Cavador Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Mixed breed

  • Breed Height
    Height

    45-60 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    9-11 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    10-14 years

About the Cavador

What do you get when you mix two exceptionally popular, cheerful dog breeds? The Cavador. The Cavador is a designer dog created by combining a Labrador Retriever with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. As with both parents, Cavadors make excellent family pets.

Cavadors have a reputation for getting along nicely with children and other pets. They are highly energetic but fun-loving dogs, but they demand a great deal of time for activities and exercise.

What is the history & origin of the Cavador?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador Retriever were first intentionally bred in the United States in the 1990s. The Cavador, a less well-known hybrid than the wildly famous Cavapoo and Cockapoo, may merit more popularity than they now enjoy.

Both parent breeds have extensive histories. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as its name indicates, comes from a regal lineage in which they were royal favourites. In the 17th century, none other than King Charles I promoted the breed. The King's attachment to these little spaniels was well-known during his lifetime.

In the 18th century, the Duke of Marlborough took a keen interest in creating the Cavalier breed. Blenheim, the most popular Cavalier coat colour, derives its name from the Blenheim estate owned by the Duke.

Then, throughout the nineteenth century, Queen Victoria favoured a near cousin of the Cavalier King Charles, but with pug blood. This spaniel's popularity was primarily due to the influence of its illustrious owners, with the dog's friendly disposition completing the picture.

Who are Cavador dogs best for?

Cavadors are fantastic family dogs who get along well with children, other dogs and household pets. They are also suitable for single-person households, and their disposition makes them ideal for senior citizens.

However, some dogs might have a hunting impulse due to their Retriever ancestry, so it is advisable to watch them around smaller animals.

How much grooming does a Cavador need?

Grooming is required once or twice a week for a Cavador. Because they shed moderately, brushing them once a week will remove any stray hairs, dander, and accumulated dust.

Brushing their teeth is essential to maintaining the health of their teeth and gums. Check their nails regularly to see whether they need to be trimmed. Always look for grime or moisture in your dog's ears and regularly clean your fluffy friend's ears to avoid ear infections.

Do Cavador bark much?

If someone approaches your house door or if they hear noises outside, Cavadors will bark. Apart from being good watchdogs, they do not seem to bark any more or less than any other dog breed.

Do Cavador bite?

The Cavador has a minimal likelihood of biting a person, even though they may not be very friendly with outsiders. Your Cavador may bite for various reasons, including protection, in pain, playful nips, or provocation.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cavador?

The Cavador dog breed has such a sunny disposition as their parent breeds. They are popular pets because of their eager-to-please, friendly, and affectionate nature. Because of their intelligence, Cavadors are often trained as service dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, and search and rescue pups.

However, proper socialisation as a puppy is critical, like with any dog. Only through favourable exposure to various sights, sounds, and scents can they develop into confident adult dogs.

The breed also enjoys human interaction, making them ideal for owners who spend a lot of time at home. Leaving the dog alone for extended periods, on the other hand, may lead the dog to grow lonely and unhappy, as well as develop antisocial tendencies such as barking or chewing.

This medium breed is an energetic dog that requires lots of exercise, a run at the dog park, or other activities to keep their minds engaged. They can also swim rather well, so bringing them to the beach or for a swim will make them extremely happy.

What is the weight & size of a Cavador?

The Cavador is a medium to sometimes giant dog breed. It depends on which parent breed's characteristics are more prominent in the Cavador puppy. They may reach a maximum length of 61 cm, with 45 cm on average.

Their weight also varies. It can range anywhere from 9 to 25 kg, and that's quite an extensive range. This is because of the substantial weight disparity between the Labrador and Cavalier. The Labrador is a large dog, but the Cavalier is a smaller breed. It is difficult to determine which parent's characteristics would be more prominent in the Cavador puppy.

How much training does a Cavador need?

A Cavador is an exceptionally intelligent dog, and in addition to its drive to please make reward-based training enjoyable for both dog and owner. This breed is remarkably trainable, and beginning puppy training at an early age will increase your chances of long-term success.

As the fourth-smartest dog globally, there is a considerable chance that your Cavador puppies will learn quickly.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cavador?

Cavadors are relatively healthy dogs but can suffer from health problems just like any purebred or crossbreed dogs. There are certain health problems to keep in mind. Among them are, but are not limited to:

  • Diabetes Mellitus: The Cavador is susceptible to gaining weight, a significant risk factor for acquiring diabetes. This disease results from inadequate insulin synthesis or a lack of tissue responsiveness to insulin, which renders the body incapable of maintaining normal blood glucose levels.

  • Hip Dysplasia: This condition is prominent on the Labrador branch of the family tree. The dog's hip joints are malformed in this ailment, causing them to click and grind when it moves. This results in inflammation and discomfort, which, over time, may progress to arthritis.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited condition that impairs a dog's vision.

  • Mitral valve disease: A distressingly high proportion of Cavaliers suffer from mitral valve disease (MVD). This illness affects the improperly closing valves on the left side of the heart, and this causes the blood to flow in the incorrect direction inside the heart's chambers, straining the organ. MVD varies in severity from moderate to life-threatening.

What is the lifespan of a Cavador?

The Cavador has a lifespan comparable to its popular dog breed parents, Labrador Retrievers and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This mixed breed lives for approximately 10 to 14 years.

How much should you feed a Cavador?

A Cavador adult requires three cups of dry dog food each day. Try to avoid feeding your dog one large meal every day. This may cause him to choose a less-than-healthy lifestyle. Always attempt to provide your dog with the needed or suggested food.

This dog's high activity level needs a diet rich in protein and minerals. It is usually advisable to combine meat with dry food to meet their nutritional needs. Fruits, grains, and fibre can help you provide your dog with all the necessary nutrients it needs. Additionally, treats can be provided on occasion.

Make sure to check the food package to ensure it is acceptable for your Cavador. Always see your veterinarian if you are uncertain about your dog's particular dietary requirements.

What is the price of a Cavador in Australia?

Visit your local animal shelter to check if they have a member of this hybrid breed in need of a new home. Alternatively, you might search for a breeder. We suggest seeking to meet the parents of a puppy, as well as evidence of health exams and other required papers. For a Cavador, you should anticipate spending between $750 and $2,000.

Pros

  • Friendly and affectionate
  • Highly trainable
  • Easy to groom

Cons

  • Prone to obesity
  • Highly energetic
  • Strong prey drive