A Cav-a-Mo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and an American Eskimo dog.
They’re not a common cross given American Eskimo dogs are still quite rare around the world.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a popular dog breed, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
It’s unclear when the first examples of this hybrid dog started to originate, unlike some other Cavalier cross breeds.
The Cav-a-Mo is a breed that can sometimes be found at rescue shelters, requiring a new home.
In this article, we’re going to learn about Cav-a-Mo size, Cav-a-Mo appearance, Cav-a-Mo temperament, Cav-a-Mo separation anxiety, Cav-a-Mo exercise and much more.
We’ve spoken to Clancy in the City (@clancy_in_the_city) and Miss Maggie Cavamo (@missmaggiecavamo) to learn more about the cross breed given there isn’t a lot of information surrounding these hybrid dogs.
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What is a Cav-A-Mo?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
Cav-a-Mo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and an American Eskimo dog.
These dogs can go by a variety of different names, including Cavamo or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel American Eskimo dog mix.
While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and American Eskimo dogs are breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club, the organization haven’t granted the Cav-a-Mo status.
However, the so-called designer breed are recognised by Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Cav-A-Mo size
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
The American Eskimo dog is a companion dog, much like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. When mixed, the result is the Cav-a-Mo. This hybrid canine is likely to be relatively small in size given both parents are relatively petite dogs. Cav-a-Mo is across between 12 and 13 inches tall as well as 10 to 20 pounds in weight.
Cav-A-Mo appearance
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
Cav-a-Mo appearance can vary between each member of this designer breed. While the American Eskimo has a white coat, the Cavalier has a number of possible coat colors. So, the coat color of the Cav-a-Mo will depend on whether the American Eskimo is mixed with a Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan and Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The Cav-a-Mo will generally have quite a long, fluffy coat that is reflective of their American Eskimo dog. They’ll usually have a tail that curls over and rests on their back. Their overall appearance is one of a solid, sturdy dog.
Miss Maggie gave us a great description of her Cav-a-Mo. Let’s take a look how she describes the Cav-a-Mo appearance.
My Cav-a-Mo has a beautiful, long, luscious coat with multiple colours of white, black and brown shades, she is approximately 20lbs fully grown and has a sturdy and robust form.
Cav-A-Mo temperament
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
It’s important to remember that it’s impossible to predict what traits a Cav-a-Mo will inherit from each parent. Cav-a-Mos will usually enjoy being around their pet parents and fellow family members given they excel as companion pets. The Cav-a-Mo will usually be a friendly and outgoing dog that likes to meet new dogs and new people. You could have a velcro dog on your hand. They’re quite energetic dogs that will enjoy a romp around the backyard, garden or dog park. The Cav-a-Mo is described as a dog that is quite easy to train. They’re intelligent dog breeds and they’re easy to please.
Grace provided us with a great insight into the temperament of her dog, Miss Maggie.
Maggie is calm, good natured and affectionate more often than not, however at times may react negatively to strangers when directly approached or taken by surprise.
We also heard from Clancy’s owner about her Cav-a-Mo’s temperament.
Clancy is a sassy and sweet mixture. Once he warms up to someone, he’ll love them forever (and his snuggles are hands down the best). He is high energy and just wants to greet every human and animal he comes across. He’s never bitten a soul, but his bark can come across intense.
Do Cav-A-Mos suffer from separation anxiety?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
Separation anxiety is a chronic canine condition that can affect dogs when they’re left at home alone. The condition usually manifests itself in a number of different ways. These include incessant barking, howling or whining, as well as destructive chewing and digging, and in some extreme circumstances, defecating and urinating. As companion dogs, there’s a chance that Cav-a-Mo could suffer with separation anxiety if they’re left alone. Although there’s scientific proof to suggest velcro dogs are more prone to separation anxiety, Cav-a-Mo dogs, like any other breed, could suffer from the condition.
Clancy is an example of a Cav-a-Mo that does suffer from this chronic disorder.
I’ve never met another Cav-a-Mo, but yes Clancy has had intense separation anxiety ever since he was a pup. If he’s having an extra difficult day I’ll give him CBD oil treats, but that’s pretty rare. He loves being around others, so when he’s alone his anxiety definitely elevates, but toys and window perches typically help him to relax!
Do Cav-A-Mos make good guard dogs?
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
Cav-a-Mo are probably too small to be used as effective guard dogs. However, Cav-a-Mo can make excellent watch dogs, alerting their owners if there’s a visitor approaching the front door.
Do Cav-A-Mos make great family pets?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
The Cav-a-Mo mix is quite a robust breed thanks to their sturdy build. They can make great family pets because they’re friendly and outgoing dogs. Their build means that they can play with family members in the garden unlike some more petite Cavalier cross breeds.
Grace did have some advice for dog lovers thinking of a Cav-a-Mo as a family pet.
Yes absolutely, they have a calm disposition and family oriented. Having said that, I would always apply caution with any dog breed around young children and strangers.
Are Cav-A-Mos easy to train?
