Cavachon puppy
adopted in Orlando
born 1/29/2023, Apricot

A Cavachon is a designer dog breed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Cavachons typically stand around 12 to 13 inches tall, weigh 15 to 35 pounds, and have approximately 10 to 15 years. You will likely find them in cream or white, but they can come in just about any color combination. Cavachons are often described as "spunky," fun, and lovable.

Cavachons are a well-known designer dog breed that has fantastic personalities. They love to spend time with their owners and are friendly with everyone. They are high-energy but also enjoy spending downtime together on the couch. Cavachons love to play, making them excellent options for larger families or single people alike. What matters most is that time is spent together. As for their environment, they can blend into just about any setting. They do not fare well to extreme temperatures, so you will want to know your surroundings when spending time outside.

Grooming is essential to the health of your Cavachon and will include brushing, bathing, dental hygiene, pedicures, and haircuts. The frequency of brushing and bathing depends on the time of year and activity level. You will spend more time grooming than in colder months during shedding season and summer, where they are more likely to get dirty. They need a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy, but this can be split up into various activities to keep them both physically and mentally stimulated. Feed your Cavachon high-quality dry dog food, and you will have a happy and healthy pup for many years to come.

Cavachons will generally be happy doing anything that you do. If you are an active person, your Cavachon will likely become active. If you spend most of your time indoors, your Cavachon will adapt to that routine. These dogs are great to travel with, as they are typically very open to new experiences and will love getting to meet new people. Try to avoid leaving them alone as much as you can.

We first met the Cavachon in 1996, around the same time many other mixed breeds were rising in popularity. Mixed breeds are generally much healthier than their purebred parents and inherit some of the best genes. The Bichon Frise is a small, hypoallergenic dog that originated in Europe. They are always white with black eyes and noses. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in Europe and is the 17th most popular purebred in the United States. These dogs are typically a mix of white and brown or tan.

Cavachons are one of the most popular mixed breeds throughout the world. We have seen some that are Instagram famous and some that are loved by celebrities. They are ranked as the 15th most popular mixed breed in the United Kingdom. Cavachons are fantastic as therapy dogs or emotional support animals. They pick up human emotions well and can work with people with various psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Their size prevents them from doing manual labor tasks, but they can easily comfort just about anyone and love working to please people. We have also seen them as therapy animals in nursing homes working with the elderly. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is consistently rated as one of the best therapy dogs for people with depression, so it is no surprise that the Cavachon inherited that gene.

Cavachons are one of the friendliest mixed breeds we have ever seen. They are great with families, great with strangers, great with other dogs, and are even great with cats in the household. However, their loving personality makes them inefficient as guards or alert dogs. Barking can undoubtedly occur with Cavachons but is likely not to become an issue. However, if you notice barking, it is essential to train them out of this early on so it does not become a habit. They have a relatively high prey drive, so you might notice them chasing other furry friends around the house. This should always stay playful, but keep an eye on it.

Cavachons are eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are pretty intelligent, so you can go beyond the basic commands and teach more complex ones. You will want to start your training regimen as soon as you bring them home. As with most dogs, you will want to start with basic commands like "come," "stay," and "sit." Once they have mastered these commands, try new ones or work on agility training or scent work. You can also try teaching commands like "quiet" or "no speak" if you are dealing with persistent barking. Avoid shouting or forms of punishment during training because of your Cavachons sensitivity level. They respond much better to positive reinforcement.

When potty training your Cavachon, we recommend crate training. Dogs typically want to keep their environments clean, so they will not go to the bathroom in a crate. When they alert you that they need to go out, reward them with a treat and positive reinforcement, and they will catch on quickly. Crates are also helpful in alleviating separation anxiety and providing a safe and comfortable space for your Cavachon whenever you need to leave the house.

Cavachons are pleased dogs and will enjoy both cuddle time and playtime. These dogs are easygoing and will do just about anything as long as they are with you.

These are great dogs for people who work from home or have an active family in and around the house. Luckily, their size and temperament make them great apartment dogs. Of course, houses with yards also work well, but if you live in a smaller space and want a companion, the Cavachon is for you. These are great options for first-time dog owners, as they are relatively low maintenance and easy to train. However, Cavachons are highly sensitive and prone to separation anxiety, so it is best not to leave them alone if possible. Cavachons do moderately well in both colder and warmer environments. As with all dogs, they need plenty of access to water and shade on warm days, and on cold days, they will need to be bundled up. On warmer days, make sure they have somewhere to walk other than the asphalt, as it tends to get hot and can burn their paw pads.

