Cavalier and Shih Tzu: Complete Guide to Care and Ownership

Cavaliers require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, but they're not built for long-distance running and can easily overheat.

Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are adaptable to apartment living and require minimal exercise, but they do need daily walks to prevent obesity.

Both breeds are prone to health issues, with Cavaliers being susceptible to mitral valve disease and Shih Tzus at risk for eye problems and respiratory issues.

A balanced diet is crucial for both breeds, with Cavaliers needing a moderate to high-protein diet and Shih Tzus requiring a smaller, more frequent feeding schedule.

Their small size makes them ideal for city living, but they still need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

The Cavalier and Shih Tzu mix, also known as the Cava-Tzu, is a friendly and affectionate breed.

They love being close to their owners, but can be a bit stubborn at times, pretending not to hear commands if they don't want to do something.

Cava-Tzus are great with kids, especially toddlers and babies, and are very patient, even when they get a bit rough.

They're also good with other pets, including cats and dogs, although individual personalities may vary.

These dogs are generally gentle and sociable, getting along well with strangers and not exhibiting aggressive behavior.

They're not excessive barkers, but they do love to play and can be quite playful, especially if you're willing to engage with them.

The Cava Tzu temperament is a wonderful thing. They're known for being friendly, inquisitive, loyal, playful, and sociable, making them great companion pets.

These dogs are very chilled and loving, as seen in Lyla's personality, who is also easy to train and gets along with other dogs and kids.

A Cava Tzu's love for human companionship is unmatched. They'll happily follow you around the house and snuggle up on your lap.

Rolo's parents described him as a lap dog with a bit of sass, but he's also very docile and good with other dogs and kids.

For your interest: Small Lap Dogs Breeds

Cava Tzus are generally good with other pets, including cats and dogs, although individual personalities may vary.

Their sociable nature extends to strangers as well, as they typically do not exhibit aggressive behavior and are not excessive barkers.

Cava Tzus are patient and gentle, making them suitable for families with small kids.

Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that can affect any dog, irrespective of breed or cross breed.

The Cavalier breed is known to suffer from separation anxiety, while the Shih Tzu is another type of dog that appears to have a higher volume of breed members who struggle with this canine disorder.

Some Cava-Tzu could struggle with separation anxiety, but every dog is different and some will be fine, like Lyla who shows no sign of distress when left alone for a short time.

Lyla's owners are lucky to have a support system in place, with her being looked after by her grandmother when they're at work.

Dogs like Bear might experience separation anxiety, as his owners Josh and Tess are starting to notice.

The Cava-Tzu's even temperament makes them a great addition to a multi-pet home. They have enough spunk and courage to play with bigger breeds.

They're also very tolerant of other pets, including family cats. In fact, they'll even make friends with them.

One thing to note is that Cava-Tzus can get a bit mischievous at times, but this is just part of their playful personality. They'll test the boundaries to see how you'll react.

They're also very loving and affectionate, making them a great fit for families with multiple pets. They just want to be close to you and "spread the love".

Caring for a Cavalier and Shih Tzu requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their soft and silky coat.

Brush your Cavalier and Shih Tzu at least twice a week using a slicker brush or a comb designed for long-haired dogs. This will help remove loose hairs and keep their coat looking neat and healthy.

Intriguing read: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih Tzu Mix

Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent ear infections, which can be a problem for dogs with floppy ears like the Cavalier and Shih Tzu.

To keep your dog's nails in check, trim them regularly with a dog nail clipper or grinder, taking care not to cut the quick.

To maintain good oral hygiene, brush your Cavalier and Shih Tzu's teeth regularly using a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste.

Cava-Tzus are small dogs, typically growing to between 9 and 18 inches in height and 10 to 16 pounds in weight.

Their small size makes them easy to pick up, but they're not so small that they won't weigh you down - Rolo, a Cava-Tzu, is the same size as an average Shih Tzu.

To care for a Cava-Tzu, you'll need to stock up on puppy essentials, including a crate, toys, food, bedding, leash, and collar.

A Cava-Tzu's small size also means they're a great fit for apartment living, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Bear, a Cava-Tzu, is already about three quarters of an arm's length at just four months old, so be prepared for some serious snuggling.

Related reading: Shih Tzu Scratching All the Time

A Cava-Tzu's appearance can be quite unique, with a mix of traits from both parent breeds.

Their curly, fluffy ears are a characteristic inherited from the Cavalier breed.

They often take after their Shih Tzu parent in terms of having a notable underbite.

Cava-Tzus can come in a variety of coat colours, including black, brown, white, tan, and ruby.

Their coat texture can be thick and curly, with a silky feel that requires regular grooming.

In fact, Lyla's mom mentions that her Cava-Tzu needs grooming every 8 weeks to keep her coat looking its best.

Their facial structure can be quite adorable, with a small round face like a Shih Tzu, but with floppy ears and a longer body like a King Charles Spaniel.

