Cava Tzu Grooming

The Cava-Tzu, as a hybrid of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih-Tzu, has a medium-length, fluffy coat that needs a good bit of grooming. These dogs will need frequent brushing, baths with a gentle shampoo, and haircuts 3-4 times per year.

See below for further details on maintaining the Cava-Tzu coat.

Cava-Tzu grooming needs are moderate to high, depending on the individual coat. These crossbreeds shed moderately, and their coats tend to tangle and mat pretty easily (especially if the coat is more like that of the Shih-Tzu), so they'll need brushing 3-4 times per week. Owners should bathe their Cava-Tzus every couple of months with a gentle canine shampoo, and haircuts are necessary every 3-4 months.

Brushing: Either a pin brush or a slicker brush will work when brushing these little dogs; a 2-in-1 comb will come in handy as well. Brush as follows: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle (and you can mix in a little de-tangling solution with the water if you like). Then starting at the shoulders, brush the entire coat in the typical line brushing fashion. (You may find it easier to use the comb instead on any facial hair.) If you encounter a tangle or mat, first try working it out with your fingers, then continue working through it with the comb.

Bathing: Most Cava-Tzus are small enough to be bathed in the kitchen sink; otherwise, a bathtub or an outdoor kiddie pool and a garden hose will work. First give the dog a thorough brushing; then wet the coat completely, and apply a small amount of shampoo to the dog's back. (Be sure to use a gentle canine shampoo. These hybrids can have very sensitive skin, so shampoo made for humans will likely irritate them a great deal.) Lather well, working downward as you go. (And don't forget the legs, underbelly, and tail!) Finish by using a washcloth to clean the head, ears, and face, making sure to avoid getting soap in the dog's eyes. Rinse well, towel- and/or blow-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look clean and neat.

Haircuts: Depending on your Cava-Tzu's coat length and your preferred style, these hybrids will need haircuts about every three months. And while cutting the dog's hair yourself is certainly possible, at least one trip to a professional groomer is recommended. The groomer can demonstrate the correct hair cutting method, discuss possible hairstyles, and provide tips on grooming a Cava-Tzu in general.

These hybrids' fluffy, medium-length coats make a number of Cava-Tzu haircuts possible. Depending on the style, your Cava-Tzu will need a touch-up trim every three months or so.

Three popular Cava-Tzu hairstyles:

• Puppy Cut: A short, low-maintenance style. The entire coat is clipped to about two inches in length. Some people like to leave the hair on the legs, face, and head a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Show Cut: Leaves most of the coat's length, but requires some precision. The coat is scissor-trimmed by only a half-inch or so, and is often thinned out with thinning shears; the hair on the face and head is rounded and even. Needs a groomer's expertise.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face, and head is left longer and is carefully sculpted and rounded; the overall look makes the dog resemble an adorable little stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.