Cavachon

Temperament and Personality

Cavachons are charming, playful little pooches that love being part of the family. Adored for their sweet, loving natures and perky personalities, these social butterflies thrive on human companionship.

The Cavachon dog is a crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. Combining the Cavalier’s gentle demeanour with the Bichon’s playful energy, Cavachons are a joy to be around.

Affectionate with kids, adults, dogs, and cats, they get along with pretty much everyone. While they’ll definitely bark if a postman or stranger approaches the house, that’s as far as their watchdog duties go. Bred to be a companion, these cuties make friends easily and love to be around people, which is why they make excellent therapy dogs too.

Spirited, fun-loving, and highly intelligent, Cavachons have an affinity for learning tricks and will happily put on a show to entertain the family. Training is easy with this breed, but they might show a touch of sass and stubbornness, especially if they’ve gotten away with mischief due to being so adorable.

When they’re not making you laugh with their antics, the Cavachon is a master of sniffing out the comfiest lap in the room to lie on. Nothing beats being snuggled up with their favourite humans. While they’re not high-energy dogs, they’re not total couch potatoes either. This lively breed enjoys getting outside to let off steam, and does well at games like fetch and tug-of-war.

The only behavioural problems of the Cavachon to consider is that they’re prone to suffer from separation anxiety. If left alone for long periods, they can become anxious and destructive, so it’s important someone is with them most of the day.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for an adorable dog to always be by your side, the Cavachon could be the breed for you.

Cavachon paw-sonality traits

• Sweet-tempered and gentle
• Sociable and friendly
• Loving and affectionate
• Loyal and eager to please
• Very people-oriented
• Thrives on human companionship
• Likes to learn tricks
• Highly adaptable
• Easygoing and docile
• Highly intelligent and trainable
• Bouncy and playful
• Curious and keen to learn
• Will bark at strangers
• Low exercise needs

Pros and cons

Are Cavachons good family dogs?

Absolutely. Cavachons are excellent family dogs, known for their friendly, gentle nature and compatibility with children. They’re affectionate and eager to please, making them an absolute joy to be around. Whether you’re a busy household with lots going on, or you lead more of a slow-paced life, Cavachons can easily slot into different family dynamics. As long as they’ve got their humans, they’re happy. However, Cavachons can develop separation anxiety, so they need at least one family member with them most of the day to keep them company.

Are Cavachons good with children?

Yes, Cavachons are known to be gentle and patient with children of all ages. They’re also a perky, playful breed that enjoys toys and indoor games, making them a great buddy for teens and toddlers alike. Their small frame makes them more prone to injury though, so roughhousing and boisterous play should be avoided.

Are Cavachons good with other pets?

Yes, the ever-friendly Cavachon enjoys the company of other dogs, and can live with cats and small animals too. However, like any breed, early socialisation is key — introducing them to other pets as puppies will help them feel more comfortable and friendly around different animals as they grow up.

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Cavachon properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.  

How much exercise does a Cavachon need?

Full grown Cavachons need around 30–40 minutes of exercise a day. They’re fairly low-maintenance, so a leisurely stroll around the block each day with plenty of indoor playtime will keep these pooches happy. But being bouncy, lively pups, Cavachons do enjoy a romp around a park or back garden to let off steam. 

The clever Cavachon also needs lots of mental enrichment to give their brains a good workout too. Puzzle toys, fetch, and fun games of hide-and-seek will keep them occupied when they’re not out on walks or napping on the bed. 

Playful and fun-loving, Cavachons just want to be with their owner, and aren’t overly demanding when it comes to exercise. However, this breed is prone to becoming overweight, so it’s essential they get their daily walkies to stay trim and healthy. A jumper or coat will be needed in chilly weather too, as they tend to feel the cold quite easily.

How do you train a Cavachon?

The Cavachon is an intelligent, eager-to-please breed, making them easy to train and ideal dogs for first-time owners. They simply want to make their owners proud, and love the bonding time that training brings. They’re also capable of learning much more than just the basics, and are known for performing adorable tricks for their adoring fans (i.e. you!).

However, Cavachons follow in their parent breeds’ footsteps when it comes to potty training, so it can take them a while to become fully housetrained.

With lots of patience, consistency, and paw-sitivity, training a Cavachon is a highly rewarding experience.

Unleash your Cavachon’s potential with some fun training tips: 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats – just be mindful of how many treats you dispense during training as this breed puts on weight easily. Cavachons are sensitive dogs, so harsh correction could leave them feeling fearful and anxious. A gentle, patient approach works best.

