The Cavachon is a popular designer dog breed. A cross between the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the bichon frise, this breed is known for their small size, quiet nature, and soft fur. Cavachons can make great pets for individuals looking for an affectionate canine companion or for families in need of a playful friend.

Learn about the characteristics, history, and care needs of the Cavachon.

Characteristics of the Cavachon

Since they are a mixed breed, the looks and personalities of a Cavachon can vary depending on the traits they inherit from their parents. Despite this variability though, Cavachons are companion dogs that are designed to be loving house pets. They don't have a strong prey drive or the need to work like some dogs have but they are still playful and trainable.

History of the Cavachon

In the late 1990s in the United States, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and bichon frises began being purposefully bred to create the Cavachon. Like many other designer dog breeds, the breed was created in an attempt to capture some of the best qualities of both parent breeds. The result was a floppy eared, small to medium-sized dog that is known to shed and bark minimally. Their friendliness, adorable appearance, soft fur, manageable size, and other desirable attributes helped them grow in popularity.

Cavachon Care

While the Cavachon isn't a very physically demanding dog, they do require training, attention, and regular grooming. This breed isn't one you can bathe once a year and leave home alone for extended periods, but they don't have the high exercise needs of some other breeds.

Exercise

Cavachons will do best with at least an hour of activity each day, whether it's walking around the neighborhood, romping in the park or yard, and playing games like fetch and tug. This regular activity will keep their bodies and minds happy and healthy.

Grooming

Cavachons require regular haircuts, ear cleanings, nail trims, and baths to stay neat and tidy. Additionally, daily teeth brushing is recommended for all dogs, especially small breeds like the Cavachon. A good relationship with a local dog groomer or some basic knowledge of how to groom a dog yourself helps provide the proper coat care this breed demands.

Training

Cavachons require training to be well-mannered companions. Early socialization and basic obedience classes will benefit Cavachons and their owners, especially if you want them to do well with small children and other pets. Once your dog has completed basic obedience training, you can also provide more advanced training to teach them tricks.

Common Health Problems

All dogs are susceptible to illnesses and the Cavachon is no exception. This breed is fairly healthy but some common health problems they may encounter include:

• Periodontal disease: All dogs with teeth are susceptible to dental and periodontal issues but regularly brushing their teeth can help prevent these problems.
• Parasites: Intestinal, heart, and skin parasites can infect any dog, especially if they aren't taking regular preventative medicine.
• Ear infections: Floppy eared dogs are more likely to develop ear infections.
• Skin issues: Cavachons are known to develop skin issues that cause itching.
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): This back problem is likely to require surgery to correct and unfortunately, Cavachons are prone to developing this debilitating disease.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Dietary indiscretion, food intolerances, allergies and more can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
  

Diet and Nutrition

Like all dogs, the Cavachon should eat a nutritionally complete diet formulated for dogs by veterinary nutritionists to thrive. This may be a store-bought kibble or a specially crafted diet. When feeding, measure out the appropriate amount of food based on your dog's weight, age, activity, and caloric content to prevent obesity and other health issues. If you aren't sure what or how much to feed, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Cavachon

While breeders that focus on Cavachons do exist, you may also be able to adopt them from rescue groups or shelters. Expect to pay up to $2000 from a breeder for a Cavachon puppy, but rescues and shelters will charge far less. If you plan to purchase your dog from a breeder, be sure the dogs are housed in clean environments and you are allowed to see and meet the parents. Breeders that hide things like their dog's living conditions are a red flag when it comes to selecting a reputable one.

Cavachon Overview

Cavachons can make lovely companions for many different homes and families. They will need daily exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy and form positive bonds with their owners. They have a low-shedding coat that could work well for some allergy sufferers.

Pros of the Cavachon

• Quiet
• Low shedding
• Needs less exercise than some other breeds

Cons of the Cavachon

• Requires frequent grooming
• Not an ideal running companion
• Prone to dental disease without proper tooth care

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in breeds that are similar to the Cavachon, check out these other breeds of various sizes that are also low shedders:

• Goldendoodle
• Bernedoodle
• Cavapoo