Cava Tzu

Bred as a mix between the Shih-Tzu and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Shih-Tzu line comes from Tibet and China and goes back at least to the 9th century. The King Charles Spaniels were not only named for Charles I (1600-1649) but also were his constant companions.

The Cava Tzu has many coat varieties (though their look will depend on the unique genetics). Normally, the coat will be black, brown, white, or tan, but some puppies even feature a ruby-tinted coat. Their incredible intelligence and willingness to be trained make them ideal companions, and they won’t even need much exercise.

Even with a few health concerns, these small companion dogs tend to live a long and loving life in anyone’s home.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

The Cava Tzu is a small dog, so it falls into the “toy” category. Males and females alike weigh only about 10 to 16 lbs and stand about 9 to 14 inches tall, with most individuals closer to 10–12 inches. The small size is complemented by a fine and silky coat that grows quite thick, requiring special attention for grooming to look as refined as possible.

As puppies, the Cava Tzu weighs only a few pounds when they are weaned from their mother.

Common Health Issues

When breeders create a mix like the Cava Tzu, they often benefit from eliminating the potential for specific health issues. However, they still have a few to face.

Mitral Valve Disease is a common condition, indicating that the dog is prone to heart failure. It is most often found in small dogs. The breed can also develop Syringomyelia (fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord) if there is a malformation.

Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia are common issues in the legs. While dysplasia indicates that the hip bone is out of its socket, patellar luxation occurs in the kneecaps. Limping on one leg is an indication of issues in the joints and bones.

Due to the flat face with the short nose, brachycephalic syndrome is a concern. Some minor issues include backward sneezing, dental issues, ear infections, and other problems. Luckily, not all dogs develop these conditions, and they often live healthy lives.

Temperament and Behavior

The affectionate nature of the Cava Tzu is part of the great appeal to families, mainly because it is one of the few small dog species to have such an agreeable temperament. They prefer to be around their family as much as possible, and they get rather excited around children and strangers.

As adaptable as the Cava Tzu’s personality is, it should come as no surprise that many older adults like to adopt these types of pups. Whether on their owner’s lap, in their arms, or running around the room, their most notable trait is their happy demeanor. Working adults can even leave them alone for hours on end without any issues.

Care

Whether you pursue adoption through a shelter or with a breeder, Cava Tzus (both puppies and adults) require specific care to make them feel welcome. Their food and grooming must be important, tending to their needs as you would any other pet.

Best Dog Food

As small as the Cava Tzu dog may be, it still needs about a cup of food each day, divided into two meals. Don’t leave food out for this pup to graze on, as it could lead to obesity. The dry food has to have high amounts of protein and fat, and owners should avoid ingredients like wheat and corn that cheapen the nutrition. If you add some wet food, be aware that they’ll consume many calories, but it gives them a little more moisture.

Since this breed can have mitral valve disease and an elevated heart failure risk, stay informed on the added heart failure risk of legumes in dog food, and try a legume-free dog food.

Maintenance And Grooming

With a medium-length coat, Cava Tzus need quite a bit of grooming to keep it looking smooth and beautiful. Their hair is dense but straight, requiring about twice-weekly brushings to avoid shedding. They even need regular trimming as their fur gets longer. However, the only time that a full bath becomes necessary is when the pup is exceptionally messy, protecting their otherwise sensitive skin. This dog is far from hypoallergenic, but the proper care bypasses the shedding that most owners fear.

If the dog will let you brush its teeth, daily upkeep is best.

Training

Since Cava Tzus are intelligent and easy to train, making any obedience classes incredibly easy to take on. Both parent breeds — King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu — have the same level of intelligence and desire to please their owners. They like to jump and play, but a firm hand with positive reinforcement is well-equipped for any training.

Exercise

With their small stature, this dog breed doesn’t require much activity to be happy and healthy. These dogs are just as comfortable playing around in an apartment as they are in a big yard, but watch the temperature. This dog is better suited to the cold than the heat, so you should reserve their physical activity for indoor time on hotter days.

Even though the Cava Tzu requires little exercise, it is still imperative. With a propensity for obesity, make sure to get it out on a brief walk every day. Since it has a positive reaction to training, getting this pup out and about for activity is relatively easy.

Puppies

These puppies are incredibly sweet and affectionate, much like their adult counterparts. Although they require less food, they still need the same attention for grooming, exercising, and socialization.

Children

Although most small dog breeds tend to get nippy with little ones in the house, that is not the case here. Instead, the Cava Tzu adores family members of all ages, and they barely even bark. With the proper training, they are at peace completely, but little ones should still have supervision while learning the appropriate ways to act around family pets.

Similar Dogs

Other dog breeds similar to the Cava Tzu include the Shih-Tzu, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Lhasa Apso.

• Shih-Tzu: Often the dominant breed of the Cava Tzu, the Shih Tzu’s name means “little lion,” (also called the chrysanthemum dog), coming from Tibet, where royals kept them close.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This breed stands proudly at 13 inches tall (maximum) and originally became popular with English and Scottish nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries, especially during the reigns of King Charles I and II.
• Lhasa Apso: This breed, a parent breed of the Shih-Tzu, is a significant part of Tibetan culture, given as a sign of friendship (rather than being sold through a breeder).