A Cavachon dog may be a good fit for you if you are looking for a small, affectionate puppy. Cavachons are great companion dogs with a lovely, pleasant temperament and are ideal for apartment living. Cavachons are lively and active dogs when you are willing to play with them, and they are also quite happy to sit and keep you company all day.
Cavachons are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Crossbreeding aims to combine the best traits of both parent breeds while maintaining a unique personality. It is also hoped that the crossbreed offspring will be less prone to the health problems from which the parent breeds may suffer.
While the temperaments of all Cavachons vary, most owners describe them as happy, cheerful, and great lap dogs. If you are considering adding a Cavachon puppy to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder.
There's more to this breed than meets the eye. Keep reading to learn more about their personality traits, health, and temperament and discover more about this charming breed. We hope this information will help you make a smart decision about purchasing or adopting a Cavachon from a shelter/rescue.
Puppies require a lot of time and patience, and it is essential to be prepared for puppy behavior before bringing one home.
History of the Cavachon
The Cavachon doesn't have much of a history. Like most crossbreeds, they have probably been around as long as the parent breeds have been, but nobody gave them a unique name or organized any breeding standard. During the 1990s, breeders started to cross different purebred dogs in a more organized way, leading to the wide variety of hybrid or designer breeds we have today.
Unlike the Cavachon, the Caviler King Charles and the Bichon Frise have long and colorful histories. By looking at the history of the two parent breeds, you can understand the origins of particular traits that have been passed on to the Cavachon.
History of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
King Charles Spaniel, as the name suggests, is an English breed of dog which dates back to the 16th century and was a favorite of King Charles 1 and King Charles ll. The breed changed over the years and became more flat-faced; therefore, in the 1920' a new breed started and had a longer muzzle and a similar appearance to the original version as depicted in the paintings of Thomas Gainsborough.
That new breed was called the Caviler King Charles Spaniel. They made perfect companion dogs with the poise and grace of a hunter. They became trendy for their striking looks and gentle temperament. The Cavalier king Charles was officially entered into the American Kennel Club in the toy group in 1961; the main traits the Cavachon can inherit from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are the temperament and that pretty face.
History of the Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise was initially bred in Spain and is said to be a mix of the Poodle and the Barbet Water Spaniel. These dogs would have originally been hunting dogs and were bigger than the modern Bichon. Over time the breed became smaller and more suited as a companion dog. They were very popular with the royal houses of Europe from the fourteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
As with the Cavalier King Charles, the Bichon was depicted by classical painters such as Titian and Goya, so they were held in high esteem. Also, they became favored around Europe as circus dogs due to their ability to learn entertaining routines. This trait has been passed on to the Cavachon, making them easy to train.
There were originally three versions of the Bicon, but in the 1930' in France, they decided to set the standard for the breed and call them the Bichon Frise. The American Kennel Club fully recognized the Bichon in 1973, and it is today a top-rated companion dog worldwide.
Are Cavachons good family dogs?
The Cavachon is an excellent Family dog. They have a great temperament, are easy to train, and the Cavachon will sit and chill or be as active as you want them to be, depending if somebody wants to play with them or take them for a walk, which they love.
They may not suit very small children because they are a bit sensitive, would not like to be hurt in any way, and would not appreciate being roughly handled by a small child. Having said that, Cavachons are also known for being very good with older children and tend to be one of the less snappy small dogs, but they will still need to be supervised.
The Cavachon is great for an older family member because, as I said before, they are happy to sit and keep somebody company and have been used as a therapy dog for people recovering from accidents, illnesses, or other setbacks. So the Cavachon is the ultimate companion dog.
Cavachons are small and versatile. They don't need a massive space to live in and do not require that much exercise. This makes them ideal for anybody living in a small apartment.
Reasons for not getting a Cavachon
The Cavachon is a great family pet, but there are some reasons you should not get a Cavachon. The Cavachon is bred to keep you company and not much else. They are not working dogs, so if you want a dog to carry out a job such as working on a farm or rescuing people from a snow-covered mountain, then the Cavachon is obviously not for you.
If you want a pet dog that is a bit more free-spirited and with a bit more attitude, then you may need to go for a terrier-type dog, but these will also tend to be more aggressive. The Cavachon would have plenty of character but wouldn't have the bad boy vibe of the Jack Russell Terrier.
