The Cavachon is a popular designer dog breed. A cross between the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the bichon frise, this breed is known for their small size, quiet nature, and soft fur. Cavachons can make great pets for individuals looking for an affectionate canine companion or for families in need of a playful friend.
Learn about the characteristics, history, and care needs of the Cavachon.
Group: Designer
Height: 9.5-13.5 inches
Weight: 10-20 lbs
Coat: Straight to curly
Coat Colors: Many colors including black and tan, ruby, blenheim, tricolour or white
Life Span: 10-15 years
Temperament: Friendly, quite, affectionate
Hypoallergenic: Sometimes
Origin Country: USA
Since they are a mixed breed, the looks and personalities of a Cavachon can vary depending on the traits they inherit from their parents. Despite this variability though, Cavachons are companion dogs that are designed to be loving house pets. They don't have a strong prey drive or the need to work like some dogs have but they are still playful and trainable.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium-High |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium-High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | Medium-High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium-High |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | Low |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
In the late 1990s in the United States, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and bichon frises began being purposefully bred to create the Cavachon. Like many other designer dog breeds, the breed was created in an attempt to capture some of the best qualities of both parent breeds. The result was a floppy eared, small to medium-sized dog that is known to shed and bark minimally. Their friendliness, adorable appearance, soft fur, manageable size, and other desirable attributes helped them grow in popularity.
While the Cavachon isn't a very physically demanding dog, they do require training, attention, and regular grooming. This breed isn't one you can bathe once a year and leave home alone for extended periods, but they don't have the high exercise needs of some other breeds.
Cavachons will do best with at least an hour of activity each day, whether it's walking around the neighborhood, romping in the park or yard, and playing games like fetch and tug. This regular activity will keep their bodies and minds happy and healthy.
Cavachons require regular haircuts, ear cleanings, nail trims, and baths to stay neat and tidy. Additionally, daily teeth brushing is recommended for all dogs, especially small breeds like the Cavachon. A good relationship with a local dog groomer or some basic knowledge of how to groom a dog yourself helps provide the proper coat care this breed demands.
Cavachons require training to be well-mannered companions. Early socialization and basic obedience classes will benefit Cavachons and their owners, especially if you want them to do well with small children and other pets. Once your dog has completed basic obedience training, you can also provide more advanced training to teach them tricks.
All dogs are susceptible to illnesses and the Cavachon is no exception. This breed is fairly healthy but some common health problems they may encounter include:
Like all dogs, the Cavachon should eat a nutritionally complete diet formulated for dogs by veterinary nutritionists to thrive. This may be a store-bought kibble or a specially crafted diet. When feeding, measure out the appropriate amount of food based on your dog's weight, age, activity, and caloric content to prevent obesity and other health issues. If you aren't sure what or how much to feed, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
While breeders that focus on Cavachons do exist, you may also be able to adopt them from rescue groups or shelters. Expect to pay up to $2000 from a breeder for a Cavachon puppy, but rescues and shelters will charge far less. If you plan to purchase your dog from a breeder, be sure the dogs are housed in clean environments and you are allowed to see and meet the parents. Breeders that hide things like their dog's living conditions are a red flag when it comes to selecting a reputable one.
Cavachons can make lovely companions for many different homes and families. They will need daily exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy and form positive bonds with their owners. They have a low-shedding coat that could work well for some allergy sufferers.
If you’re interested in breeds that are similar to the Cavachon, check out these other breeds of various sizes that are also low shedders:
Yes! Cavachons can make great apartment dogs since they have low exercise requirements. A short daily walk or 30-60 minutes of playtime in the apartment is sufficient but they'll also enjoy more playtime if your living space and personal energy level allows it.
With early socialization, Cavachons can be good family dogs. This breed loves attention and affection from family members but as with any dog, training to teach how to be well-mannered are important.
Cavachons were bred to have some of the best qualities of their parent breeds—the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the bichon frise. These qualities include being quiet, being low shedders, and having a friendly personality.
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