Cava-Chin are small dogs with sweet dispositions and lively, playful personalities. One of the facts about Japanese Chin is that they love attention and love to cuddle. This is true for the Cava-Chin as well. They are quintessential comparison dogs that love nothing more than to be with their favorite humans and thrive on attention from them.

Their friendly personalities mean they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Well-socialized, they even tend to be open and friendly with strangers. Their small size means that they can be easily injured by accidental rough play or falls that can be common with young children. So, any playtime and interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised.

The Cava-Chin is a highly adaptable dog breed. They tend to adapt well to apartments, as well as larger homes with yards. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because of their small size, they may need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm when the temperatures drop. But, other than that, they tend to do well in most climates.

They do have an urge to chase, including cars, so they should not be let off-leash unless they are in a securely fenced area. Also, they should not be left unattended. Since they are devoted to their families and thrive on attention, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Because of this, they can also be prone to developing separation anxiety, so you will want to do plenty of socialization and training early on to prevent it.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be sometimes, but it’s not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog can inherit none of the conditions common to their parents, but they could also inherit any combination of them or even all of them from one or both parent breeds.

In the case of a Cava-Chin, potential health conditions to be aware of can include mitral valve disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, cataracts, and luxating patella. Good breeding practices and the health of both parents make a big difference in the health of Cava-Chin puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

The Cava-Chin is an intelligent dog that is eager to please and easygoing. They tend to pick up on things quickly and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. They may push boundaries a little bit and use their cute face to see what they can get away with.

But, as long as you don’t fall for it and keep training consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, it should go smoothly. Even if you don’t need them, puppy training classes can still be a good idea as they strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and also offer opportunities to socialize a puppy.

A Cava-Chin tends to have a coat that sheds a little year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Usually, a good brushing once a week is enough to remove tangles and prevent mats. But, you may want to move to daily brushing during heavier shedding sessions.

Although bathing is on an as-needed basis, you need to make sure you work out tangles before their coat gets wet. Otherwise, it will be beyond difficult to detangle knots, and that can lead to mats. In addition to coat care, you also need to care for your Cava-Chin’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Depending on how quickly they grow, cutting your dog’s nails once or twice a month is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections.

Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Unfortunately, this is because many dog owners overlook good dental care. As a small dog breed, the Cava-Chin is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life, so good dental care for dogs is essential. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed.

Although the Cava-Chin is an energetic dog, they are a lower-energy dog breed. They can even become one of the laziest dog breeds, if you let them, so make sure you are encouraging them to move and play every day. Because of their small size, they tend to tire themselves out quickly and don’t require much activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this little dog.

But, they love nothing more than spending time with you. So, they may be up for more activity if you are. Just make sure they aren’t overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. Fenced dog parks tend to be a great fit for this breed because they can run safely off-leash and will love the opportunity to make new friends, human and canine alike.

A fully-grown Cava-Chin usually stands 8-12 inches tall and weighs 14-18 pounds. This makes them one of the smallest dog breeds.

A Cava-Chin generally lives for 12-15 years on average.

Cava-Chin are typically outgoing and social dogs. Well-socialized, they are known to get along well with just about anyone. Even though they might stick close to their favorite human, or check in often if they do wander, they tend to be social butterflies when in a group.