Cav-A-Malt

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10-13 lbs
10-12"
United States
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Maltese
Cavamalt, Malt-A-Lier, Maltalier

Small, fun-loving and easy to live with, the Cav-A-Malt is a new hybrid on the scene that stems from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Maltese. This is a relatively low energy breed that makes a great companion for busy families and the elderly. Their appearance is quite beautiful and distinct as they come in various tri-colors and have long, silky, wavy coats that are soft to the touch. They are considered a low maintenance dog and they are quite well-suited to the apartment lifestyle. Owners describe the Cav-A-Malt as a sweet and affectionate canine who loves to be where they are.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Maltese

Cav-A-Malt Health

Average Size
Male Cav-A-Malt size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 10-13 lbs
Female Cav-A-Malt size stats
Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 10-13 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Glaucoma
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Cherry Eye
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Ear Infections
  • Skin Infections
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Ophthalmologic Examination
  • Blood Chemistry

Cav-A-Malt Breed History

The Cav-A-Malt is a combination of the Maltese and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with the latter of the parents originating in the courts of royal England, specifically in the favor of King Charles I and his son King Charles II, his daughter Henrietta and his son James II, who all adored the breed. This Spaniel, in fact, was decreed by the King to even be allowed in the British parliamentarian buildings. Also favored by Queen Victoria right from childhood, she once had a dog named Dash. Modern day royalty has seen this breed as a pet as well; Queen Elizabeth II owned these Spaniels in addition to the dog we associate with her the most, the Corgi. In 1996, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was added to the roster of the American Kennel Club. The Maltese was an earlier addition to the list of the AKC, added in 1888 and ranks 33rd in popularity at this time. With origins in Malta, the Maltese was another aristocratic gem, with historical findings pointing to the fact that this breed was worshipped by the Egyptians and revered by the Greeks. Known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta", the Maltese is as well loved as a lap dog in the modern world as he was centuries ago. Clever and feisty, the Maltese mixes well with the affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to produce an all-around fun dog to own.

Cav-A-Malt Breed Appearance

The Cav-A-Malt is a small breed dog that may range anywhere from 9 to 11 inches in height and has a determined stance that also displays a spunky attitude. These hybrids tend to have silky soft fur coats, coming in various tri-colors such as red, tan, apricot, brown, and black, in a gorgeous mix. Their muzzles tend to be short in length and tapered; some puppies may be born with the signature domed head of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Their ears are described as flopped down, long and very feathery. The Cav-A-Malt will have large dark expressive eyes that may bulge somewhat; their nose will be dark and upturned. The tail is medium to long and can be either slightly curved like the Cavalier, or completely curled over the back like the Maltese. 
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Cav-A-Malt eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Cav-A-Malt nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
red Cav-A-Malt coat
Red
brown Cav-A-Malt coat
Brown
black Cav-A-Malt coat
Black
white Cav-A-Malt coat
White
pied Cav-A-Malt coat
Pied
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Cav-A-Malt wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Cav-A-Malt Breed Maintenance

The Cav-A-Malt is a small breed dog with long, silky, wavy hair. They are a low to moderate shedder and are not hypoallergenic. It is often recommended that owners groom their hybrid on a regular basis in order to reduce matting and other potential problems. The pin brush and a dry shampoo if needed, can be used in order to maintain a healthy coat and prevent tangling. The fur around the ears, eyes and foot pads may need to be trimmed as well for comfort and easy mobility. Your Cav-A-Malt's eyes need to be gently wiped daily if tearing is prominent and his ears will need to be cleaned on a regular basis as the parent breed, the Cavalier King Charles is prone to ear infections.  With such as furry ear, moisture and dirt can sometimes accumulate, causing yeast and bacteria to form. As with all dogs, dental hygiene needs to be maintained. Trimming of the nails should not be neglected; twice a month is often the norm.

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Brushes for Cav-A-Malt
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Cav-A-Malt requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Cav-A-Malt Temperament

The Cav-A-Malt is a lively, playful and fun loving dog that often does very well with all sorts of people. These small hybrid dogs are moderate to low energy canines that are quite easy to train, especially for novice owners. Consistency is key though, and repetition is sometimes necessary. They are friendly and curious when meeting most strangers and children. However, this characteristic is dependent on how socialised your Cav-A-Malt is. Poor training of the Cav-A-Malt may lead to your dog presenting dominating behavior such as snapping and protection over food and toys. When adopting small dogs it is important to train them how to behave - encouragement and positive reinforcement will go a long way. However, as with all dogs, it is just as important to train children how to handle and approach them. Owners of the Cav-A-Malt say they are a wonderful addition to the family but require a lot of attention and do not like to be left home alone as they are prone to separation anxiety.

Cav-A-Malt Activity Requirements

The size and activity level of the Cav-A-Malt makes them a good candidate for apartment dwelling. They do not demand much space and are quite content with a couple of short walks per day. They enjoy a meet and greet in the neighborhood; this is a good activity for practising the social skills learned in obedience training. The Cav-A-Malt is also known for talent in the agility ring; give him a chance to show off his smarts and eager personality. He will enjoy a home with a back yard as well, just be sure to accompany him when outside as he does not like to be left alone.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Cav-A-Malt

Similarly Sized Breeds to Cav-A-Malt

Cav-A-Malt Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.90 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost
author-img

Written by Loreziel Ortega

Published: 12/06/2017, edited: 12/22/2021

More articles by Loreziel Ortega

Cav-A-Malt Owner Experiences

ROSIE
8 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
NEVER WANTED A SMALL DOG BUT I LOVE HER SHE VERY LOVEABLE. SHE MAKES ME SO HAPPY SHE LICKS ME SO MUCH.IS THAT NORMAL.SHE DOES NOT LIKE TO BE GROMED, ANN
1 year, 5 months ago
Gigi
5 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My pup is as sweet as can be!! I highly recommend this breed!
1 year, 6 months ago
Bauer
7 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My cavamalt, Bauer, is a very loving and affectionate dog. He loves everybody and gets along with strangers and other dogs. He is an absolute joy to our family.
5 years ago
Dolly
9 Weeks
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She loves to cuddle and is doing great at potty training and commands.
4 years, 2 months ago
Teddy
9 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Snuggles
Fetch
Walks
Teddy plays very well with our 5 year old and enjoys playing actively. He tires quickly and likes long naps on a lap or on the couch. He sleeps well through the night in his kennel and is excited and playful in the mornings. He is the perfect job for our family, as we are home a lot in the evenings but gone for longer stretches during the day.
4 years, 1 month ago
Freckles
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beautiful little dog, very inquisitive around strangers - does a little wee every time she greets us still ! She’s a good girl
3 years, 12 months ago
Sebastian
8 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Highly intelligent, affectionate, lives belly rubs. He did like walking and on outings until he started getting ill. Protective and will announce when people approach unfamiliar.Playful, and likes to cuddle
1 year, 11 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Hello I am looking at getting a Cav-a-Malt and want to find a reputable breeder. Do you have information you could supply? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

I'm considering getting a Cav-a-malt for my senior citizen parents. Are they hypo allergenic, and do they shed?

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

Expected life span having been diagnosed with a possible collapsing trachea,

Answer
Hello, many of these dogs can live a long and normal life if they have a mild condition and are kept calm. If it is very severe it would be best fir your dog to see your vet for diagnosing and treatment. They can discuss things that you can do to extend your dogs life as well as give you a prognosis for this disease
1 year, 11 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Are cavamalts hypoallergenic

Answer
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