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
The Cav-a-Mo mixed breed are usually quite easy to train. The American Eskimo dog is a smart breed that can be prone to some stubborness. It’s a good idea to start training your Cav-a-Mo from a young age to lay down the ground-rules. Although American Eskimo dogs can be independent thinkers, there’s an underlying desire to please which can help with training. Cavaliers are dogs that like to please. So Cav-a-Mo dogs should excel with consistent and regular training.
Do Cav-a-Mo like to cuddle and relax?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
Seeing as both American Eskimo dogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are companion dogs, there’s a good chance that a Cav-a-Mo will enjoy spending quality time with their pet parents. They’ll enjoy giving and receiving affection in equal mesaure.
In Miss Maggie’s case, she loves to cuddle with her dog mom, Grace.
Lounging is her favourite activity aside from going on long walks.
How much exercise do Cav-A-Mos need?
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
As we mentioned above, Cav-a-Mo are a dog breed that are relatively high energy. This is a trait that’s inherited from the American Eskimo parent as Cavaliers are usually more laidback. The Cav-a-Mo will benefit from regular exercise to keep them stimulated. Wag Walking recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, such as regular walks, jogs or trips to the dog park.
Are Cav-A-Mos hypoallergenic?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
The Cav-a-Mo aren’t a hypoallergenic breed. The American Kennel Club write on their website that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic breed. There are some canines that are more hypoallergenic than other dogs.
Do Cav-A-Mos shed?
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
The reason the Cav-a-Mo isn’t considered a hypoallergenic breed is due to their moderate-to-high shedding coat. They’ll shed all year round but it’ll get a lot worse during shedding season when they blow out their summer or winter coat.
Do Cav-A-Mos need regular grooming?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
If you decide a Cav-a-Mo is a dog for you, you’ll need to be prepared to regularly groom your four-legged pal. You’ll need to brush your Cavalier mix at least two or three times a week. By grooming your Cav-a-Mo, you can maintain the quality of their coat. It can remove debris and dirt in their coat.
Grace gave us an insight into her grooming routine for Miss Maggie.
Besides the usual monthly bathing and nail trim, she simply requires brushing her coat daily will reduce the amount of shedding and help keep the coat shiny and soft.
Do Cav-A-Mos have any health problems?
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
While there’s a belief that mixed breeds are usually healthier dogs, they’re still prone to some issues. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about the potential health problems you could face. Some of the health issues to be aware of include:
• Hip Dysplasia
• Mitral Valve Disease
• Syringomyelia
Clancy hasn’t had any health problems so far.
Thankfully Cavamos do not have health issues (that I’m aware of!) Pure bred King Charles Cavaliers are known for having heart issues and complications, but due to Clancy not being pure bred he does not have this concern and has never had an issue.
Are Cav-A-Mos fussy eaters?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
I’ve got a Spitz breed like the American Eskimo dog and I’ve experienced firsthand the stress of owning a fussy eater. There’s nothing worse than your dog refusing to eat their food, resulting in stomach problems. I’ve found that dog food delivery companies can provide a solution for dog owners with their home-cooked meals. I’ve reviewed the best dog food delivery companies in the USA and the best dog food delivery companies in the UK.
Alternatively, if you prefer feeding your Cav-A-Mo dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here.
Fortunately in Clancy’s case, he hasn’t been a picky eater.
Definitely NOT a fussy eater, he will eat anything given to him–he even enjoys his heart-worm medication.
Cav-A-Mo price
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
If you’ve got your heart set on getting a Cav-a-Mo, you should check out your local rescue shelter to see if there’s a member of this cross breed that needs to be rehomed. Alternatively, you could try to search out a Cav-a-Mo breeder, although they’re not common. If you do contact a breeder about getting a Cav-a-Mo puppy, you should ask to see your pup interact with the parents, request to see proof of health checks and vaccinations, as well as relevant documentation.
For example, Clancy in the City suggests around $1,000 a s a price tag for Cav-a-Mo dogs.
I’ve seen online they can go for near $1,000–but I came across him on Craigslist. I’m sure pure bred cavaliers are even more expensive (I know some people have spent over $1,000).
Are Cav-A-Mos expensive?
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
While you may have saved for the initial cost of purchasing a Cav-a-Mo, you should be prepared for further costs along the line. These include things such as pet insurance, vet bills, dog food, spaying or neutering. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK
Clancy, thought, doesn’t cost too much money to own.
He doesn’t have any out of the ordinary expenses, just typical vet check ups and my obsession with buying new toys.
Cav-A-Mos to follow on Instagram
Cav-a-Mo Clancy (Photo: @clancy_in_the_city / Instagram)
If you’d like to learn more about the Cav-a-Mo cross breed to find out more about this Cavalier mix, you may find social media is a great resource to learn more. We recommend the following Instagram accounts to learn more about Cav-a-Mo.
• Clancy in the City (@clancy_in_the_city)
• Miss Maggie Cavamo (@missmaggiecavamo)
In conclusion
Cav-a-Mo Maggie (Photo: @missmaggiecavamo / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our article on the Cav-a-Mo cross breed.
They’re small dogs that excel as companion dogs given they like to be around their fellow family members.
Cav-a-Mo are usually quite energetic dogs that will enjoy playtime or regular walks.
They’re not a hypoallergenic mix because Cav-a-Mo do shed quite a lot.
