Cava-Tzu

10-16 lbs
9-18"
​United States
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Shih Tzu

The Cava-Tzu is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu but tend to look a bit more like the latter, although it will depend on the dominant parent breed. The Cava-Tzu can be a variety of colors including black, brown, white, tan and ruby. They tend to be a combination of two or three of these colors. They are small dogs with males and females weighing up to 16 pounds and are between 9 and 18 inches in height. They are intelligent and playful dogs who make good family pets and are good with children and other pets. They are easy dogs to train and don’t need an enormous amount of exercise to keep fit and healthy.

purpose Purpose
​Companion
history Date of Origin
2000s
ancestry Ancestry
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu

Cava-Tzu Health

Average Size
Male Cava-Tzu size stats
Height: 9-18 inches Weight: 10-16 lbs
Female Cava-Tzu size stats
Height: 9-18 inches Weight: 10-16 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Syringomyelia
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Reverse Sneezing
  • Ear Infections
  • Dental Problems
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Fluorescein Test
  • Blood Work

Cava-Tzu Breed History

The Cava-Tzu is a combination of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu with the latter being regarded as one of the oldest breeds in the world. A Shih Tzu, meaning little lion dog, is a toy breed that dates back to ancient Tibet and China. Despite the name, the breed was never fierce and always regarded as a companion and lap dog. They are also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog and were prized by Chinese royals. They were bred in England in 1930 and the Shih Tzu Club of England was formed in 1935. During World War II American soldiers brought some Shih Tzu dogs home with them and in 1969 the breed was recognized in the Stud Book of the American Kennel Club. They are very popular lap dogs and regarded as loving companions. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was named after King Charles I of Britain who ruled in the 1600s and was always seen about the kingdom with his treasured dogs by his side. Queen Victoria also owned one of the breed but she sought to keep a variation in her kennels; they had a skull that was domed and were smaller with shorter, flatter faces. The Japanese Chin and the Pug were bred with her spaniels to produce the change. In the early 1900s, the effort was made to recreate the original small spaniel of the King Charles era. A dog named Ann’s Son became the breed standard for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed was officially registered in the Kennel Club of England in 1944 and they were added to the American Kennel Club roster in 1996.

Cava-Tzu Breed Appearance

Cava-Tzu dogs are small toy breeds weighing between 10 and 16 pounds and are usually around 18 inches high. They typically have two to three colors which can be black, brown, white, tan or ruby and their coats are fine, medium, silky and thick, needing a fair bit of grooming to keep looking neat. They have small round faces, oval-shaped dark eyes which usually have an alert expression, ears that hang down and a tail that curls back. Your pet will take on some of the characteristics of the parent breed. The Shih Tzu for instance has a heavy under bite, while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long, feathered ears and sometimes has feathering on their chest, legs and feet.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Cava-Tzu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Cava-Tzu nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Cava-Tzu coat
Black
brown Cava-Tzu coat
Brown
white Cava-Tzu coat
White
pied Cava-Tzu coat
Pied
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Cava-Tzu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Cava-Tzu Breed Maintenance

Cava-Tzus need a moderate amount of grooming and will need their coats brushed around twice a week. Depending on the coat length, they may need to be trimmed every so often, especially the hair around the ears. They do shed a moderate amount but the breed doesn’t need to be bathed often, only when necessary and always with a dog shampoo so it doesn’t irritate the skin. The Cava-Tzu is not regarded as a hypoallergenic breed. Brush your dog’s teeth daily if they allow it. It helps to start young so it becomes a habit. They are prone to dental problems so good dental hygiene is vital. Clean the ears with a moist ball of cotton wool weekly while checking the nails to see if they need clipping should be done regularly.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shih Tzus often suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, eye conditions, and hypothyroidism. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a

Brushes for Cava-Tzu
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper

Cava-Tzu Temperament

The Cava-Tzu is a very affectionate and loyal dog who loves nothing more than spending time with their family members. The get on very well with children and other dogs but are known to jump up when excited so smaller children may need to be monitored when around them. They are comfortable with strangers and enjoy being around most people especially those who play with them. They don’t need a lot of exercise but respond well to ball games and love going for walks but are happy to have a good nap afterwards. They adapt well to living in an apartment and won’t complain too much if left alone for short periods of time. They are suitable pets for older people or those who need to go out to work during the day. They don’t bark excessively and are easy to train, responding best to rewards and positive reinforcement. They are also happy to be carried around or cuddled on a lap.

