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Cavachon Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Cavachon so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank559
Reviews4
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Cavachon dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed A cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise dog breeds.

Photo Gallery of the Cavachon Breed

Cavachon Size and Weight

Size
Is a Cavachon small, medium or large dog?

How big do Cavachon get?

What is the average size of a Cavachon?

SmallMedium
Weight
How much does the Cavachon weigh? How much should a Cavachon weight? What is the normal weight of a Cavachon? How much does a full-grown Cavachon weight?
Male: 15-35 pounds (7-16 kg), Female: 13-33 pounds (6-15 kg)7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Cavachon?
Male: 25 pounds (11.5 kg), Female: 23 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Cavachon? Cavachon height:
12-13 inches (30-33 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Cavachon?
12.5 inches (31.5 cm)

Cavachon Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Cavachon puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Cavachon in the United States? How much money is a Cavachon?

Where to buy a Cavachon with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Cavachon, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Cavachon for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Cavachon gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Cavachon? How many Cavachon are there in the world?
Frequent: The Cavachon is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Cavachon Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Cavachon? Is the Cavachon breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Cavachon dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Cavachon is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Cavachon dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Cavachon?
Cavachon dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Cavachon good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Cavachon dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Cavachon dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Cavachon dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

Cavachon Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Cavachon have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
HappyEagerEasygoingSmart
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Cavachon sensitivity:
Sensitive: Cavachon dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Cavachon a good family dog?
High: Cavachon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Cavachon need? Cavachon social needs:
Cavachon dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Cavachon to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Cavachon roam?
Cavachon dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Cavachon have high prey drive?
Cavachon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Cavachon dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Cavachon Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Cavachon is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Cavachon dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Cavachon bark?
Average: The Cavachon barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Cavachon good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Cavachon in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Cavachon breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Cavachon Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Cavachon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Cavachon be left alone? How long can you leave a Cavachon alone?
Cavachon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cavachon Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Cavachon has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Cavachon? How much bite force does a Cavachon have? How strong is a Cavachon bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cavachon bite force: Weak. The Cavachon bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Cavachon measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Cavachon may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Cavachon being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Cavachon bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Cavachon puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Cavachon can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Cavachon bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Cavachon? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Cavachon? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Cavachon has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Cavachon do?
Cavachon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Cavachon dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Cavachon Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Cavachon dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Cavachons are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Cavachon breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Cavachon breed? Most common health risks of Cavachon:
CataractsHeart MurmursPatellar LuxationMitral Valve DiseaseCushing's SyndromeSyringomyeliaAtopic Dermatitis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Cavachon breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Cavachon see the vet?
Rare
The Cavachon should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Cavachon dogs live? How old can a Cavachon be? What is the age limit of the Cavachon? How many years can the oldest Cavachon live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Cavachon?

How long is the lifespan of a Cavachon?

9-15 years
The average lifespan of Cavachon: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Cavachon Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Cavachon have? What is the activity level of the Cavachon?
Cavachon dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Cavachon need? How much exercise do Cavachon dogs require per day?

Do Cavachon dogs need a lot of exercises?

Cavachon dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Cavachon breed need?
Cavachon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Cavachon Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Cavachon need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Cavachon breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Cavachon? How much food should I feed my Cavachon?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Cavachon risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavachon's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Cavachon weight regularly.

Cavachon Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Cavachon have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FeatheredCurly
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Cavachon coats?
Cream White Pied
Grooming
How to groom the Cavachon and how often? How often should I take my Cavachon to the groomer?
Effortless: The Cavachon requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Cavachon is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Cavachon dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Cavachon? Do Cavachon dogs shed a lot?
Cavachon dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Cavachon need a bath? How often should you give a Cavachon a bath? Can I bathe my Cavachon every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Cavachon breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Cavachon dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Cavachon has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Cavachon drool?
The Cavachon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Cavachon could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Cavachon.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Cavachon Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Cavachon dogs get along with other pets? Are Cavachon dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Cavachon dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Cavachon temperament with other people:
Cavachon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Cavachon dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Cavachon temperament with children:
Cavachon dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Cavachon dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Cavachon breed live with a cat?
Cavachon dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Cavachon good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Cavachon dogs get along with other dogs?
Cavachon dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Cavachon can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Cavachon breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Cavachon breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Cavachon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Cavachon dogs good office canines? Do Cavachon dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Cavachon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Cavachon dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Cavachon temperament with senior people? Are Cavachon dogs good for elderly owners?
Cavachons are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Cavachon As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Cavachon be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Cavachon is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Cavachon be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Cavachon be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Cavachon breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Cavachon be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Cavachon is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Cavachon be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Cavachon is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Cavachon be a boat dog?

