The Cavachon is not a purebred dog breed. Instead, it is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. They’re known for their extremely small size and friendly personalities. However, because they’re a mixed breed, you don’t exactly know what you’re getting. They can inherit any trait from either parent, allowing them to vary quite a bit.

Still, these dogs are generally intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners.

Breed Overview

These dogs are relatively easy to care for most of the time. However, because they are a mixed breed, it can be hard to determine exactly how your puppy will act. If you’re looking for a dog with very certain characteristics, this probably isn’t the best option for you!

Instead, these dogs are suitable for families who want a smaller dog but don’t care much about the particulars.

Cavachon Breed Characteristics

Cavachon Puppies

Cavachon puppies can be pretty energetic, though not necessarily as hyperactive as some other dogs. They’re often very playful and curious. Because they are pretty easy to train, they take easily to obedience from an early age. It’s best to take advantage of their ease of training as early as possible. Developing good manners should be your primary concern for these puppies.

You can find these dogs are breeders and occasionally at rescues. However, because they are not purebred dogs, finding a quality breeder is challenging.

Be sure to do your research properly before adopting a puppy.

Cavachon Origin & History

This breed does not have a very long history. They’re a mixed breed that has probably accidentally occurred for decades. However, they just recently got a name and were sought after, thanks largely to the designer dog wave of popularity. They are not recognized by any major kennel club, including the American Kennel Club.

That said, both of their parent breeds do have a long history. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes from the United Kingdom, while the Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean, finding its popularity in France.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cavachon 🧠

The Cavachon is very friendly and playful, traits that both of their parents also have. They’re known for being very cheerful to be around. They quickly bond with their humans and love to be involved in the family. They do require quite a bit of attention, but they’re also willing to give plenty of attention.

These dogs are also very affectionate. They’re suitable for children and seniors due to their gentle nature. Their eagerness to please also makes it easy to teach them good manners.

Unlike many other small dogs, they aren’t prone to excessive barking. They’re great for apartment living as long as their exercise needs are met. They are also adaptable to many different living situations, whether it’s a house with a yard or a small apartment. Cavachons are exceptionally trainable and receptive to positive reinforcement techniques. They’re intelligent enough to pick up on many commands, and they don’t tend to be very stubborn.

Cavachons are a charming combination of playful friendliness and eager intelligence. Their temperament makes them wonderful companions, while their trainability allows them to thrive in various living situations.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Cavachons are great dogs for many different families. Here are some traits families love about them:

However, these dogs are not perfect. While they are gentle, their small size can make them susceptible to injuries due to rough play. You should be more worried about others injuring them instead of them biting others, especially when it comes to clumsy toddlers.

Even though they are not exceptionally high-energy, Cavachons need daily walks and playtime. Without these, they can be bored and hyperactive. As you might imagine, this can make them hard to deal with. Depending on their energy level, you’ll need to exercise them for at least 30 minutes or longer each day.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Cavachons generally get along well with other pets, especially if they are well-socialized from a young age. They’re inherently friendly and eager to please, allowing them to adapt well to other animals in the house. They get along equally well with cats and dogs.

Of course, just like with any breed, socialization matters! It’s especially important to get your dog out and about around other dogs from a young age. Try to introduce them to many other cats, too.

Because these dogs are so small, they may not do well for homes with very large dogs or those with a high prey drive. With proper socialization and introductions, they can get along with even larger dogs, though. Even the most well-behaved dog can have a bad day. It’s important to manage introductions and interactions, especially around feeding times or when there are other high-value items around, like toys.

Things to Know When Owning a Cavachon

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Cavachons, like all dogs, thrive on a nutritious, balanced diet that’s designed for their age. A good quality dry dog food designed for small breeds works well. These commercial diets provide all of the essential nutrients Cavachons need to thrive.

Puppies have differing dietary needs than adult dogs. Therefore, it’s best to choose a puppy formula when your dog is younger and growing. Typically, you can switch to an adult maintenance formula before a year of age, as these dogs grow relatively quickly.

Because Cavachons are pretty laid back, it’s important not to overfeed them. Otherwise, they will become obese, which is linked to countless health issues in dogs—just like it is in people. Overfeeding is a very common issue for all dog breeds, but it can affect smaller dogs much faster.

You’ll likely use treats for training purposes. However, remember to factor treats into their overall daily intake. Preferably, opt for healthy treats and use as few as possible.

Exercise 🐕

Cavachons have a “moderate” energy level. They aren’t couch potatoes, but they don’t require intense exercise, either.

Typically, these dogs need around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day. Split this into two walks or playtime sessions. Don’t try to do it all at once. Puppies may need less exercise per session with more sessions spread throughout the day. They often want to exercise each time they wake up from a nap.

Because of their developing joints and muscles, puppies shouldn’t be overexerted. Always watch for signs of tiredness and allow the puppy to stop when they want.

Mental stimulation is also vital. Walks provide physical exercise, but they often provide little mental stimulation. Playtime, training sessions, and puzzle toys can keep your dog’s brain well-exercised, too. Supervised visits to dog parks can be a great way for Cavachons to socialize with other dogs and get some exercise. However, be cautious and ensure the park is appropriate for their size and temperament.

