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Need to Know
- Suitable for first-time owners
- Basic training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys light walks
- Small dog
- Some drool
- Requires frequent grooming
- Quiet dog
- Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- Gets along with other pets with training
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Can happily live in the city
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
Personality
Like many mixed breeds, the Cavachon's personality is influenced by their parents' traits. In general, though, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mix breed is a delightful blend of energy and affection. They’re known to form strong bonds with their family and enjoy cuddling up with their humans.
The Cavachon emerged in North America in the late 1990s. Created to be a small, friendly, and trainable companion, Cavachons were developed to fit seamlessly into various lifestyles. While the Cavachon is a relatively new breed, its parent breeds have a rich history tied to the aristocracy. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog was a favorite of Charles II and the Bichon Frise has a long history dating back to the 16th-century Spanish courts.
Cavachons are fluffy bundles of joy who crave companionship. They're not fans of solitude, so an owner who's home most of the time is ideal. Their perfect human also loves a good cuddle session.
Cavachons are happy-go-lucky dogs but aren’t considered high-energy pups. While they enjoy casual walks and playtime, they don’t require an excessive amount of exercise. Combine light walks with mind-sharpening games and training sessions for a happy and healthy Cavachon.
As a small breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mix breed can comfortably live in apartments or smaller homes. However, they require regular outdoor time for walks and bathroom breaks.
Cavachon coats can vary in maintenance depending on their Bichon Frise or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel heritage. Some may be hypoallergenic with minimal shedding, while others might shed in clumps. Regular brushing will help to prevent matting and keep their coat in tip-top condition. If they do inherit the Bichon’s unique powder puff coat, it might be worthwhile to look into professional grooming.
Cavachons are intelligent pups eager to learn and impress their humans. Positive reinforcement makes training a breeze, whether it's basic obedience, fun tricks, or engaging in dog sports like agility or musical freestyle. Bichons were circus performers, so your Cavachon might really enjoy trick training and performing for laughs.
Cavachons’ friendly nature and love for children make them wonderful family companions. They’re typically tolerant of the lively energy that often surrounds young kids and form strong bonds with those they love. While their small size requires supervision around young children, they generally get along well with other pets.
The cost of a Cavachon from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Cavachon on Purina.
Did You Know?
- While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Cavachons are generally considered to be more allergy-friendly than many other breeds, making them a great choice for those with sensitivities.
- The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mixed breed is often affectionately referred to as a"teddy bear" dog due to their soft, cuddly appearance and gentle nature.