In the days of designer dogs and hybrid breeds, you may find yourself asking, “What is a Cavachon?” Luckily, we’re here to help! Simply put, a Cavachon is a mix of a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a purebred Bichon Frise, but there’s a lot more to it than that! Keep reading for a full overview of all things Cavachon.
History of the Cavachon
Like most designer dog breeds, the Cavachon’s history is fairly unclear. It's difficult to determine exactly when the Cavachon originated, but designer breeders in North America began intentionally mixing Cavaliers and Bichons around 1996. The goal in breeding these two dogs was to combine the best traits of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise into one lovable companion dog. The result was the Cavachon, and the breed quickly became more popular and in demand.
Today, the Cavachon is recognized by the American Canine Association (ACA), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), and multiple other similar dog clubs for designer and hybrid breeds.
Cavachon Characteristics
Appearance and Coat
The Cavachon is a small to medium-sized dog. A full-grown Cavachon stands around 7 to 15 inches tall at the withers. The healthy weight for the breed ranges from 11 to 25 pounds, depending on sex.
A Cavachon’s coat is a combination of the coat of a Cavalier and the coat of a Bichon, so it’s fluffy, wavy, and thick. Their coat color can be white, cream, apricot, or a mix of all three. It may also have tan or black. One of the most common questions that people interested in the breed have is, “do Cavachons shed?” The answer is yes, but not much. While no dog is completely non-shedding, the Cavachon is considered a hypoallergenic breed, meaning that its level of shedding is fairly low.
Temperament
The Cavachon is a loving, gentle breed that's very good with children, making it a great choice for families. Aside from children, Cavachons are friendly with just about everyone, including strangers and other dogs. Cavachons are social butterflies, and it's rare for them to turn down the chance to meet someone new, whether human or animal.
Health
The Cavachon is generally a healthy breed, but it is prone to some of the health conditions that are faced by its parents: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. Some of the health issues that Cavachons are susceptible to include:
- Mitral Valve Disease: A degenerative disease that causes the heart’s valves to become thickened and deformed over time. It is most commonly found in older, small to medium-sized dogs.
- Syringomyelia: A condition that results in the buildup of fluid in the cavities within the spinal cord, causing an abnormal sensation in dogs.
- Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic, inherited condition that causes a dog to develop allergic symptoms to certain allergens.
Like with all dogs, it’s very important that you take your Cavachon for regular veterinary checkups to make sure they stay well and healthy. The average Cavachon lifespan is about 11 to 16 years.
Caring for a Cavachon
A Cavachon’s Ideal Home
The Cavachon is a breed that’s suited for many different types of homes and lifestyles. Since they have a mild energy level and don’t bark too much, they’re a great choice for apartment living. Cavachons are highly adaptable dogs that are a great fit for novice dog owners and seniors alike.
One thing to note is that Cavachons do not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time, as they can develop separation anxiety. That said, these dogs will do best in a home where someone is home with them throughout most of the day.
Training a Cavachon
The Cavachon is an intelligent breed that’s eager to learn and please, so they aren’t too difficult to train. Like many dogs, Cavachons benefit from training sessions that are short and to the point. Longer training sessions can lead to boredom or overstimulation. The Cavachon typically responds best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
Exercise
Cavachons aren’t overly energetic dogs, but they don’t like to lounge around the house all day either. In most cases, a long daily walk provides a sufficient amount of exercise for a Cavachon. Don’t forget to incorporate a daily play session or two into your routine as well!
Grooming and Hygiene
Since they are a relatively low-shedding breed, Cavachons are easy to groom and care for. Their coat should be brushed a few times a week. An important thing to note is that Cavachons are prone to ear infections, so a regular ear cleaning is a must.
Additionally, you should trim your Cavachon’s nails when they get too long. A good rule of thumb is that if you can hear your dog’s nails “clicking” when they walk on a hard surface, they are probably too long and should be trimmed.
Have you decided that a Cavachon is the breed for you? Browse Lancaster Puppies to find your new furry friend today!