Cavachon - Dog Breed Info, Temperament & Facts

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The Cavachon is a hybrid dog created by crossing the Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These small dogs have playful personalities and beautiful, silky coats with subtle waves. They come in various colors such as white, apricot, black, or tan, but are usually tricolored with white and apricot, black, or tan markings. As family companions, they are friendly and caring, getting along well with children and other pets. They may bark at visitors, but their small size makes them unsuitable as watchdogs. Additionally, they are low shedding and easy to train, responding well to praise. They thrive as indoor dogs and are well-suited for apartment living.

Ahead, we look at Cavachon dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Cavachon, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Cavachons!

Dog Breed Cavachon
Size Small
Weight 15-20 lbs (average)
Height 12-13″ (average)
Location ​United States
Ancestry Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Date of Origin 1990s
Group ​Companion
Life Expectancy 9-15 years
Price $800 – $1000
Family Canidae
Scientific Name Canis Lupus Familiaris

📖 Breed History

The Cavachon is a mix between the Bichon Frise and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Bichon Frise originated from the Mediterranean and descended from barbets, or water spaniels, that were crossed with small white lap dogs. Four types of “barbichons” were created, and they eventually became known as Bichon Frises. They were brought to the Canary Island of Teneriffe by Spanish sailors and later discovered by Italian sailors who brought them back to Italy. The breed gained popularity among Italian nobility and was even featured in works by artist Francisco de Goya. The Bichon Frise made its way to the United States in 1955 and became eligible for the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class in 1971.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, on the other hand, has a history dating back to the 1600s. This breed was depicted in famous paintings and was favored by King Charles II of Britain. After the King’s death, the Pug became the preferred companion of the nobility. However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel made its way to North America in 1952 and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996. The Cavachon combines the charming qualities of both parents.

The Cavachon is a delightful mix between the Bichon Frise and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Bichon Frise has its roots in the Mediterranean, where it originated from crossbreeding water spaniels with small lap dogs. The breed eventually became known as Bichon Frises and gained popularity among Italian nobility. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, on the other hand, has a long history dating back to the 1600s and was favored by King Charles II of Britain. After the king’s reign, the Pug became the preferred companion of the nobility. However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel made its way to North America in 1952 and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996. The Cavachon inherits the best qualities of both parents, making it an irresistible choice for dog lovers.

🐕 Cavachon Appearance

Small dogs known as cavachons have delicate, silky coats that typically have subtle waves. Depending on which parent breed is more dominant, individual dogs will differ to some amount. They can have markings that are any color, such as white, apricot and white, white with black, or black and tan. Frequently, they are tricolored. They are quite simple to groom and don’t shed much, making them suitable for persons with allergies. Toy Cavachons, which are smaller than 12 inches and weigh under 10 pounds, have been created by certain breeders. Even Cavachon puppies, despite their little size, are strong dogs with adorable, perceptive faces. This dog’s tail is curly, and its cranium is large and rounded.

👀 Eye Color Brown
🐽 Nose Color Black
🐕 Coat Color White, Pied, Cream

Fun Fact: Cavachon dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.

🐶 Traits & Temperament of Cavachon

Friendly and gentle dogs, cavachons are wonderful family companions. They get along nicely with kids and have lovable personalities. They are not aggressive around kids, unlike other little breeds, although it is always a good idea to keep an eye on kids to make sure they aren’t being too rough. Due of their small size, cavachon pups shouldn’t be touched by young children. They get along well with people and other animals, and if socialized from a young age, they are also fine with cats and other dogs. They enjoy being seen and enjoy playing. Although they have a tendency to bark at outsiders, their size prevents them from being seen as effective guard dogs. Because they are usually eager to please, they are bright dogs that even a novice owner will find simple to teach. Although they are energetic dogs, they do not require a lot of exercise, thus regular walks are required to stay in shape.

🤝 Are Cavachons Friendly or Aggressive?

Cavachon dogs are known for their friendly nature towards other pets, strangers, and children. They enjoy being in the company of kids and are usually comfortable around cats as well. Additionally, Cavachons are highly sociable with other dogs, making them a good choice for families who want to have multiple dogs or participate in dog meetups. Moreover, this breed is often recommended for elderly individuals as they are considered one of the best breeds for older people to own.

