Cavestie

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12-15 lbs
9-11"
Unknown
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
West Highland White Terrier
Cava Westie

The Cavestie dog is the result of crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a West Highland White Terrier. They are affectionate and loveable dogs who are smart and friendly. The Cavestie gets on incredibly well with everybody, from small children, teenagers, adults and seniors. They even relate well to other pets including cats and just believe that everyone loves them. This dog seems to have no destructive habits, being mellow and patient in temperament. Cavestie’s can bark to get attention if you are ignoring them, just don’t let it become a habit which may be hard to break. They love to play and play hard, but they snuggle even harder. Intelligent and bright, the Cavestie can be taught tricks, but you may need patience with them and reward with attention and treats as they can get distracted easily. All in all, they are a gentle, playful dog full of affection, loyal and will warn you if strangers are about with a bark or three.
purpose Purpose
Companion Dog
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and West Highland White Terrier

Cavestie Health

Average Size
Male Cavestie size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 14-20 lbs
Female Cavestie size stats
Height: 9-11 inches Weight: 12-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Syringomyelia
  • Chronic Hernias
Minor Concerns
  • Cherry Eye
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Ear Examination
  • Blood Work
  • Full Physical Examination
  • Ocular Tests
  • MRI scan of the spinal cord and brain
  • Contrast Studies

Cavestie Breed History

Often when we look for the history of the new hybrid breeds of dogs, it is hard to find anything substantial to allow us to understand our Cavestie. At times like these, considering the parent dog’s history is the next best thing. The West Highland White Terrier was originally bred for controlling the population of rats, fox, badger, otter and other vermin. These dogs originated from Poltalloch in Scotland and bore the name of the Poltalloch Terrier. Later it was changed to the Roseneath Terrier named after the Duke of Argyll’s estate. The breed began in the mid-19th century when a Scottish breeder of the Cairn Terrier had some white puppies in his litters. Those pups were used to bred to obtain the West Highland White Terrier which is really a white Cairn. In 1906, the Westie as it is affectionately known, was shown in the United States of America. In 1908, it was first recognised as a breed by the American Kennel Club and in 1909 the name was formally changed to the West Highland White Terrier. Looking to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they were a favorite with the royal family and King Charles ll. The Cavalier is a descendant of the King Charles Spaniel which has the flatter nose and protruding eyes due to having been bred with the Pug dog back in the late 1600s. It was in the 1920s when an American name Roswell Eldridge became interested in reinventing the original Spaniel that was featured with King Charles ll in the famous Van Dyck’s paintings of the King with his dogs. Eldridge search for anyone who had one of the long muzzle King Charles Spaniels and even offered prize money at the Crufts Dog Show in London for anyone who had one such dog. A lady by the name of Miss Mostyn Walker won the prize but Eldridge had sadly died a month earlier. However, other breeders saw his vision and thanks to them the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that we know today originated in the late 1920s. The Cavalier is the true heir of the royal Spaniels of King Charles ll. In the 1940s these dogs were acknowledged and classified as a breed of their own and given the prefix Cavalier to differentiate them from the King Charles Spaniel. With such a vibrant mixed history, it is no wonder that the Cavestie carries himself regally and with an air of importance.

Cavestie Breed Appearance

The Cavestie is a small sturdy dog with a head that is in proportion to the body. The head is slightly rounded and has a blunt, slightly short muzzle that tapers a little and has a medium stop. The nose is black and it has wide nostrils. Cavestie’s have very appealing large round eyes that are very expressive. Their eyebrows are often shaggy like the Westies. The teeth meet in a scissor like bite. The legs are short but sturdy, and their tail is relatively long and can be fluffy. The coat is straight or slightly wavy and is often silky to the touch. The colors vary depending on the influence of the Cavaliers genes and ranges from black and white, to browns to pure white, with or without patches of color.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Cavestie eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Cavestie nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Cavestie coat
Black
brown Cavestie coat
Brown
white Cavestie coat
White
brindle Cavestie coat
Brindle
cream Cavestie coat
Cream
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Cavestie straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Cavestie Breed Maintenance

