Cavador

The Cavador, a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, inherits traits from both parents. Typically, they have yellow, golden, black, red, or cream coats, often with white markings on the chest, face, toes, and tail tip. Medium-sized, they can weigh up to 55 pounds. Cavadors are great family pets, good with children and other animals, though some may have a hunting instinct from the Retriever side. They require moderate grooming and enjoy regular exercise.

Written byHarper JefcoatHarper Jefcoat

Clock12 min read

Breed GroupBreed Group

Hybrid Dog

Breed HeightHeight

18-24 inches

Breed WeightWeight

22- 55 pounds

Breed Life spanLife Span

10- 14 years

Breed CostAverage Cost

$4,500-$5,500

Breed ColorsColors

Black, Brown, Fawn, Red, Cream

Breed UKC GroupUKC Group

Not Recognized

All About Breed

Discover the Cavador, from its origins and characteristics to its grooming and health, to see if it’s the right pet for you:

In This Article

  • History/Origin
  • Personality
  • Physical Appearance
  • Gender Differences
  • Feed/Nutrition
  • Health
  • Care and Grooming
  • Rescue Groups
  • Breed for Sale
  • Interesting Facts
  • Best For
  • Top Names
  • Pet Ratings
  • Key Takeaways
  • FAQs
History/Origin

History/Origin

The Cavador is a relatively new breed, believed to have emerged in the 1990s. Its popularity has surged due to its parent breed, the Labrador Retriever, consistently ranking as the most popular dog in the United States.

Labrador Retrievers, originally called St. John’s Dogs, hail from Canada, where they were prized as sporting dogs for hunting and fishing. In contrast, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, dating back to the 1600s, was often favored by royalty.

  1. Cavalier King Charles SpanielCavalier King Charles Spaniel- Source: AKC
  2. Labrador RetrieverLabrador Retriever- Source: Pixabay

Although the Cavador is recognized as a designer breed, many unfortunately end up in shelters. If you're considering welcoming a Cavador into your home, consider reaching out to local rescue groups and shelters.

Personality

Personality

Cavadors are incredibly loving and social dogs, making them a perfect addition to any family. They thrive on companionship, enjoy being around children, and love joining in on family activities, whether it’s running errands or going on trips. Their friendly nature ensures they’ll always seek out interaction and affection.

  • Potential Challenges

Cavadors, while loving and social, come with some potential challenges. Their high energy levels mean they require regular, vigorous exercise to stay healthy and happy, making them a demanding companion for less active families. 

Their intelligence also necessitates consistent mental stimulation. This can be challenging for owners who don't have the time or resources. Providing interactive toys and regular training sessions is essential. Without proper physical and mental engagement, Cavadors may become bored, leading to destructive behaviors.

Physical Appearance

Physical Appearance

Cavadors are considered a medium-sized breed. Cavadors usually feature brown, almond-shaped eyes and floppy ears, which may have a bit of feathering. They often inherit characteristics from their parent breeds. 

  • Size

The Cavador is generally considered a medium-sized dog, though size standards can vary with newer breeds. Most Cavadors weigh between 22 and 55 pounds and stand 18 to 24 inches tall.

  • Coat color

Cavadors are known for their various coat colors, with popular shades including yellow, brown, black, red, and golden. Their coats are typically short to medium in length, water-resistant, smooth, and dense.

  1. Golden CavadorGolden Cavador- Source: bailey.cavador
  2. Black CavadorBlack Cavador- Source: bailey.cavador
  3. Brown CavadorBrown Cavador- Source: milo.the.cavador
Gender Differences

Gender Differences

Gender differences in Cavador are generally subtle. Males might be a bit more playful and outgoing, while females may show more independence and a stronger desire to please. However, individual personalities vary widely, and factors like upbringing and training often have a greater impact than gender.

Feed/Nutrition

Feed/Nutrition

A Cavador's ideal diet should be designed for a medium-sized, high-energy breed, with about 3 cups of food per day. To prevent weight gain, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet and provide sufficient exercise, as overeating can lead to obesity.

