By Avatar photoShiloh Nevada Last updated: 18th October 2022

Cava-Tzu

By

Avatar photo Shiloh Nevada
Last updated: 18th October 2022

The Cava-Tzu dog is a breed that was produced by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shih-Tzu dogs. These are dogs that have a moderate to dense coat and with a look very similar to the shih-tzu. Known for their funny attitude and cute looks, the small-sized cava tzu has a round face, round, dark, button-like eyes, a black, glossy nose, and with a pair of ears hanging loose almost reaching their neck. They retain their cute, teddy-look even at old age. Being a loyal, affectionate dog, they make a wonderful companion, a great foot-warmer, and an entertaining family dog.

Cava-Tzu Dog Pictures

Quick Information

Also known asCavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih-Tzu Mix
CoatThick, medium, medium, fine
ColorsBlack, brown, white, tan, ruby, Blenheim, bi- or tricolor
TypeToy dog, Companion dog
Group (of Breed)Crossbreed
Life Span/Expectancy10 to 15 years
Weight10 – 16 pounds
Height (size)Small; 9 – 18 inches (for full grown male and female)
Personality / Characteristic TraitsIntelligent, loving, independent, quiet, social, loyal, playful
Good with ChildrenYes
Good with PetsYes
SheddingAverage
BarkingRare
HypoallergenicYes
Country of OriginUSA
Competitive Registration/ Qualification InformationACHC, DBR, DRA, IDCR, DDKC

Video: Cava-Tzu Puppy Playing


Temperament and Behavior

The cava-tzu is a very people-oriented, modest and loving dog that would always be willing to please you just for the sake of your love and attention. They are playful and enjoy spending time with kids. They are equally good with children, other pets and are also comfortable with strangers, and can get along well with almost everyone, in general, and are even fit for apartments.

They love to have fun, and are vivacious, bubbly and jolly, and especially enjoy playing ball games. These dogs are basically an athletic breed and would chase anything that you would throw for them, and are good jumpers. These little ones would cherish the company of all its family members, but they would especially feel happy when they are among active people. They are very good jumpers. For this reason, do keep an eye on them when they are playing with very young children, since they would normally start to jump when excited.

Cava Tzus are trusting and companionable, and would make good companions especially to elderly people or those who are living alone, or have a small family. However, these dogs get tired easily, and both the puppies and the adults love to take rest and sleep for hours soon after playing or any physical activities.

Care

Exercise

Considering its energetic nature versus small size, we can infer that the cava-tzu needs only a little amount of daily exercise because most of its need for regular exercise is met with their playfulness and other indoor games all day. But do take them out for a walk or jog, because, without this, your dog might get bored and will start spending time sleeping idly for hours, or else would easily get restless. This might very easily lead to developing destructive behaviors.

Also, let your dog play without a leash for some time every day. This should work best if you have a safe, enclosed space yourself for it to run around and play, or may be in some dog park. You can also take part in playing with your dog. After all, your dog loves your company, especially if it finds you energetic.

Grooming

This canid doesn’t require much maintenance. Shih Tzu breed dogs have what is called a double coat. Brushing their coat at least twice a week sounds fair enough. But if you would skip brushing it for a long time, their long, flowing and smooth hair would tend to get small knots. If these shedded hairs are left unattended, they tend to pull on your pet’s skin, causing unhappiness due to discomfort and pain.

You must also trim their hair once in 2 or 3 months. If you think you are not an expert in trimming, professional hands are recommended. Bathe them fortnightly using a hypoallergenic shampoo, since your pet has a very sensitive skin. Remember, a good grooming has no alternative, and only a hygienic, well-groomed skin and coat would keep your dog healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Health Problems

Just like most crossbreeds are not vulnerable to breed-specific dog diseases and ailments because of their large gene pool, the cavatzu too is no exception. However, they are not immune to generic diseases common to all breeds of dogs viz. dysplasia, allergies, periodontal diseases, etc. Genetic disorders too can’t be ruled out. Before adoption, get thorough information about its parents’ health history from your breeder. Do not also skip taking them to the vet from time to time for routine checkups.