The Cavachon is not the best guard dog. They will be alert and bark if an intruder comes around, but they are more likely to lick the intruder's hand than stop them from making off with the TV.
If you are not going to be home very often or your dog is going to be left on their own a lot of the time, then a Cavachon would not be suitable for you.
What does a Cavachon Look Like?
The most common Cavachon is usually white with Apricot ears and apricot around its eyes. Cavacons can also be black and white. Or a mixture of White, Black, apricot, and tan. The Cavachon face usually looks quite like that of the Cavalier King Charles.
Cavachons do look quite similar to each other, which is not always the case with all designer breed dogs. If you are familiar with the Cavachon, you can usually recognize them while out walking.
Cavachons tend to have a coat that is not as curly as the Bichon and not as wavey as the Cavalier. They have sad-looking faces and can use that to their advantage very well. The Cavachon is not as good-looking as the Cavalier but not too shabby in the looks department.This is just my opinion, of course.
Cavachons are prone to tear staining, which can make their faces look even sadder.
They measure 12 to 14 inches fully grown, about 15 to 20lbs in weight, and have a 12-15 years lifespan. They can be classed as small, toy, or companion dogs.
What is a Cavachon temperament/Personality?
The Cavachon is the ultimate companion dog. Their lives revolve around you. They watch you constantly, looking for signals in your body language and tone of voice to get a sense of your mood and react to that. If you pick up a ball, they are ready to play. If you are sad, they are ready to sit on your lap or nudge you to snap out it; if you want to relax, they will relax beside you. The Cavachon is always looking to please you; that's their goal in life.
They tend not to be aggressive and are very friendly to other dogs and people. In addition, they are intelligent and are pretty good at keeping out of trouble. Cavachons are also relatively low-maintenance, as they do not require a lot of exercise.
Cavachons tend to be calm dogs and not get over-excited except when they know they're going to be taken on a walk or you're going out to play with them. They will happily sit on their bed until they are called into action. Cavachons don't usually get over-excited when they meet other dogs and do not like it when other dogs are aggressive towards them.
Can Cavachon be left alone?
Cavachons do not like to be left alone. As I said above, their world revolves around you, and they want to be with you all the time even if you are not doing anything; they just like to be there. They are good at traveling in cars as sometimes it might be better to bring them with you instead of leaving them home alone for a long period of time.
A reward at the end of the journey, such as a walk or playtime, would be most welcoming. Always be vigilant when bringing dogs in cars. During extreme temperatures, to avoid heat stroke or even death, you should not leave your dog in the car alone.
Most dogs suffer separation anxiety, and the Cavachon is definitely no exception. If you have to go out, make sure there is a ball or two for your dog to play with and some background noise in the house. Your dog has no idea when you will return; therefore, they can get very anxious. It is better to make short, frequent trips out of the house, so they get used to you going out and then coming home.
Is it easy to train Cavachon puppies?
Yes, Cavachons are easy to train. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them quick learners.
Like the Bichon Frise, they are also known for being good-natured, clever, and cheerful, which makes them a joy and easy to train.
As a highly intelligent breed, Cavachons respond well to positive reinforcement. But while they are relatively easy to train, they quickly pick up on bad habits.
It is essential to stop unwanted behavior quickly by ignoring them when they do something bad and rewarding them with lots of attention when they do something good because they love attention.
Are Cavachons hypoallergenic?
Yes, sort of; Cavachons are considered reasonably hypoallergenic but keep in mind that no dog is completely hypoallergenic, but some dogs are more suitable for people with allergies than others. The Cavachon is better than the Cavalier but not as good as the Bichon. Introduce a dog to a person with dog allergies very slowly and always under medical advice.
Do Cavachons like to cuddle?
Cavachons are known for being affectionate, gentle, and loving, and they love nothing more than cuddling up with their favorite human. So if you're looking for a cuddle buddy, a Cavachon is a perfect choice!
Do Cavachons need regular grooming?
Yes, Cavachons need to be brushed to maintain their low-shedding coat. Groom your Cavachon at least once a week to remove any dirt, debris, or mats from their coat.
Their hair grows quite quickly, and there is usually a lot of it; therefore, professional grooming is recommended three to four times a year. If you like hard work, you can do it yourself and save a bit of money, but there is a bit of work involved.
Be sure to use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out their skin, and don't bathe too often (the dog, that is) for the same reason.