2. Socialise from the start. Early socialisation is essential, even for the super friendly Cavachon. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations to help them become calm and confident canines.

3. Prioritise potty training. The Cavachon needs consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them.  

4. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop unwanted behavioural issues.

5. Be consistent. They’re eager to please pups but they need consistency in order to learn commands, so ensure everyone in the family uses the same words. 

6. Work on recall. If you want to let your Cavachon off-lead, it’s vital they’ve mastered the art of recall. Use a long line lead, clear vocal commands and high value treats to encourage them to come back to you.

7. Teach them tricks. Cavachons are curious pups that love to learn, making them a great candidate for trick training. Teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and prepare to be entertained!

8. Get them used to grooming. Frequently touch them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, mouth, and feet to help them become comfortable with being groomed and handled.

9. Keep training sessions short and sweet. Cavachons can easily lose interest, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused.

10. Engage in dog sports or therapy training.Keep their minds busy and their souls happy by engaging in mini-agility or heelwork to music. These sweet-natured pups make excellent therapy dogs too, given their gentle disposition and need for human companionship.

11. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety.While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help Cavachons be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Cavachons need?

It depends on the type of coat they inherit. Cavachon coats can be somewhat unpredictable, especially if they’re a first generation pup (a purebred Bichon Frise crossed with a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). However, they usually have low-shedding wavy or curly coats that need frequent brushing and trimming to stay healthy. Typical Cavachon colours are white, cream, ruby, apricot, black and tan, blenheim, bi-colour, and tri-colour.

Here are some Cavachon grooming tips to keep them looking cuddly all year round.

• Brush their coats daily, or several times a week, using a pin brush or slicker brush to remove dead hairs and prevent matting.

• Always check inside their floppy ears for signs of infection when grooming. Bacteria loves to grow where it can’t be seen! 

• Clean around their eyes regularly using a soft, damp cloth to prevent tear staining and remove any discharge. This will also allow you to check for any signs of eye conditions.

• Bathe every 4–6 weeks using a dog-friendly shampoo to keep their coat clean and fresh.  

• If they have a coat more similar to the Bichon Frise, they’ll need to be trimmed every 6–8 weeks. A professional groomer will give them a bath, haircut, and nail trim, and might spot something that needs your vet’s attention.

• Choose from classic Cavachon grooming styles such as the Teddy Bear cut. This leaves them looking fluffy and round just like a teddy, while the Puppy Cut results in a short, even coat – a good solution if your dog is prone to matting. Ask your groomer about other Cavachon haircuts to see what’s best.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for, and loved, the Cavachon lifespan  is 10–15 years. Being a cross breed, they benefit from hybrid vigour (or heterosis). This occurs when you breed two unrelated purebred breeds that don’t share common health problems. The puppies tend to have more health benefits and longer life spans. However, they’re still predisposed to some of the same conditions as their parent breeds.

Common Cavachon health problems

• Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). This affects the heart, causing the mitral valve to separate the left atrium from the left ventricle. When the valve doesn’t function correctly, blood flows in the wrong direction. This causes an audible heart murmur and sadly leads to heart failure. Signs can include a cough, a reduced ability to exercise and a bloated abdomen. While not a condition that can be cured, many do well once started on medication and low sodium diets.

• Syringomyelia (SM). This is an inherited, progressive neurological disease where fluid builds up around the spinal canal due to abnormalities of the skull. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis, and it typically appears between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Classic signs include scratching the air near their neck and shoulders (but not making contact with the skin), yelping or whimpering for no apparent reason, weakness in the legs, head shaking, and seizures. Medical treatments can help, but surgery may be required to help alleviate the pain.

• Atopy. Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, canine atopy) is a hereditary condition affecting the skin. Much like allergies in humans, dogs can be allergic to otherwise harmless substances. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy. Skin allergies in dogs tend to make themselves known between the ages of 1 and 3, with itchiness and scratching being the main symptoms.

• Patella Luxation.This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Cataracts.This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.  

• Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis).This occurs when a dog can’t produce enough moisture in their eyes, and their eyeballs rub against the inside of the eyelids. This friction causes inflammation and a thick mucus can develop instead of normal tears. There are medications to help keep the eyes moist, but it’s often a lifelong condition.  

• Ear Infections.The Cavachon’s floppy ears are prone to infection due to poor ventilation and the fact that the ear canals tend to become moist and humid – the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. This can lead to otitis externa, a condition that causes inflammation and itching. Ear drops can help manage it.  