Training

The cava-tzus are born intelligent, and it wouldn’t take much effort for you to teach them new things. However, begin your training sessions right from the time when the puppies are adopted and brought home from the breeders or rescues. Normal puppy training like potty training (housebreaking), crate training, obedience training, etc. must be considered first. Because, at times, they display highly energetic behaviors, teach your little dog them to mingle and socialize with other pets, your neighbors and children.

Praise your puppy, give them treats, whenever it shows sign of success during training. Never be rude or scold it unnecessarily. It is always advisable to begin everyday training with all patience. However, you should be a firm trainer, especially when it comes to teaching your puppy of hierarchy, or who the real leader of its doggie team is. Alternately, you can always hire or consult professional trainers if you would like.

Diet/Feeding

Because the size (height and weight) of these dogs is mostly the same as their shitzu parents, you can opt for the same diet-routine and quantity of food as the shihtzus would need. But stick to high-quality food that would provide you pet with the apt level of nutrition, especially during its growing years.

38 responses to “Cava-Tzu”

  1. April Young says:

    My Norma Jean is this breed. We love her so much. She’s amazingly intelligent and she’s actually my service dog for my panic attack disorder. She’s great with the kids, basically the most perfect dog I have ever had. She’s my best friend. She recently got a Mat in her hair and she will not let me cut it out, I can’t even go near her with the scissors she’ll Yelp. Any advice would be great!

  2. Phyllis Ciecko says:

    I am looking for a “mama” cava-tzu. I am a senior and and have had a shit tzu for 11 years who recently died because of heart problems. I do not intend to breed or show her. I am a senior and am looking for companionship. I can give a “mama” a good retirement life with lots of love. I live in Naples, Florida.

    If you have already heard from me, I am still looking.

  3. Rose & Ron Brown says:

    I received your notice when inquiring about a puppy. We are a recently retired couple who are looking for a puppy to join our happy home. We live in Alberta, Canada.
    I have a feeling these pups are sold as they were born in January. Do you expect another litter soon? Where do you live?
    Thank you!

  4. Rose & Ron Brown says:

    We are a recently retired couple who are looking for a puppy to complete our happy home. We have had Bichon Shih Tzu cross pets before and loved them dearly. We live in Alberta, Canada and would like to know if there are any of these breeds available to rehome.
    Thank you!

  5. Brandi says:

    I purchased a Cava Tzu puppy back in June. I just love her..she looks very much the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the longer ears and shorter coat..her eyes and mouth she took from the Shih Tzu…makes a very cute combo!

  6. Stuart Lerner says:

    I am looking for a cava-tzu, 2 years old. My Shih -Tzu died 4 weeks ago and I must have another dog, to help me recover from my grief.

  7. Sophie says:

    I am looking for one of them, let me know if you have any available 🙂

  8. Jeffrey Tse says:

    Hi, we are looking for a Cava-Tzu puppy for your children in the Los Angeles area. Please let me know if you have one for sale. Thanks!

  9. Benjamin says:

    Hello everyone I had a cava tzu for 14 years and he passed away it was so hard for our whole family. We are looking for a 6-9 month old puppy with shy and temperate nature. please contact me if you have any leads. Thank you very much.

  10. Allen Beck says:

    I am looking for a male Cava Tzu puppy. 8-12 week old please! Any leads would be appreciated.

  11. Anne says:

    I am looking for a puppy

  12. Evelyn says:

    I’m looking for a Cava-Tzu. I live in Collegeville, Pa. can you recommend a breeder near me.

    • robin says:

      I have a friend looking to get rid of hers he is 6 yrs old.

      • Phyllis Ciecko says:

        I lost my Shit Tzu when she was the age of 11 years from congestive heart failure 3 years ago. She was so smart and cheerful. I felt she couldn’t be replaced. I now feel that I am again ready to fall in love. I am a senior myself and would like to find an adult dog who has possibly lost her owner and is looking for love and companionship as well as a friend to take walks with.