While Cavachons love to play with your young children, playtime should be supervised, especially right at first. Smaller dogs are more fragile and more likely to get injured, so teach your children how to play with them safely. Early socialization is essential for long-term success, so introduce your Cavachon to young children quickly after adoption.

Cavachons are generally hypoallergenic, which makes them great for people with allergies. This also means that they will not shed, so you will not have to worry about constantly sweeping up hair. You will not need to worry about drooling or slobbering with this breed. Cavachons will need a regular grooming schedule, as they are more likely to develop mats or tangles in their fur. Start their grooming routine as soon as you adopt them to get them used to the tools and process.

We recommend brushing around three to four times a week. Never brush dry hair, and always use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before brushing. This will prevent any tugging as you are getting out knots or tangles. We recommend using both a pin brush and a metal comb. A pin brush is excellent for reaching the undercoat and sliding through your Cavachon's medium-length coat, while a metal brush is ideal for getting out tangles and combing through at the end of your brushing session to look polished.

As with all dogs, check inside their ears for any buildup or debris and carefully remove it if you see anything to prevent infection. You will want to clip your Cavachon's nails every month or whenever you start to hear them on hard floors. We recommend brushing your Cavachon's teeth daily, or at least every two to three days. Smaller dogs are especially prone to gum disease and tooth decay or tooth loss, so proper dental hygiene is a must.

How often you bathe your Cavachon will depend on the time of year and their activity level. If you bathe too frequently, you will risk irritating the skin. Always use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to rinse and dry your Cavachon thoroughly, as leftover residue can irritate the skin. Brush before and after bathtime to get rid of any tangles. When your Cavachon is less active in the colder months, you will need to bathe them less. This will increase in the summer months when they are more likely to get dirty.

Some people opt to clip Cavachons' hair at home, while others decide to get them professionally groomed. Either way, you will want to get your Cavachons haircut every two to three months. If you opt to get them professionally groomed, you will be able to cut down on how frequently you bath your Cavachon yourself.

For a smaller dog, Cavachons are high-energy breeds. They will need a fair amount of exercise, but they love to play. You can never play too much with your Cavachon. We recommend around 45 minutes of exercise daily, split between walks and playtime indoors and outdoors. Quality time spent together is at the top of your pup's priority list.

Always be careful when exercising a Cavachon puppy. Too much or too strenuous exercise can hurt their joints or bones at a young age. Take cues from your Cavachon: if you notice heavy breathing or sluggishness, it is time to go home.

Just like for feeding, do not pile on the daily allotment of exercise at one time. It is best to spread it throughout the day as smaller dogs get tired more quickly. They typically do not need any intense activity. Going on walks or playing fetch is plenty. No need to go for runs or get their hearts pounding.

More important is keeping their minds engaged to prevent boredom, which can sometimes lead to destructive behaviors. Have a variety of toys throughout the house to engage them. You can get toys that require intelligence to dispense treats and balls and plush toys. Interactive toys will keep them engaged, but they can also help alleviate separation anxiety when you need to leave the house.

We recommend feeding your Cavachon a high-quality dry dog food designed for small to medium-sized breeds. Dry dog food is essential for Cavachons, as it helps promote oral hygiene. The number of calories that your Cavachon needs will depend on its age and activity level. Younger puppies generally need more calories than adults as they are growing. 

When comparing the different brands of dry food for your Cavachon, look out for whole meats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and fatty acids like Omega 3's. Stay away from meat byproducts and opt for entire meats like chicken or fish. Fruits and veggies provide lots of fiber and vitamins to promote shiny hair and a healthy gut. Some owners opt for a grain-free diet, but we recommend incorporating whole grains unless your dog is allergic. Fat is crucial in a dog's diet, and a good rule of thumb is to have at least 8% fat in your dog's food. Puppies will need as high as 22% protein, while adults are fine at around 18% protein. 

Consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your Cavachons diet, and always talk before switching to a new food.