Unfortunately, the Cava-Shell is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Crested Malts are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Active
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Social
Fearless
Cheerful
Quiet
Nonaggressive
Polite
Graceful
Sporty
No tendency towards nervousness

Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing

Cava-Shells are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Crested Malts shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Avoid Cava-Shells as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Crested Malts aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

United States

United States

Shetland Sheepdog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Chinese Crested, Maltese

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry

Unknown

Post 1900s

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

White
Black
Brown

White
Black
Blue
Cream

Cava-Shells are known for their coat length.

Crested Malts have longer coats compared to most dogs.

A Cava-Shell can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Crested Malt can have a litter of 2-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Cava-Shells are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Crested Malts are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Mitral Valve Disease

Eyes
Skeletal/Joint Conditions

Ear Infections
Cherry Eye

Eyes
Neurological Conditions

X-Rays
Ear Examination
Blood Work
Ocular Tests
Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap
Diagnostic Tests for Hyperthyroidism

Physical Examination
Ophthalmic Exam
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood Glucose Tests
Orthopedic Exam

Cava-Shells have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Crested Malts are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Cava-Shell dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Crested Malts bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Walk, Run

Play, Walk

Cava-Shells are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Crested Malts are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cava-Shell, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Crested Malt, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Cava-Shells usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Crested Malts usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Cava-Shells require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Crested Malt requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 17-25 pound (8 - 11 kg) Cava-Shell feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 5-10 pound (2 - 5 kg) Crested Malt feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Cava-Shell is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Crested Malt is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Cava-Shell is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Crested Malt is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Cava-Shell is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Crested Malt has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

The Cava-Shell is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Crested Malts make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Cava-Shells make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Crested Malts are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Cava-Shells are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Crested Malts are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Cava-Shells are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Crested Malts are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Cava-Shells are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Crested Malts are highly friendly around strangers.

Cava-Shells are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Crested Malts are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.