By Fernando Villarreal
If you’re looking for a fluffy Cavachon puppy, we’re here to help you. The Cavachon has a non-shedding hypoallergenic coat and is a popular designer mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise dog breeds. You can also purchase a Cavachon bred with another Cavachon known as an F2.
If you suffer from allergies or have family members who have pet allergies, the Cavachon is an allergy-friendly hybrid. One of the most important things to remember when purchasing or adopting a Cavachon is that the Cavachon’s emergence is part of a broader trend of creating “designer dogs.” These breeds are often developed to reduce health issues common in purebreds and combine desirable traits from two breeds.
The trendy Cavachon hybrid is known for being affectionate and super cuddly. This gentle, mixed dog breed has inherited some of the best traits from both parents: the gentle, loving demeanor of the Cavalear and the playful, cheerful temperament of the Bichon Frise. The Cavachon also goes by the name Cavalier-Bichon or Bichon King Charles.
Read on to learn more about the Cavachon’s unique characteristics, training, grooming, nutrition tips, and genetic health predispositions so that you can be the best Cavachon pet parent and give your puppy a long and healthy life. Here’s the takeaway:
Cavachon Generations F1 and F2
Breed Overview
- Group: Mixed Breed (Not officially recognized by the AKC)
- Height: Generally ranges from 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder.
- Weight: Typically between 15-35 pounds.
- Coat: Silky and soft, often with a slightly wavy to curly texture, reflecting the traits of both parent breeds.
- Coat Color: A diverse palette including shades like white, black, brown, and combinations.
- Life Span: About 10 to 15 years.
- Temperament: Known for being playful, affectionate, friendly, and eager to please. They are highly sociable and get along well with children and other pets.
- Hypoallergenic: Thanks to the Bichon Frise’s influence, they are partially a potential option for those with pet allergies.
- Origin: A delightful crossbreed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise.
Characteristics of the Cavachon
The Cavachon is a mixed breed and not a purebred dog. Nonetheless, like all designer hybrids, the Cavachon has become extremely popular because of its small size and easygoing temperament. The Cavachon is an intelligent mixed breed, born from the cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise.
One of the Cavachon’s most distinctive features is its soft and fluffy coat, which varies from slightly wavy to curly. This coat type is inherited from the Bichon Frise’s fluffy fur and the Cavalier’s silky waves.
The coat is also easy to maintain and hypoallergenic and features many colors, including white, black, brown, and combinations of these shades. The varied coat colors of the Cavapoo often result in each Cavachon having a unique appearance.
They usually have medium-length coats that must be trimmed regularly for easy grooming, especially during the hot summer. This hybrid is also easy to travel with and take to dog parks, on pet vacays, and even a quick trip to Starbucks for a Puppuccino.
Cavachon History
King Charles Spaniel
Although the Cavachon hybrid has existed for years, it has only become so popular in North America since 1996. The Cavachon is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise.
This breed first appeared in the late 1990s in the United States. The Cavachon was initially bred to blend the gentle and affectionate nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the cheerful and hypoallergenic traits of the Bichon Frise.
While the Cavachon is not officially recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC (American Kennel Club) due to its mixed-breed status, it is recognized and registered by several designer and hybrid dog registries.
The Cavachon quickly gained popularity due to its endearing personality, manageable size, and low-shedding coat. Its easygoing demeanor, intelligence, and gentle temperament make it one of today’s most popular hybrids.
Cavachon Care
To parent a Cavachon, you should always learn as much as you can about the breed before adopting or purchasing a puppy Cavachon. One of the most essential takeaways throughout puppyhood is high-quality nutrition, positive training, and plenty of socialization. Consider taking your Cavachon puppy to Kindergarten training classes wherever you go to help with socialization and mental stimulation.
Cavachon Rescue
We’re big on dog rescue, and if you’re looking for a cute Cavachon or Doodle breed, consider visiting your local shelters first. While specific Cavachon rescue organizations may be rare, many small dogs or mixed-breed rescue groups often have Cavachons.
These organizations take in abandoned, surrendered, or lost dogs and provide them with necessary care. Reputable breeders like Pettito and Dallas are essential in purchasing a healthy Cavachon puppy if you want to buy a well-bred, healthy Cavachon puppy.
Cavachon Grooming
Image Credit: Getty Images
Because the Cavachon is a mix of two breeds, their appearances will differ. This is because the Bichon features a long, curly coat and the Cavalier a long, wavy coat. Standard Cavachon coat colors include the following:
- Pied
- Cream
- White
Cavachons are easy to look after but need regular grooming and trips to the groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim. Cavachons usually have a medium coat length, yet some are longer coated.
Cavachons may take after the Bichon Frise coat with a course, a curly outer layer, or a soft, dense undercoat. They could also get the Cavalier coat, which has long and short hair and short hair on leg fronts.
Purchasing high-quality grooming tools and dog shampoos for dogs helps ensure tangle-free coats and easy grooming.
Bathe your Cavachon puppy every 4-6 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. Do not over-bathe, as this can strip the coat of natural oils and cause skin irritation.
Cavachon Health & Wellness
Like most breeds, the Cavachon may be genetically prone to specific health issues. That’s why it’s so important to purchase from a reputable breeder. ASPCA health insurance says Cavachons are a healthy breed but can inherit health issues from both parents.
