Cavanese - Dog Breed Info, Temperament & Facts

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A Cavanese is a small dog that weighs around 15 pounds. It is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Havanese, and is sometimes called a Havalier. Cavanese dogs come in different colors, such as fawn, tan, black, and white, and can have bi or tricolor coats. They have short, silky hair that may have a slight wave or curl, so regular grooming is important.

These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and adorable. However, they don’t like being left alone for long periods of time and may experience separation anxiety. Despite their small size, Cavanese dogs enjoy playing with toys and need regular exercise. They are known to be highly trainable because they have a strong desire to please. They respond well to praise and rewards during training.

Ahead, we look at Cavanese dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Cavanese, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Cavaneses!

Dog Breed Cavanese
Size Small
Weight 7-14 lbs (average)
Height 8-12″ (average)
Location ​United States
Ancestry Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese
Date of Origin 1980s
Group ​Companion
Life Expectancy 14-16 years
Price $1200 – $1500
Family Canidae
Scientific Name Canis Lupus Familiaris

📖 Breed History

The Cavanese is a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Havanese. The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and descended from the extinct Blanquito de la Habana, also known as the “little white dog of Havana. ” The Havanese is believed to have been created by crossing the Blanquito with other Bichon types, including the Poodle. These dogs were brought to Cuba by early colonists and were kept as companions by the Spanish colonists.

During the Cuban revolution, many Cubans fled to the United States, leaving their dogs behind. However, some of these dogs made it to the United States and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996. Since then, the Cavanese has become one of the fastest growing breeds in the club.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was named after King Charles I of Britain in the 1600s, who always had spaniels by his side. Queen Victoria also owned a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and developed a variation of the breed, known as the English Toy Spaniel in America and the King Charles Spaniel in the United Kingdom. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a small size, short, flat face, and a domed skull.

In 1926, Roswell Eldridge of America sought to recreate the original King Charles Spaniel breed, but he passed away before seeing his vision come to life. However, his desired breed did come into existence, with a dog named Ann’s Son becoming the breed standard for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The American Kennel Club officially recognized this lineage in 1996 in the Toy Group.

🐕 Cavanese Appearance

The most popular colors for the Cavanese, which are toy-sized dogs, are fawn, tan, black, and white. Their short, velvety coats might have a wave or mild curl, and they can be one color, two colors, or three colors. The breed’s ears often droop down and it has a round head with a small snout. Your pet will likely exhibit traits from both parent breeds, depending on which of the parents it most resembles. The tail of a Cavanese can be short or longer, tapered, and even curl. They have expressive eyes and black noses. Despite being in proportion to their little bodies, their legs are relatively short.

👀 Eye Color Brown
🐽 Nose Color Black
🐕 Coat Color Fawn, Pied, Brown, Black, White

Fun Fact: Cavanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.

🐶 Traits & Temperament of Cavanese

Cavanese are intelligent, devoted dogs who make wonderful companions and form close relationships with their families. Even though they are little dogs and get along well with kids, it is vital for adults to watch that the dog isn’t handled harshly by smaller kids in order to prevent harm. They struggle when left alone for extended periods of time, and they may have separation anxiety, which can cause them to bark excessively. Despite having a reputation for chasing cats, the breed gets along well with other animals. Your pet will benefit from early socialization and training if you want to avoid this. They are a breed of dog that is simple to teach and will respond favorably to praise. Despite their tiny, they require a lot of activity, so regular walks and playtime are both wise choices. This will stop any undesirable conduct brought on by boredom. They are not thought of as reliable watchdogs.

🤝 Are Cavaneses Friendly or Aggressive?

Cavanese dogs are known for their friendly nature towards other pets, strangers, and children. They enjoy being in the company of kids and are generally comfortable around cats and other dogs. If you are looking to expand your furry family or participate in dog meetups, the Cavanese breed is a great option. Additionally, they are considered one of the best breeds for elderly individuals, providing companionship and affection.