Additional reading: Shih Tzu Ears

Cava-Tzus will shed a moderate amount, so be prepared to find some dog hair on your clothes, furniture, and floor.

Constant brushing definitely helps with the shedding, as observed with Bear, whose fur gets a layer on the brush but doesn't spread everywhere around the house.

Bear sheds more than a Shih Tzu, but less than a French Bulldog, based on comparisons with previous pets.

His fur is not as straight as a Shih Tzu's, which makes us think he is more of a Cavalier than a Shih Tzu, as observed with a previous Shih Tzu.

Grooming is an essential part of your Cava Tzu's care and maintenance. Regular brushing is a must to prevent tangles and mats in their fur. Aim to brush their coat at least twice a week, using a slicker brush or a comb designed for long-haired dogs.

Bathing should be done sparingly, unless your Cava Tzu becomes visibly dirty or develops an unpleasant odor. When bathing, use a gentle dog shampoo formulated for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

Cava Tzus are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Regularly check their ears for signs of redness, discharge, or foul odor, and clean them with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner to prevent wax and debris buildup.

Keeping your Cava Tzu's nails trimmed is crucial to prevent overgrowth. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder to maintain their nails at an appropriate length, taking care not to cut the quick.

Brushing your Cava Tzu's teeth regularly is vital for their overall health. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, and consider dental chews and toys to promote oral hygiene and reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

When it comes to your Cava Tzu's diet, you'll want to focus on feeding them a high-quality, high-protein kibble that's tailored to their age, activity level, and size.

This will help keep your Cava Tzu's energy levels up and prevent obesity. Cava Tzus are prone to putting on extra pounds, so it's essential to monitor their food intake carefully.

Feed your Cava Tzu no more than 1 cup of kibble per day, divided into two meals. This will keep their weight in check and help prevent obesity.

To give you a rough idea of the costs involved, feeding your Cava Tzu a high-quality kibble will likely set you back around $20 per month.

Only give your Cava Tzu treats and tasty tidbits in moderation to keep the extra pounds off – they don't need a lot of extra calories to stay happy and healthy.

Health Considerations are crucial for any dog owner, and as a Cava Tzu owner, you want to be aware of potential health issues that can affect your furry friend.

Cava Tzus may inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shih Tzu.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining the overall health and well-being of your Cava Tzu, as they can help identify potential health issues early on.

Some common health concerns in these breeds include Mitral Valve Disease, Syringomyelia, and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

Take a look at this: Shih Tzu Health

Mitral Valve Disease is a heart condition that affects Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, with up to 75% of dogs developing a heart murmur during their lifetime.

Syringomyelia is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and brain, commonly seen in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and can cause discomfort and pain.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is a breathing difficulty condition more prevalent in Shih Tzus, caused by the compression of soft tissues in the airway.

To manage these conditions effectively, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise are crucial.

For more insights, see: Are Cocker Spaniels Good for Apartments

Owning a Cavalier and Shih Tzu is a life-changing decision, and it's essential to consider the costs involved.

The initial cost of a Cava Tzu can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on various factors. Bear's parents paid $2,200 for their pet, while Sparky's owners spent $3,000 SGD.

You'll also need to budget for monthly costs, which include dog food, grooming, vet trips, and pet insurance. Bear's parents reported spending around AUD 45-60 on grooming every month, as his fur grows quickly and requires regular attention.

The Cava-Tzu price can be a significant upfront cost, with some pet owners paying as much as $3,000 SGD, which is equivalent to $2,000 USD or £1,700 GBP.

However, monthly costs will also add up, including dog food, grooming, vet trips, and pet insurance, which can range from $30-40 for food and $45-60 for grooming.

Bear's parents shared their monthly costs, which include a sachet of wet food in the morning, some kibble for the day, and half a pattie of raw food in the evening, all amounting to around $60-80 per month.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to consider these ongoing expenses and ensure you have enough room in your budget to meet your Cava-Tzu's needs.

A different take: Food for Shih Tzu

Owning a Cava Tzu is a life-changing decision, and it's essential to know what you're getting into.

They need daily exercise, affection, and mental stimulation, just like any other dog.

Daily walks and playtime are a must to keep your Cava Tzu happy and healthy.

You'll also need to provide a crate, toys, food, bedding, leash and collar, and more for your new furry friend.

The Cava Tzu is a relatively small dog, so don't worry about needing a huge backyard.

However, they do inherit the Shih Tzu's gentle nature, so be prepared for a loving and affectionate companion.

The Cava Tzu's hypoallergenic qualities are a bonus for those with allergies, but don't forget to stock up on puppy essentials.

Buying from a responsible breeder is crucial to avoid health and behavior issues, so do your research and find a reputable one.

The increased popularity of designer dogs like the Cava Tzu means there are more breeders out there, but not all of them are created equal.