Cavador

A Cavador is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Labrador.

This hybrid dog is a mix between two of the most common breeds in the world.

Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the USA, according to the American Kennel Club.

The charming Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes the top 20 in the AKC’s list, ranked at number 16.

Cavadors are a medium-size mix that can bred intentionally or unintentionally.

If you’ve got your heart set on a Cavador, your first stop should be your local rescue shelter.

In this article we’re going to take a close look at the Cavador, including Cavador appearance, temperament, price and much more.

What is a Cavador?

A Cavador is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever. While this hybrid dog usually goes by the name Cavador, they can also be called Cavadoor or Cavadore. Alternatively, you can just refer to this “designer dog” as a Cavalier Labrador cross.

Given the popularity of the Cavalier and Labrador breeds, the Cavador is a mix that you can find at rescue shelters in need of a permanent home.

The first Cavadors started to appear in the early 1990s before emerging as a popular dog amongst pet lovers looking for a family-friendly mix.

Although the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador Retriever are recognized by the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club, neither organization have granted the Cavador recognition. However, the Dog Registry of America does recognize this particular mix.

Barkley’s parents explained how they came across the Cavador mix breed.

Mia’s parents had a similar thought process in their search for a dog.

Cavador size

Cavadors can range in size depending on whether they take after their smaller Cavalier parent or medium-sized Labrador parent. A suggested height range for a Cavador is between 18 and 25 inches tall. They’ll usually weigh between 22 and 55 pounds.

Cavador appearance

As with all mixed breeds, a Cavador’s appearance will vary with each individual member of the cross. It’s impossible to predict which physical traits a Cavador puppy will inherit from each parent.

They’ll usually be golden, yellow, black or brown in color but Cavadors have been known to have a coat color that is more of a shade for cream or red. Similar to the Labrador, Cavadors usually have a short-to-medium lenght coat that is straight but dense. While their coat color can vary, Cavadors should have brown eyes with floppy ears that can have feathering if they take after their Cavalier parent.

Bastiaen shed light on the Cavador appearance for us by describing Malaika.

Cavador temperament

Cavadors can prove popular with families due to their friendly and engaging personalities. Cavaliers were traditionally popular lap dogs that like to give and receive affection from their pet parents. The primary purpose of the early Labradors was to act as retrieving dogs during hunts. Hence, Labradors have a lot of energy. As both parent breeds are known for being friendly and sociable dogs, we can say with some degree of confidence that a Cavador should be a pleasant and well-mannered mix.

Let’s hear a little about Barkley’s temperament.

Malaika has an easy-going temperament, too.

Do Cavadors suffer from separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. It doesn’t discriminate! It usually occurs when the dog owner leaves their home (or is getting ready to depart). Separation anxiety can manifest itself in a number of different ways, including barking, howling, whining, chewing, digging, defecating or urinating. As a predominantly companion breed, some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels appear to be suffer with the chronic condition.

We asked Mia’s guardians whether they’ve experienced this issue.

It’s a similar story with Barkley, who doesn’t appear to be fazed when left alone.

Proving that every member of a breed or cross breed is different, Malaika does suffer with separation anxiety.

Do Cavadors make good guard dogs?

Cavadors are unlikely to excel as guard dogs given their small size. They’re also quite a friendly breed by nature. Having said that, they can make good watch dogs as they’ll raise the alarm if they hear or see someone approaching the front door.

Malaika is quick to spot a potential visitors and bark.

It’s a similar story with Mia.

Do Cavadors make great family pets?

As we’ve already touched upon above, Cavadors tend to be a popular breed with families. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are sweet dogs that like to cuddle and interact with their owners. Labradors are more energetic and will relish a game of fetch in the garden or yard. They’re loyal to their pet parents. So there’s a good chance Cavadors will thrive as family pets.

Do Cavadors like to cuddle?

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, you’re probably looking forward to those relaxing evenings curled up on the sofa with your canine companion. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have excelled as companion dogs for centuries. Often described as the quintessential lapdogs, they’ll enjoy some snuggle time. So what about a Cavador? Let’s hear from Malaika’s mom.

