Cavachon Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

8-18 kg

Height

30-33 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the Cavachon

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

If you’re a fan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and you love to cuteness overload of a Bichon Frise, then you’ll want to see the crossbreed that is the Cavachon. Not only are they adorable dogs as adults but Cavachon puppies are just a whole other level.

Despite them being part of the designer breed category, they are a beloved dog breed for anyone who is looking for a fun and loving pet for their home. The Cavachon has done great to inherit both of the best traits when it comes to the parents.

If you want a dog that you’re going to love unconditionally, then this breed is a must-have. This guide will share all of the details you’ll need when it comes to adopting or buying this cute pooch as a companion dog.

What is the history & origin of the Cavachon?

The Cavachon is a dog breed that has existed for a considerable amount of time now. The Cavalier King Charles was first mixed with the Bichon Frise back in 1996 over in North America.

The purpose of combining the two was to create a dog that was perfect for companionship. Mixing breeds can also help to minimize health issues that a lot of purebreds can get.

Whilst they don’t have such a rich history as some purebred dogs have, there’s still a bright future ahead for this beautiful pup.

What is a Cavachon Breed?

Like many mixed-breed dogs, the outcome of what you’ll get is varied. You may have one that has an equal mix of the two parent breeds or one that has a predominant parental gene.

As a hybrid dog, they’re fun and spunky dog that has a soft, silky coat and slight waves. They can come in a variety of different colours from black, tan, apricot or white. Like other dogs, some tricoloured options come with different coloured markings.

They’re the perfect dog if you’re looking for a breed that fits on your lap. For both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, they’re small, which means the Cavachon dog breed will be the same size.

They’re not a breed that is recognized by the American Kennel Club, despite their popularity. However, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Who is a Cavachon Best For?

These affectionate dogs are going to be more suited for families with older children or those that would be willing to help with dog training. They’re also able to happily live with cats and other small dogs if socialized from an early age.

To those who live in apartments, they make great apartment dogs due to their size. They’re able to adapt to any living environment as long as it’s full of love and attention!

Cavachon Grooming & Shedding

Cavachons make great family pets and when it comes to their grooming routine, they don’t require much in the way of effort. The coats themselves are usually medium-length and they’re a good choice for those with allergies.

This small breed dog will only need brushing around three to four times a week. They should also be bathed whenever needed, especially if they’ve gone swimming in their favourite muddy puddle.

It’s worth noting that these dogs aren’t suited for extreme weather conditions so you may need to apply sunscreen to sensitive areas that will help keep their skin safe!

For other hygiene tasks, make sure to check their ears for debris and brush their teeth regularly to maintain their oral care. Finally, make sure to trim their nails once or twice a month to keep them from getting caught in your carpets.

Do Cavachons bark a lot?

You’ll be pleased to know that the Cavachons aren’t a yappy breed. They don’t tend to bark as much as other pets. Many owners of this breed mention that they’re quiet despite being great watchdogs.

If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t bark as much, then this is the perfect dog for you.

What is the average weight & height of a Cavachon dog?

The Cavachon can be on the smaller side when coming from pure breeds like the King Charles and the Bichon.

Most will weigh around 8 to 18 kilos and their height will range from 30 to 33 cm. However, this is only an average so this could be smaller or larger depending on the parent breed.

Are Cavachons easy to train?

Whilst these dog breeds won’t necessarily need intensive dog sports, they will need some form of exercise to burn their energy supplies. They have a moderate amount of energy, so a short walk of around thirty minutes should be fine.

Make sure that you’ve got this adorable dog on the lead unless they’re trained. Otherwise, they might end up chasing a few birds or small animals.

How do Cavachons behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The dog’s personality is described as happy and their temperament will be loved by any household or dog owner. They’re average-sized lap dogs and are laid back and will be most happy when in the presence of their owner.

They love to be spoilt and given lots of attention, so they’re great for those who love to give cuddles!

Does the Cavachon have any common health issues?

The Bichon Kin Charles mixed breed can be prone to certain health issues. Here are a few of the common health concerns to watch out for when it comes to this breed:

Cataracts – Cataracts can develop over time, just like the same can happen to humans. The symptoms are a cloudy film that sets in the eye’s lens and as such can lead to blindness.
Mitral Valve Disease – This is a disease that can often be down to genetics and compromise the mitral valve of heart, so much so that it degrades over time.
Syringomyelia – Caused by fluid-filled cavities that develop over time within the spinal cord.
Heart Murmur – This type of health problem can an issue for dogs if left untreated. It’s abnormal heart sounds that are caused by a turbulent blood flow.

What is the lifespan of a Cavachon?

The average lifespan for the Cavachon is around 10 to 15 years. Fifteen is a great lifespan when it comes to other dogs. Whilst they may have a few health concerns, as with any dog, you should get over a decade of love and affection from this breed.

For those that want a dog that will live for a long time, this can be a great option.

How much does a Cavachon need to be fed?

For feeding your Cavachon, they’ll need a meal that’s going to help keep up those moderate energy levels they have. Be sure to check with the vet on whether you’re giving them enough food or not. The dog food will need to provide plenty of sustenance in the way of protein and healthy vegetables.

How much can you expect to pay for a Cavachon in Australia?

The average Cavachon comes in at a hefty price between $5,500 to $7,000. That may be a steep price to pay for some but if you’re really keen on this breed, then they’ll be worth their price tag in the love and years of happiness they bring.

Make sure to check out the International Designer Canine Registry for the most reputable breeds with Cavachons. You may also find Cavachon rescues available at the odd rescue centre.

Cavachon FAQs

Are Cavachons hypoallergenic dogs?

Cavachons are generally considered to be hypoallergenic, as are many mixed breeds. Some will still have a dog allergy reaction when around a Cavachon, however, these odds are likely a lot lower due to the mixing of breeds. They produce a lot less dander which is the main cause of allergies.

How long can a Cavachon be left alone?

Cavachons are not independent dogs and as such, they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. If you’re someone who does a lot of work outside the home, then you’ll want to look for a different breed.

If you still want this type of dog, you’ll want to get a dog sitter or take it to a doggy daycare to keep them occupied and cared for. At the end of the day, however, you will always be your own dog’s best company to keep.

Do Cavachons lose their colour?

Cavachons will typically lose their colouring as they get older and it’s not a sign of health concerns but age. They tend to be apricot and white but will fade to white due to their Bichon Frise parents.

Are Cavachons allergic to anything?

Cavachons are prone to allergies, which is worth knowing when it comes to keeping the dog healthy. Their skin can become itchy due to allergies and they can be sometimes prone to skin or ear infections.