Cavachon Hypoallergenic: Breed Characteristics and Care

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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Close-Up Shot of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lying Down
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lying Down

The Cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, making it a great option for those with allergies.

This adorable breed is known for its gentle and affectionate nature.

Cavachons are relatively small in size, weighing between 10-18 pounds.

They require moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to stay happy and healthy.

Their low-shedding coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

With proper care and attention, Cavachons can live up to 12-15 years.

What Is a Mix?

The Cavachon is a mix of two breeds, making it a unique and lovable companion. The Bichon Frise, one of its parent breeds, originates in Spain and gained popularity in France.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the other parent breed, hails from the United Kingdom. This mix of breeds is likely to result in a friendly and affectionate dog.

Its parent breeds' characteristics, such as low-shedding coats, contribute to the Cavachon's hypoallergenic qualities.

Discover more: Cavachon Shih Tzu Mix

Characteristics

Credit: youtube.com, Cavachon Breed Information and Characteristics

Cavachons are known for their affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their family members.

They are generally good with children, making them a great addition to families with kids.

Their friendly demeanor can sometimes lead to wariness around strangers, so socialization is key.

Cavachons are relatively small in size, weighing between 10-18 pounds and standing about 10-14 inches tall.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, a big plus for busy owners.

Their hypoallergenic qualities make them a great choice for those with allergies.

What's the Difference Between Cavapoos?

The Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle. This mix makes them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces or for those who don't need a high-energy dog.

Cavapoos don't require as much exercise, which is a big plus for busy owners. They're also a slightly older breed, which means they've had more time to develop their unique characteristics.

One thing to keep in mind is that Cavapoos can vary in size, depending on the size of the poodle used in breeding.

Do Shed?

Close-Up Shot of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lying Down
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lying Down

Cavachons are typically low to completely non-shed, thanks to their exceptional coat quality.

It's essential that the Bichon Frise parent has a high-quality coat for the Cavachon puppies to inherit it.

The quality of the coat is the single most important factor in raising low to non-shed puppies.

Cavachon puppies can only inherit a super coat quality if their parents have it too.

Abundant coat with the right texture is the first step in raising puppies who don't shed.

Crossbreeding, like in the case of Cavachons, can be a good idea to reduce inherited genetic problems found in purebred breeds.

Expanding the gene pool of two purebreds can help retain appealing traits while reducing genetic disorders.

Appearance and Temperament

Cavachons are on the small side, typically standing between 12-13 inches tall and weighing 15-20 pounds.

Their coats are a combination of brown, white, and black fur, with brown eyes, and are usually silky, medium in length, and have a varied level of wave or curl.

Cavachons shed very little but require frequent grooming due to their fine coat growing out.

They are very loyal, playful, and affectionate dogs, making them great lap dogs and cuddle buddies.

Appearance

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Cavachons are on the small side, typically growing to be between 12-13 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their compact size is due to their Cavalier King Charles spaniel and bichon frise parents. They weigh in at a compact 15-20 pounds.

Most Cavachons have a combination of brown, white, and black fur with brown eyes. Their coats are typically silky, medium in length, and have a varied level of wave or curl.

Cavachons shed very little, but they do require frequent grooming due to their fine coat growing out.

Temperament

Cavachons are very loyal and playful dogs, making them great companions for families.

They tend to bark at strangers, but enjoy meeting new people and making friends quickly and easily.

Cavachons are active, especially as puppies, but they also make fantastic lap dogs and cuddle buddies.

Proper socialization and training as puppies are crucial to prevent them from becoming nervous around strangers or new environments.

White and Red Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Close-up Photo
Credit: pexels.com, White and Red Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Close-up Photo

With positive experiences and proper training, Cavachons can thrive in families with young children and other pets.

A good 30-40 minute daily walk is usually enough to keep them happy and exercised, as they don't need a big backyard or house to expend their energy.

They are intelligent and love to learn, so start training them early and continue throughout their lifetime to teach them etiquette, obedience, and tricks.

Cavachons love to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement, so be sure to reward them for good behavior.

They may bark to warn of visitors or strangers, but they will likely warm up and make new friends easily.

If well socialized with kids from a young age, Cavachons will love having all the attention from family members.

Care and Health

Cavachon owners need to brush their dog's teeth daily to prevent dental issues, which are common in small breeds. Regular brushing can help reduce the risk of dental disease.

Credit: youtube.com, Cavachon: 10 Facts You Didn't Know About This Dog Breed

Cavachons require regular grooming appointments, ideally every two to three months, to prevent overgrowth and matting of their coat. It's also essential to keep the hair around their eyes short to prevent build-up.

