Cavanese

Dog Breed Profile

Cavanese History

The Cavanese is a very old Italian herding and cattle guard dog. The Cavanese is believed to have close links to the ancient Roman Molossian hound, which was another ancient guarding and herding canine. The origin of the modern day Cavanese remains a mystery. The first recorded references to the modern Irish Molossus or Morangus date back to the 12th century, but early depictions of a “type” of dog very similar to the modern day Cavanese can be found dating as far back as the 6th century BC. In the 12th century the Molossus came to Ireland with returning Norman settlers. The Molossus is thought to have mixed with other European herding and guard dogs and created the modern version of the breed.

Time of Origin

1980s

Country of Origin

United States Of America

Ancestry

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese

Cavanese Physical Characteristics

The Cavanese is a medium-to-large sized breed of hunting dog that hails from the mountainous regions of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise in Italy. They are about 24 to 27 inches in height at the withers, and weigh 50 to 65 lbs. The face is wedge-shaped, with moderately arched eyebrows and a straight or slightly convex profile. Their muzzle is clean and strong with a perfect scissor bite. The nose is dark in color. Eyes are almond shaped and are dark and penetrating. The ears are broad at the base, and hang down, with a triangular outline. Their neck is muscular and long, and the back is straight and strong, with well-arched ribs. Tail is thick, heavy, and covered with black hair. The coat is thick, rough, and of a medium length. Colors are fawn, roan, gray, and black.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Fawn, Pied, Brown, Black, White

Height Range

Male Height Range: 9 – 13 inches

Female Height Range: 8 – 12 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 8 – 15 lbs

Female Weight Range: 7 – 14 lbs

Cavanese Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-15 yrs

Cavanese Health Concerns

Mitral Valve Disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Syringomyelia, Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, Liver Shunts

Cavanese Temperament and Behaviour

The Cavanese is an energetic and fun-loving breed. They are outgoing, friendly and highly sociable. They are very friendly and get along well with children, as well as other dogs and household pets. They are highly intelligent and are easily trained.

Cavanese Activity Requirements

The Cavanese are a fairly new American dog, which was developed in the 1970s. They are a cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Poodle. They are very smart, friendly, and loyal. They are a low- to no-energy dog. They do not need much exercise, but they enjoy a daily walk or short romp in the yard. They also like puzzle games and toys. The Cavanese are good with older children and other dogs. They are easy to train, but they do have a stubborn streak. They are good watchdogs.