Cavachon Breed Information
Sunny and loving, Cavachon puppies are the irresistible sweethearts of the canine world. Give them a cuddle and they will reward you with their eternal puppy love. These cute designer puppies, that often resemble fluffy plush toys, are big fans of attention, cuddles, and fun dog games. They relish any opportunity to tag along on fun outings and are happiest in the presence of their favorite humans. As a mixed breed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, the Cavachon puppies sport a charming look that blends features from both parents. These precious puppies are small, fluffy, joyful, and completely adorable. Â
BREED TYPE / MIX
Hybrid / Cavalier King Charles crossed with a Bichon Frise
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle, Loving, Playful, Sweet
ADULT WEIGHT
10-20 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
12-13 in
LIFE SPAN
10-17 yrs
Characteristics
- The Cavachon is a designer dog crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon FriseÂ
- Common names for the Cavachon include âCavalier Bichonâ and âBichon King CharlesâÂ
- Cavachon dogs are known to shed very little and have good hypoallergenic qualitiesÂ
- As a first-generation hybrid, the Cavachon benefits from hybrid vigorÂ
- With their winning personalities and outgoing nature, Cavachons are sure to make friends on their daily walks and trips to the neighborhood dog parkÂ
- Cavachon puppies are entirely devoted to pleasing their owners. They train easily and are very cleverÂ
- Small, quiet, easygoing, and without the need for too much room, Cavachons are ideal for apartment lifeÂ
- The Cavachon is a moderately active breed that can easily adapt to both active and more laid-back lifestyles Â
- Gentle mannered and sweet, the Cavachon is an excellent puppy for families with childrenÂ
- Cavachon puppies make wonderful companion pets for senior citizens, singles, families, novice owners, and dog lovers that suffer from pet allergiesÂ
Appearance
The Cavachon appearance is a stunning mix of features from both Cavaliers and Bichons - sometimes perfectly balanced, other times more from one parent and less from the other. Although the Cavachon size and appearance can vary a bit, the breed has some common characteristics such as large, dark and round eyes, a small black nose, hanging-floppy ears, a long fluffy tail, and a soft coat that can grow quite long or remain at a medium length.
Cavachons are usually particolored, sometimes tricolor, and very rarely solid-colored. Among the most common Cavachon colors and color combinations are white & tan, black & tan, red, white, apricot, brown, sable, and tan.
Because they have a mixed gene pool, the Cavachons height and weight can vary between siblings. These dogs should grow up to 12 â 13 inches tall and weigh an average of 10 to 20 pounds for a full grown Cavachon adult. Despite their fragile-looking appearance, Cavachons are sturdy-built, strong, fast, and quite resilient. Their demeanor is warm and accepting, and their disposition sweet. Â
Temperament
Like their parents, Cavachons are gentle, caring, and well-mannered dogs. Their favorite thing in the world is to hang out with their humans, which they love more than anything. As most small dog breeds, Cavachons attach to their family like Velcro and donât care much for being without them. Although this issue can be addressed and fixed during puppyhood training, getting a dog that craves companionship to be independent is a tricky business.
As even-tempered dogs, Cavachons display an adoring behavior that lacks aggression, shyness, or territorial tendencies. They do well in a household with other dogs and cats, and are quite well-behaved around children. They do share their toys and food, but might compete (in the friendliest manner) for their ownerâs attention and a spot on the lap. Among the Cavachonâs favorite activities are hiking, playing interactive dog games, solving treat puzzles, cuddling, and getting plenty of belly rubs. Â
Care
Cavachon Grooming
The Cavachon has a rich, luxurious coat that, regardless of length, needs to be brushed or combed once or twice every week in order to avoid hair tangles and possible matting. Grooming the Cavachon at home is an undemanding task as this is an easy-to-care-for dog. Brushing its hair once a week and bathing it once a month is all it takes to keep this pooch healthy, shiny, and gorgeous-looking.
