Cava-corgi

Stanley the Corgi Cava (Photo: @stanleytuccithedog / Instagram)

By helloBARK!
Updated on 4 June 2020

The Cava-corgi is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Corgi.

They’re a mix between two popular dog breeds that make excellent family pets.

Although there are some common Cavalier cross breeds, the Cava-corgi is a relatively rare mix.

The Cava-corgi can make an excellent apartment dog given their relative small size.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the Cava-Corgi size, Cava-corgi appearance, Cava-corgi temperament, Cava-corgi exercise, whether Cava-corgi are hypoallergenic and much more.

We’ll speak to Chica (@princesschiccaa) and Stanley (stanleytuccithedog) to learn more about the Cava-corgi cross breed.

What is a Cava-corgi?

Stanley the Corgi Cava (Photo: @stanleytuccithedog / Instagram)

The Cava-corgi is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Corgi.

They’re a small cross breed that have a sociable temperament and moderate exercise needs.

While the American Kennel Club recognises the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Corgi as a breed, the organization don’t grant the Cava-corgi breed status.

Having said that, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America and the International Designer Canine Registry all recognize the Cava-corgi as a breed.

Cava-corgi size

Cava-corgi are quite a small mix breed. They’ll usually grow to be between 8 and 12 inches tall, while they can be around 14 to 30 pounds in weight. It’s worth noting that the female tends to be a little bigger than the male. They should be longer rather than tall.

Charles explained that his Cava-corgi Chica is a small-to-medium size dog.

She is just under medium sized and has a chunky build. She weighs about 20 pounds.

Stanley is a little lighter than Chica.

He’s the perfect size dog at about 15lbs. He fits in my lap which comes in handy in cars & on planes. I don’t carry him all the time but if I have to it takes a while before my back starts hurting.

Cava-corgi appearance

Stanley the Corgi Cava (Photo: @stanleytuccithedog / Instagram)

A Cava-corgi can have an appearance that is reflective of both their Cavalier and Corgi parent. They’ve got a medium length coat that will have a slight curl or wave to it. Cava-corgi can come in a variety of different coat colors, ranging from brown, white, black red, fawn or yellow markings. They can have relatively short legs, mirroring their Corgi parent.

Cava-corgi temperament

Cava-corgi are a cross breed that can vary in temperament depending on whether they take after their Cavalier or Corgi parent. Remember, it’s impossible to predict what traits a Cava-corgi will inherit from each breed. While the Corgi breed are usually a herding dog that were traditionally used on farms to herd cattle, the Cavalier dog served as a companion-sized breed. The Cava-corgi can have a tendency to herd as well as being quite clingy. Overall, this Cavalier mix is a friendly and sweet dog that will enjoy their role in family life. They can be playful dogs that will enjoy some games in the backyard or garden. Cava-corgi have moderate exercise needs, requiring stimulation to keep their brains active.

Here’s how Stanley’s mum described his personality.

Stanley’s personality is mostly a LOT of anxiety. I’m not sure what he went through for his first two years of life because he was found wandering around in LA, but he has lots of anxiety with people other than me (mostly men, especially minorities). He’s very dramatic and scared most of the time, but when he’s with me and at home, he’s happy. He doesn’t play with toys but LOVES chewing on bones & going for rides.

Do Cava-corgis suffer from separation anxiety?

Cava-corgi Chica (Photo: @princesschiccaa / Instagram)

Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that occurs when dogs are left alone. The symptoms include incessant barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging, as well as defecating or urinating in some extreme cases. Although there’s no proof that companion breeds are more prone to this condition, the Cavalier dog can suffer with separation anxiety. So, it’s something to consider if you’re thinking about a Cava-corgi, especially if you’re planning to leave your dog at home alone.

Do Cava-corgis make great family pets?

Cavaliers and Corgis have a reputation for being a good choice for families. The Cavalier is an easy going dog breed that like to give and receive affection. The Corgi breed is a friendly and outgoing breed, although they do have a tendency to herd. They need to be supervised around young children in case this herding tendency appears. The same can be said of the Cava-corgi.

Charles believe Cava-corgi do make excellent family pets.

She is a great pet! She is very friendly, loves to cuddle and play.

Stanley, for example, is good around children provided they’re calm and relaxed.

Stanley has only been around a handful of children and always does pretty well if they’re calm around him. I think he would be a perfect family dog.

Are Cava-corgis easy to train?

Cava-corgi Chica (Photo: @princesschiccaa / Instagram)

Although Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are ranked 73rd in the Intelligence of Dogs, the Corgi is viewed as a smart breed. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is placed at number 11 in Stanley Coren’s book. The Corgi has an underlying eagerness to please so this can translate to the Cava-corgi. As with any puppy, it’s a good idea to start training from a young age to lay down the foundations of basic obedience.

