Cavottish
The Cavottish is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Scottish Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Cavottish. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant toy breed that stands between 12 and 13 inches at the withers and weighs between 13 and 18 pounds when fully grown. This breed possesses a compact yet well-proportioned body with a deep chest, level back, and straight legs that give it an athletic appearance despite its diminutive size. The breed is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a balanced silhouette that is both sturdy and refined. The Cavalier has a distinctively refined head with a flat skull, a moderate stop, and a muzzle that tapers gently without being snipey. Their large, round, dark brown eyes are set wide apart and convey a warm, gentle, melting expression that has become the hallmark of the breed. The ears are long, set high on the head, and covered with abundant silky feathering that frames the face beautifully. The coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of its most attractive features. It is moderately long, silky in texture, and lies flat or has a slight wave without any curl. No trimming is permitted in this breed, preserving its natural elegance. The breed displays beautiful feathering on the ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail, which adds to its graceful appearance. Four distinct color patterns are recognized in this breed: Blenheim, which features rich chestnut markings on a pearly white background, often with the desirable lozenge spot on top of the head; tricolor, consisting of jet black and white with rich tan markings; black and tan, a solid black coat with bright tan points; and ruby, which is a solid rich reddish-brown throughout. The overall impression of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of grace, balance, and royal elegance befitting its noble heritage. The breed moves with a free and effortless gait that covers ground efficiently, carrying its well-feathered tail level or just slightly above the back when in motion. Their sweet, melting expression combined with their moderate size and beautiful flowing coat makes them instantly recognizable and endlessly appealing to dog enthusiasts worldwide.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament One aspect of the Cavalier temperament that owners should understand is their strong need for companionship. These dogs do not thrive when left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety if isolated regularly. They are sensitive souls who are attuned to their owner's emotions and can become upset by raised voices or household tension. The Cavalier's adaptable, gentle, and loving nature has made them one of the most popular companion breeds, perfectly suited for those seeking a devoted and affectionate canine friend.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns in the breed include hip dysplasia, affecting approximately one-quarter of the breed population, as well as patellar luxation, various eye problems including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and dry eye syndrome. Cavaliers may also be prone to episodic falling syndrome, a neurological condition, and certain blood disorders. The average lifespan ranges from 9 to 15 years depending on health factors. Prospective owners should always seek puppies from breeders who conduct appropriate health screenings on their breeding stock.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the Scottie, is a small but powerfully built terrier that stands approximately 10 inches at the shoulder and presents one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the dog world. Males typically weigh between 19 and 22 pounds, while females range from 18 to 21 pounds. Despite their compact size, these dogs possess remarkable substance with a heavy bone structure that gives them a surprisingly robust and solid feel. The breed presents a distinctive silhouette with a long head, short sturdy legs, and a compact, muscular body that is well-suited to its original purpose of hunting vermin in the rocky Scottish Highlands. The Scottie's characteristic stilted gait results from its unique structure, with relatively straight rear legs that produce an unmistakable movement pattern. The head of the Scottish Terrier is long and proportional to the body, featuring a slightly domed skull, slight but definite stop, and powerful jaws capable of gripping tenaciously. The eyes are small, bright, almond-shaped, and set wide apart under heavy, prominent eyebrows that give the dog a keen, alert, and intelligent expression. The ears are small, prick-eared, and pointed, set well up on the skull and never cut. The breed's signature double coat consists of a hard, wiry outer coat approximately two inches in length and a soft, dense undercoat. The longer hair on the beard, legs, and lower body creates the classic Scottie outline that has made the breed iconic. Acceptable coat colors include black, which is most common, wheaten in shades from light straw to deep gold, and various shades of brindle. The overall appearance of the Scottish Terrier exudes confidence, dignity, and determination. The breed carries itself with an alert, upright carriage and a businesslike demeanor that reflects its working terrier heritage. The body is moderately short and well-ribbed up, with a level topline and a relatively short, thick tail carried erect with a slight curve but never over the back. The Scottie's compact build, combined with its distinctive grooming style featuring the characteristic beard, leg furnishings, and skirt, creates one of the most recognizable profiles in the dog world.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their serious demeanor, Scotties have a playful side and enjoy interactive games with their owners. They retain strong terrier instincts, including a prey drive that may lead them to chase small animals, and they may be assertive toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. This breed is generally not recommended for families with very young children due to their independent nature and low tolerance for rough handling. For experienced dog owners who appreciate their unique character, Scottish Terriers make loyal, entertaining, and devoted companions.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health issues that may affect Scottish Terriers include craniomandibular osteopathy, a painful condition affecting the jaw bones in young dogs; cerebellar abiotrophy, a neurological condition that causes progressive loss of coordination; patellar luxation; hypothyroidism; and Cushing's disease. Epilepsy has also been reported with increasing frequency in the breed. Regular veterinary examinations, appropriate health screening of breeding dogs, and awareness of the breed's specific health risks are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of Scottish Terriers.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Cavottish may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Scottish Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.