15-20 lbs
12-13"
United States
The Cavachon is a hybrid dog, created by mixing a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Spunky and full of fun, they are small dogs with soft, silky coats which have slight waves. They can be white, apricot, black or tan but most often are white with apricot, black, or tan markings (tricolored). They are friendly and loving dogs and make great family pets. They get on well with children and with other pets and while they do bark at strangers, they could never be regarded as watchdogs because of their size. They don’t shed a lot and are relatively easy to train, responding best to positive reinforcement. They are good inside dogs and adapt well to apartment living.
The Cavachon is a combination of a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean area. They were descended from dogs called barbets or water spaniels who were crossed with small white lap dogs. Four types of “barbichons” were created - Bolognese, Havanese, Maltaise and Teneriffe bichons, which were developed on the Canary Island of Teneriffe, and became known as Bichon Frises. It is thought they were brought there by Spanish sailors and then later Italian sailors found them and brought them home with them where they were prized by Italian nobility. The breed was included in several works by artist Francisco de Goya. The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955 and became eligible to enter the American Kennel Club's Miscellaneous Class in 1971. The original Toy Spaniel is depicted in famous paintings of the 1600s to 1800s, showing that this sweet breed once had a place in the hearts of the royals. Treasured for their gentle nature, the Spaniel was a favorite, in particular, of King Charles II who reigned over Britain in the late 1600s. In fact, this king's namesake is where this Spaniel got their name. After the King died, the Pug became the favorite companion of the nobility; however, years of breeding and refining across the globe brought the Cavalier King Charles to North America in 1952, although they were not added to the roster of the American Kennel Club until 1996.
Cavachons are small dogs with soft, silky coats which usually have slight waves. Individual dogs will vary to some extent, depending on which parent breed is more dominant. They can be a variety of colors including white, apricot and white or white with black or black and tan markings. They are often tricolored. They don’t shed a lot, so are good for people with allergies and they are relatively easy to groom. Some breeders have developed Toy Cavachons which are less than 12 inches and weigh under 10 pounds. Although small, they are sturdy dogs with cute, intelligent expressions. The skull is quite broad and rounded while the tail is curly.
A Cavachon does not shed a lot and the breed is regarded as hypoallergenic, which is good for people who may suffer from allergies. But, even though they do not shed much they will still need to be groomed fairly regularly to prevent their coats from becoming matted and dirty. Some dogs need to be trimmed occasionally. Bathing is only recommended when necessary and with a good veterinary-recommended shampoo to prevent skin irritation. Try to brush your Cavachon’s teeth daily to prevent dental problems and check their nails regularly to see if they need clipping. The ears should also be checked weekly for dirt or burrs and can be wiped with damp cotton wool.
Cavachons are gentle, friendly dogs who make great family pets. They have loving personalities and get on well with children. Unlike some small breeds, they are not snappy with children but it is always a good idea to monitor children to make sure they aren’t too rough. Cavachons are also good with other dogs and cats, especially if socialized from an early age. They like attention and thrive on playtime. They are likely to bark at strangers but because of their size, cannot be regarded as good guard dogs. They are intelligent dogs and even a first-time owner will find it easy to train them because they tend to be eager to please. They do not need a lot of exercise but they are active dogs, so daily exercise will be necessary to maintain fitness.
A Cavachon does not need a huge amount of exercise and a half an hour walk is usually enough. They are energetic and playful dogs, so ball games will help burn off any excess energy. Because they get on very well with children, activities with them will be great for keeping your dog healthy and fit. Cavachons will enjoy playing in a fenced in yard but are happy to live in an apartment as long as they are taken out daily for exercise. They don’t tolerate the cold that well, so shouldn’t be left outside in winter or walked when temperatures are low. Your pet will enjoy going for walks on the beach or for a visit to the dog park but will also enjoy ball games in an enclosed yard.