According to the ASPCA claims data, they add that allergies, gastrointestinal issues, ear infections, irritated skin, and intervertebral disc disease are most common.
Here are some common health concerns for Cavachons:
- Heart Conditions: They can inherit heart issues common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, such as Mitral Valve Disease, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
- Allergies: Cavachons can suffer from allergies, which manifest as skin irritations, itching, or ear infections. These allergies can be due to environmental factors or food sensitivities.
- Eye Problems: They are susceptible to eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative disease that eventually leads to blindness.
- Patellar Luxation: This condition, common in small breeds, involves the dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause pain and mobility issues.
- Hip Dysplasia: Though more common in larger breeds, hip dysplasia can also affect Cavachons. This condition involves an abnormal hip socket formation, leading to arthritis and pain.
- Ear Infections: Their floppy ears make Cavachons prone to ear infections, requiring regular cleaning and monitoring.
- Dental Issues: They may also inherit a propensity for dental problems, making regular dental care important.
- Syringomyelia is a condition where cysts or cavities form within the spinal cord near the brain. It can be excruciating and is commonly seen in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavachon pet parents must maintain regular veterinary check-ups to monitor and manage these potential health issues. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper grooming can keep your Cavachon happy and healthy.
How Much is a Cavachon Puppy?
Cavachon puppies range in price and can cost as little as $800 to as much as $6000 or more. Reputable breeders like Pettito and Dallas carry top breed lines nationwide. All puppies purchased from Pettito, Dallas, are covered with a 30-day health guarantee by the breeder. When buying a Cavachon puppy from a breeder, you should ensure the following:
- Both the sire and dam should be free from genetic health issues prevalent in their respective breeds.
- Since both parent breeds are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, breeders should select sire and dams with these desired traits to pass on to the offspring.
- Reputable breeders will provide early socialization and exposure to various environments, sounds, and people. This is key for developing well-rounded and friendly dogs.
Cavachon Nutrition
Good food provides the same essential components as human nutrition. Every brand of dog food is designed to be a complete and balanced diet containing fats, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
Yet, the sources and proportions of ingredients may vary with each formula. Remember that Cavachon pups need to be fed a puppy formula for healthy development and growth. They will also benefit from nutraceuticals like glucosamine for joint health and probiotics for optimal digestion.
Where to Purchase a Cavachon Puppy?
A reputable breeder or seller will be open about any genetic problems in the Cavachon breed. The breeder should also give you proof that testing has been done for hip, eye, or ear issues. Cavachon breeders should also give you your pup’s first vaccine and worming record, and depending on whether you want to breed, the Cavachon breeder will also ask that you alter the dogs.
Reputable breeders like Pettito and Dallas prioritize the health and well-being of all their puppies. You also get 30-day pet insurance with Metlife included when you purchase a puppy, and every puppy is backed by their comprehensive health guarantee, which provides for one year against congenital-hereditary diseases.
This includes regular veterinary check-ups, proper vaccinations, and ensuring a healthy environment for the puppies. All their puppies are obtained through personally vetted breeders and never come from puppy mills!
FAQ’s The Cavachon
Q: Why do people love Cavachons?
Cavachons bond easily with pets and family members. They are a designer dog breed, and this designer hybrid also has the gentle temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. The Cavachon needs moderate exercise, making it a perfect choice for either apartment living or a house with a yard.
Q: What are some interesting facts about Cavachons?
Cavachons also make good service dogs because of their sweet temperament. They make good emotional support animals (ESAs) and enjoy being with people and small children.
Another interesting fact is the Cavachon coats are often a mixture of their parent’s coat colors, with the primary colors featuring cream, pied, and white. This low-shedding breed is easy to look after and a pleasure to travel with.
Q: How do I find a well-bred Cavachon puppy?
Always look for reputable breeders that don’t work with puppy mills. Check out reviews and how long they’ve been in business, and visit the kennels so that you can see the parents (sire and dam) and play with the puppy.
Visiting the kennels is a great way to assess the conditions in which the puppies and their parents are kept. It’s also essential to meet the puppy’s sire (father) and dam (mother) to understand the parents’ temperament and health, which can indicate the puppy’s future characteristics.
Responsible breeders should be transparent about their breeding practices and provide health clearances for both parents, ensuring they are free from genetic diseases common to the breeds. Lastly, a good breeder will ask you questions, too, to ensure their puppies are going to a safe and loving home.
As usual, we always recommend visiting local shelters to try and adopt. Most rescues screen their dogs well and only place well-socialized and healthy dogs in homes.
Q: How much exercise does a Cavachon need every day?
Cavachons do well with regular daily walks and many dog park and beach trips. This extremely social, lovable dog breed must be around family and other pets. Puppy training and socialization must begin when you bring your puppy home. Call up a positive trainer in your area if you need help training your new Cavachon puppy to get some puppy training tips.
Daily walks and some playtime will generally suffice for their physical activity requirements. Due to their friendly nature, they thrive on interaction and playtime with their family members, which also helps to keep them mentally stimulated and happy.
You can also try dog sports and train your Cavachon to be a service dog. Remember to take your Cavachon with you on all pet vacations and make every day memorable and filled with love and fun for your new furbaby!