Cava-Tzu Activity Requirements

A Cava-Tzu doesn’t need a lot of exercise and will be happy to play games inside an apartment or in a fenced in yard. Short walks to the beach or a dog park will be enjoyed but they do not need long walks. They tolerate the cold more than the heat so don’t walk them when it is very hot outside. The breed is prone to picking up weight, so even though they are happy to be carried around, exercise shouldn’t be neglected. They are intelligent dogs so will enjoy training and obedience classes. The breed is inclined to jump up when excited so training will help with that. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs more exercise than a Shih Tzu so it depends which breed your pet takes after more.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
40 minutes
activity minutes

Cava-Tzu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Cava-Tzu Owner Experiences

Charleigh
3 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have only had her for a short time but she is such a joy already. Very easy to potty train. She is extremely cuddly & has been doing well in a crate when we are not at home. She sleeps with us at night.
6 years, 11 months ago
Sophie
5 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Play
She is a very sweet girl and also somewhat lazy
6 years, 8 months ago
Dezi
15 Weeks
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Small, sleeps a lot, gets along with other pets! Likes cats, happy, smiley, lively. Perfect for a 11-15 responsible child looking for a first puppy!
6 years, 7 months ago
Tifa
4 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Napping
Dog Parks
Cuddling on the couch
Light Rough Housing
She is super affectionate, very cuddly, and a big licker. She is 100% food motivated for all her training, will lay next to our feet in the kitchen while we cook, and will eat anything she can find on the floor that fits in her mouth, but she doesn't beg or grab food off the coffee table. And she is very good at the "drop it" command, it is never a fight to get something OUT of her mouth that shouldn't be there (but she will try to hide things and chew them in secret) She LOVES toys of all kinds - chewing them, chasing them, tugging, squeaking, etc etc. She spends most of her day sleeping/cuddling with short bursts of energy for 10-20 minutes. She isn't a huge fan of other dogs despite being socialized at the dog park since she was 4 months old. She is very submissive and will hide between my legs if a high energy dog approaches her. She's a 16lbs bundle of cute fluffy licky love!
6 years, 7 months ago
Milo
4 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
He's great, but can't get him to wee or poo outside. He's uses trainer pads all the time.holds it in until we return after a long walk.help !
6 years, 6 months ago
Bailey
13 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The best dog breed hands down! I love my Bailey!
6 years, 6 months ago
Cookie
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Very Friendly and easy to train.
6 years, 4 months ago
Noodle
6 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Long walks in woods and fields and training
Very friendly with children, visitors and other dogs (even gets on well with the cat). Affectionate, quiet but with loads of energy. Playful and fun
6 years, 2 months ago
Layla
9 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
Tug-of-war
Going on drives
High Five
Hide & Seek
Speak
Shake
Listening to me talk about my day
Chase squirrels and stray kitties
Playing in the snow
She’s a loveable family dog and she’s super attached to her mommy. She knows basic commands which include sit, shake, high five, speak, lay down and occasionally she’ll roll over. She’s loves sleeping with me and going for walks. She gets super excited when she sees squirrels and cats and she has a cat brother of her own haha. Unfortunately, her pitbull sister crossed the rainbow bridge last month but Layla and her cat brother Leo are getting extra kisses and love each day
6 years, 1 month ago
Stella
Four Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
A joyful dog to have at home.
6 years ago
Ralph
4 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
They are very friendly and would rather lick then bite.
5 years, 10 months ago
Derby
13 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch tug of war, watch Independent play time
We are mid 70's and thin skinned so many bites from play, not agression. Puppy hood is making us quite tired. Progress every week. Easy to train and a joy.
5 years, 9 months ago
Hershey
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Eating Snacks
Play
Nap
Very sweet, gets along well with anyone he meets. He usually stays at home during the day and has figured out when he's about to be left here, so he tries to hide and gets sad. It's really cute, but we have to leave anyways. Overall it's a really great experience with a Cava-Tzu.
5 years, 8 months ago
Lulu
6 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My dog is 1/4 cavalier and 3/4 shih tzu. She is such a pretty good looking dog and is always happy to see people, she is very hard to train she can barely sit, but we're working on it. I love her do much, she is such a loving dog and wouldn't hurt a fly, seriously Haha.
5 years, 5 months ago
Kandy
14 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Throwing toys
Walking
Watching her play with her sister cat
She is brown with white accents on her paws face and belly. She loves to chase the cat waits for me to come home. She is adorable loves to nibble my fingers and her toys get lots of exercise lol. Love to see her playing in the snow and loves her walks. She is a barker and loves her beauty treatments at Petsmart
5 years, 4 months ago
Joey Jo-Jo Jr. Shabadoo
3 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sleeping
staring out the window
Occasional Car Rides
Barking at birds
Going outside when the neighbours dogs are out
Doing laps of the yard
Cuddling
Short walks
