Simply Southern Pups > Dog Breeds > Cavachon
Cavachon Breed Information
Undeniably cute with a bubbly personality and a great deal of love to give, Cavachon puppies give new meaning to the art of friendship. These bright-eyed and bushy-tailed pups crave an owner that can provide them with a fun-filled life of adventures, plenty of cuddles, and the promise of a forever friend. Outgoing, lively, and joyful-all-the-time, Cavachons enjoy greeting new people with tail wags and hugs and are quite fond of being the center of attention. These cute Cavachon puppies are a mix between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a Bichon Frise.
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 playful Cavachon is a fan-favorite at Simply Southern Pups
- Cavachon puppies are a crossbreed of a Cavalier Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. They are one of the most loved designer breeds of our time
- Low shedding with good hypoallergenic qualities, Cavachons make ideal pets for owners with dog allergies
- Good-natured and sweet, the Cavachon is a wonderful addition to families with children of all ages
- Cavachons have a long lifespan and an excellent health record
- As long as they are with their favorite humans, Cavachons adapt quickly to any living situation and lifestyle
- The Cavachon gets along well with other dogs and pets
- Graceful, dedicated, and very affectionate, Cavachon dogs are a great fit for all types of families as well as for seniors and new dog owners
- Cavachons have a perceptive, gentle nature and a cheerful disposition – all excellent qualities for therapy work
- Smart, eager to impress, and happy to learn, Cavachon puppies are among the easiest dogs to train
Appearance
Sweet and pretty as a peach, Cavachons were made to be admired and cherished. As small-sized dogs, they can grow up to 13 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 20 pounds for a full-grown Cavachon. As they are a cross of two different-looking dogs, the Cavachon size and some of their features can differ between siblings of the same litter.
Some common traits these gorgeous dogs have include large round eyes that are of a dark shade, a black diamond-shaped nose, adorable hanging ears, and a long fluffy tail. Because they are half Cavalier and half Bichon Frise, Cavachons can sport a straight, wavy, or curly coat. Their coats can come in a solid color without any patterns or markings, particolored, or tricolor. Cavachon colors include white, tan, black, apricot, red, brown, and sable.
Temperament
Having inherited qualities from their Bichon and Cavalier parents, Cavachons display a personality like no other. They are as passionate about their owners just as all Cavaliers are, and as merry as Bichons have always been. Cavachon dogs are not familiar with aggression and this is perhaps one of their best attributes. They are well-behaved and gentle around children, and they make excellent fur siblings for other household pets. Their calm temperament and balanced nature also make them excellent candidates for therapy dog training.
Because their favorite thing to do is be around their human family, Cavachons will not take well to being left alone for long hours. These dogs don’t care much for personal space and since they are determined to remain glued to the hip, it becomes a challenge to leave their sight.
Another amazing trait that these dogs possess is their adventurous spirit. Cavachons love to explore the world and go on all kinds of adventures. They are fans of hiking, swimming, visiting new places, making new friends on their travels, and playing every dog game in the book.
Care
Cavachon Grooming
Regardless of their long or short hairstyles, Cavachons are easy to care for. They need to have their coats brushed every few days, preferably at least once a week, to keep them from getting tangled or matted. They also need to be bathed monthly to keep their skin clean and their coats soft. To keep up with their oral hygiene, it is recommended to brush their teeth every few days, and visit a groomer every couple of months for a more professional dental care routine. Because they might not run down their nails naturally, Cavachons may need a nail trim after every bath. It is also recommended to check their ears frequently as they may gather dust, and wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
Cavachon Exercise Needs
The Cavachon is a small-sized dog with moderate energy levels. This lovely pooch requires at least two short daily walks and a few interactive games that can help burn off any excess energy. Weekly visits to the dog park, short hikes, and an occasional off-leash sprint in a fenced area, are beneficial to the Cavachon’s mental and physical health.
Cavachon Health
As they have a mixed gene pool, Cavachons are healthier and less likely to develop most conditions that their purebred parents are prone to. They can suffer from certain ailments such as eye and vision problems, dental issues, patellar luxation, and allergies, all of which are common in most dog breeds. Not exercising the Cavachons enough, or over-exercising them to the point of exhaustion, may lead to more serious conditions and a less ideal health.
Cavachon Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Cavachon is between 10 and 15 years, although there have been reports of Cavachons living 18+ years.
To increase the Cavachon life expectancy:
- Provide a warm and loving environment for the puppy to grow in
- Stick to a strict diet that includes high quality dog food and home cooked meals designed for dogs
- Avoid feeding your puppy food that is not age appropriate
- Keep up with recommended exercise needs
Cavachon Training
Cavachon puppies are excellent students for training. These brilliant little pups are quick to pick up on basic command training and are more than happy to take on a challenge or two. They enjoy learning new tricks and are quite keen on showing off their skills.
Socializing these pups should also come easy as Cavachons are naturally outgoing and friendly. Leash and off-leash training should begin indoors before the puppy is up to date on all vaccinations and ready to step out into the world.
Because Cavachons tend to get overly attached to their humans, they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. The best way to avoid this is to teach the young Cavachon puppy that being alone is something to look forward to rather than fear.
History
The beautiful Cavachons are among the most popular designer dogs in the United States at the moment. Sought-after for their sweet nature and agreeable personalities, these fluffs fill many homes with joy and unconditional love. The Cavachon designer dog is a fairly new breed, having been around for just three decades, with the first records of the Cavachon puppy dating back to 1990. These dreamy pups are a cross of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Although they don’t have an extensive background to tell us what they’re like, we can learn more about them through their amazing parent breeds.
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel, a charming pooch with big ears and an even bigger heart, has been enchanting dog lovers since the 17th century. These dogs first appeared in England and were a major hit among high society families. Loved for their fabulous looks and delightful nature, the first Cavalier spaniels were quickly adopted by royalty and taken in to play the role of treasured pets for kings and queens. Cavalier spaniels are, to this day, one of the most popular dogs in England. They are renowned for their excellent sporting skills and fashionable looks.
The Bichon Frise, who is also known as Bichon Tenerife, has been around since the 14th century and is believed to have originated from the Canary Islands. Like their Cavalier friends, Bichons have also been met with great admiration from the rich and powerful of the olden days. Alongside their most adorable appearance and cuddly nature, these dogs pride themselves on great resilience and an amazing set of skills. Centuries ago, when they were faced with extinction, Bichons took to performing with the traveling circus and fought back their extinction with an even greater newfound popularity. Their performing skills and fluffy white appearance are still considered their most appealing qualities today.