Not really

Cavachon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Cavachon be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Cavachon is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Cavachon dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cavachon Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Cavachon pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Cavachon breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Cavachon: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Cavachon have in a litter? How many puppies can the Cavachon breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Cavachon have? How many puppies can a Cavachon give birth to?
2-5 puppies

Cavachon Recognition

AKC Group
Is Cavachon recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Cavachon recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Cavachon breed?
Not recognized by any clubs.

Cavachon Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Cavachon dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Issues: Cavachons are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Hypoallergenic: Cavachon dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Cavachon breed.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Cavachon requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Cavachon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Cavachon has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Cavachon dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Cavachon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Cavachon dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Cavachon dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Cavachon dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Cavachons are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Cavachon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cavachon's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Cavachon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Cavachon is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Cavachon History

The Cavachon is a hybrid dog, created by mixing a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are little dogs with beautiful, silky coats which have slight waves. They come in a variety of colors, including white, apricot, black, and tan, but most are white with apricot, black, or tan markings (tricolored). They are also very friendly and loving dogs and make great family pets. Moreover, whether it is clever marketing or based in fact, Gleneden Kennel in Berryville, Virginia, in the United States claims to be the first breeder of Cavachons, having established this hybrid in 1996.

However, to be able to know the true history of this breed, we need to look at the parents. As for the Bichon Frise parent’s history, for so long, the informal grouping of what can only be described as “small white dogs” has attracted the attention of royals and aristocracy, that we can’t tell for sure when it all began. Although, according to experts small lap dogs were bartered around the Mediterranean basin for millennia. Cleopatra, so the legend goes, was a “little white dog” fan. More formally, members of this canine clan are known as Barbichon-type dogs, which includes breeds such as the Bolognese, Havanese, Maltese, and the Bichon Frise. It is believed that these breeds began their modern development on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. One of these breeds became so closely associated with the island that it was known as the Bichon Tenerife. The small Bichon Tenerife dog became the primary ancestor of today’s Bichon Frise. Since the 13th century, the breed has had a close relationship with European aristocrats. They were especially well-liked by the royal courts of Spain, Italy, and France. Experts know a lot about Bichon’s career as a royal lap warmer thanks to the many appearances the breed makes in portraits by the great painting masters. For example, the breed was included in several works by artist Francisco de Goya. With the French Revolution in 1789, the Bichon’s days as the pampered pet of the aristocracy came to an end. As many of the breed’s benefactors were taken to prison, street entertainers took in the dogs and trained them to turn somersaults, walk on their hind legs, waving both paws in the air, and perform other tricks. It wasn’t long before the Bichon was earning his keep as a circus performer. Thanks to their crowd-pleasing antics Bichons survived, and it was brought to the United States in 1955 and became eligible to enter the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class in 1971.

On the other hand, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred from the Toy Spaniel, which is depicted in famous paintings of the 1600s to 1800s, showing that this sweet breed once had a place in the hearts of the royals. Treasured for their gentle nature, the Spaniel was a favorite of King Charles II, who reigned over Britain in the late 17th century. In fact, this Spaniel’s name came from the name of the king. After the king died, the Pug became the favorite companion of the nobility, but years of breeding and refining across the globe brought the Cavalier King Charles to North America in 1952, although they were not added to the roster of the American Kennel Club until 1996.

The Cavachon is an appealing combination of the two parents. Since 1996, the Cavachon has traveled the world, and is now one of the most popular dogs, either pedigree or cross-bred in the United States, United Kingdom, and throughout much of Europe. Although the Cavalier was developed to mimic hunting dogs of old, both parents are companion dogs first and foremost, and it was for this purpose that the Cavachon was conceived. As well as being a great fit for this role in terms of temperament, it also inherits a very low-shedding coat from the Bichon, making it all the more appealing as a pet. Moreover, all cross-breeding involved an amount of luck, and because most Cavachons are first-generation crosses between pedigree parents, one can never know exactly how the poppies will turn out. While their size is reasonably predictable, other traits are not, and some dogs Cavachons will resemble one or other parent more closely.

Rate The Cavachon Breed

Cavachon Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Sparky

    May 28, 2021, 3:17:15 PM:

    Our cavachon is super cute and very healthy. Easy to take care of. Love the breed!

  • Jenny

    Mar 18, 2021, 9:25:48 AM:

    Cavachon’ s are lovely super-friendly companions. This review is wrong re grooming. The bichon can bring a beautiful, long, slightly curly coat which needs careful grooming. Clipped, it becomes like an astrakhan curly coat.

  • Barbarian

    Jan 21, 2021, 3:15:25 PM:

    It’s an amazing dog GET IT

  • Bobby

    Jul 10, 2020, 11:57:43 AM:

    They are cute and friendly