He's so cuddly! Licks compulsively (we call him Sir Licks Alot). Jumps up/licks on everyone. Will sit for treats ...the only trick he does. Scratches at back door to go out for the loo. He has a bit of a weight problem. We didn't realize we were overfeeding him so much. He went on a diet last November and was steadily losing weight until the last couple month (we think he has started getting table scrapes from our youngest child) We have 2 older kids (8 and 7) and he was supposed to be our last 'baby' then we ended up pregnant with our third child when he was 1. Our third is now 15 months and Joey has started peeing in the house in the past 6 months. We are not sure if it is the stress of the kids or jealousy of the baby. My husband is at the end of his rope with it though. But he is so freaking adorable and sweet!!!
5 years, 4 months ago
Boo-man
9 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sleeping
treats
Play with his brother
Park
Think everything is food
Cuddles with cat
Food
belly scratches
Walks
We adopted Boo-man about 5 years ago. We only had him and he was an extremely good dog. He cuddled with his stuffed animals, never barked at anyone, he ignored other dogs, squirrels, birds, etc. We once got home and our birds had gotten out. Boo-man was laying next to them and seemed just to enjoy the company, he didn't bother them at all. We got him a brother and he started learning more of how to act like a dog haha. He barks at other others occasionally. He seems to be happy to have a brother to cuddle with and play with. Boo-man is a great dog. He knows how to sit and shake when I give him treats. He loves attention and food. He's amazing with other dogs and kids. He's funny because when we have people over he always likes to lay in the middle of the everyone's way. But he doesn't bother anyone and he won't go to his bed until everyone is gone. I think he loves the company.
5 years, 3 months ago
Chloe
12 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Sleeping
Chloe is a very friendly old pup. As she has gotten older she has gotten hip and back legs problems that make sit hard for her to go up stairs or jump. When she was a puppy she was so hyper and perfect for me, I was 5 when I got her. She was hyper and loved running and playing, she didn’t seem to have an off button. Always biting at our ankles trying to get us to play. She got along well she our other two dogs at the time. As she got older she stopped playing as much and enjoyed sleeping more than anything and wasn’t as hyper anymore. Which was perfect for me, we got older together and both stopped wanting to spend hours a day outside. Our other two dogs eventually passed and it was shortly after that she started to become afraid of other dogs. She no longer likes when other dogs get close to her, she hides against walls and gives us the face of someone who had just witnessed their s/o getting murdered. Chloe is an angel though. Very friendly. She frequently has to go to the groomers because her fur causes her poop to get stuck to her butt and it’s disgusting. The groomers love her, they gave her a little award for being their friendliest dog. The vets also have an extremely easy time dealing with Chloe, she never throws a fit. Chloe is the light of my life, I’m gonna be 17 soon and she will be 12. I got her when I was 5 and thanks to her I’m still her. She brings me much comfort in my dark times. Chloe has separation anxiety from me and throws a fit if we aren’t in the same room, even if I’m only gone 5 minutes. She spends all day in my room and doesn’t like to leave it. Because of her I really love cavatzus. I think they are great dogs to get for your children, as they will grow together perfectly. They truly make great companions for anyone. I don’t think I’ll get myself a cavatzu again after Chloe passes but to anyone who has read this long story, I highly recommend one. You won’t be disappointed with these amazing pups
4 years, 9 months ago
Kobe
10 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Shes adorable and very clingy. She hates to be in her play pen and cries incessantly. Shes quiet when she gets to get on our bed but we dont want to start that habit. She is not doing well potty training. She goes in her cage and steps on it putting it everywhere. We feed her on time, take her out, she does nothing and immediately pees when she gets back in the house. She prefers to do her business on carpet.
4 years, 9 months ago
Bug
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Nap
As a puppy she chewed up everything and was so hard to potty train. It took at least a year to get her potty trained, and she ruined so many carpets. Over time, she got calmer and calmer and now she’s more cat than dog. I’ve never met a dog that is lazier and all she does is eat and sleep. She is so beyond cuddly and the sweetest girl but so LAZY. She isn’t great with other dogs but loves people.
4 years, 8 months ago
Angel
4 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
She is smart and she playfull
4 years, 6 months ago
Grizzly
3 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's super loving, playful and know several commands.
4 years, 6 months ago
Oti
5 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's the friendliest little fellow, adores everyone, excitable and very friendly and adventurous with other dogs. He adores his cuddles and wants to be with someone all them time, but he is very, very good at being left for a few hours on his own. We put him in his little den (dog cage) with toys, food water and a blanket over the top & our slippers!! He wont bark, he'll snuggle down and certainly needs those naps. Amazing family dog.
4 years, 5 months ago
Bentley
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, playing ball, snuggling
Always had Shih this in the past, live my Cava-Tzu. Great temperament, healthy, and extremely affectionate!
4 years, 4 months ago
Murphy
4 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Incredibly loving dog! True companion, follows me everywhere and does not miss a beat. Huge show off always trying to get attention! Commands your attention! Very easy to train except for potty training! Barks only sometimes when you want him to, not excessively. Little to no shedding. Very playful with cat and me! Bites brush when try to groom him, therefore needs haircuts to remove knotted hair every 2 or 3 weeks. Gorgeous brown eyes and listens to every word! Very attentive and a huge showoff! Very upbeat and happy little dog will kill any bouts of depression. :)
