-
Activity Level:
low
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Shedding Level:
moderate
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Grooming Level:
high
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Trainability:
high
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Good for Novice Owners:
high
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Adaptability:
high
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
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Prey Drive:
low
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Watchdog:
chill
- Average Size: Small
- Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Registered?: other
Cavamalt Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
Did You Know?
A Cavamalt is a cross between a Maltese and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These small dogs are affectionate, tend to have a gentle nature, and have a playful personality. They love being with their favorite humans and are a true companion dog.
Although the Cavamalt is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, and more all recognize the Cavamalt.
The Cavamalt is a gorgeous dog with a matching personality. They tend to be docile and have a gentle, calm nature. At the same time, they are affectionate and loving. Their charming personality is sure to draw everyone in, which suits them just fine as they love the attention.
Because they tend to be so easygoing and friendly, they tend to get along well with children, other pets, other dogs, and even strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. Although they tend to get along with children, they can also be prone to nipping if they are provoked, which can happen sometimes with young children.
As such, it’s important to teach your children how to properly interact with a dog, supervise any playtime between them, and also train your puppy to stop biting. Puppies can be prone to mouthing and biting, especially as they are teething. So, this is an essential step for any puppy you bring home.
The Cavamalt is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. Because they can have an urge to chase, it’s best to only let them off-leash in securely fenced areas. They do well in most climates. But, they are highly sensitive to heat.
Due to their small size, they may also need some winter dog products to stay warm when the temperatures drop. Also, these dogs thrive on attention and love nothing more than spending time with you, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than their purebred counterparts, it’s not a guarantee. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds or they could inherit a mix or all of them.
For the Cavamalt, potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia and glaucoma. Reputable breeders will be screening their dogs to avoid passing congenital health issues on to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents.
Cavamalts can also be prone to obesity. But, a good diet in the right portions and plenty of exercise regularly can help keep them at a healthy weight. As a small dog breed, they are also prone to developing gum disease, which often leads to early tooth loss. This makes good dental care for dogs essential.
Cavamalts are intelligent little dogs that are eager to please and tend to be naturally obedient. This makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They love to learn and respond best to praise and reward.
As with any dog, it’s important to keep training and expectations consistent. This is one of the most essential dog training tips. Your Cavamalt puppy’s cute face may tempt you into inadvertently rewarding them for undesirable behavior. But, it’s important to resist and keep training as consistent as possible so your Cavamalt puppy knows what behavior is expected from them.
A Cavamalt tends to have a medium to long wavy coat that tends to be low-shedding as well. Although their coat may be low-shedding, you do need to brush them every day to keep them tangle-free and prevent mats from forming. They also need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep their coat looking great.
In addition to coat care, you also need to care for your Cavamalt’s nails, ears, and teeth. Depending on how quickly they grow, cutting your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long.
Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Because a Cavamalt is more prone to dental issues, it’s even more important to start a good dental care routine early and keep it up throughout your dog’s life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal.
Although these dogs are playful and can be energetic while playing, they are low-energy dogs. Daily walks plus some playtime tend to be plenty for these pups. Games that engage their mind are important as well.
Because they can be athletic and love spending time with you, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t overexerting themselves too much trying to keep up with you.
A fully-grown Cavamalt usually stands 10-12 inches tall and weighs 10-13 pounds.
A Cavamalt generally lives for 12-16 years.
Although they are more commonly known as a Cavamalt, these dogs are also sometimes referred to as a Cav-a-Malt, Malalier, or Cava-Tese.