        I live in a condo so a non barker is a must. A small dog (around 11 lbs) would be best as my husband and I like to travel and we would need to carry her at times as she would travel with us. A dog who enjoys car travel would be great too.

        If you are a breeder who is looking to replace your momma dog in favor of a younger female, I can offer her a happy retirement. I am looking for either a small Shit Tzu or King Charles or a combination of the two. A social dog with people as well as other doggies is a must as we would meet many nice people and dogs on our walks.
        I live in Naples,Florida.

  13. Josie says:

    I have a cava tzu but he doesn’t lie other dogs or small children, so train from as young as possible. Mine was 4 Wen I had him so hard to train him now. I don’t know what happened to him before I had him but he is very nervous around dogs and children. He is amazing in every other way though, and so loving.

  14. Peggy woodring says:

    Looking for one of these puppies

    • Barbara Johnson says:

      I have 2 litters right now one 75% cavalier 25% shihtzu and the other litter is 50/50 cross ..

      • Sandy Glueck says:

        I would love to know more about ur puppies. I just lost my shitzu that I had for 14 yrs 9 months. Can u send me pics. Please.

      • Marla says:

        Where are you located? Do you have any still available?

      • Benjamin says:

        Hello there do you still have some available?
        Can you tell me more?

      • Sandra Fondino says:

        Hi Barbara, My husband & I had our dog, Cooper, for 11 years and he passed away.
        We have waited for 2 years and are seriously considering getting a puppy. I know you probably dont have any CavaTzu’s now, but could you let us know when you will have another litter. We would like a female and if you lived within driving range, we’d like to visit to see them. My email is sandifondino@gmail.com. Thank you, Sandi & Joe Fondino

    • Barb says:

      We have 2 litters of the most amazing puppies

  15. Marie Blackmer says:

    We are looking for a breeder in or near Columbus Ohio for Cava-Tzu. Would you send to us information on breeders? Thank you.

  16. Marie Blackmer says:

    We are looking for a breeder in or near Columbus Ohio for

  17. Marie Blackmer says:

    I would like to know when puppies would be available of this mix in Ohio?

  18. DIANNA GOULD says:

    PLEASE SEND ME A NUMBER I CAN REACH YOU AT?>

  19. DIANNA GOULD says:

    please send me pictures and where I can purchase this little dog – I am so lost without her.

  20. Craig says:

    I live in the Twin Cities and am looking for a Cava-Tzu puppy for a cousin that lives 230 miles from here. Is there anyone near/in the Cities that has a puppy? Would like their email or phone number or website.

  21. Andrew Bousfield says:

    Hi I am the proud owner of two Cava-Tzu pups and would love to share their unique photos on this platform as my pups have taken on the characteristics of each parent creating a unique litter. With brother and sister totally different. One is more Cav and the other more Tzu.

    Let me know if of interest.

    • Candy says:

      I have only had a Shih Tzu that I had for 14 years minus 1 month and had to put him down. I truly was heartbroken but now am ready to get another dog. My groomer recommended a Cava-Tzu. I would be interested in some pics.

    • DIANNA GOULD says:

      Where CAN i FIND ONE OF THESE BEAUTIUL DOGS – i JUST LOST MINE TO KIDNEY FAILURE, AND AM SO LOST SHE WAS 14 1/2 SHE WAS BORN DEFORMED with clep lip and soft pallet, they told me she wouldnt live a year but she fooled them. She was my best friend eer she was my baby girl. I so need to find one that looks like her. cAN i SSEND YOU a picture of her so I can get one that looks like her. Pleaase let me know

      • Hope says:

        I have one and looking for another puppy. I only able to find in Pennsylvania??? I live in Florida but willing to go to near by states.

    • Mercedes T. Smith says:

      We have a male and female CavaTzu. They are siblings from 2 different litters. I adore my dogs!

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