4 years, 3 months ago
Bailey
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is the best dog. So friendly never met a stranger or a dog stranger. So happy and easy going. She will do whatever you want and be happy about it. She also, great with her cats. She lives with three cats.
4 years, 1 month ago
Gracie
11 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
It has been good. We have had Gracie 3 weeks. she is a fast learner.
4 years, 1 month ago
Spencer
3 Months
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
new puppy have for 2 weeks
4 years ago
Izzybella
11 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking ,running in the field with her bichon
Very easy to train, she has very long fur I do get her groomed every 12 weeks ,she has pigtails in she looks very cute . She has learned how to play football,hi five, paw for treats, sit and kiss, loveable playful, she never leave your side but she cannot share toys with her bichon big brother, she chews toys up all the time for ever hovering stuffed toys, but she is well worth the house work. I would recommend this breed to anyone. She has shih tzu fur with a cavalier body.
4 years ago
Cookie
6 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ball
She is a friendly loving dog who loves cuddles
3 years, 9 months ago
Boomer
8 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
At a very early age, my Cava Tzu alerted to medical issues I have. He is a medical alert service dog, which allowed me to continue working part-time. We are now retired but he still loves to travel with me. He is not a barker or a digger. He is extremely social and friendly. He makes friends wherever he goes. He snuggles and gives hugs. He was so easy to obedience train that he passed his AKC K9 Good Citizen test at 18 mo old. He gets a little anxious when surrounded by several very young children (2-5 years of age) but if I stay close to him, he is fine. His only health issue has been an occasional ear infection and reverse sneezing. Still, he has been the best companion I could ever ask for.
3 years, 9 months ago
Bubbles
18 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is very affectionate. A quick learner. Loyal. Gets excited when he sees another dog. He loves gaurding the house.
3 years, 8 months ago
Peach
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, playing fet
Peach is an awesome dog. Very social, very good with kids. Will bark at strangers entering property. Doesnt bark often, is playful and loves to please. Abit hard to toilet train so definitely recommend getting a doggy door as that helped us alot!
3 years, 8 months ago
Rocket
3 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Belly rub
Fetch
Eating Snacks
Tug-of-war
Nap
My little Rocket is lively, always happy, very excitable and attached to me at the hip (or should I say ankle!) He's super smart, has a distinct personality, and loves attention of any kind from anyone – people, other dogs, birds, you name it!
3 years, 5 months ago
Suki
16 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This is my first cavatzu and she is a pure delight . Great sense of humour and very obedient so far
3 years, 5 months ago
Lottie
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
loves scratching on rugs and carpets
She’s very cuddly
she’s amazing , absolutely adorable doggy
3 years ago
Katy
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I honestly can’t imagine my life without her. I know it sounds cheesy but she’s the love of my life
3 years ago
Sandy-Dee
3 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We loved her the first day we brought her home. So sweet and I almost hate to say it,very spoiled. Potty training has been fairly easy. Obeying commands for treats is going good but my new bestie is stubborn sometimes. She prefers to sit on my lap and cuddle and actually barks and jumps when I won't let her. We're working on that lol My previous dogs were all boys so I welcome this change.
2 years, 10 months ago
Jack
10 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Going on drives
Lost my buddy Jack five weeks ago. He suffered from seizures from the age 3 until one eventually took him. Even though we were married to his medication schedule his last seven years I would not change a thing. He was absolutely the best dog I could ever imagine having. Not sure if it was his medication but he had issues with peeing in the house. But nothing could take away from what he gave back to our family He lived to go for his walks and was adorable his lazy he was in between the walks. Like watching tv with a dog on lap. This is the perfect dog. Moving on we decided to get another cava tzu. From never have heard of this bread it’s easily the best companion dog we could of ever wished for
2 years, 9 months ago
Bowser
2 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He was very slow to start but is now up to 5.5 pounds. He adores little kids, my 3yr old and 2 yr old grandsons carry him around and he loves it.. he gets along famously with both our bigger dogs. The cat and him play and attack each other.. He goes for walks around the house and plays in the yard with the other dogs. He sleeps by me at night, finally sleeps all night but wakes up about 6am for potty.
1 year ago
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Question - Other
Question

What is the name of the breed when you mix a cavapoo and a Shihtzu

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Question - My pet
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How much should a cavatzu weigh at 13 weeks. ?

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Question - New pet
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I am looking for a small dog that is loving, calm, cuddles, easy to trai and won’t bark too much. Is a bichon or cava tzu better for that?

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