The Cava Inu is a mixed breed that is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shiba Inu. It’s a curious mix, considering the stories of the parent breeds. They couldn’t be further apart on some scores and alike on others. Both have a long history, with the former going back to the Renaissance and the latter an ancient breed. The parent breeds are popular despite their relatively short time with AKC.

Breed Overview

The Cava Inu is an absolute cutie. The parent breeds are well-matched in size, with the Shiba Inu having a slight edge. The most noticeable differences between puppies will likely be their coat. Scientists have determined that three genes control its appearance and length. What your puppy looks like will depend on what variants they inherit. That’s not unexpected with designer dogs like the Cava Inu.

The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the Cava Inu, but that’s not the same as the rigor and oversight of official registries like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC). However, we can say that about any mixed breed. A first-generation Cava Inu has a lot of potential to make a good pet with the right family who understands this dog’s unique needs.

Researching the parent breeds is essential. Many traits are inheritable, but the environment and upbringing are the main driving forces behind a dog’s personality. It’s also vital to know about any health concerns. A reputable breeder will screen their dogs for these issues to prevent passing them onto the puppies. Let’s do a deep dive into what to expect with a Cava Inu.

Cava Inu Characteristics

Cava Inu Puppies

You may find it challenging to locate a Cava Inu puppy. The parent breeds are popular with AKC, with the Cavalier at 14th and the Shiba at 46th on the list.¹ Breeders are more likely to invest their time and effort in champion lines that will fetch more money. Mixed breeds will probably be pet-quality dogs. Individuals may sell these pups without reproductive rights to breed the animal.

We strongly urge you to only get a puppy over 8 weeks old. Younger animals separated from their mothers and littermates before this age are more likely to be fearful as adults. It’s a short road to aggression if not managed. That’s essential to keep on the front burner since the Cava Inu has a moderate tendency for nippiness and barking.

Cava Inu Breed Origin & History

We don’t know the exact history of the Cava Inu. We can surmise the dog rode the wave of other designer dogs following the success of the Labradoodle in the late 1980s. However, the histories of the parent breeds are compelling. The Cavalier’s history includes royalty, famous artists, and the devotion of enthusiasts determined to keep the breed alive. As their name implies, Cavaliers are sporting dogs.

The Shiba Inu is another story. This ancient canine is related to similar breeds, including the Chow Chow, Akita, and other Spitz-like dogs. This dog is the smallest of this class of Japanese canines. The Shiba also hunted game, even animals as formidable as wild boars. That speaks to many of this dog’s personality traits, such as their intelligence and protective nature. The dog’s unusual name means “brushwood dog.”

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cava Inu

Understanding the temperaments of the parent breeds is essential to avoid any nasty surprises. We recommend requesting to see the mother and littermates. That can reveal a lot about your puppy. Note the animals’ appearance and personality, particularly any signs of nervousness. Reputable breeders start introducing their puppies to novel experiences while young to prevent fearfulness in adults.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Both parent breeds are affectionate with their families to the point of being lovey-dovey. They are good with kids, although we suggest supervising playtime with the little ones. Teach them to respect the dog’s space and not to pick them up. We discussed the pooch’s tendency for mouthiness; it’s something you must nip in the bud while your pet is young.

The Shiba Inu is a protective dog. They are also wary of strangers. That makes early socialization imperative. The Cava Inu is playful but is also somewhat intense in their play. That underscores the need for supervision.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The sporting background of both parent breeds is a red flag. It explains this dog’s high prey drive. When something runs away, they follow out of instinct. Remember that these drives are hardwired. They can be challenging to overcome. Interestingly, the Cavalier gets along with other dogs, presumably since they may hunt in groups. However, it isn’t as clear with the Shiba. We suggest caution with this dog and other pets.

Things to Know When Owning a Cava Inu

We want to put forth an honest assessment of the Cava Inu to help you make an informed choice. After all, it’s a serious investment that will last years. This dog makes a good pet for the dedicated and engaged owner. We discussed early training and socialization. This dog is also sensitive to harsh words and punishment. Positive reinforcement is the best approach.

The Cava Inu doesn’t tolerate being alone well. These dogs love their families and want to be around them. This dog isn’t the best pet for someone who is away from home a lot. That can increase the chances of separation anxiety and possible relinquishment. That makes understanding the time commitment critical. This pooch requires a lot of love and attention.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

You should feed your Cav Inu a diet appropriate for the dog’s size and life stage. This dog is classified as small based on the adult’s weight. Royal Canin manufactures a diet specific for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is worth considering. You should feed your puppy three to four times daily. Your pup should get 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat to support their growth and development.²

You can dial it back to 18% protein and 5% fat once your pet reaches adulthood. Monitoring your Cava Inu’s weight is critical since this dog is prone to weight gain and obesity. Your pooch’s body condition score provides an accurate assessment. You can use this information to adjust your pet’s diet accordingly. Make sure your pup always has fresh water available.

