Cavatzu Puppies for Sale in Orlando

A Cavatzu is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu. They weigh anywhere from 10 to 16 pounds and stand nine to 18 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, so they will be part of the family for quite some time. Cavatzus are intelligent and playful, making them a great family pet. Cavatzus are likely a combination of black, white, brown, and tan. Most will have the signature underbite of the Shih-Tzu and the floppy ears of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

These adorable little dogs are great companions for just about anyone. They can do well with single individuals, large families, and seniors alike. They are relatively low maintenance and quiet for their size. Cavatzus do not suffer from the same separation anxiety like other breeds, so they will keep themselves entertained if you need to leave the house for a short amount of time. Never leave them alone for extended amounts of time. They blend into just about any household seamlessly.

Cavatzus have the perfect amount of intelligence. They are smart enough to be trained easily, but not too smart to where they are stubborn and mischievous. They are eager to please and love to play. They need a moderate amount of exercise. While they can run fast, they tire out easily. Cavatzus are perfectly happy napping on the couch with you. Make sure to incorporate mind games like interactive puzzles in playtime to stimulate their body and brains simultaneously. 

Although they are not hypoallergenic, they do not shed a ton. You will need to brush them a few times a week, and bathe them sparingly. Always make sure their ears, teeth, and nails are well looked after to have a healthy and happy pup. Feed your Cavatzu a high-quality dry dog food designed for small breeds and you will have a longtime companion. Cavatzus are one of our favorite hybrid dog breeds, so read on for a complete guide to taking care of your next dog. 

We first saw the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu mix in the 2000’s, a little bit after some other popular hybrid dog breeds. There is a wealth of history between these two breeds, making the hybrid rich in history as well. The breed typically takes after the Shih Tzu a little more, but they generally just look like a stuffed animal. 

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in the United Kingdom and is currently the 17th most popular purebred dog in the United States. They have been around since the 1600’s, and were loved by royals. The Shih Tzus originated in Tibet over 1000 years ago as loyal companions. The mix between these two breeds combines two purebred dogs that have been favorites of many for centuries. Like most other hybrid breeds, Cavatzus are much healthier than their purebred parents. 

The unique mix makes them great for just about any “family,” whether that is a couple in their 20’s or grandparents in their 60’s. They are playful and affectionate, but not ultra time consuming. Due to their loving nature, they make great companions and emotional support animals for those living with psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Cavatzus are quite loyal and affectionate little dogs. They love to hang out with their family and are happy as long as everyone is together. You generally do not have to worry about separation anxiety with Cavatzus like you do with other small dogs. They will be fine if you have to go to work or run some errands. You generally do not have to worry about barking too much with Cavatzus either, which your neighbors will be pleased to hear. 

Cavatzus are highly intelligent, making them relatively easy to train. They love to please, so they pick up on commands easily. This makes them great for first time dog owners or others unfamiliar with the training process. You will want to start with some of the basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Once they have mastered these commands, you can move on to more complex ones. Female Cavatzus tend to be a bit more territorial than males, but this is easily trained out of them over time. 

Potty training comes very naturally for Cavatzus. We recommend crate training to assist with potty training. Dogs typically want to keep their environments clean, so they will not go to the bathroom in a crate. When they alert you that they need to go out, reward them with a treat and positive reinforcement and they will catch on quickly.

Cavatzus are small dogs, making them ideal for apartment settings. They certainly will not mind extra space if you do have a house, but you do not have to worry about them getting cramped in an apartment. Cavatzus get along well with other dogs and even felines in the household.  They also love hanging out with young children in the family. However, make sure to supervise interactions between your Cavatzu and small children. Due to their size, they are more likely to get injured during playtime, so it is necessary to teach your children how to play with them safely. Conversely, Cavatzus tend to jump when they get excited, so you do not want small children getting injured either. 

Cavatzus generally prefer colder weather over hot weather, but do not do well in either extreme. In colder months, make sure you put a jacket or other protection on them when taking them outside. In the summer, try to focus on exercise in the morning before the heat has risen too much. Always provide ample water and shade so your Cavatzu does not suffer in the heat. Asphalt can get very hot in the summer, so make sure there is somewhere cooler to walk, or else their paw pads can get burned. 

