Cavachon Breed Guide

Cavachon Details

Size:
Small
Weight:
15-20 Pounds
Energy Level:
High
Lifespan:
10-15 Years
Shedding:
Low
Grooming:
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Trainability:
Easy

Cavachon Guide

The Cavachon is a designer breed that is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavachons are small dogs that typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and stand 12 to 13 inches tall.

They have a medium-length coat that is silky and wavy, and they are low shedders. Cavachons come in various colors, including white, apricot, cream, or white with tan or black. They are often tri-colored.

Cavachons are hypoallergenic, which means they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to dogs. The Cavachon is a friendly, social breed that gets along well with other animals and children.

They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. Cavachons have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Cavachon Generations

There are three main generations of Cavachons: the F1, the F1b, and the F2.

F1 Cavachon

The F1 Cavachon is the result of crossing a purebred Bichon Frise with a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The F1 Cavachon is considered to be 50% Bichon Frise and 50% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs have the best qualities of both breeds! 

F1b Cavachon

The F1b Cavachon is the result of crossing an F1 Cavachon with a purebred Bichon Frise. The F1b Cavachon is considered to be 75% Bichon Frise and 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These dogs have all the best qualities of the Bichon Frise breed, plus they are non-shedding and hypoallergenic.

F2 Cavachon 

The F2 Cavachon is the result of crossing two F1 Cavachons or an F1B Cavachon with another purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The percentage of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in an F2 Cavachon can range from 37.5% to 75%. 

History

This “toy” or “lapdog” was developed in the United States in the 1990s and has since become a popular pet due to its small size, hypoallergenic coat, and gentle disposition. 

As mentioned, the Cavachon is a relatively new breed, having only been developed in the 90s. However, the two parent breeds have much longer histories. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be traced back to the 16th century when it was a favorite pet of English royalty.

The Bichon Frise, on the other hand, originated in medieval times in Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Spain. This “Bichon” type of dog was eventually brought to France, where it gained popularity as a companion animal among the upper classes. 

Today, the Cavachon remains a popular pet due to its small size, hypoallergenic coat (which is ideal for those with allergies), and gentle disposition.

Appearance

A Cavachon typically has a broad head, curly tail, black nose, and dark eyes. Their ears are long and floppy, and they have a cute “teddy bear” look.

Coat

Cavachons typically have medium to long coats that are silky and wavy in texture. They are also hypoallergenic, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Cavachons are low shedders, and their coats come in a variety of colors, including white, apricot, cream, or white with tan or black.

Size

Cavachons typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and stand 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. However, some Cavachons may be smaller or larger, depending on the size of their parents. 

Lifespan

Cavachons typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. For instance, Cavachons may be at risk for heart disease, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.

Therefore, working with a reputable breeder is essential to ensure that your dog is healthy and has a good chance of living a long life. With proper care and regular vet check-ups, your Cavachon can enjoy many happy years by your side.

Environment

Cavachons are small dogs known for their gentle dispositions and loving natures. They make great companion dogs and are adaptable to both big homes and small apartments. Cavachons don’t require a lot of outdoor space and are content to lounge around indoors with their families.

They love a family atmosphere and generally get along well with children, making them an ideal choice for families with young kids. If you’re looking for a small, affectionate dog who will fit right into your family, the Cavachon may be the perfect breed for you.

Temperament

These dogs are small, but they are packed full of energy and personality. Cavachons are loyal dogs who will quickly form strong bonds with their owners. They are also very playful, and they love to cuddle.

Because they are so affectionate, Cavachons can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. However, these dogs are also very friendly, and they make new friends easily. Cavachons do tend to bark at strangers, but they warm up quickly once they have been introduced.

Overall, the Cavachon is an energetic and loving dog that makes an ideal companion for anyone looking for a lap dog and cuddle buddy.

Grooming

If you own a Cavachon, then you know that grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog looking good – it’s also an important part of maintaining their health.

Brushing

Regular brushing is essential for keeping your Cavachon’s coat healthy and free of tangles. We recommend using a soft bristle brush or a shedding blade to brush your dog’s coat once per week.

Bathing

You should only need to bathe your Cavachon every few months unless they get particularly dirty. When you do give them a bath, use gentle dog shampoo and be mindful not to get water in their ears.

Ears

Check and clean your Cavachon’s ears weekly to prevent ear infections. Simply wipe the inside of their ears with a cotton ball dampened with water or ear cleaner.

Nails

Trim your Cavachon’s nails every few weeks to keep them from getting too long. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, you can always take them to a groomer or veterinarian for help.

Teeth

Just like humans, Cavachons need to have their teeth brushed regularly to maintain oral health. We recommend brushing your Cavachon’s teeth at least 2-3 times per week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.

Nutrition

If you’re the proud owner of a Cavachon, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. A big part of giving your dog the best life possible is providing them with a healthy diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Keep reading to learn more about what your Cavachon needs to stay happy and healthy.

 

Most dog owners are aware that their pet needs plenty of protein, but they may not know that the type of protein is just as important as the amount. Dogs are carnivores, so their diet should be rich in animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, and lamb. These proteins contain all the essential amino acids required by dogs for proper muscle development and maintenance.

Cavachons also need some fat in their diet for energy, insulation, and to help absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. The best sources of healthy fats for dogs are fish oil and coconut oil.

 

While protein and fat are essential nutrients for all dogs, Cavachons have some special nutritional needs due to their small size.

For example, Cavachons need more calories per pound of body weight than larger breeds of dogs. This is because they also have a higher metabolism and tend to burn calories more quickly. This means that they need a diet higher in calories and fat than recommended for other dogs.

In addition, Cavachons are prone to developing dental problems, so it’s essential to choose a food that will help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

 

A healthy diet is essential for all dogs, but it’s especially important for Cavachons. This breed has special nutritional needs due to their small size and high metabolism.

Be sure to choose a food high in calories and fat that will help keep your Cavachon’s teeth clean and healthy. With the proper diet, your Cavachon will be happy and healthy for years to come!

Training

Cavachons make wonderful companion dogs thanks to their gentle nature—and they’re relatively easy to train too!

The best time to start training your Cavachon is when they are puppies, between 8 and 16 weeks old. At this age, puppies are still learning about the world around them and are very open to new experiences and learning new things. If you wait too long to start training, your puppy may become set in their ways and less receptive to learning new things.

The key thing to remember when training your Cavachon is to be consistent. Dogs love routine and predictability, so it’s important to maintain a consistent approach with your training.

For example, if you only work on commands during walk time, your dog will soon learn that only during walks do they need to listen to you. However, if you consistently work on commands throughout the day—during hikes, while playing, during mealtimes—your pup will quickly learn that they need to obey you no matter the situation. This will make for a much better-behaved dog in the long run!

Exercise

As with all dogs, however, the Cavachon needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.

A daily walk is the minimum amount of exercise a Cavachon should get, but ideally, they should have the opportunity to run and play off-leash in a safe area.

Cavachons also enjoy playing fetch and catch and will often happily entertain themselves with chew toys and other interactive toys. If you are considering getting a Cavachon, it is important to make sure that you can provide them with the exercise they need.

Otherwise, you may find yourself with a destructive or unhappy pet.

Conclusion

The Cavachon is the perfect breed for families looking for a gentle and loving companion. While they do require some exercise and training, they are overall an easy breed to care for. If you think a Cavachon might be right for you, be sure to contact a reputable breeder today!