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Cavachon a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!  

How much should a Cavachon eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Cavachon will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their energy levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Cavachons 2 times a day to fuel them for their activities. However, as they’re prone to heart issues, it’s vital they’re not overindulged. Carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on their hearts and joints, which drastically reduces their quality of life. 

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Cavachons need high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. An ideal food is one that’s been developed especially for small breeds, as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth! You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health. dog food that meets their nutritional needs.

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, consider feeding Cavachons Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing. 

Monitor their heart

These pups are prone to develop MVD, so schedule regular cardiac evaluations with your vet to monitor and manage their heart health. 

Monitor their weight

A healthy Cavachon weight is between 4.5–9 kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight on these pooches can increase the risk of heart failure. For curvy Cavachons, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food. 

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Exercise regularly

Cavachons might have low exercise needs, but they’re lively little dogs that love to explore and play. Daily walks on a lead with plenty of indoor playtime will keep them trim and happy.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Cavachon’s dream home.

Cavachon vs Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon:Which one is right for me?

Choosing between a Cavachon, Cavapoo, and Cavapoochon comes down to your lifestyle and preference for certain traits.

The Cavachon – a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise – is known for its calm nature and fluffy, hypoallergenic coat. 

The Cavapoo – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross – is energetic, intelligent, and eager to please, requiring more mental stimulation but also offering strong companionship and trainability.

The Cavapoochon – a blend of Cavalier, Poodle, and Bichon – is the ultimate ‘forever puppy’, combining the Cavapoo’s energy with the Cavachon’s easygoing nature. If you want a low-maintenance, affectionate dog, the Cavachon might suit you; for more engagement and play, go Cavapoo; for a mix of both, consider the Cavapoochon!

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Cavachon is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Cavachon puppy?

Cavachons can cost anywhere between £800 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a Cavachon can be up to £80, depending on food and insurance levels.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £50 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Cavachon, should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a crossbreed without any pre-existing conditions is around £300. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Cavachon Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Cavachon even more with these tidbits and tales about this gorgeous designer breed!

• Cavachons are a hybrid breed crossed with the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the fun-loving Bichon Frise. They were intentionally bred in the 1990s to be a more healthy companion dog that’s adaptable and easy to train, but they’re not recognised by any Kennel Club as of yet.

• The Cavachon’s coat is considered low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but the amount they shed varies between each dog. If they’ve got more of a Spaniel coat, they could shed more, whereas a Bichon type coat will be very low shedding. Whatever type of coat they have, they still need regular grooming to remove dead hairs and keep them tangle-free.

• We don’t know the exact age of the longest living Cavachon, but these dogs have a life expectancy of around 10–15 years, giving you plenty of time for cuddles and kisses.

• Being smart, kind, and gentle, Cavachons make excellent therapy dogs, brightening up any room with their adorable smile and joyful wagging tails. From nursing homes to children’s hospitals, this breed is sure to spread happiness wherever they go.

• There are similar dogs to the Cavachon, including the Cavapoo, and Cavapoochon, which both have Poodle in the mix. 

History and Origin

The Cavachon is a modern star of the dog world, having first been bred in the 1990s to create a fun, adaptable, trainable companion with less health issues than the parent breeds. 

This designer hybrid dog is a clever cross between two beloved breeds; the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise, and is perfect for cuddle connoisseurs and fluffy fanatics alike.  

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming breed with a royal legacy dating back to the 16th century. Named after King Charles II, these dogs were favourites amongst British aristocracy and feature heavily in historic artwork. Known for their gentle and affectionate nature, they were often called ‘comfort’ Spaniels, and would accompany noble women on carriage journeys to keep their hands and laps warm. 

The Bichon, on the other paw, originates from the Mediterranean, and were popular pups amongst 14th century sailors who would trade these dogs for other items. They gradually made their way across Europe, becoming popular amongst the upper class and royalty. Playful and intelligent with a clownish spirit, Bichons took well to learning tricks, and by the late 1800s, they found themselves performing in circuses and travelling shows.

Combining the best of both breeds, it’s no wonder Cavachons have quickly risen in pup-ularity. Bred for family life, they’ve earned a reputation for loyalty, love, and just a hint of adorable mischief.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Cavachon.

1. Research the breed. Cavachons are gentle and loving but they’re prone to suffer from separation anxiety, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.  

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Cavachon puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight week olds. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Cavachons and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Cavachon, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Cavachons in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.