We recommend reserving treats as training aids to optimize their use and prevent weight gain. You’ll get the most out of them for this food-motivated pup. You should avoid giving your pet table scraps. Many foods we can eat are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, and chocolate. We recommend ensuring your children know these facts to prevent accidental poisoning.

Exercise 🐕

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel presents a huge red flag you must understand. This is a brachycephalic breed. The term describes their unique skull and snout structure. While it makes the dog look cute, it also increases the animal’s risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and other health conditions, including exercise intolerance.

We don’t recommend taking a Cava Inu with these physical characteristics to the lake to swim because of an increased drowning risk. You should also avoid strenuous exercise or high-energy games of fetch. The Shiba Inu doesn’t have these issues, although they aren’t tolerant of hot weather. That’s understandable, given the dog’s short double coat.

Training 🦮

The Cava Inu is an excellent choice for a dedicated pet owner, even if the individual has never had a dog. However, dedicated is the operative word, given the Shiba Inu’s temperament. This dog has an independent streak, which isn’t unusual for the breed’s historical job. Their work required them to hone their problem-solving skills and act without human guidance. Breeders selectively bred them for this trait.

Enrichment and mental stimulation are necessary for any dog. However, it must be on your radar if you get a Cava Inu. It can prevent separation anxiety by keeping your pet occupied. It can also improve their mental well-being. After all, these dogs need to have a job, so give your pet one. We suggest looking into other trials in which your mixed-breed dog can participate.

Grooming ✂️

The Cava Inu’s coat can vary, depending on the dominance of a particular parent breed. Weekly brushing is essential, no matter which one picks the coat’s length and texture. Given the Shiba’s propensity for allergies, it’s an excellent time to check your pet’s ears and skin for issues. Signs include itchiness, redness, and hair loss. You should also trim their nails as necessary.

We recommend using grooming as a time to get your pooch accustomed to being handled. It’ll make routine care easier. Your vet will appreciate it for making exams more manageable. You should bathe your dog occasionally to keep your pet looking their best and smelling pleasant.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Shiba Inu is a relatively healthy breed. The main complaint with this dog is allergies. They aren’t life-threatening but can decrease your dog’s quality of life with constant itching and discomfort. We mentioned pre-breeding health screenings. Do not buy from an individual who doesn’t take these precautions. It’s inhumane to breed dogs with unidentified health issues, so avoid these breeders.

The Cavalier has baggage as a brachycephalic breed with respiratory issues. Other potential problems exist with joint conditions, like patella luxation. A breeder can’t screen for allergies, but they can determine if these are on the radar. Reputable sellers won’t breed animals with known conditions. They’ll also offer a health guarantee and be available to buyers for questions.

Male vs. Female

The size difference between males and females is minuscule. It’s more of an issue with large dogs when it’s considerable. Remember that reproductive rights may be off the table with a Cava Inu. Some research suggests females are more social, but external factors also play a role that may negate the genetic element. In the end, it comes down to a personal preference.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cava Inu

1. Many Breeds Went into the Development of the Cavalier

The breeds include the English Toy Spaniel, Welsh Springer, and even the Papillon. This is not unusual and is par for the course with many breeds.

2. Shiba Inus Are the Top Breed in Japan

The Japanese people’s love for their native breeds is evident with the Shiba Inu. It is the country’s top dog.

3. World War II Almost Made the Shiba Inu Extinct

Both world wars took their toll on many European breeds. It had the same effect in Japan as the Shiba Inu. Thankfully, enthusiasts saved the dog from extinction.

Does the Cava Inu Make a Good Pet?

The Cava Inu has a lot going for it. Many people prefer a small pet. This pup has a lot of personality. They can stand toe-to-toe with any big dog. This pooch has some issues, but we can say that about any dog. Doing your homework is essential without the safeguards that official registration can provide. Know what each breed brings to the mix to ensure this pet is the right fit for your household.

Don’t ignore this step. Consider what’s on the line—the animal’s well-being and welfare. It’s worth the effort. The Cava Inu requires an active household to provide enrichment and engagement. Mental stimulation with interactive toys and walks is essential. Think about the time you can devote to a pet before getting a Cava Inu or any animal.

Conclusion

The Cava Inu is a sweetheart of a dog. The dog comes from breeds that love and appreciate their owners. They epitomized lovey-dovey quality among canines. They represent a welcome balance between friendliness and hardiness. This pooch isn’t perfect on all fronts, but it can be the perfect pet for the right family.

Featured Image Credit: Left- Ihar Halavach, Shutterstock | Right – Anastasiia Cherniavskaia, Shutterstock