Cavachon

Breed Type: Crossbreed
Common nicknames: Cavashon, Cavalier-Bichon, Bichon-King Charles
Coat: Wavy, curly
Hypoallergenic: Yes, they may not trigger allergies.
Temperament: Gentle, calm, affectionate, sociable
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Color & patterns: White
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You might not meet a lot of Cavachons. Although the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise have long histories and pedigrees, crossing the breeds to create a Cavachon wasn’t popular until the 1990s. The breed might not have a long history, but even in the short time they’ve been around, they’ve managed to amass a lot of fans. Cavachons are adorable: Their curly, medium-length, patterned coats, and dark brown eyes make them look like puppies; their personalities are attractive, too. The breed, also known as Cavalier-Bichon or Bichon-King Charles, are sweet-natured, gentle, and affectionate. They love cuddles and being the center of attention. Here’s everything you need to know about the Cavachon breed.

Cavachon characteristics

Learn about about Cavachon basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Cavachon facts.

Average height

9-11 inches (22.9-27.9cm)

Average weight

10-20 pounds (4.5-9.1 kg)

Average lifespan

10-15 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-demand workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
How long do Cavachons live?

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.

When do Cavachons stop growing?

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.

Do Cavachons shed?

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.

What do Cavachons look like as adults?

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.

What size is a full-grown Cavachon?

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.

What colors do Cavachons come in?

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.

Cavachon temperament

Learn about about the Cavachon temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Cavachons good with cats?

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.

Is a Cavachon a good dog?

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.

Are Cavachons suitable as apartment 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.

Do Cavachon dogs bark a lot?

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.

Are Cavachons good family dogs?

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.

Is a Cavachon a calm dog?

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.

Are Cavachons easy to train?

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.

Cavachon history

Learn about where this Cavachon came from!

Where do Cavachons come from?

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

Cavachon health

Learn about about the Cavachon health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

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, 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.

Are Cavachons hypoallergenic?

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.

Find Cavachon puppies near you

Adopting a Cavachon

We don't see any Cavachons available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.