Like all dogs, Cavachons need to have their ears checked for dirt and cleaned regularly. If their nails get too long, to the point where they can be heard while the dog is walking casually, they should be trimmed either at home or at the professional groomer every month or so. Cavachons should also have their teeth brushed frequently with dog toothpaste and supplied with plenty of dental sticks that help with oral care. Â
Cavachon Exercise Needs
Although small and slender-looking, Cavachons hide a strong and athletic build underneath all that adorable package. These dogs love to test their speed and agility, and they are quite big fans of sprinting. They enjoy the occasional quick chase but being small often means that they are not built to withstand or go on for miles like larger dogs can. Cavachons are a moderately active breed. They need at least one or two walks per day and enough indoor exercise to keep them happy and fit. Â Â
Cavachon Health
As a first-generation crossbreed, Cavachons are less likely to inherit certain ailments that affect their purebred parents. With hybrid vigor, potential health concerns that purebred dogs are prone to, are cancelled out by adding a new gene pool to the mix. As such, Cavachons tend to be much healthier than their parents, often being predisposed to common conditions that are seen among small dog breeds such as allergies, cataracts, dental issues, and ear infections.Â
Cavachon Lifespan
The Cavachon lifespan is between 10 and 15 years, the latter being the most common. Although 15 years is a normal lifespan for small dogs, the Cavachon life expectancy can increase with a well-balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and a healthy amount of relaxation. Â
Cavachon Training
Cavachons are smart dogs, both as puppies and as adults. Training them during puppyhood should go without a hitch as these dogs love learning and are quite keen on pleasing their handler. To get the best training response from these bright puppies, it is recommended to combine their daily sessions with plenty of fun activities, praise, and treats especially designed for puppies. Â
Cavachon puppies are naturally friendly dogs, but, despite their openness towards strangers, they should be introduced gradually to new people, places, and distractions. Socialization is a crucial step in the upbringing of a puppy, and if done right, it will be rewarded with a well-rounded adult dog. Â
History
Cavachon puppies, Cavalier Bichon or Bichon King Charles as some prefer to call them, are a crossbreed of a purebred Bichon Frise and a purebred Cavalier King Charles spaniel. These darling puppies were bred for one purpose: to be loved.
Although a mix between Cavalier spaniels and Bichons (that were not purebred) may have happened naturally over time, professional breeders only began crossing these two breeds at the beginning of 1990 in North America. By mixing an intelligent, athletic, and naturally well-mannered dog breed with one that is famously known for its generous affection, fabulous looks, and hypoallergenic qualities, the Cavachon was bound to be a success.
As far as a well-documented history goes, these dogs are yet to have one, as it is still in the making. What we do know about the creation of beautiful puppies is that their parents were chosen for good reason. Â
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel, a dog that exudes excellence in both personality and looks, is one of Dogdomâs finest aristocrats. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are originally from England, with the first records of the breed dating back to the 17th century. These stunning little dogs won favor among the Lords and Ladies of royal courts in England, ultimately being named after King Charles I, who was a great admirer of the breed. Despite their cute, mellow-like appearance, Cavalier spaniels are a sporty, energetic dog breed. Their build is hardy and they are often seen as favorites in dog sporting competitions. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel temperament is balanced and these dogs are happy, charismatic, and loyal. Â
The Bichon Frise, another favorite at royal courts, is a fancy white dog that has been stealing the hearts of many since its origin in the 14th century. Bichon a Poil Frise (Bichons with curly hair) as they are still sometimes called, are originally from the Island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Although they are hypoallergenic, and as such seen as a gift to dog lovers with allergies, their popularity is drawn from something else entirely â their adoring personalities. Bichons are first and foremost, happy dogs that exude joy 24/7. They attract smiles everywhere they go and they are quick to make friends with everyone they meet â attributes that are passed on to the lovely Cavachon puppies. Â