This breed is known for being:

  • Active
  • Playful
  • Courageous
  • Intelligent
  • Friendly
  • Responsive
  • Affectionate
  • Lively
  • Gentle
  • Social
  • Fearless
  • Companionable
  • Cheerful
  • Quiet
  • Nonaggressive
  • Sturdy
  • Amiable
  • Polite
  • Charming
  • Graceful
  • Sporty
  • No tendency towards nervousness

🐩 Cavanese Care & Maintenance

To maintain their attractive looks, Cavanese will require a reasonable level of upkeep. To get rid of mats and grime, they should be cleaned two or three times a week using a hard bristles brush to remove loose hair. Additionally stimulating the skin, brushing keeps the coat looking wholesome. You might need to cut the fur depending on which parent breed your cat most closely resembles. If your dog is more like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel than the Havanese, you may just need to trim the paws. Longer-haired dogs with coats that resemble the Havanese may require more frequent trimming and brushing to remove knots. Try to clean your dog’s teeth once a day. You should also inspect your dog’s ears for debris, which you can then gently wipe out with a damp ball of cotton wool. Hip dysplasia and mitral valve dysfunction are common in cavaresses. To prevent exorbitant veterinarian care costs, get pet health insurance right now. You may compare policies from renowned firms like Figo and Spot using our tool for pet insurance. With only a few clicks, find your pet’s “pawfect” plan!

Cavanese dogs have a moderate amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing can help to reduce the amount of hair that is shed. The level of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s health and the specific breed they belong to. It is recommended to bathe Cavanese dogs every 6-8 weeks.

🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.75 – $1.00 daily, or roughly $20.00 – $30.00 a month.

🐾 Exercise: Cavanese dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.

Did you know: Cavanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

❤️‍🩹 Cavanese Health & Issues

Some of the major concerns for Cavanese Dog Breed can be:

  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Syringomyelia

While minor concerns include:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Liver Shunts

🤧 Important: Is Cavanese hypoallergenic? No.

Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Cavanese.

⚡ Cavanese Dog Breed Facts

What makes the Cavanese a great choice for families with young children?
The Cavanese is a great choice for families with young children because they are smart, loyal, and develop strong bonds with their families. They are also energetic and playful, which makes them a fun companion for children. However, it is important for adults to ensure that the dog isn’t handled too roughly by younger children to prevent injury.

Is the Cavanese breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Cavanese breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They are toy-sized dogs weighing up to 15 pounds, which makes them well-suited for smaller living spaces. However, they still require regular exercise, so daily walks and play sessions are necessary to prevent any behavioral issues caused by boredom.

How much exercise does a Cavanese require compared to other breeds?
Compared to other breeds, the Cavanese requires a moderate amount of exercise. Daily walks and play sessions will suffice to keep them happy and healthy. They are energetic dogs, but their smaller size means they don’t need as much exercise as larger breeds.

Is the Cavanese breed known for being good with other pets?
The Cavanese breed is known for being good with other pets. However, they have been known to chase cats, so early socialization and training are recommended to prevent this behavior. With proper introductions and socialization, they can get along well with other pets.

What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cavanese?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cavanese include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Havanese, which are the parent breeds of the Cavanese. These breeds also have similar coat types and temperaments, making them suitable for those looking for low-maintenance dogs.

What are the common health issues that Cavaneses are prone to?
Like any breed, Cavaneses are prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues seen in Cavaneses include heart problems, eye disorders, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage these health issues.

Are Cavaneses known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Cavaneses are generally easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are smart and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They respond well to rewards and positive reinforcement methods.

Are Cavaneses more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Cavaneses are more prone to separation anxiety compared to some other breeds. They don’t do well being left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety, which may lead to excessive barking. It is important for owners to provide proper training and gradually acclimate them to being alone to prevent or manage separation anxiety.

Are there any dog breeds similar to the Cavanese that are suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, there are dog breeds similar to the Cavanese that are suitable for people with allergies. The Cavanese itself is considered hypoallergenic, as both parent breeds (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Havanese) are known for being hypoallergenic. Other hypoallergenic dog breeds include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier.

What sizes of dogs similar to the Cavanese are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Cavanese would be a good choice. Breeds such as the Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise are small-sized dogs that can thrive in limited spaces.

Is the Cavanese breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Cavanese breed is known to be good with children in general. However, it is important for children with special needs to be supervised and taught how to interact with dogs properly. The Cavanese’s sweet and affectionate nature can make them a good fit for children with special needs, but caution and supervision are always recommended.

How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Cavanese?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Cavanese are moderate. They have short and soft coats that can have a wave or slight curl, which require regular grooming to prevent matting. They are considered low-shedding dogs, but regular brushing will help keep their coats healthy and minimize shedding. Overall, their grooming needs are manageable compared to some other breeds.


We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Cavanese dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.

Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy is a seasoned writer and an enthusiast of dog breed expertise. Having dedicated over 5 years to studying the intricacies of different dog breeds and their unique characteristics. His profound insights and love for our four-legged friends have made him an invaluable part of our DogsInsights.com team.

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