Cavachon – Everything You Need To Know About These Cute Dogs

Are you looking for a loyal and loving companion for your family? Look no further than the Cavachon! This small designer breed has become increasingly popular in the US and is slowly gaining attention as a great choice of pet around the world. But what makes this breed so special? Are Cavachons the right pet for you?

The Cavachon is a small but sturdy dog, usually standing no taller than 12-13 inches and weighing between 15-20 lbs when fully grown. They have a round head, short muzzle, and floppy ears with a soft, silky coat that comes in various colors, including white, apricot, and white with black or black and tan markings. They are usually tricolored and have a moderate energy level, making them the perfect companion for families that enjoy playing together but prefer not to be overly active.

In this article, I’ll explore what makes Cavachons so special and provide you with an overview of their temperament, health, and care requirements. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in! 

Cavachon Breed History

The Cavachon is a designer breed that originated in the United States in 1996. They are mixed breed dogs that result from crossing two purebreds: the Bichon Frise and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This hybrid breed combines two of the most popular pets in the world, each known for their loving nature and affectionate dispositions.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

King Charles Spaniel is a beloved small dog that has been popular with royalty since the 1600s. They have been bred and refined over the years and were finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995. A hybrid between Cavaliers and Bichon Frises is known as Cavachons. They are friendly and outgoing and make great companions – sure to delight any dog-lover!

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is considered one of the prettiest dog breeds by many!

The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an affectionate and sociable canine originating from the Mediterranean region. This breed of dog has a thick white coat that is relatively hypoallergenic and is believed to have descended from Barbets or Water Spaniels. It was likely brought by Spanish sailors to Italy prior to its formal recognition in 1972 when it became accepted by the American Kennel Club.

Note: The American Kennel Club has not yet recognized the Cavachon, but it has been accepted into several other canine organizations, such as the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Diet and Nutrition

Cavachons need a balanced diet that is tailored to their specific size. Feeding your Cavachon the right amount of food and nutrition that is specialized for small dog breeds can help maintain their health and energy levels.

An adult Cavachon’s diet should be high in proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Your Cavachon will do best on a balanced diet. Make sure to feed your dog high-quality food, and avoid any brands containing artificial colors and flavors.

You might want to consider feeding them one of the best fresh dog foods out there. These are often specifically formulated by canine nutritionists and pre-portioned to help with weight.

Exercise Needs

Regular exercise and playtime are important for a Cavachon’s overall health and well-being. They are relatively active indoors and will do well with at least one daily walk. 

Cavachons will enjoy playing games such as fetch or tug-of-war, and they often love exploring surroundings while on walks. They can be very content to curl up with their owner for cuddles and a nap.

• They need regular exercise and at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to stay healthy and happy and prevent boredom.
• As with most small dog breeds, they can also benefit from mental stimulation, such as teaching them tricks, challenging puzzles, or training sessions to help keep them mentally sharp.
• No matter what size your Cavachon is, the most important thing is that you give them enough attention, exercise, and playtime to keep them healthy and happy!

Cavachon Height and Weight

Cavachon dogs are the perfect size for a pet, not too big or small. They are considered a small-to-medium-sized breed. 

Cavachons typically weigh between 15-20 pounds and have a height of 12-13 inches at the shoulder. With their compact stature, these pups have an undeniable charm that will guarantee to melt your heart.

Training Needs 

Socialization and obedience training are essential if you want a well-behaved Cavachon puppy. They can become easily overwhelmed in new situations, and they are eager to please and respond best to positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise.

Although Cavachon puppies can be difficult to train due to their independent streak, they can be trained with patience and consistent positive reinforcement. It’s important to keep training sessions short so that the dog does not become bored. Check out our food page for some ideas for healthy treats!

Training begins early in life so that the dog can understand expectations quickly – this will set them up for success later on when it comes to learning commands and behaviors. They can excel in dog sports such as agility and heelwork. 

They are smart and can learn many tricks, including fetching and rolling over. They love to play and are often described as small clowns due to their playful and entertaining nature.

With the right amount of dedication and patience, the Cavachon puppy can become well-behaved family members that are a joy to have around!

Grooming Requirments

Cavachons are low-maintenance dogs, just like other Cavalier King Charles mixes such as the Cavapoo, making them an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. They have a coat that sheds moderately and requires regular brushing and occasional trimming.

