A Cavachon is a small, adorable, floppy-eared mixed-breed pup who is the ultimate teddy bear dog. As mixed dogs, their coat and appearance vary depending on their parents’ genetics. You might find a Cavachon with sweet, fluffy curls like the Bichon Frise, or they may have a longer, wavy coat like a Cavalier. However, what’s for sure is that these dogs have big puppy dog eyes that make them irresistibly cute.

Most Cavachons live between 10 to 15 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

Cavachons typically reach their full adult size between eight and 12 months old. However, their weight may continue to fluctuate slightly for a few more months.

Yes, Cavachons shed, but don’t worry, you can let Cavachons on the couch without excess hair on the cushions because they are a low-shedding breed. 

Just remember, less shedding doesn’t mean that they’re low-maintenance. The Cavachon needs regular grooming to maintain their curly coats. Plan to brush their hair at least twice a week to prevent tangles and mats, and consider making an appointment with a professional groomer every six to eight weeks to keep their coats trimmed.

Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Frise are compact breeds, so it’s no surprise that Cavachons are small, too. A full-grown Cavachon weighs between 10 and 20 pounds and stands 9 to 11 inches tall. Mini Cavachon dogs are even smaller and weigh as little as five pounds once fully grown. Adult Cavachon will reach their full size by the time they’re about a year old.

Thanks to their patterned parents, Cavachons have bi-colored or tri-colored coats in neutral shades of brown, chocolate, liver, black, and white. Popular Cavachon colors include apricot, cream, black, tan, and white. Their markings mean that each Cavachon has a distinct appearance.

Yes, Cavachons can be good with cats. Cavachons are considered a cat-friendly breed, but early socialization and proper introductions are essential. These Bichons Frise / Cavalier mixes are known for being social dogs and will often use their charm to befriend a resident feline.

Yes, the Cavachon is a good dog. Cavachons are known for being gentle, calm, and affectionate; the breed is also super social, so don’t be surprised if your Cavachon works the room, moving from one lap to the next in search of praise and pets. Their sociable natures mean that Cavachons often make excellent therapy dogs.

Their compact size and calm demeanors mean that Cavachons are well-suited to apartment living — just don’t leave them alone too long. These small dogs can get into big trouble if they become bored or anxious. Cavachons also enjoy frequent exercise. They love to run and chase and excel at games, such as hide-and-seek or dog sports, that allow them to show off their superior smarts.

No, Cavachons do not bark much — they tend to be quiet companions. Your cute Cavachon might alert you when someone knocks at the door, but they won’t break into frenzied barking unprovoked.

A Cavachon is the ideal dog for a family that wants a cute companion who is equal parts lap-dog and walking partner. The breed is known for being good-natured and outgoing, which means your Cavachon will charm strangers and feel at ease in new situations. Being so person-oriented, playful, and friendly makes the Cavachon an ideal companion dog for families with kids and first-time dog parents.

Yes, Cavachons are calm dogs; both the Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were both bred as lap-dogs. Still, Cavachons are active and need moderate daily exercise. Leash them up for long walks, engage them in fetch or other backyard games, and sign them up for dog sports, such as agility, tracking, and competitive obedience.

Yes, Cavachons are relatively easy to train and teach new tricks. There is one caveat: Bichons Frise have a reputation for being difficult to housetrain, and that trait could be passed to the Cavachon. Also, keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

During training sessions, focus on reward-based techniques to encourage desired behaviors. Cavachons are food-motivated, so a few treats should help convince them to follow instructions. Steer clear of harsh reprimands; Cavachons are sensitive and prefer positive interactions.

Cavachons are a relatively new mixed breed that originated in the United States. They are not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

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, cataracts, 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.

Yes, Cavachons are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less than other breeds. But all dogs shed allergy-inducing dander. So, while the cute Cavachon is considered a low-allergen breed, they may be only suitable for some mild dog allergy sufferers.