Small breeds like Cavachons are prone to eye problems, including dry eye, eye ulcers, and cherry eye. Regular cleaning of the eyes with a warm washcloth or tear-stain wipes can help prevent these issues.

Cavachons are prone to obesity, which can lead to joint diseases like arthritis. Feeding a measured amount twice a day and avoiding leaving food out all the time can help prevent this.

Here's a quick rundown of common health issues in Cavachons:

  • Dental disease
  • Eye problems
  • Medial patella luxation
  • Sebaceous adenomas
  • Collapsing tracheas
  • Mitral valve disease (heart disease)
  • Obesity and joint diseases like arthritis
  • Allergies and skin or ear infections

Cavachons need regular exercise, but they don't require as much as larger breeds. A half-hour walk is usually sufficient, but they do love to play and be active.

Grooming and Nutrition

Cavachons have a medium-to-long coat that sheds less, but still requires regular grooming to prevent matting and overgrowth.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Groom a Cavachon Dog from START to FINISH! Exact dog grooming steps for a BEGINNER!

To avoid matting and overgrowth, brush your Cavachon's coat every week or so with a bristle brush. Treat them to an occasional trim to prevent issues like conjunctivitis.

Don't neglect other grooming regimens like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Remember, no breed is truly hypoallergenic, as allergic reactions occur due to a dog's dander, hair, and saliva.

To keep your Cavachon's hair from growing into their eyes, dampen a cloth and use it to push the hair away from the eye area. Brush your Cavachon's teeth at least three times a week to prevent dental issues.

Cavachons are prone to becoming overweight, so feed a measured amount twice a day and don't leave food out all the time. Brush your Cavachon's teeth daily, check and clean their ears 2-3 times a week, and cut their nails once or twice a month.

Diet and Nutrition

Cavachons have a relatively higher metabolism, requiring more calories per pound than some other breeds.

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You'll want to maintain consistency in your Cavachon's diet, opting for food with a high caloric density.

Feed your Cavachon puppy about 2-3 cups of high-quality, small-breed dog food each day, depending on the caloric density of their diet.

A typical adult Cavachon should eat about 1-2 cups of food per day, but this may vary depending on their individual needs.

Don't leave food out all the time, as Cavachons can easily become overweight.

You can mix in some canned food if your pup gets picky or isn't getting enough water.

Consult with your pet's vet for questions related to diet and nutrition, including food portioning.

Cost of Care

The cost of caring for a Cavachon can be significant. Medical costs related to common health issues can range from $200 to $20,000 to diagnose and treat.

Cataracts, atopic dermatitis, mitral valve disease, Cushing’s, and syringomyelia are just a few examples of health issues that can arise. These conditions can be costly to treat, with some requiring surgery.

Credit: youtube.com, Essential Guide: How Much Dog Grooming Costs and What to Expect

Pet insurance is one way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. By purchasing a policy, you can plan for unexpected costs like emergency vet visits and surgery.

A pet budget is also essential for planning for expected expenses like food and routine medical care. This can help you stay on top of your Cavachon's needs and avoid financial surprises.

Exercise and Training

Cavachons thrive with moderate exercise, such as a 30-40 minute daily walk or play. This can be a brisk walk, a romp in the park, or even a game of fetch in the backyard.

They don't do well in the cold, so consider opting for a doggy playdate or interactive indoor play during winter months.

Cavachons are highly intelligent and trainable, responding best to firm but loving leadership and positive reinforcement. They love to learn and will quickly pick up behaviors that earn them praise and love.

Training sessions should be short and rewarding, with a focus on etiquette, obedience, and tricks. Cavachons are not fond of being left alone and can become destructive if not well trained, so start crate training early to prevent this.

Housebreaking is relatively easy for Cavachons, but if you're adopting an adult, be aware that trouble with housebreaking could be a reason for the dog needing a new home.

Training Your

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Cavachons love to learn and thrive on structure and boundaries in their daily routine. They respond best to firm but loving leadership.

Cavachons are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a joy to teach. They are most responsive to positive reinforcement, so use food, treats, and verbal praise to make training a fun experience.

Short training sessions with rewards for positive behavior are key to keeping your Cavachon engaged. Negative feedback can actually be counterproductive and lead to a negative association with training.

Crate training early on can help prevent destructive behavior when left alone. This is especially important for Cavachons, who don't like being left alone and can get into trouble if not well trained.

Housebreaking is relatively easy for Cavachon puppies, but adult adoption may require a bit more patience and effort.