Try to avoid repetitive activities, or your dog may become bored. Try to mix up the direction you walk in, for instance, or try a new toy during playtime. Training can be used to get your dog physically and mentally active, too. Games like hide-and-seek use the “come” and “stay” commands and can provide an extra challenge.

Training 🦮

Cavachons are often described as eager to please and intelligent, making them pretty trainable companions. They’re also very motivated by food, so you can use treats with great success. Use healthy treats in small pieces to prevent overfeeding.

Begin training your Cavachon puppy as soon as you bring them home. You want to establish good habits and prevent unwanted behaviors right away. Otherwise, bad habits will form and be much harder to get rid of! Keep training sessions short and always try to end on a positive note. 5 minutes a few times a day is plenty for most dogs. Try tying training to something else, such as doing it right after playtime and before meals.

Start with basic training commands, like sit, stay, come, and leave it. These commands are vital to help you keep control of your dog and help them stay safe in many situations. Socialization is also vital, and it should be considered a part of training. Expose your dog to many new people, places, and animals at a young age. This helps them stay well-adjusted and prevents fearfulness, which can lead to aggression

Be consistent and have everyone else in your house do the same. You want your dog to quickly learn what’s expected of them. Letting them get away with things sometimes only leads to confusion.

While these dogs are very trainable, training still takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if your Cavachon doesn’t learn something right away. Training is much more about you being patient and using the right techniques. When in doubt, seek help from a professional trainer.

Puppy training classes are a great way to socialize your dog and can help you learn how to train them properly, too. We recommend group classes, when possible, as these provide the extra socialization your dog needs.

Grooming ✂️

Cavachons have flowing coats that do require some grooming. They typically have a double coat, consisting of a soft, silky undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The double coat helps them regulate their body temperature, so you can not trim them too much, or it will negatively affect their temperature regulation.

You will need to brush your dog regularly. We recommend brushing at least 2 to 3 times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. A slicker brush and metal comb work well, as they can reach both the undercoat and outercoat. During shedding season, you may need to brush even more though. Otherwise, you may find fur all around your house.

Cavachons don’t require frequent bathing. However, you will need to bathe them once every couple of

months (or as they get dirty). Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo formulated for sensitive skin. Rinse out the shampoo well to prevent irritation. Even gentle shampoos can be irritating if you leave them on your dog’s skin for too long.

Regular nail trims are important to prevent your Cavachon’s nails from growing too long and becoming uncomfortable or painful. You can trim their nails yourself or have a groomer do it for you. Cavachon ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and a cotton ball to gently clean the visible part of the ear canal. Never shove anything into your dog’s ears, as this can damage their hearing.

Dental hygiene is also vital for your dog’s overall health. Brushing their teeth daily with a dog-specific toothpaste helps prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Many dogs end up with dental issues before they are 3, so keeping your dog’s teeth brushed is very important.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Cavachons can inherit genetic health conditions from either of their parent breeds. While they are often healthier due to their larger genetic pool, they can still develop health issues.

Cataracts are common but tend to occur when the dog gets older. This condition causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, impacting vision. It is curable by a specialist, but it’s often hard to get an appointment (and expensive).

Mitral valve disease is also common, as it affects almost all small dogs. Regular checkups can help with early detection and management. Luxating patella can also occur and causes the kneecap to slip out of place. It can cause lameness in severe cases and may need to be cured through surgery.

Cavachons are prone to allergies, which typically manifest as skin irritation and itching. In severe cases, the dog may break their skin and end up with an infection, which is often challenging to treat. Therefore, it’s important to manage allergies with the help of your vet, even if this may seem like a rather minor condition.

Male vs. Female

There are a few differences between male and female Cavachons. Males can be slightly larger than females, typically by an inch or 2 in height and a couple of pounds in weight. However, this difference is often negligible and may not be noticeable in all Cavachons.

There aren’t any notable temperament differences that have been proven.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cavachon

1.  They’re a very new breed

While mixed breeds have always happened, it was only recently that they were named and widely sought after. Cavachons would have been called “mutts” not many years ago, but they are considered suitable companion dogs today. Due to their mixed breed heritage, they are not recognized by any major kennel club, though.

2. Cavachons shed less than you may think

These dogs are absolutely shedding dogs. You have to brush them to maintain their coat and remove loose fur. However, they shed less than many other breeds and don’t need professional trimming. Therefore, they are often considered pretty low-maintenance on the grooming end of things.

3. Finding a good breeder is challenging

Mixed breeds do not come with any official paperwork and often don’t have a breed club. Therefore, they are commonly bred by less-than-stellar breeders who may not perform the proper health testing or socialize their puppies.

Final Thoughts

Cavachons are a mixed breed that’s become rather popular within the last few years. They’re small family dogs that are known for being friendly and gentle. They’re also rather trainable thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please.

However, finding one of these dogs can be challenging. They can be prone to several health problems if not properly bred, and they still require socialization at an early age like any other breed. Therefore, do your research before adopting one.

Featured Image Credit: gabriel12, Shutterstock