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Cava-Shell |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Cava-Shell |
| The Cava-Shell is a medium-sized dog and a hybrid breed, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shetland Sheepdog. They generally appear to have a thick, wavy and very silky coat. Cava-Shells are excellent pets, with gentle, engaging personalities and enough energy to play with children. They can be a little reserved around strangers until they get to know them. Highly intelligent, they respond well to training and are eager to please. Known for their low bark and patient, gentle nature, the Cava-Shell is a delightful addition to a family. As previously mentioned, they have lots of energy and are therefore best suited to a home with a fenced yard so they can play and run around. |
History of the Cava-Shell |
| The Cava-Shell doesn't yet have much of its own history to boast about, so looking at the parent dogs helps us understand where this pretty dog comes from. |
A little of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
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| The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel had a royal upbringing, being the favorite dog of King Charles ll. They are a descendant of the King Charles Spaniel. In the 1600s, King Charles Spaniels were crossed with the Pug dog, producing a smaller dog with a flatter nose and upturned face, as well as protruding eyes. This is the King Charles Spaniel we know today. However, in the 1920s, an American named Roswell Eldridge had a vision of breeding the type of King Charles Spaniel that was famous in Van Dyck's paintings of King Charles II and his Spaniels. They had a longer muzzle, so he advertised for a dog of that type still available. He even offered cash prizes at the London Cruft dog show if anyone could show him one. A lady named Miss Mostyn Walker appeared and won the prize, but Eldridge had died a month earlier. However, other breeders embraced her vision and so the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel returned to its roots as the true heir to the Royal Spaniels and was given the prefix Cavalier, in the 1940s, to distinguish them from the King Charles Spaniel. With such a fascinating history, the Cava-Shell can rightly stand proud and distinguished. | ||
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| Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | ||
A little of the Shetland Sheepdog |
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| The Shetland Sheepdog comes from the rugged Shetland Islands and for many years was called a Toonie, meaning to farm. Farmers bred the dogs by crossing the Border Collie with smaller dogs, the reason being to guard their flocks of Shetland sheep. Some say it was bred to chase birds off sheep, as many Shelties seem to have a passion for bird hunting. In the 1800s, the Sheltie was brought to England and Scotland, while back home on the Shetland Islands, farmers began breeding their little Shelties to be even smaller and fluffier, and selling them to visitors to the island. In the years that followed, there was much dissension over what the dog should look like and what it should be called. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club took place in 1911. But there was much agonizing over the name with agreement finally reached to call it the Shetland Sheepdog and that it should resemble a miniature (rough) Collie. American breeders imported Shetland Sheepdogs from England until the 1950s. By the 1970s, they were the tenth most popular dog on the AKC list, and remained so for the next 15 years. | ||
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| Standard of the Shetland Sheepdog |
Appearance of the Cava-Shell |
| The Cava-Shell can vary in appearance depending on the predominance of genes from the parent breed. Generally, the Cava-Shell has a head that resembles a blunt wedge when viewed from the side, with a tapered muzzle and slightly rounded skull. The teeth meet in a scissor bite. The nose is black and the nostrils wide. The Cava-Shell has beautiful round dark eyes like the Cavalier, or they could inherit the almond-shaped eyes of the Shetland. Ears are often fluffy and held slightly erect with the tips folded back. The tail is often long and fringed and carried slightly curved. The legs are longer like Shetland, with beautifully rounded paws. The long, silky coat often forms a mane around the neck and chest. The Cava-Shell is available in many colors, from black and white to tricolor. It's an attractive, pretty dog that's proving popular. |
Temperament of the Cava-Shell |
| Cava-Shells have a gentle temperament, making them ideal family dogs. They are very affectionate, loving and totally loyal to their family. The Cava-Shell is highly intelligent and responds well to training, and will do best with patient, kind training rather than harsh methods. If you reward them with lots of praise, pats and occasional small treats, they'll do all they can for you. They tend to have lots of energy and love to take part in active games, walks or any activity you want to include them in, including swimming. They'll chase the ball until you tire of the game. The Cava-Shell may be reserved for strangers, but once they get to know them, they're affectionate and friendly. Devoted and loyal, Cava is a family's best friend. They're just as fond of snuggling in your lap or next to you, and will absorb all the attention and love you can give them. |
Needs and activities of the Cava-Shell |
| The Cava-Shell has lots of energy and will need a daily walk and a garden to run around in. They'll eagerly join in any game you want to start, or they can play with children patiently and kindly. Although they may seem reserved at first to new people, this will soon disappear and your Cava-Shell will welcome them into its circle of friends. These dogs will enjoy training and agility games, running alongside you as you bike to the stores, and will happily accompany you anywhere. They also love to swim, and will probably join the family if you're having fun in the pool. |
Maintenance of the Cava-Shell |
| A Cava-Shell's grooming needs are moderate. Although they have a long, silky coat, a good brushing with a firm bristle brush will take care of any shedding. As they are an active dog, they may need bathing every week or two to maintain a sweet smell. Be sure to use one of the specialized dog shampoos to ensure there are no allergic reactions. Dry your Cava-Shell thoroughly and check for any skin infections, sores or cuts that might affect your dog. While your dog is enjoying your attention, calmly check the inside of the ears and wipe gently. Dental hygiene, getting him used to having his teeth brushed, and toenail clipping are other areas to maintain. |
English (United Kingdom)