Dietary needs will evolve from puppyhood to adulthood and continue to change into their senior years. For tailored advice, consult your veterinarian, as each Cavador's dietary requirements vary based on factors like weight, energy level, and overall health.

Health

Health

Cavadors are generally healthy, but they may be prone to certain conditions inherited from their parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Regular vet visits are crucial for early detection and management of health issues. Here are some common health problems and their preventive measures:

  • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Bloat is a severe condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, leading to extreme pain and potentially fatal complications. Preventive measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding vigorous exercise immediately after eating, and providing elevated feeding bowls to reduce the risk. Immediate veterinary care is essential if symptoms occur.
  • Hip Dysplasia: This genetic disorder involves the abnormal formation of the hip joint, leading to arthritis and pain. To help prevent hip dysplasia, choose a reputable breeder who tests breeding dogs for hip health and maintains a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Regular vet check-ups can help monitor joint health.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a progressive eye disease that leads to blindness as the retina deteriorates over time. There is no cure, but breeding dogs should be tested for PRA to reduce the risk of passing it on. Regular eye exams can help monitor any vision changes.
  • Mitral Valve Disease: This heart condition affects the mitral valve, causing it to malfunction and potentially leading to heart failure. Preventive measures include regular veterinary check-ups to monitor heart health, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing symptoms with prescribed medications if necessary. Early detection can improve the quality of life for affected dogs.
Care and Grooming

Care and Grooming

Cavadors need plenty of exercise to stay happy. Aim for two half-hour walks daily, along with playtime and running sessions. An enclosed yard is ideal for outdoor play but always supervised. 

Regular grooming is essential: brush their teeth daily, keep up with nail clippings, and clean their ears with a wet cotton ball. A couple of brushing sessions per week will help manage moderate shedding. If your Cavador enjoys swimming and playing in the mud, regular baths with a vet-recommended shampoo are necessary.

Cavadors adapt well to moderate temperatures but can handle both hot and cold climates. Provide a dog coat in winter and ensure fresh water and shade in summer.

weekly grooming- high energy needs of dogs. thepetworld.org

Rescue Groups

Rescue Groups

Cavadors, as a designer breed, often end up in rescue groups associated with their parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. If you're considering adopting a Cavador, checking with rescue organizations dedicated to these breeds can be a great way to find a loving companion in need of a home.

Cavalier Rescue USA

Labrador Rescue South East & Central

Breed for Sale

Breed for Sale

Cavadors, as a designer breed, are available for purchase through reputable breeders. You can also find them through rescue groups, offering a chance to adopt a Cavador in need of a loving home. Whether buying or adopting, ensure you choose a source that prioritizes health and well-being.

Banksia Bark Puppies

Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts

  • Cavadors are known for their friendly and social personalities, making them excellent companions not only for families but also for individuals looking for loyal and loving pets.
  • They are highly trainable and enjoy learning new tricks and commands, often responding well to positive reinforcement and treats.
Best For

Best For

Cavadors are great for families with children due to their friendly and playful nature. They suit active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities, as they need regular exercise. Their easygoing temperament makes them ideal for first-time dog owners. They also make wonderful companions for those seeking affection and loyalty. They adapt well to both houses and apartments, provided they get enough exercise.

Top Names

Top Names

Male Cavador Names

Female Cavador Names

Max

Bella

Charlie

Luna

Cooper

Daisy

Rocky

Lucy

Duke

Molly

Pet Ratings

Adaptability

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Friendliness

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Health and Grooming Needs

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Trainability

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Exercise Needs

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Key Takeaways

Coat and Grooming: They have short, dense coats with moderate shedding. A couple of grooming sessions per week will keep them tidy.

Family Compatibility: Cavadors are friendly and great with kids. Teach children to interact with them respectfully.

Mental Stimulation: Keep them mentally engaged with interactive toys and consistent training.

Exercise Needs: They need lots of exercise: two half-hour walks daily plus ball games and running.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cavador?

How big is a Cavador?

Do Cavadors shed?

How much are Cavadors?

Harper Jefcoat
Written by

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and expert author at ThePetWorld.org. With a deep-seated passion for animals, Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to his writings. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he aims to help pet owners understand and care for their furry friends better.

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