We asked Stanley’s owner whether they consider Cava-corgi to be trainable dogs.

He’s not easy or hard to train. It takes a few weeks to teach him a trick, but he’s pretty smart.

How much exercise do Cava-corgis need?

The Cava-corgi can have different energy needs depending on whether they take after their Cavalier or Corgi parent. The Cavalier breed is quite a docile breed that enjoy their role as lapdogs. However, they’ll still enjoy a romp in the garden or at the dog park. The Corgi is an energetic dog breed given they were traditionally used on the farm. The Cava-corgi need around 30 minutes of exercise a day.

Charles says Chica has moderate exercise needs.

She has a decent amount of energy. She likes to sleep a lot. She has limited mobility cause of how short her legs are.

Do Cava-corgi bark a lot?

Cava-corgi won’t make great guard dogs but they can be effective watch dogs given they’re likely to raise the alarm if they notice someone approaching the front door. The Corgi breed, more so than the Cavalier, have a reputation for being a dog that is prone to barking.

We asked Charles whether Chica barks a lot. Here’s his response:

She does bark alot but I think its because she learned it from my other dog.

In Stanley Tucci’s case, he doesn’t like to exercise due to anxiety.

He requires no exercise at all. He hates walks (mostly because he’s scared of leaving the apartment) but he does run around our parking lot sometimes to burn off energy. He could easily go days without leaving the couch.

Are Cava-corgis hypoallergenic?

Cava-corgi Chica (Photo: @princesschiccaa / Instagram)

Cava-corgi aren’t considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. The Kennel Club explain on their website that there are a number of breeds with hypoallergenic qualities, although no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Neither the Cavalier nor the Corgi are considered a hypoallergenic breed.

Do Cava-corgis shed?

Both the Cavalier and Corgi breeds shed a lot so you can expect a Cava-corgi to shed to some degree. They’ve got medium-length coats that can be curly or wavy. They can blow out their coats at the changing of the season.

Stanley Tucci, for example, sheds quite a bit.

He sheds a LOT. I don’t brush him often because he makes it impossible, there’s lots of squiggling and running away. His fur grows very slowly so I only need to take him to the groomer a few times per year.

Charles is used to lots of shedding with his Cava-corgi, Chica.

Yes she sheds a decent amount once her coat grows out. We cut her hair about twice a year.

Do Cava-corgis need regular grooming?

Cava-corgi will benefit from a good brushing session at least once a week. In doing so, pet parents will remove any debris or dirt in their hair to protect the health and quality of their coat.

Do Cava-corgis have any health problems?

Although mixed breeds are generally seen as healthier dogs, they can still be prone to some issues. There are some potential health problems that you need to be aware of that can affect Cava-corgis. Here are some to read up about:

• Patellar Luxation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Mitral Valve Disease
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Syringomyelia
• Cataracts

Are Cava-corgis fussy eaters?

Cava-corgi Chica (Photo: @princesschiccaa / Instagram)

Cava-corgi can be fussy eaters, just like any dog breed. I’ve experienced this first hand with my Alaskan Klee Kai. There’s nothing worse than a picky eater because it can lead to a variety of other problems. 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 Cava-chin dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here.

Cava-corgis price

The cost of Cava-corgi can vary. In fact, your best bet could be heading to your local rescue shelter to see if there’s a Cava-corgi that needs to be rehomed. This is a cross that is often in need of a forever home. Having said that, you can potentially find a Cava-corgi for sale in the region of $500 to $1,000.

Are Cava-corgis expensive?

Aside from the initial cost of a Cava-corgi, they can also have reoccuring expenses that you need to keep in mind. These can range from pet food, pet insurance, grooming, trips to the vet and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK

Charlie gave us an insight into the cost of owning a Cava-corgi.

I purchased her for 250$ from a friend after she was born, and spent probably around 1500$ for surgery and shots. Monthly we spend roughly 30$.

Do Cava-corgi make a good option for first-time owners?

Cava-corgi can be a good choice for pet lovers looking to get their first dog. They’ve got moderate needs without being an overly challenging breed to own.

Here’s what Stanley had to say about owning this mixed breed.

They would be a great dog for first time owners. They don’t require much exercise, can be left alone for a long time & extremely loyal. Just wants to hang out with you all day.

Cava-corgis to follow on Instagram

If you want to learn more about the Cava-corgi cross breed, your best bet could be Instagram. We find that Instagram accounts are usually more than happy to share information about their dogs to help other pet lovers. Here are two Cava-corgi to check out on Instagram.

• Chica (@princesschiccaa)
• Stanley (stanleytuccithedog)