Do you love dogs but can’t handle all the shedding? Are you looking for a pup that will stay small but has all the personality of a big dog? Then the Cavachon may be the perfect breed for you!
This designer dog is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, two of the most popular small breeds around. Whether you’re looking for a furry friend to join you on walks or a cuddle buddy to watch TV with, the Cavachon has got you covered. The Cavachon dog breed is known for being a loving and affectionate breed, and they make great family pets.
Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic hybrid breed!
Origin and History of the Cavachon:
The Cavachon is a relatively new breed that they were first bred in the United States in the 1990s. Since then, they have become increasingly popular as pets due to their small size, low-shedding coat, and sweet dispositions.
This small dog is still fairly rare, but its popularity is growing daily. Because they are such a new breed, the Cavachon is not recognized by American Kennel Club and has no official organizations devoted to their breeding or promotion. However, there are a few Cavachon breeders around the country, and you can also find Cavachons in many shelters and rescues.
The Cavachon is a cross between two purebred dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. They inherit the best traits of both parent breeds, making them intelligent, affectionate, and low-shedding. Cavachons are bred in various colors, including black and white, brown and white, and tri-color.
Let’s learn about their parent breeds.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel :
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small spaniel that was first bred in England. They were originally bred as companion dog for royalty and the upper class, and they quickly became one of the most popular dogs in England. Cavaliers are known for their loving and affectionate nature and make great family pets.
Bichon Frise:
The Bichon Frise is a small, white dog that originated in France. They were originally bred as companion dogs for sailors and traders, quickly becoming popular all over Europe. Bichons are known for their lively and playful personality, making them excellent companion dogs.
The personality of the Cavachon:
The Cavachons inherit the best traits of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. They are outgoing, affectionate dogs that enjoy being with people. Cavachons are happy, playful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. They do not shed much, and their coat is soft and fluffy.
The appearance of the Cavachon:
Cavachons are small, toy-sized dogs with the head of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the body of a Bichon Frise. Cavachons typically weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. Cavachons have round heads with floppy ears, and their eyes are large and dark, giving them an expressive look.
The primary color of Cavachons is white, but they can also be found in various other colors, including black, brown, and tri-colored. The coat of a Cavachon is soft and fluffy, and it does not shed much, making them a good choice for people with allergies. The size and coat of Cavachons make them good companions for children and adults alike.
The temperament of the Cavachon:
Cavachons are intelligent, friendly dogs that make great family pets. They are gentle and loving, and they enjoy spending time with people. Cavachons are people-oriented dogs that thrive on human companionship. They enjoy being close to their owners and will follow them around from room to room. You will often find a Cavachon sitting in your lap or leaning against your leg.
They do not bark excessively and are not yappy like some small dog breeds. Cavachons are also good watchdogs, as they will bark to alert their owners of strangers or strange noises. However, Cavachons should not be left alone for long periods, as they can become anxious and stressed.
Cavachons are not aggressive dogs; they get along well with other pets. They are also good with children, although young children should be supervised when playing with dogs.
Training Your Cavachon:
Cavachons are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. They are quick learners and can be easily trained using positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and petting. Cavachon dogs respond best to short, consistent training sessions.
Start training your Cavachon as soon as you bring him home. Teaching your Cavachon basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down will help him to be a well-mannered dog.
Cavachons can also be trained to do tricks, which is a great way to bond with your dog and provide him with mental stimulation.
You must be patient when training your Cavachon, as they can sometimes be stubborn. However, with consistent training, your Cavachon will soon learn what you expect of him.
Exercising Your Cavachon:
Cavachons are relatively active dogs and need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A daily walk or play session is sufficient for most Cavachons. However, some may need more exercise, depending on their energy level.
If your Cavachon has a lot of energy, you may want to consider enrolling him in an agility or obedience class. These activities will provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation, and they can be an excellent way for you to bond with your dog.
You can also give your Cavachon plenty of exercise at home by playing fetch or tug-of-war. Whatever activity you choose, ensure that you are consistent with it, as Cavachons thrive on routine. Thirty minutes daily walk or run should be included in your dog’s exercise regime according to Dog Time.
