care and Training: Cava-Tzu dogs should be brushed ttwo to three times a week to prevent tangles and bathed with hypoallergenic shampoo because they have sensitive skin. Their ears should be checked regularly for buildup and their nails should be trimmed monthly to prevent overgrowth. Cava-Tzu dogs should be taken on daily walks or jogs to avoid boredom and improve their mental health. Since they are an intelligent breed, Cava-Tzu excel in training and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience: High. Cava-Tzu are known to be cooperative with training. Problem Solving: High.
Activity: Moderate. While this breed loves to play, they don’t need an extensive amount of exercise to keep in shape.
Living Environment: Cava-Tzu dogs thriving equally in an apartment and house and won’t make an issue if they are left alone for long periods of time.
Health Issues: Health concerns for Cava-Tzu dogs are mitral valve disease, blocking blood flow to the heart and Syringomyelia, a condition characterized by a fluid-filled cavity or cyst known as a syrinx that forms within the spinal cord.
Life Span: 10-15 years.
Litter Size: 1-6 puppies.
Country of Origin: United States
History: The Cava-Tzu is a designer breed, mixed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. This designer breed originated in the United States and became mainstreamed in the 2000’s. The Shih Tzu breed – meaning “little lion dog: — dates back to ancient Tibet and China. Shih Tzus have always been companion-sized lap dogs and favored for their loving ways. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed has a similar history in Britain. The breed was named after King Charles I of Britain who ruled in the 1600s and favored the breed for their gentle nature.
First Registered by the AKC: The Cava Tzu breed is not recognized by the AKC.
Class: Designer
Registries: Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America (DRA) and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