This breed is known for being:

  • Happy
  • Eager
  • Easygoing
  • Smart

🐩 Cavachon Care & Maintenance

A Cavachon is considered hypoallergenic and does not shed much, making it an excellent choice for those who may have allergies. However, even though they don’t shed much, they still need to be groomed on a regular basis to keep their coats from matting and getting soiled. Some dogs require periodic trimming. To avoid skin irritation, bathing should only be done when absolutely required and using a shampoo that has been approved by a veterinarian. Try to brush your pet’s teeth every day to avoid dental issues. Regularly inspect their nails to determine if they need to be clipped and to make sure there are no breaks or rips. Additionally, the ears should be examined regularly for debris or burrs and cleaned with wet cotton wool. It’s crucial to insure your dog as soon as “pawssible” to avoid having to pay a lot for medical treatment. Compare insurance packages from reputable companies like Healthy Paws and Embrace to start saving over $270 annually.

Cavachon dogs experience a moderate amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regularly brushing their fur can help minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed of Cavachon. In terms of bathing, it is generally recommended to give them a bath every 3-4 weeks.

🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.70 – $1.00 daily, or approximately $25.00 – $30.00 a month.

🐾 Exercise: Cavachon dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.

This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 9 miles per week, which equates to about 40 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.

Did you know: Cavachon dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

❤️‍🩹 Cavachon Health & Issues

Some of the major concerns for Cavachon Dog Breed can be:

  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Heart Murmur
  • Syringomyelia

While minor concerns include:

  • Eye Problems
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Liver Shunts
  • Anemia

🤧 Important: Is Cavachon hypoallergenic? Yes.

Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Cavachon.

⚡ Cavachon Dog Breed Facts

What makes the Cavachon a great choice for families with young children?
The Cavachon’s friendly and loving nature makes them a great choice for families with young children. They are not snappy with children and get along well with them, but it’s important to monitor children to ensure they aren’t too rough. Cavachon puppies are tiny and should not be handled by young children.

Is the Cavachon breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Cavachon breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They are good inside dogs and adapt well to living in smaller spaces. They do not require a lot of exercise, although daily walks are necessary to maintain their fitness.

How much exercise does a Cavachon require compared to other breeds?
Compared to other breeds, Cavachons do not require a lot of exercise. They are active dogs but do not have high energy levels. Daily walks and playtime should be sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

Is the Cavachon breed known for being good with other pets?
Yes, the Cavachon breed is known for being good with other pets. They get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if they are socialized from an early age. Their friendly and amicable nature helps them bond easily with other animals.

What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cavachon?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cavachon include the Bichon Frise (one of its parent breeds) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (the other parent breed). Both of these breeds have similar coat types and temperaments, making them suitable options for those looking for low-maintenance dogs.

What are the common health issues that Cavachons are prone to?
Cavachons, like many small dog breeds, can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues that Cavachons are prone to include heart problems, eye conditions, dental issues, and allergies. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help mitigate these risks.

Are Cavachons known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Yes, Cavachons are generally known to be easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are intelligent dogs and tend to be eager to please, making them responsive to training. Even first-time owners can find it relatively easy to train them.

Are Cavachons more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Cavachons, like many small dog breeds, can be prone to separation anxiety. They form strong bonds with their owners and may become anxious when left alone for long periods. Proper socialization, training, and gradually increasing alone time can help prevent or minimize separation anxiety.

Are there any dog breeds similar to the Cavachon that are suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, there are dog breeds similar to the Cavachon that are suitable for people with allergies. Both Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the parent breeds of the Cavachon, are considered hypoallergenic. These breeds have hair rather than fur, which tends to produce fewer allergens.

What sizes of dogs similar to the Cavachon are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller sizes of dogs similar to the Cavachon are best. The Cavachon itself is a small dog breed, but other small or toy breeds like the Shih Tzu or the Maltese can also be suitable for those with limited space.

Is the Cavachon breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Cavachon breed is known to be good with children, including those with special needs. Their loving personalities and gentle nature make them a good match for children with special needs. However, as with any interaction between dogs and children, supervision is always recommended.

How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Cavachon?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Cavachon are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have soft, silky coats with slight waves, which do not shed a lot. Regular brushing and occasional grooming sessions are usually enough to keep their coats in good condition.


We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Cavachon dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.

Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy is a seasoned writer and an enthusiast of dog breed expertise. Having dedicated over 5 years to studying the intricacies of different dog breeds and their unique characteristics. His profound insights and love for our four-legged friends have made him an invaluable part of our DogsInsights.com team.

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