The Complete Guide to Cavachon Care

Cavachons are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, and as such, they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Their fur needs to be brushed daily, ideally with a pin brush or a slicker brush, to prevent knots from forming.

Cavachons are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but they do need daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy.

A 20-minute walk or playtime session should suffice, but be prepared for them to want more if they're not getting enough physical activity.

The Cavachon breed is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, resulting in a small and bouncy dog that's perfect for families who are home a lot.

They typically stand between 12-13 inches tall and weigh between 10-20 pounds, making them a great pet for apartment living. The coat is soft and can be straight, wavy, or curled, growing to several inches in length if left unattended.

The Cavachon's temperament is loving and friendly, with a natural calmness that makes them great around children and other pets. They're also very social and enjoy spending time with people, whether it's snuggling on the couch or playing outside.

Here are some key characteristics of the Cavachon breed:

A Cavachon's appearance is a unique blend of its parent breeds, the Bichon Frise and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. They typically stand between 12-13 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their weight ranges from a compact 15-20 pounds, making them a small but sturdy breed. Cavachons are known to be a bit scruffy, with coats that vary in texture and length.

Most Cavachons have a combination of brown, white, and black fur, with brown eyes that are sure to melt your heart. Their coats are silky, medium in length, and have a varied level of wave or curl.

Here are the common colors found in Cavachons:

Some Cavachons may have patches of these colors mixed with white. Their coats require frequent grooming, but they shed very little, making them a low-allergen pet for some allergy sufferers.

The Cavachon is a happy-go-lucky breed that's all about spreading joy and affection wherever they go. They're naturally social and love being around people, whether it's snuggling on the couch or playing outside.

Cavachons are incredibly loyal and bond deeply with their families, making them great companions for children and adults alike. They're also very easy to train, as they're highly motivated to please their owners and are better than most at maintaining their focus for long periods.

A Cavachon's loving nature makes them especially good with children and elderly owners, and their gentle temperament ensures they get along well with other pets. They're friendly towards strangers and adapt well to different living environments, from apartments to larger homes.

Here are some key characteristics of the Cavachon's temperament and personality:

While Cavachons are generally easy-going, they can be wary of strangers, especially if they're not properly socialized and trained. However, with positive reinforcement and patience, they'll learn to trust and make friends with new people.

Cavachons are highly adaptable dogs that don't require a large outdoor space for activity. They'll enjoy their time outside, but they also love cuddles on the couch.

They thrive in environments where they can follow their owners around the house or relax on the couch. In fact, they love being near their owners so much that they'll often join them wherever they go.

These dogs are great for both urban and suburban homes because they adapt well to apartment living, provided they get their daily dose of exercise.

Cavachons are surprisingly adaptable when it comes to their living space. They can thrive in both urban and suburban homes, making them perfect for city dwellers or those with small yards.

They're not overly demanding in terms of space, which is a big plus for apartment living. As long as they get their daily dose of exercise, they'll be happy in a smaller space.

One thing to keep in mind is that Cavachons love being near their owners, so they'll follow you around the house or relax on the couch. They thrive in environments where they can be close to their family members.

To give you a better idea, here are the space needs of Cavachons in a nutshell:

Living with a Cavachon requires careful consideration of the costs involved. A balanced diet is essential, and feeding your Cavachon 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day will cost around $30 to $50 per month.

Grooming needs should also be factored into your budget, with professional grooming sessions costing between $50 to $80 every 6-8 weeks. Home grooming supplies like brushes and shampoo will also add to the expense.

Routine vet visits, vaccinations, and flea prevention are crucial for maintaining your Cavachon's health, and pet insurance can help cover unexpected costs. Small breeds like Cavachons may face certain health issues later in life, making insurance a worthwhile investment.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated monthly costs for a Cavachon:

Cavachons require regular grooming appointments every two to three months to keep their coat under control.

