Cavachon Pros And Cons – Complete Owners Guide

A delightful crossbreed between the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Bichon Frise; Cavachons are a relatively small dog breed with loving, laidback personalities and soft low shedding coats, reflecting the traits of their parent breeds.

Steadily increasing in popularity over the past two decades, they are affectionate, possess above-average intelligence, interact extremely well with children and tend to build very strong connections to their owners; making them excellent family dogs.

However, this means they also tend to suffer from separation anxiety when isolated for long stretches of time and could inherit the hereditary health problems of the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Bichon Frise such as patellar luxation, mitral valve disease and a variety of eye problems.

 

Cavachon Facts Overview table

Size	Small Mature height and weight: Height: 30 – 33cm Weight: 4.5 – 9kg
Coat	The Cavachon has a hypoallergenic medium length fluffy and soft coat. can be black, white, tan or even tri-coloured.
Personality	Commonly described as loving, adaptable and loyal; these pets make great lap dogs, are among the most intelligent dog breeds and have a stubborn streak.
Tendency to bark	These dogs have a reputation for being laid back and aren’t prone to excessive barking or whining.
Family dog?	These dogs have a reputation for making brilliant family companions due to their adaptability, playful natures, intelligence and hypoallergenic coats.
Guard dog?	Due to their docile nature, these dogs have a lack of predatory or defensive instincts and won’t make good guard dogs. They tend to hide behind their owners when feeling threatened
Intelligence	Cavachons possess above-average intelligence. As a result, they tend to form strong bonds and can be prone to stubbornness
Shedding level	Low To Low-Mid
Exercise needs	Cavachons generally aren’t hyperactive and should be happy with one or two short walks or one long hike per day.
Health issues	Crossbreeds are generally considered healthier dogs, but they could still suffer from hereditary health issues such as patellar luxation, mitral valve disease and various eye problems.
Life expectancy	10 to 15 years.

 

Cavachon History

Although only officially recognised by the Kennel Club in the 1960s, Cavachons have likely existed naturally for many years prior and date back to at least the 50s when they served as companions to Italian sailors.

According to American Scientist, they’re among the most popular of the super-small cross breeds and rose to prominence during the designer dog boom of the 90s when it became apparent that crossbreeds have a lower risk of hereditary health issues than purebreds.

What To Expect From Your New Best Friend

Being a dog of above-average intelligence, the Cavachon will need both mental and physical stimulation and is happiest in a family setting, as they tend to get depressed when isolated. One or two short walks or one long hike per day should suffice.

They have dense coats, which don’t shed much but will need to be brushed consistently every few days.

Due to their loving and gentle personalities, they have a lack of defensive and predatory instincts and as a consequence won’t make good guard dogs but are very loyal companions.

They are well aware of their size and will hide behind their owner when facing a threat like a bigger dog.

 

What Are They A Mix Of And Why It Matters

As we’ve mentioned above, the Cavachon dog is a mix of the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Bichon Frise.

These are both popular breeds in their own right and getting better acquainted with their characteristics can be beneficial as this can provide insight into your new family member’s potential health problems and general personality traits.

Of course, every dog is unique and it’s impossible to predict which parent breed your dog will most closely resemble.

 

Pros of owning a Cavachon

Adorable & Loving

Cavachons have soft, fluffy hypoallergenic coats and generally have happy dispositions as well as playful, loyal personalities, making them excellent companions and therapy dogs to both young and old.

Smaller Size

The Cavachon generally doesn’t grow taller than 33cm or weigh more than 9kg when fully grown, which makes them suitable for a variety of living environments including apartments, condos and large households with other pets or dogs.

Can Be Apartment Pets

As we’ve mentioned; Cavachons are small, low maintenance pets who adapt well to indoor living, and as a result can function as apartment dogs and even be office-friendly. Although, a family setup would be ideal.

Great With Family, Kids & Other Pets

Cavachons are obedient, affectionate pets by nature and enjoy the lighthearted energy of children’s play.

In addition to this, they can be very sociable and tolerant of loud environments, other dogs and even pets, resulting in a superb family pet.

Can Be A Good First Pet

Cavachons could be a good fit for a first-time dog owner as they are relatively easy-going and sociable breeds that don’t require much exercise and are easy to train.

If you’re looking for your first dog, this could be the right mix for you.

Relatively Quiet

Cavachons aren’t particularly needy and won’t often whine when unhappy nor bark excessively.

As I’ve mentioned above, they are also very tolerant of loud environments.

So, if you live in an apartment block or close to your neighbours, the Cavachon could be the ideal breed for your household.

Good Temperament

This breed has a reputation for loving indiscriminately, getting along well with other pets and being a bit of a people pleaser, resulting in a brilliant lapdog who enjoys cuddling and a nap.

Highly Intelligent

Although they have short attention spans, their above-average intelligence and eagerness to learn make them easy to train.

As a consequence, training sessions should be kept consistent, short and fun in order to be productive.

