Everything You Need to Know About Cavapoo Shih Tzu Mix

The Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu, resulting in a friendly and outgoing companion.

This adorable mix is known for its low-shedding coat, making it a great choice for those with allergies or a preference for less dog hair.

The Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix typically weighs between 10-18 pounds and stands about 9-14 inches tall.

They are generally considered to be a small breed dog.

Cavapoo Shih Tzu mixes require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats. A daily brush is recommended, especially for longer coats, to prevent knots and matting.

Their sweet nature makes them generally tolerant of grooming, but it's best to introduce them to the process early on using a soft brush. This will help them get used to the feeling and make grooming a more pleasant experience.

Cavapoo Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues, so regular teeth cleaning is essential to remove plaque and maintain good oral hygiene. This should be done daily, if possible, and especially when they're young to make it a habit.

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To clean their ears and eyes, use a damp cloth to remove tear stains and prevent the build-up of wax. This will help keep their face clean and prevent infections.

Here are some key grooming tasks to remember:

By following these grooming tips, you can help keep your Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix happy, healthy, and looking their best.

Grooming is a crucial part of Cavapoo care, and regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling.

Cavapoos need to be brushed at least once to twice a week, depending on the type of coat they have, to prevent unwanted knots and matting. Daily brushing is recommended for longer coats.

Professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks to keep your Cavapoo looking its best. This will also help prevent matting and tangling.

Cavapoos are generally low shedding, but they do shed dander, which can be a problem for some owners. Depending on the type of coat they have, some Cavapoos can shed quite a lot of hair.

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To keep your Cavapoo's coat healthy and looking its best, make sure to brush their teeth regularly to remove plaque and maintain good oral hygiene. This will also help prevent dental issues that are common in Cavapoos.

Cleaning around your dog's eyes and ears is also important to remove tear stains and prevent the build-up of wax. Use a damp cloth to gently clean these areas.

Here's a quick guide to keeping your Cavapoo's grooming needs in check:

Cavapoos are not usually fussy eaters, but it's essential to give them high-quality food to ensure they grow into happy and healthy dogs.

Feeding your Cavapoo should be a consistent routine, with 3 meals a day for puppies until they're 6 months old, and 2 meals a day for mature Cavapoos. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can lead to obesity.

A good quality dry dog food that will help scrape their teeth clean is a great choice, as Cavapoos can suffer from dental problems like gingivitis or cavities.

Additional reading: Best Puppy Food for Cavapoo

To help prevent these issues, use a food that's high in protein and carbohydrates to give them lots of energy, and omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat. Make sure your Cavapoo gets the right amount of exercise to burn off extra calories and avoid an expanding waistline.

Here's a rough guide to the daily food intake for Cavapoos:

Remember to measure out their food and avoid giving them too many treats to prevent canine obesity. Your veterinarian can provide a diet plan tailored to your specific dog's needs to maintain a healthy weight.

Cavapoos are prone to health problems, just like their parent breeds. Reputable breeders will screen their spaniels, poodles, and Cavapoo puppies for genetic diseases.

Mitral valve disease is a common congenital heart defect in Cavapoos, where a valve inside the heart is malformed and doesn't fully occlude when closed.

Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, cataracts, cherry eye, and dry eye, can affect Cavapoos and lead to blindness.

Luxating patellas is an orthopedic issue affecting the kneecaps, causing them to pop in and out of place.

Allergies, also known as skin allergies in dogs, can cause itchiness and discomfort in Cavapoos.

Syringomyelia/Chiari-like malformation is a condition where pockets of fluid build up in your dog's spinal cord.

Dental disease is a common issue in Cavapoos, leading to painful tooth abscesses and even endocarditis.

To ensure your Cavapoo's health, ask a breeder for proof that a puppy's parents have been tested for heart health, eye health, and patellas.

Here are some health issues to be aware of in Cavapoos:

When you bring a Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix into your home, you're taking on the responsibility of caring for a living being that will rely on you for its basic needs.

The average lifespan of a Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix is between 12-15 years, so be prepared to make a long-term commitment to your pet's health and happiness.

You'll need to provide regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care to keep your Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix healthy and thriving.

Before buying or rehoming a pet, it's essential to consider their needs and personality. Cavapoos, for instance, are sweet-natured and energetic dogs that form a strong bond with their owners.

They're great with children and suitable for first-time owners or families looking for a friendly pet. Adaptable and intelligent, Cavapoos are easily trainable and can thrive in various lifestyles or environments.

However, they do require attention and interaction, which can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This is crucial to consider if you have a busy schedule or are away from home for long periods.

To ensure you're getting a healthy and well-socialized pet, be fussy about the breeder you choose. Remember, Lucy's Law dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from a rescue. Third-party sellers are not a viable option.

Before making the leap from dog lover to dog owner, take the time to consider whether a canine friend is the best pet for you. There are many things to consider, and it's essential to think about the kind of dog you want and whether you can provide the necessary care and attention.

As a potential pet owner, it's essential to understand the needs and characteristics of a breed before making a decision.

A Cava-Tzu is the result of mixing a Cavapoo and a Shih Tzu, making it a unique and lovable companion.

Cava-Tzus are relatively small dogs, and at 13 weeks, they typically weigh between 10-15 pounds.

If you're looking for a dog that's easy-going and calm, a Cava-Tzu might be a great fit.

They are known to be loving and affectionate, making them perfect for cuddling and snuggling.

However, if you're concerned about excessive barking, a Cava-Tzu might not be the best choice, as they can inherit the Shih Tzu's tendency to bark.

In comparison to a Bichon, a Cava-Tzu is likely to be a better option if you want a dog that's easy to train, as they tend to be more responsive to commands.

Ultimately, the decision between a Bichon and a Cava-Tzu comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle.

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Training and behavior are crucial aspects of owning a Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix. This breed is extremely trainable and obedient, thanks to its intelligent and eager-to-please nature.

Early training is key, ideally starting from a young age, around 12 weeks old. Consistency is also important, so be sure to establish a routine and stick to it.

Cavapoos are sensitive dogs and don't respond well to heavy-handed training. Be gentle and use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior.

They love human interaction and attention, so make sure to spend quality time with your Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix. This can include playing fetch, hide and seek, and other games that stimulate their minds and bodies.

To keep your dog occupied while you're away, provide mentally stimulating activities, such as lick mats, KONG toys, and puzzle toys. This can help prevent separation anxiety, a common issue in this breed.

Additional reading: How to Train a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Here are some exercise and mental stimulation tips to keep your Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix happy and healthy:

Exercise and activity are crucial for a Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix. They don't need a lot of exercise, but short walks and playtime will keep them happy.

A Cavapoo's energy level is moderate, which means daily walks will be a great way to keep them active. They also love playing fetch and participating in dog sports like agility and obedience.

To prevent weight gain and heart issues, regular exercise is essential. Cavapoos are prone to picking up weight, so don't neglect exercise, even if they enjoy being carried around.

Here are some exercise tips for your Cavapoo Shih Tzu mix:

Remember, Cavapoos are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.