A Cavachon can smell a bit if they are sweating a lot. The best solution to this could be sending them for a hair trim, depending on the weather. They can also smell if they come in from walks and are wet. Lying on their bed when wet is not good for their general health, and they can tend to smell more. The best practice is to dry them off.
Do Cavachons have any health problems?
Cavachons are a hybrid breed of dog, and there are some serious health risks associated with the parent breeds that are less likely to show up in the Cavachon offspring.
They are relatively healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health problems.
Some of these problems that have been reported in Cavachons include heart defects, eye problems, and hip dysplasia.
One of the biggest concerns for Cavachons is their oral health; keep in mind that Cavachons are more prone to dental issues, so take the time to brush your dog's teeth regularly.
The Cavachon can have problems with ear infections that affect most floppy-eared dogs, so it is important to check their ears regularly for matted hair and trapped water vapor due to poor air circulation.
While they don't need constant physical activity, they still need an outlet for their pent-up energy.
To keep your Cavachon healthy, try a daily walk at a brisk pace or a game of fetch with other dogs in a dog park. Thirty minutes of exercise per day is recommended.
Most Cavachons live long, happy lives with few problems, but King Charles is known to have heart problems, which can also affect the Cavachon.
Allergies can affect any dog; I would say the Cavachon is not especially prone to getting allergies, but it is always a risk. So keep an eye out for excessive scratching or licking, red or inflamed skin, and check for ticks after you have been out for a walk, especially if you have been to wooded areas.
Your Veterinary professional is the best to advise you about conditions that may affect your Cavachon. A DNA test result will assist them in making judgments in this area.
DNA tests can be obtained from the puppy's breeder, or you can get them done yourself using a recognized testing company. They can be expensive but worth it and can assist your veterinary treat the condition your canine is likely to have.
Do Cavachons shed a lot?
The Cavachon is a medium shedding dog. The Bichon is a low to medium, and the Cavalier King Charles is a medium to high shedding. It is rare to have lots and lots of hair around your home if you have a Cavachon. It is not a big problem associated with the Cavachon.
If your dog does start shedding more than usual, it may be a sign of some issue like allergies, and you may need to consult your Veterinarian.
How often should you feed a Cavachon?
When you bring your puppy home, your breeder should give instructions on how much and when you should feed your puppy, usually up to 4 times a day, along with a sample of what it has been fed. Slowly reduce to two times a day while also transitioning to your preferred food.
Most Cavachon dogs can feed once or twice a day, but it varies on how much energy your Cavachon has expended and how hungry they are. There is no set rule. They will not be hungry if they are fed scraps and treats throughout the day.
Not feeding can indicate a health problem, but it might also be they are not hungry. Cavachons can be very fussy eaters and snub the food offered to them if they smell something more delicious. Don't panic too much, but if it persists, consult your Veterinarian.
Do Cavachons bark a lot?
Cavachons tend to do most things in moderation, which can be the same with barking. The Cavachon is a low barking dog and will only usually bark when they get excited or hear something unusual. They are calm dogs and not very excitable.
They don't tend to bark at other dogs but can bark a lot at cats and other animals if they haven't had much close-up interaction at a young age. Cavachons will get very excited when they know they are going for a walk and may tend to bark a lot at that point, but once they are out, they tend to be quiet.
Cavachons love to go for walks and have a good sniff, they still fancy themselves as hunters, but they are not fond of extra long walks and get disinterested if they walk the same route more than once in a single walk.
Do you recommend Cavachons to first-time dog owners?
Yes, I recommend Cavachons to first-time dog owners.
They are an excellent breed for first-time dog owners because they are intelligent, loving, and easy to train. Cavachons are also a good choice for families with children because they are gentle and good-natured.
Advantages of getting your Cavachon from a reputable breeder?
There are many advantages of getting your family dog from a reputable breeder. One advantage is that you can be sure the dog has been well-cared for and is healthy. Another advantage is that you can choose the specific breed of dog you want, and the breeder can help you select a dog that will be a good fit for your family.
Reputable breeders also provide support after you take your new dog home and can answer any questions you have about caring for your new pet.
To Conclude
The Cavachon dog is a great pet; they have a good temperament and are ideal for all family members, whether those family members are very active or not. The Cavachon lives to please the humans that inhabit their world, and they come highly recommended.