Their hair grows continuously, so it's essential to keep the hair around their eyes short to prevent buildup and clean beneath their eyes regularly with a warm washcloth or tear-stain wipes.

Cavachons are generally very active and playful, but they only need a half-hour walk to stay happy and healthy.

Positive reinforcement training is the best way to train any dog, and it's especially important for Cavachons to start training when they're young.

Getting your Cavachon used to having their feet, ears, and body handled when they're young will make them more comfortable in different situations, like nail trims and teeth brushing.

The typical lifespan of a Cavachon is between 10-12 years old, and as a small dog breed, they're prone to certain health issues.

Dental disease is a common problem in small breeds, so it's essential to brush your Cavachon's teeth daily and have annual dental cleanings.

Cavachons can also develop eye problems, like dry eye, eye ulcers, and cherry eye, so regular eye exams are crucial.

Medial patella luxation, or slipping kneecaps, is another issue that can affect small breeds, so be aware of any signs of discomfort or pain in your Cavachon's hind limbs.

Small dogs like Cavachons are also prone to developing sebaceous adenomas, which are small, hairless, irregular growths.

Cavachons can suffer from collapsing trachea, a condition that causes irritation and coughing, so monitor your dog's breathing and watch for any signs of distress.

Obesity is a significant concern for Cavachons, as it can lead to joint diseases like arthritis, so ensure your dog gets regular exercise and a balanced diet.

To keep your Cavachon at their optimal weight, check with your veterinarian about their body condition score.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of in Cavachons:

Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch any early signs of these conditions, so stay on top of your Cavachon's health and catch any potential problems before they become serious.

A fully grown Cavachon doesn't need any particular kind of food, just high-quality dog food with great ingredients.

One thing to be aware of is that Cavachons can easily put on weight, so you'll want to keep an eye on their food intake.

You can find comprehensive information about the best dog foods available by checking out Dog Food Advisor.

The Cavachon is an energetic breed, but it doesn't need a huge space to get its exercise. Chasing toys in a garden or a large hallway can provide most of the exercise it needs.

Aim for 30-45 minutes of activity daily, including walks, playtime, or some fetch in the yard. Cavachons love outdoor time but are equally happy lounging indoors with their family.

To prevent boredom and keep your Cavachon in good physical condition, daily mental stimulation is essential. This can be achieved through puzzle toys or basic obedience training.

Cavachons are prone to gaining weight if they don't get the right amount of exercise, so be sure to provide a balanced diet to match their activity level.

Here's a breakdown of daily exercise needs:

Cavachons need regular grooming to stay healthy and look their best. They're a light shedder, but still require brushing two to three times a week.

Brushing is essential to prevent matting, so aim to brush your Cavachon 3-4 times a week. This will also help prevent tangling.

Professional grooming is a must every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat trimmed, neat, and manageable. You can also bathe them once a month, or as needed, to keep their coat clean.

Regular eye and ear care is also crucial to prevent tear staining and potential issues. Clean their eyes and ears at least once a month.

To keep your Cavachon's nails in check, trim them a couple of times a month. Don't forget to brush their teeth every day, as they can be vulnerable to dental problems.

Here's a quick rundown of the grooming schedule:

Choosing a Cavachon is a big decision, and you want to make sure you find the perfect companion. Cavachons are ideal for families, singles, and seniors alike.

They offer a blend of affectionate temperament, low-maintenance grooming, and moderate exercise needs. This makes them a great choice for people with varying lifestyles.

At Recherche Kennels, we pride ourselves on raising healthy, well-socialized Cavachons. Our puppies come with foundational obedience training, ensuring they are well-behaved and adaptable to various home environments.

We also provide careful health screening to ensure our puppies are free from common health issues. Our team works closely with each family to ensure you choose the Cavachon that best fits your lifestyle and household dynamics.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing a Cavachon:

By choosing a Cavachon from Recherche Kennels, you can be confident that you're getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy that will thrive in your household.