Great For Emotional Support – Very Affectionate

Due to their gentle and adaptable personalities, Cavachons are wonderful emotional support animals and excel as therapy dogs.

They are known for being lap dogs who love to cuddle and sleep next to their owners.

Doesn’t Require As Much Exercise As Bigger Dogs

The Cavachon is known for being fairly laid back with a middle of the road level of energy.

One or two short walks or one long hike a day should be satisfactory, making them more manageable than bigger breeds.

Low Shedding

These dogs are typically a little to no shed breed with a silky fluffy coat and don’t require excessive grooming, which means less cleaning up.

 

Can Be Hypoallergenic

Cavachons are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they This is due to the influence of the Bichon Frise, making them ideal companions for families who are wary of pet ownership due to allergy struggles.

 

Easily Trainable

As we’ve mentioned, Cavachons are very adaptable people pleasers and their eagerness to please makes them easily trainable.

With early socialization and training, the Cavachon should be a model companion.

 

Cons of owning a Cavachon

Gets Separation Anxiety

Cavachons grow strong bonds with their owners and can grow bored or even suffer from separation anxiety if left completely alone for too long.

They will need plenty of human interaction due to their loving natures and could become despondent if they don’t get it.

Can Get Jealous

As with most dogs, the Cavachon will place your attention on a pedestal.

They tend to get along well with other pets and humans but may become jealous if all the attention is diverted from them and potentially act out as a result.

Can Be Stubborn

Being one of the smartest dog breeds they tend to have a stubborn streak and can be difficult to potty train.

Therefore, Cavachon puppies will need training early on to reinforce the basics and ground rules if you want them to grow up to be obedient companions.

Needs Consistent, Regular Grooming

Cavachons have long silky hair.

Although you won’t have to contend with excessive hair shedding, their hair does tend to become matted and tangled; which can only be halted through a consistent, regular grooming schedule.

While this should be easy to carry out due to their small size, owners might be surprised by how demanding a regular Cavachon brushing and washing schedule can be.

Need Frequent Human Affection And Interaction

Following what we’ve mentioned above, Cavachons thrive on attention as well as play and tend to suffer when isolated for too long as a result, which could lead them to destructive behaviour and separation anxiety.

They tend to do well in most social situations but could become jealous if they don’t receive adequate individual attention.

Needs Early Socialization

Cavachons will need to be introduced to many other dogs at an early age.

They are generally considered a very friendly breed, but if they aren’t socialised as puppies it could lead to fearfulness, which could develop into aggression and disobedience.

You will need to take your Cavachon to pet-friendly environments and introduce them to other dogs from an early age.

Expensive

As with many other pet breeds, the Cavachons parent breeds, the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Bichon Frise often cost over $1000 and Cavachon puppies sell for $800 and above.

Some have even reached upwards of $6000.

This is due to their being a ‘designer’ or ‘custom’ mix breed which breeders tend to charge more for.

 

Cavachon Vs Cavapoo Vs Cockapoo

While all three breeds are strikingly similar in appearance, the Cavachon requires the least grooming, is generally the least expensive and is considered the best fit for senior citizens.

On the other hand, the Cavapoo is seen as the best guard dog, can function as a service animal and is the only breed of the three who enjoys being on a boat, while Cockapoos have the most health issues, the lowest prey drive and lowest obedience levels and generally aren’t used as therapy dogs.

Of course, every dog is different and you have to find the best fit for you.

 

Tips For Raising A Cavachon

Patience will be beneficial as Cavachons can have a stubborn streak and early training, as well as socialisation with other dogs, will be essential for laying down the ground rules.

The earlier they are introduced to training, the more effective it will be. Take them to parks and other pet-friendly areas frequently.

In addition to this, establishing a moderate daily exercise routine will help them burn off excess energy and provide mental stimulation.

They will also need plenty of attention, a regular grooming schedule to maintain their coat and a secure place to sleep.

Fun Facts About A Cavachon

The Cavachon coat can be black, white, tan or even tri-coloured and is generally hypoallergenic.

The origins of the breed are uncertain but saw a surge in popularity during the 1990s. Their adaptable personalities allow them to easily slot into households with other pets or dogs.

Generally not considered hyperactive, they have mid-level energy and are smart, eager to learn and respond best to positive reinforcement.

Their metabolism is faster than larger dogs and they can benefit from fat and protein-rich foods.

Cavachons live long lives; they have an average lifespan of 10 – 15 years, with some becoming as old as 20.

They enjoy a cuddle or nap just as much as they enjoy being out and about. Watching this video should get you even better acquainted.

 

Conclusion

The Cavachon is a relatively new designer crossbreed. Generally described as ‘happy’ and affectionate, they make excellent therapy dogs for both young and old and require regular attention as well as grooming.

As with all pets, they have pros and cons but can make amazing companions and family members if trained early on.

We hope this article has piqued your interest in getting a Cavachon or a pet companion of some kind.

Remember, every pet is different and adopting one can teach you selflessness, make you grow as a person and relieve stress. If you choose to, all you have to do in order to