Cav-A-Mo

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Great Britain <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Cav-A-Mo

The Cav-A-Mo is a hybrid breed whose parents are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Eskimo Dog. This hybrid is a curious, energetic and affectionate dog. They make excellent pets and are good with children. As he grows older, he will become calmer, but will never lose his inquisitive nature. One of the easiest hybrid breeds to train, this eager-to-please canine's temperament is obedient and lively. Cav-A-Mo maintenance is relatively easy in all respects. Generally a small dog, it is considered a miniature when it comes to similar dogs. He's an ideal companion for apartment-dwellers and families with fenced-in backyards.

History of the Cav-A-Mo

Although there is little documented information on the Cav-A-Mo hybrid itself, much can still be learned about this curious and affectionate dog by studying its parent breeds.
        

A little of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

        
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel itself is a relatively new breed, descended from the toy Epagneuls that were the companions of royalty and nobility in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Mary, Queen of Scots, owned a toy Spaniel who walked at her master's side as Mary went to her beheading. Mary's grandson and great-grandson, Charles I and II, owned many dogs of the same breed, and eventually gave their name to the breed. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels arrived in the United States in the 1940s. In the 1950s, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed. It wasn't until 1995 that the American Kennel Club decided to recognize the breed.
Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A little of the American Eskimo Dog

A superb white dog, the American Eskimo Dog descended from the Northern Spitz breed, and later others were added, such as the Keeshond, and was a valuable companion on the farm as well as a property guardian. Formerly known as the American Spitz, the name change to American Eskimo Dog is thought to be linked to the kennels where much of the breeding took place. This lively, inquisitive dog was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1994.
Presentation of the American Eskimo Dog

Appearance of the Cav-A-Mo

The Cav-A-Mo is generally quite small. He usually weighs no more than 9 kilos and measures around 30.5 centimeters at the shoulder. Of course, this will vary due to the Cav-A-Mo's parental breeds and the dominance of genetic traits. Its coat will generally be medium to long in length. Occasionally, it may have a wavy or curly coat. Unlike its parent breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it generally lacks the ear fringe of the Spaniel family. He can come in a variety of colors, but will often be modeled much like the parent Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. He may be white with brown, red, fawn or black markings. He may also have hair between his toes, rather like the American Eskimo Dog. His tail will probably curl over his back and be covered with a thick layer of fur. It will be sturdy but may have a delicate look on its legs and feet.

Temperament of the Cav-A-Mo

The Cav-A-Mo is a very gentle dog. He's energetic and lively. Over time, he will appear mature and calm as he ages. He is certainly a companion dog. He loves his family and will want to be with you wherever you go. He is intelligent and one of the easiest breeds to train, although he needs reinforcement with treats and other positive measures. He is known to obey commands and listen to his owner more than other breeds. He is excellent with children and has a reputation for being playful and energetic with them, as well as being very affectionate with the whole family. Unwilling to be left alone for long periods, he can become destructive if left to his own devices day after day. He'll thrive in a home where there's a lot going on that he can be a part of.

Needs and activities of the Cav-A-Mo

The Cav-A-Mo is a lively, energetic little dog. However, experts note that as he ages, he calms down well. He needs a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise to prevent him from storing up pent-up energy, which could lead him to be destructive. Dog parks are recommended for the Cav-A-Mo, as he'll certainly enjoy interaction with other dogs. If you don't have a dog park in your area, perhaps he could accompany you on a walk or jog. Leaving your Cav-A-Mo outside in an unfenced yard is not recommended, nor is leaving him unsupervised. He has a reputation for chasing cars, so if you're outside with him, he should be on a leash or in a fenced-in area.

Maintenance of the Cav-A-Mo

The Cav-A-Mo has moderate grooming requirements. He will need brushing at least once a week, as well as a bath when dirty, just be sure to brush his coat before wetting it so that tangles are easier to remove. The Cav-A-Mo generally inherits the soft, silky coat of the American Eskimo Dog's parent, which means it can get matted if its coat isn't brushed regularly. Use a soft bristle brush to remove tangles and mats from his coat. You may need to brush two or three times a week during the shedding season. Brushing your dog's teeth two or three times a week will help prevent tooth decay, gum damage or periodontal disease. An annual dental check-up is recommended. Your Cav-A-Mo's nails may need to be trimmed every two or three weeks to avoid painful splits and tears.

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