The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih Tzu Mix is a delightful crossbreed that has captured the hearts of many dog lovers. This friendly and outgoing mix is a result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Shih Tzu.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih Tzu Mix is known for its gentle and affectionate nature, making it an excellent companion for families and first-time dog owners. They are also relatively small in size, weighing between 9-18 pounds.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential to prevent health issues. With proper care and attention, this mix can live up to 12-15 years, providing a loving and loyal companion for many years.
Breed Information
The Cava-Tzu is an extremely popular crossbreed, but it's a bit of a mixed bag on what you can get. They're great with kids and extremely playful, but can be near impossible to train if they get their intelligence from the Shih-Tzu.
Cava-Tzus can be extremely small, as little as 9 inches and 10 pounds. They can also be quite variable in size, with some reaching 18 inches in height and weighing up to 16 pounds.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in the United Kingdom.
This breed is often confused with the English Toy Spaniel, which is called the King Charles Spaniel in the UK.
They share a common ancestry, which can make it difficult to tell them apart.
Cava-Tzu
The Cava-Tzu is a popular crossbreed that's great with kids and extremely playful, but they can be near impossible to train if they get their intelligence from the Shih-Tzu.
They can be extremely small, as little as 9 inches and 10 pounds, or as tall as 18 inches and weigh up to 16 pounds, depending on their lineage.
Owning a Pet
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but with the right care and attention, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih Tzu mix can make a wonderful companion.
These dogs need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, so be prepared to take them on regular walks and playtime.
They also require affection and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
A Cava Tzu needs to be part of the family, not just a pet left alone all day.
They thrive on human interaction and love to be around people, so be prepared for a lifelong friend.
With the right care and attention, a Cava Tzu can live a long and happy life, but it's essential to do your research before bringing one home.
Looking for more crossbreeds? We have articles about both Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mixes and Shih Tzu Mixes!
Physical Characteristics
Their appearance can vary, but they generally look more like Shih Tzus. This is because the Cava-Tzu's physical characteristics can be influenced by both parent breeds.
Most Cava-Tzus typically have a Shih Tzu-like appearance. This can make them look like a small, fluffy companion dog with a sweet expression.
If you prefer to own a Cava-Tzu that looks more like a King Charles, they definitely exist. You'll just need to talk to your breeder about finding one.
Their physical characteristics can vary depending on which parent's genes are stronger.
Care and Requirements
A Cava-Tzu needs moderate exercise, happy to play indoors or in a fenced yard, but they do tolerate the cold more than the heat.
They'll enjoy short walks to the beach or a dog park, but long walks aren't necessary. They're intelligent dogs, so training and obedience classes will be a great fit.
Exercise is crucial to prevent them from picking up weight, so don't be tempted to carry them around too much. They'll jump up when excited, so training will help with that.
The Cava-Tzu needs a moderate amount of grooming, with their coats brushed around twice a week. Depending on the coat length, trimming every so often might be necessary, especially around the ears.
They shed moderately, but don't need to be bathed often, only when necessary, and always with dog shampoo. Brushing their teeth daily will help prevent dental problems.
Their ears need cleaning with a moist ball of cotton wool weekly, and checking their nails to see if they need clipping should be a regular habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does a Shih Tzu Cavalier get?
A Cava-Tzu typically weighs between 10-16 pounds and stands around 18 inches high.
What is the lifespan of a Shih Tzu Cavalier?
A Shih Tzu's lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, while a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's lifespan is generally shorter, ranging from 9 to 14 years.
Sources
- Cava-Tzu | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Cava-Tzu Puppies For Sale (greenfieldpuppies.com)
- Cava Tzu (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Shih Tzu Mix) (dogster.com)
- 21 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mixes (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
- Cava-Tzu (King Charles Spaniel & Shih-Tzu Mix) (hepper.com)
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