Cavatzus have a dense, straight, medium length coat that needs to be groomed regularly to avoid matting or tangles. You can expect a moderate amount of shedding from the breed, so they are not the best for people with allergies. The amount of time you will need to spend grooming really depends on which parent they take more after. 

You will not need to bathe too frequently, as this can dry out the skin and cause irritation. The frequency of baths really depends on lifestyle and how dirty they get. Their size allows them to be bathed in the kitchen sink, or you can opt for a puppy bath outside or in the bathtub. When you bathe your Cavatzu, make sure to use a high quality dog shampoo and conditioner to prevent any irritation. Completely rinse off the products before taking them out of the bath, as residue can lead to irritation. Dry them off completely after their bath, and give them a good brush. 

Your Cavatzu might need a trim every once in a while, especially around the eyes and ears. You can certainly do this yourself, or take them to a professional groomer for a haircut. You will not need to do this more than once every three months or so. Some people opt to have their Cavatzus hair cut down in a “puppy cut” to make it more low maintenance. 

Besides their fur, you will need to clip your Cavatzu’s nails around once a month, or whenever you hear them clacking on hard surfaces. Make sure to brush their teeth daily. Smaller dogs are especially prone to dental disease and tooth loss, so it is important to start dental hygiene from a young age. If they do not tolerate having their teeth brushed, you can purchase dental chews that help to break down tartar and residue on the teeth. Check your Cavatzu’s ears regularly and clean them with a damp cotton ball if you notice any debris, as this can lead to infection. 

Cavatzus are a small breed and do not need tons of exercise to stay happy and healthy. That being said, make sure to take them out on short walks or play interactive toys with them throughout the day. Like other small dogs, they are prone to obesity, so it is important to incorporate some sort of daily exercise to keep them lean. We recommend around 40 minutes of exercise and playtime per day. Their little bodies get worn out easily, so it is best to break this allotment up into shorter chunks throughout the day. 

Always be careful when exercising a Cavatzu puppy. Too much or too strenuous exercise at a young age can hurt their joints or bones. Always take cues from your dog: if you notice heavy breathing or sluggishness, it is time to go home. In general, even adults do not need strenuous exercise, which is why they are so great for the elderly or those living with disabilities. 

Make sure to have a variety of toys throughout the household. While Cavatzus love time spent with their family, they can also entertain themselves for short amounts of time. Do not be surprised if you are working in the office and you hear your pup playing with some toys. By providing a variety of stimulation throughout the day, you prevent boredom or weight issues.  

You will want to feed your Cavatzu a high-quality dry dog food designed for small breeds. It is important to use dry food primarily, as this helps break down tartar and keep the gums and teeth healthy. Wet food can help make sure your dog gets enough water, but only use it as a treat. 

The amount of food your Cavatzu needs will depend on their age and activity level. Try your best to feed them at the same times every day, as they do best with routines. You will likely only need about a cup of dry kibble per day, but consult with your veterinarian on a dietary plan. Bloating and obesity is common in smaller breeds, so we recommend splitting up their daily allotment into multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal. 

There are a lot of different kibbles out there to choose from, but when deciding on the best one, look out for whole meats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and fatty acids like Omega 3’s. Stay away from meat byproducts and opt for whole meats like chicken or fish. Fruits and veggies provide lots of fiber and vitamins to promote shiny hair and a healthy gut. Fat and protein are crucial in a dog's diet, and a good rule of thumb is to have at least 8% fat and between 18% to 22% protein in their food. Always stay away from table scraps, especially with small dogs like Cavatzus. 

The less preservatives and fillers in a food, the better. This does not necessarily mean it will be more expensive. Just look through the ingredient list and make sure you see meats and veggies as the first couple of ingredients. 

If you decide to use treats throughout the training process or day to day, do so sparingly. Treats often are very high in calories, which can quickly lead to obesity. Always consult with your veterinarian when changing your Cavatzus diet or if you have any concerns.