Cava-Tzu – The Complete Breed Guide

Welcome to our guide to the Cava-Tzu.

The Cava-Tzu is a mix of two different breeds, the Cavalier King Charles and the Shih Tzu.

Why Choose a Cava-Tzu?

Carol Crawford: “I had never heard of this breed, Sadly I lost my husband 3 years ago, I decided to get a small dog and my daughters found a lady who had Cava Tzu puppies for sale. My lovely Tara is now one year old they make amazing pets, very intelligent and have a loving nature. I can’t think of anything negative to say about the breed. Oh, and they don’t cast hair.”

The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Cava-Tzu breed of dog.

You can also help too!

If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.

We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your Cava-Tzu you would like to email us.

Are you looking to buy a Cava-Tzu – then see our list of Cava-Tzu breeders.

What in your opinion are the best things about the Cava-Tzu breed?

Why do you think the Cava-Tzu is special?

What are your favourite things about the Cava-Tzu?

Are you glad you choose to buy a Cava-Tzu and not another breed?

How would you describe the Cava-Tzu temperament?

What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a Cava-Tzu over other breeds?

History & Origins

What are the history and origins of the Cava-Tzu?

About The Breed

What colors of Cava-Tzu are most popular?

What does the Cava-Tzu look like?

What are the pros/cons of the Cava-Tzu breed?

What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the Cava-Tzu and other breeds?

Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?

What type of typical personality does the Cava-Tzu have?

Is it possible to describe a fairly typical Cava-Tzu?

What is the breed standard/description for the Cava-Tzu?

Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?

Are there any downsides to owning a Cava-Tzu that prospective owners should be aware of?

Is the Cava-Tzu breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?

Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the Cava-Tzu?

What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?

Is the Cava-Tzu breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?

Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the Cava-Tzu match up to that role?

Are there myths about the Cava-Tzu – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?

We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of Cava-Tzu puppies and this is what they said:

What types of questions do you get once owners get their Cava-Tzu home?

Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?

What is the typical temperament of a Cava-Tzu, so people know what to expect from their new pet?

When fully grown how much on average does a Cava-Tzu weigh?

When the Cava-Tzu is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?

Is the Cava-Tzu ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?

Does the Cava-Tzu smell or drool a lot?

Do you have a Cava-Tzu growth chart?

What breed group does the Cava-Tzu come under?

What type of coat do they have?

Can they swim?

What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?

Suitability

Are there some types of people that you can suggest the Cava-Tzu is not suitable for, perhaps families?

How is the Cava-Tzu with children?

Do you think the Cava-Tzu is suitable for families with young children?

How does the Cava-Tzu get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new Cava-Tzu owners in terms of successful integration?

Is it better to buy one Cava-Tzu or two?

Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?

Would the Cava-Tzu be suitable as a guard dog?

Can I leave my Cava-Tzu during the day while I go to work?

Lifespan

What is the expected average lifespan of the Cava-Tzu?

In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the Cava-Tzu breed live to?

Food & Diet

Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?

Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?

How to handle the Cava-Tzu puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?

What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?

What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc

Do owners need to consider supplements for their Cava-Tzu?

How about for older dogs?

Buying – How Much Do They Cost?

How much did your Cava-Tzu cost to buy?

Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a Cava-Tzu and how much should they spend?

What advice would you offer new Cava-Tzu owners?

What types of people are buying the Cava-Tzu and why?

Where can I buy Cava-Tzu rescue dogs or find a Cava-Tzu for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ Cava-Tzu can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!

Do I need public liability insurance or a license?

Puppy

How would you describe the Cava-Tzu puppy to potential new owners?

What types of owners are best suited to owning a Cava-Tzu?

What colors and sizes are most popular?

Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?

What can people expect when they become a new owner?

What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Cava-Tzu?

As a Cava-Tzu breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?

Are there specific times of the year that you breed?

Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?

How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a Cava-Tzu?

When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?

Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?

We invite you to email us your Cava-Tzu’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing Cava-Tzu puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.

Do they have any nicknames or does the Cava-Tzu have popular names?

If my Cava-Tzu is pregnant what might the litter size be?

Could the Cava-Tzu be dangerous around young children?

Problem Behaviors

How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?

How do you prevent a Cava-Tzu biting?

How do you prevent a Cava-Tzu chewing?

How do you stop a Cava-Tzu jumping up?

Does the Cava-Tzu have an issue with excessive digging?

Why does my Cava-Tzu keep growling and barking?

Is there a reason my Cava-Tzu dog is often scratching excessively?

Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?

Exercise

In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the Cava-Tzu and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new Cava-Tzu owners?

As a breeder of the Cava-Tzu , do you prefer a collar or harness?

As an expert of the Cava-Tzu breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?

Can you offer any dog walking tips for Cava-Tzu owners?

Playtime & Tricks

What games and toys can you recommend for the Cava-Tzu?

Are there toys you suggest avoiding?

How intelligent is the Cava-Tzu compared to other dog breeds?

How much can they understand?

Grooming

Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new Cava-Tzu owners?

How much time is involved?

What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a Cava-Tzu?

Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?

How much do Cava-Tzu shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?

How can I prevent or cure ear infections?

Do you have any tips for eye care?

Is the Cava-Tzu a hypoallergenic breed?

Bathing

Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your Cava-Tzu?

Can you offer new Cava-Tzu owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?

Showing

What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the Cava-Tzu?

What started your interest in showing the Cava-Tzu?

If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their Cava-Tzu – where would they begin?

Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?

How would an owner know they have a show-quality Cava-Tzu and how would they start off?

Can you give away any of your secrets?!

Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?

What do judges look for in a winner?

Breeding

What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Cava-Tzu?

What official organisations are there for the new Cava-Tzu owner and what benefits or services do they provide?

In buying a Cava-Tzu, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?

How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?

Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remained the same?

How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the Cava-Tzu out of all the breeds you could have chosen?

What do you think makes the Cava-Tzu special to you?

Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?

As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?

Training

In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a Cava-Tzu and do you have any tips or advice for new Cava-Tzu owners?

How should new owners approach bringing a new Cava-Tzu home, any advice and tips you can give?

Should I allow my Cava-Tzu to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?

Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?

Should my Cava-Tzu sleep in a kennel or crate?

Health

Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new Cava-Tzu owners to be aware of in particular?

Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?

What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?

What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your Cava-Tzu?

Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?

What type of health issues can a Cava-Tzu have and how do you deal with preventing these?

Why does my Cava-Tzu have diarrhea?

Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?

Why is my Cava-Tzu vomiting and do I go to the vets?

When should I take my Cava-Tzu for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?

How often will my Cava-Tzu be in heat?

Should I consider getting my Cava-Tzu spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?

My Cava-Tzu is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?

Do they suffer from allergies?

Why is my Cava-Tzu not eating?

How much does it cost to insure my Cava-Tzu?

What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide Cava-Tzu dog health insurance?

Old Age

What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ Cava-Tzu?

Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?

What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older Cava-Tzu?

Do you feed any supplements to an older Cava-Tzu – or anything else which helps them as they age?

Are there any health issues particular to a senior Cava-Tzu dog?

Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior Cava-Tzu or tips you can pass on?

Here is an interesting video on the Cava-Tzu.