Are Cavadors easy to train?

Labradors have excelled as search and rescue dogs, blind eye and guide dogs throughout the 20th and 21st century. They’re a highly trainable breed with an underlying eagerness to please. Ranked as the fourth smartest dog in the world, there’s a good chance your Cavador will be a quick learner. Having said that, we recommend starting puppy training from a young age to give you the best chance of success in the long term.

Do Cavadors bark a lot?

As Malaika and Mia revealed earlier in this feature, Cavadors will bark if there’s someone approaching the front door or they hear a noise outside. However, aside from being excellent watch dogs, they don’t appear to bark any more or any less than any other type of canine.

How much exercise do Cavadors need?

While Cavaliers have relatively moderate exercise needs, Labradors need lots of opportunities to burn energy throughout the day. As a result, your Cavador is likely to have moderate to high exercise needs. Remember, every Cavador will be different. Wag Walking recommend at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.

Are Cavadors hypoallergenic?

A hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely to trigger a person’s allergies. The AKC state on their website that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic but some dogs are more hypoallergenic than other breeds. The Cavador isn’t a hypoallergenic mix.

Do Cavadors shed?

Cavaliers and Labradors are moderate-to-high shedding dogs so it’s likely that a Cavador will shed quite a bit. They’re moderate but regular shedding means you can expect some loose hair on your clothes, furniture and floor.

Do Cavadors need regular grooming?

It’s a good idea to regular brush a Cavador to remove dirt and debris from their coat. A quick brushing session a couple of times a week should help maintain the appearance and health of their coat.

Malaika’s owner regularly gives her charming Cavador a brush.

Do Cavadors have any health problems?

Cavadors can suffer from health problems just like any purebred or mix. Although they’re a cross which are often stereotyped as healthier dogs, there are some health conditions to be aware of. These include but are not limited to bloat, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and mitral valve disease.

Malaika, who is now seven, has experienced some health problems.

Mia’s guardians shed light on her health.

Barkley has a clear health record so far.

Are Cavadors fussy eaters?

If you’ve ever experienced life with a fussy eater, you’ll know that it can be stressful attempting to encourage your picky pup to eat their meals. I’ve found that dog food delivery companies can provide a solution for dog owners with their home-cooked meals after testing their food on my picky Klee Kai. 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 dog dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here.

Barkley isn’t a fussy eater. In fact, he is the quite the opposite.

Mia isn’t picky when it comes to her grub, either.

Do Cavadors get along with other dogs?

As we mentioned above, Cavadors are usually outgoing dogs that like to socialize with other canines. Having said that, every dog is different and you should act responsibly when introducing your pup to a four-legged friend for the first time.

Mia, for example, loves meeting new people and new dogs.

Cavador price

So you’ve got your heart set on getting a Cavador. You should visit your local rescue shelter to see if they’ve got a member of this cross breed that needs a new home. If not, you could look for a breeder. We recommend asking to see a puppy’s parents, requesting to see proof of health checks and other necessary documentation. You can expect to pay anywhere between $750 and $2,000 for a Cavador.

Here’s what Barkley’s parents recommended as a suggested price for a Cavador.

For instance, Mia cost $1,000 AUD ($700).

Are Cavadors expensive?

You’ll also need to budget for additional costs once you bring your Cavador home. These include vaccinations, neutering or spaying, dog food, pet insurance and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK

Cavadors to follow on Instagram

If you want to learn more about Cavadors, we find contacting Cavador owners on Instagram can be a productive way to find out more information about the cross breed. Here are three Cavador accounts to check out on the photo and video app.

• Malaika (@zohra_malaika)

• Mia (@mygoldencooper)

• Barkley (@barkley.the.cavador)

In conclusion

We’ve reached the end of our article on Cavadors.

They’re a friendly, energetic and robust cross breed that can make excellent family pets.

Cavadors will usually have a coat that is golden, yellow, black, cream or red in color.

They’ll have moderate to high exercise needs and should prove to be quick learners.