The Cavestie inherits the coat characteristics from the parent breeds so the coat can vary depending on the dominant genes. It is often dense in nature so the hair requires regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush. If your dog has a lot of white, it may require more frequent bathing to keep it that way. Make sure you use a special mild dog shampoo to avoid skin allergies. If your Cavestie has long hair or feathering, be sure to brush these areas to avoid any matting of the hair. A dry shampoo can be a great way for a quick refresh for your dog. Clean inside the ears regularly, often they will only need a gentle wiping with a damp cloth. Check the eyes for any signs of infection or irritation, and ensure you keep your dog’s teeth clean with brushing regularly. If you start these practices while your dog is just a puppy, it will come to view grooming as a special time where they get your undivided attention and love. Finish off with a nail clipping if needed.
Brushes for Cavestie
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Cavestie requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Cavestie Temperament

The Cavestie is incredibly friendly and a very intelligent dog who loves people and other dogs and will play for ages if you have the stamina. They can be trained to learn new tricks in a matter of days, as they are so eager to please. While they are very active around the home, they are just as keen to snuggle up with you and soak up all the attention you can give. Loyalty and devotion are very much part of their temperament. Cavestie dogs make great household pets as they have no destructive habits. They are ideal in apartments although they do love the sound of their own voice and can bark for attention if you are ignoring them. Training can reduce this behavior if you begin when they are young to let them know that one bark (or two) is enough. They enjoy playing with children although they do need supervision with very young children as the dog is so small it can be hurt unintentionally in play. But these tough, resourceful little dogs with their beguiling eyes and loving soul makes the Cavastie a great family pet and lifelong friend.

Cavestie Activity Requirements

The Cavestie is an active little dog but can get most of his exercise needs just by playing with the family or other pets. But they do need a daily walk just to keep them fit but even more important, it will help to socialise them with other people and dogs. They will enjoy an outing and will race you to the door the minute they know its walk time! The Cavestie can make do without a yard to play in but they do need the walk and play time to make up for it. If you have a yard, ensure it is well fenced to ensure your Cavestie doesn’t get hurt or stolen by other people who will love him on sight. These dogs do well in towns or the country, they are very adaptable. Hot weather may slow your Cavestie down so ensure there is a shaded cool part of the house in summer for them to escape to.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Cavestie

