Are Cavachons healthy dogs?
Cavachons are considered a healthy breed but can inherit some of the common health problems of their parent breeds. These pups can develop a wide range of health issues, such as Cushing’s disease, patellar luxation, , hip dysplasia, and atopic dermatitis. Other health concerns for Cavachons include:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): DMD is a severe disorder that causes muscular breakdown and weakness. A curve in the spine and crouched posture are the hallmark symptoms of DMD. While the disease typically affects males, females can be diagnosed with muscle weakness, too.
- Degenerative myelopathy: The Cavachon breed is prone to degenerative myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects senior dogs. It causes loss of hind limb coordination, and as the disease progresses, affected dogs become increasingly weak in their hind quarters.
It’s important to remember that even though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, they won’t necessarily develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular checkups.