Cava Inu: Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide, & More

The post Cava Inu: Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide, & More by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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 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? Read Original