Similarly Sized Breeds to Cavestie

Cavestie Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost
author-img

Written by Kathleen Egger

Published: 10/25/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

Cavestie Owner Experiences

Charlie
14 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loves swimming & chasing sticks.
We bought Charlie as a “breeder’s mistake“ but he has been an absolute joy for us and the centre of our small family. He is affectionate, energetic, cheerful and easy to train. Charlie is tan and white and I can’t think of a day we’ve taken him on a walk and he hasn’t been stopped by at least one member of the public telling us how cute he is! He can be quite possessive over balls and a stick which caused some issues when he was younger with other playful dogs or when dogs came near our property such as going for picnics or guarding belongings on the beach. He’s very intelligent and enjoys an indoor game where I hide his toys or a treat and he has to go find them. He’s learnt a number of words which we could put into composite sentences and he would understand such as, “where Charlie treat?”, or “ Charlie do”. In his old age, he has lost his hearing, shakes now and then, has developed a voracious appetite and I have put him on mobility and gut health supplements which seem to be working well.
4 months, 1 week ago
CHARLIE
6 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
VERY LOVING DOG WITH A VERY SOCIABLE PERSONALITY. EXCITABLE AND LAID BACK. TAKES ME FOR LOVELY LONG WALKS.LOVES HIS CUDDLES AND TREATS.
5 months ago
Poppy
10 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Poppy came from a breeder and was sold as a "mistake". She came from a KC reg Cav mum and KC reg Westie Dad. I never knew Cavestie was a thing! She is the most loving, kind and caring pet we could wish for. She has a wonderful temperament with everyone, including when we bought a kitten home she was happy to have it stick its head in her mouth! She doesnt play much these days as she hasnt aged too well, but she used to love playing with a pingpong ball and throw it around herself, not so interested in playing fetch though. She is easy to groom, but needs her coat cutting about 3 times a year as she gets a very thick dense coat and gets hot in the summer. The coat is also very wirey, but when cut is lovely and smooth and she looks so much younger! She stays home most days alone and is always happy to see us when we get home. Shes always had a delicate stomach and wont eat dried food but happy to eat something out of the bin! She has a tendancy to bark at nothing and seems to have the best hearing I can imagine. She does hunt and works in conjunction with our cat! this is very useful for catching the mice the cat brings in! I can highly recommend this breed as the most wonderful pet.
2 years, 9 months ago
Jock
3 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's an affectionate dog and full of fun.
6 years, 8 months ago
Myles
8 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
very smart and enjoys being social
6 years, 7 months ago
Boudreaux
15 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Absolutely love this breed. The breeder really paid attention to breeding them. Which means no inner breeding.
6 years, 6 months ago
Paisley
5 Months
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Paisley is extremely friendly, loves everyone especially my grand children and other dogs and even cats! Her tail is always wagging. She loves playing! She has bonded with my other dog, a 7 yr old Cavalier. She can not be trusted off leash unless in a fensed area as she will chase birds, squirrels, rabbits! Hates baths!
6 years, 3 months ago
Buddy
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Amazing beautiful friendly dog who I could not live without
6 years, 3 months ago
Sally
9 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Going for walks in the woods and at the beach
Sally is the best little sister to her cavachon brother dude ... Beautiful girl and so loving and intelligent
6 years, 1 month ago
Bella
10 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Catch treats
Cuddling walking
happy very lovable she was very smart and easy to train very loyal. She recently was diagnosed with a blood nerve sheath tumor which affected her front leg. We had her leg amputated and most of the tumor was taken out small fraction with left. But it took less than three and a half months before the tumor return and took her life
6 years ago
Killian
4 Months
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hike
Walk
lounge
I got her at 8 weeks old from a breeder that crossed the breeds not cavestie parents so no inbreeding. The only destructive habits is soft paper paper towels, toilet paper, ect. She shred it fast. Mail seems to be safe. Still working on getting her house broken. I take her everywhere and she is fine for 10 hours in bed but may wet in the house every few hours if not watched. She can get a little rough with you kids (she when to nip some pajama pants and got a leg). she has very shape teeth that can get you when she tries to get a better bite on her rope. Pretty much self taught to fetch. Is learning the name of her toys and smart enough to follow a pointed finger. plays well with my friends 80lbs boxer and 3 lb shihpoo. Well behaved at 2 family Thanksgiving dinners at my parents house with 12 or so people each. Is happy to lay on me as I binge watch tv. I took her on a hike and planned to walk her some and put her in a backpack pouch but she just kept chugging along. WHined when I picked her up. SHe made about 5 miles of a 6 mile hike. I dont do this regularly. it was once. I am waiting til she is older before we go again as she has out grown the bag. she is currantly 14.5lbs and about 12in. I dont think she will get alot bigger. She isnt a cavestie if she does LOL. For grooming, when she was really young a she a fine metal brush world well. Now the wiry terrier hair has come in and have found a silicone mitt works well. She isnt a fan of brushing. It works best when she is sleeping for very tired. I can get a few minutes in before she starts trying to bite the brush. She loves to be close by but not a big fan of petting.
5 years, 11 months ago
Bentley
10 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Going on walks and playing tag in a big feild
He is very loyal and is an escape artist but always stays put even if it takes hours for you to come back.he is devoted and attached to me specifically. He is great with my kids and does not over bark.he has lots of dreams and he listens very well.he loves going on walks and chasing frogs and squirrels
5 years, 2 months ago
Indy
10 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Camping
Hike
cuddle
lounging
Our Cavestie is very affectionate and intelligent, but he does shed a lot and requires a bi-annual haircut. For a little dog he gets around pretty good, but as he has gotten older he has definitely slowed down. Overall a great breed!
4 years, 4 months ago
Joey
5 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
They are extremely loving and affectionate. Quite excitable when meeting new people. Mine sits in the window and barks at every dog that walks by but apart from that they have great temperaments and so loving and friendly with children.
4 years, 4 months ago
Bonnie
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Throwing her a ball
She has a different job for my husband and I. She comes to me to play and take her out walking, and snuggles in bed with me until I get up in the morning, and my goes to my husband when it’s feeding time or treat time. Has us under her little paw .
3 years, 5 months ago
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