Living Needs

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

Close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy with a Red Collar Sitting Outside
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy with a Red Collar Sitting Outside

They're highly adaptable to all environments and can thrive in small apartments just as well as big homes.

Cavachons are extremely social and need a lot of attention from their owners, they don't prefer to be alone.

They'll eagerly join in on kids' games or sit in their laps, making them great family dogs and wonderful companions for young children.

Young children should be taught not to pick up a Cavachon on their own because they can be fragile.

With proper introductions and training, Cavachons can get along with pet siblings and remain happy and social.

Exercise

Cavachon dogs require moderate exercise, such as a 30-40 minute daily walk or play.

It's essential to tailor exercise to their needs, as they don't do well in cold weather.

You may need to opt for a doggy playdate or interactive indoor play during the winter months to keep them happy and healthy.

Cost and Similar Breeds

The Cavachon is a relatively affordable breed, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $3,000.

Credit: youtube.com, Cavachon Dog Breed (Bichon Frise/Cavalier King Charles Mix)

Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming, but it's worth it for the low-shedding benefits.

Their small size means they don't need a lot of space, making them perfect for city living or apartments.

They are often compared to other small breeds like the Bichon Frise and the Maltese, which can also be good options for those with allergies.

The Bichon Frise has a similar playful and affectionate personality, but they require more frequent grooming.

The Maltese is another small, hypoallergenic breed that's known for its silky coat and gentle nature.

The Cavachon's moderate energy level means they need regular exercise, but they're not high-strung or demanding.

Readers also liked: How to Groom a Cavachon

History and Family

The Cavachon is a delightful breed that excels as a family pet, known for its loving and affectionate nature. They join in with just about any family activity and are dependable and gentle with children.

The Cavachon's popularity surged after appearing on an Animal Planet Dogs 101 episode, showcasing its perfect dog qualities: a gentle but sturdy small dog who is sporty and joins happily in family activities. This breed combines the beauty and quiet nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the people-loving, hypoallergenic qualities of the Bichon.

See what others are reading: What Is the Most Hypoallergenic Dog Breed

Credit: youtube.com, Cavachon Dog Breed (Bichon Frise/Cavalier King Charles Mix)

A few decades ago, breeders in the U.S. began intentionally mixing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise to create a cute companion breed. This hybrid breed has gained popularity worldwide, especially among those looking for a friendly, intelligent, and low-maintenance pet.

Here are some key characteristics of the Cavachon breed:

  • Small size
  • Low exercise requirements
  • Low or no-shed coat
  • Friendly nature
  • Intelligence
  • Gentleness

The Cavachon's history is fascinating, with its origins dating back to the 1990s when breeders first started mixing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. Today, this breed is a beloved companion for many families around the world.

History

The Cavachon's history is a fascinating one. Breeders in the U.S. began intentionally mixing Cavalier King Charles spaniels and bichon frisés in the 1990s to create a companion breed with fewer health issues and a hypoallergenic coat.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel arrived in the United States in 1952, and the bichon frisé followed shortly after in 1955. This laid the groundwork for the creation of the Cavachon.

For another approach, see: Are Bichon Frise Dogs Hypoallergenic

Black and White Photo of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Credit: pexels.com, Black and White Photo of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Breeders were looking for a way to combine the best traits of both breeds, including the Cavalier's gentle nature and the bichon's low-shedding coat. They wanted to create a dog that was not only adorable but also healthy and easy to care for.

The result was the Cavachon, a small dog that typically enjoys robust good health and a hypoallergenic coat. They're also known for their outgoing friendly personalities and are excellent with children and other pets.

Some red flags to watch out for when searching for a Cavachon breeder include:

  • Multiple mixed breeds are for sale from the same breeder
  • Website offers wait times for puppies
  • Breeder offers to ship puppies
  • Difficult to identify breeder contact information (no phone number, contact email, etc.)

Family Pets

Cavachons are perfect family pets, known for their loving and affectionate nature. They thrive on being part of the family and happily join in on any activity.

Their gentle and dependable personalities make them a great match for families with children. They're sturdy but small, and still quite sporty.

The Cavachon's combination of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's beauty and quiet nature with the Bichon's people-loving and hypoallergenic qualities is just what many families are looking for.

Here's an interesting read: Family Friendly Hypoallergenic Dogs

Shannon Stamm

Senior Copy Editor

Shannon Stamm is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and syntax, she ensures that every article shines with clarity and precision. Shannon's experience spans a range of topics, including Dog Training and Behavior, where she has honed her skills in distilling complex information into accessible, engaging pieces.

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