Bathing should be done every four to six weeks or as needed. Nails should be trimmed every few months, depending on the amount of time they spend outdoors, by either your veterinarian or an experienced groomer will be able to help.

Additionally, ear cleaning and dental care should be scheduled regularly for your Cavachon to prevent any potential health issues. Frequent grooming is also important for the Cavachon’s overall health, as they tend to shed moderately throughout the year. 

Appearance 

Cavachons are small dogs, compact, sturdy, and downright adorable. They usually have a teddy bear-like face, with large, round, expressive eyes and a small muzzle. Their ears are medium-sized and floppy, while their body is usually quite stocky. Cavachons can come in a variety of colors, including:

• Cream
• Apricot
• White 
• White with tan or black and maybe tri-colored

When many dogs of the same breed are in close proximity, Cavachons’ coats tend to blend together in various shades of cream and brown, making them look like little teddy bears!

Cavachon’s coat is an overall silky, thick, wavy, hypoallergenic, and soft coat that is comprised of a mix between their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent and Bichon Frise parent.

Temperament and Personality

The temperament of Cavachon dogs is one of the primary reasons why they are such popular dogs.

• These small dogs have an outgoing, endearing nature and are loyal, smart, and not aggressive.
• They are incredibly social. They get along well with children, other dogs, cats, and people in general and love to make new friends.
• Cavachons tend to be smart and eager to please, making them easy to train.
• Little Cavachons can be quite vocal and bark at strangers or other animals but don’t generally present a problem with excessive barking.
• Cavachons are generally quite low-maintenance dogs that require moderate exercise and minimal grooming.

Overall, the Cavachon is an excellent choice for aspiring dog owners who are looking for a low-maintenance, loving companion. This breed is adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, including apartments and larger homes. With its happy disposition, this hybrid happy dog is sure to bring lots of joy into your home!

Lifespan

These dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This is longer than a lot of other dog breeds, making it an ideal pet for those who want a companion that will be around for several years.

Popularity

The popularity of Cavachons has risen exponentially in recent years. The Cavachon is still relatively rare, but it is gaining in popularity due to its delightful temperament and low-maintenance coat. 

They have been in the limelight recently because of their growing popularity as therapy dogs due to their small size and friendly personality. Cavachons also make great family pets due to their loyalty and willingness to please.

Potential Health Problems

The Cavachon is a designer breed, and like any other small dog breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. The most common health issues include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia (malformation of the hip joint)
• Eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) 
• Luxating patellas (slipping of the kneecap)
• Ear infections
• Allergies 
• Hypothyroidism. 

It’s also worth noting that some Cavachons may have inherited genetic issues from one or both parent breeds, including health problems such as:

• Epilepsy
• Heart murmurs disease
• Bloat 

Responsible breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of these conditions occurring.

We suggest that Cavachon owners feed their pets a high-quality diet and work closely with their veterinarian to ensure their pet receives regular checkups and monitoring for any potential issues. 

Also, get your Cavachon puppies from a reputable Cavachon breeder that provides health guarantees and tests their puppies for heritable diseases before adoption or purchasing.

Fun Fact

Cavachon puppies are very loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. This breed is incredibly smart and can learn new tricks quickly. They are very responsive to commands and love interacting with people, making them ideal family pets.

• They have been known to do tricks such as shaking hands and dancing on command.
• Cavachon puppies also have a high energy level and can be quite active when playing. They enjoy playing fetch and tug-of-war with their owners.
• They also love going on walks and running around in the yard.

Although they are small, they have big personalities and can be quite the charmers. They get along well with other animals and kids, making them an ideal addition to any family.

The Cavachons love to make their owners laugh with their silly antics! With proper training, they can learn multiple commands and provide unconditional love and companionship for years.

Final Thoughts

The Cavachon is an intelligent and loving breed that requires a lot of time, patience, and dedication from its owners. With proper care, nutrition, training, and exercise, this apartment dog can make a wonderful companion dog for many families. Their sweet personalities and cute looks make them a top choice for many pet lovers.

The Cavachon is such a fun and beautiful breed that you won’t regret having one in your life! If you are looking for an adorable, attractive, low-maintenance lap dog, the Cavachon puppy might be perfect for you.