Cavachon Health and Care:
Cavachons are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to specific health conditions. The life expectancy of a Cavachon is 12 to 15 years.
Some of the health problems that have been seen in Cavachons include:
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Patellar Luxation
- Cushing’s Disease
- Syringomyelia
- Mitral Endocardiosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
To help ensure your Cavachon stays healthy, take him to the vet for regular check-ups. This will help to catch any health problems early on when they are most easily treated.
Are Cavachons Hypoallergenic?
Cavachons are hypoallergenic dogs, as they do not shed much hair. However, all dogs produce some dander, the dead skin cells that can cause allergies.
While Cavachons may be less likely to trigger allergies than other dogs, there is no guarantee that they will be completely hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to dogs but would like to own one, it is important to spend time around Cavachons before committing to one.
Cavachon Grooming Tips:
These small dogs do not require a lot of grooming, but they need some primary care to keep their coat and skin healthy.
Here are some grooming tips for Cavachons:
Brushing: Cavachons should be brushed at least once weekly to remove dead hair and prevent tangles. A slicker brush or a wide-toothed comb works well for this.
Bathing: Cavachons only need to be bathed when they are dirty or start to smell. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat and skin, so it is important only to bathe them as needed.
Ear cleaning: Cavachons’ ears should be checked weekly for dirt and wax build-up. The inside of the ear can be cleaned with a cotton ball dampened with water or an ear cleansing solution.
Nail trimming: Cavachons’ nails should be trimmed monthly or as needed. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, they are probably too long.
Cavachons are relatively low-maintenance dogs but require basic grooming to keep your dog healthy and looking their best. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your Cavachon stays healthy and happy for years to come.
Finding a Cavachon Puppy Breeder:
Choosing a Cavachon breeder is an essential first step to finding the perfect Cavachon puppy for your family. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a breeder:
1. Reputation: It’s important to find a reputable Cavachon breeder with a good reputation in the Cavachon community. An excellent way to start is by asking your veterinarian or other dog owners if they know of any reputable Cavachon breeders in your area.
2. Health Testing: Be sure to find a Cavachon breeder who health tests their dogs for common Cavachon health problems such as heart defects, patellar luxation, and allergies.
3. Temperament: It’s essential to find a Cavachon breeder who can match you with a puppy with the right temperament for your family. Be sure to ask the breeder about the personality traits of the puppies they have available.
4. Environment: It’s important to find a Cavachon breeder who provides their puppies with a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Be sure to ask the breeder about the living conditions of the puppies and their parents.
5. Socialization: Finding a Cavachon breeder who socializes their puppies from an early age is essential. Be sure to ask the breeder about their socialization practices and if they offer any Puppy Kindergarten classes.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find a reputable Cavachon breeder who can provide you with a healthy, happy puppy.
Deciding on a Cavachon:
Now that you’ve decided to add a Cavachon to your family, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when selecting your puppy. Here are a few tips:
1. Pick a Cavachon based on your lifestyle. If you are an active person who enjoys spending time outdoors, choose a puppy with lots of energy. Conversely, if you live a more sedentary lifestyle, look for a more laid-back Cavachon.
2. Think about the size of your home and whether or not you have a backyard. Cavachons range in size from 15-35 pounds, so consider if you have the space to accommodate a larger breed. If you live in an apartment or do not have a backyard, opt for a smaller Cavachon.
3. Choose a Cavachon with a good temperament. This breed is known for being intelligent, loving, and loyal. However, some Cavachon puppies can be shy. Be sure to meet several puppies before making your final decision.
4. Consider your budget. Cavachons can range in price from $100-$1500, depending on their lineage. Be sure to factor in the cost of food, vet bills, and other supplies when selecting your puppy.
Other mixed breeds to consider
- Beagle Jack Russel mix
- Biewer
- Havapoo
- Irish Doodle
- Maltese Shih Tzu
- Poodle Beagle mix
Conclusion:
Does this sound like the perfect breed for you? Cavachons make wonderful companion animals and are sure to bring joy to your life. Be sure to research and find a reputable breeder before adding one of these beautiful dogs to your family.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about these mixed breed dogs. Kindly share your views in the comment section below. We love to hear from you!
