The Cavachon is a mix between the bright and lovely Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the cheerful, mischievous Bichon Frise. This cute breed is highly adaptable and is popular across the world, especially with people who live in small homes or apartments. Cavachons may be any color with white. In rare cases, they have solid coats, but most of the time, they are a mix of colors.
Cavachons are great with children as well as other animals. They are eager to learn but may be distracted quickly, so it’s best to keep training times on the short side. Consistency and patience are key with this mix, as they aren't as driven as some other breeds. They are also very relational and thrive on interaction, both human and canine.
This dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in homes with or without yards as well as apartments. They are a good fit for single owners, families with children, and seniors. They are very in-tune with their owners and love spending time with them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They also do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, Cavachons are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because of their smaller size, you may also need to bundle them up for outdoor adventures when temperatures drop outside.
Generally, Cavachons live about 10-15 years. Though they inherit the genetics of both the Cavalier and the Bichon, with their mixed breed heritage they are less susceptible to genetic diseases than their purebred counterparts. The genetic history of the parents, along with diet and exercise play a large role in the health of your pet.
The Cavachon is a highly trainable dog breed. They are eager to please their owner and intelligent, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level. If they inherit more of their temperament from the Bichon Frise, they can have a little bit of a stubborn streak. So, it’s usually recommended for first-time dog owners to enroll in puppy training classes.
Cavachons respond best to training that is kept positive and is focused on positive feedback and praise. They do not respond well to criticism. Although they are relatively good at maintaining their focus for training sessions, it’s important to take breaks when it seems that their attention is starting to wander. Due to their small size, the basics of house-training can sometimes be difficult. Crate training and a good amount of patience can help both you and your dog when it comes to house-training.
The Cavalier's coat is smooth and short, while the Bichon has a curly, voluminous coat. The Cavachon may have a coat texture anywhere in between, requiring different levels of care. Thorough brushing and haircuts are necessary for all coat types. Their teeth require routine care and their nails trimmed once or twice per month. The Cavachon’s ears should also be checked often and kept clean and dry to avoid infection.
Though they are quite content to snuggle on your couch all day, Cavachons require moderate exercise each day to stay healthy. As they get older, they tend to gain excess weight so daily exercise and a healthy diet will help prevent any joint issues. A short walk or romp in your yard daily will be sufficient for a Cavachon.
Most Cavachons weigh between 12-20 pounds and stand at a height of 9-13 inches.
This dog breed generally lives for 10-15 years.
Although it is possible that Cavachons have been around longer, it is thought that they were developed as a designer breed and named in the late 1990s.
