While every dog is unique, dogs of the same breed often share many characteristics. It is obvious that dogs of the same breed have many physical characteristics in common, but they will often share some personality characteristics as well. The following Cavachon breed info will give you some important information about the various characteristics of this particular breed.
For starters, the Cavachon breed is a mix between a Bichon Fris and a Cavalier King Charles. Obviously, the Cavachon will share characteristics that are common in both of these breeds.
Size: The Cavachon is a small dog, typically weighing somewhere between 12 and 18 pounds. However, it is more common for a Cavachon to weigh somewhere on the higher end of that range, typically 15 to 18 pounds.
Fur: A Cavachon’s coat is very fluffy, thick, and often rather curly. Regular grooming is a must for the Cavachon due to the long length that their fur can reach, which can become as long as 3 to 5 inches. However, despite the Cavachon having longer and thicker hair than other dog breeds, they shed very little. The coloration of their fur can vary, but is most commonly various shades of white or brown. Spotting is very common in this dog breed.
Personality: The Cavachon is an active breed, often wanting to exercise and play. However, they are better than most breeds at entertaining themselves, which can ease some of the burden off of a less than active owner. The Cavachon is a very social dog breed as well, which would prefer to be in the company of other dogs or people rather than finding a spot where they can be alone. The Cavachon displays a great mix of activity and contentment, always looking to find a nice soft lap to rest in after some play-time!
Eating Habits: The Cavachon is a rather light and sporadic eater. They will be content with two small meals of quality dog food a day.
Training: The Cavachon is a very smart breed, able to quickly pick up on many tricks and follow obedience training very well.
Related Cavachon posts:
Tags: cavachon characteristics, dog breed information, dog food, dog training, shedding
I had never heard of a Cavachon until we were checking out different dogs at a local pet store. He was the only little puppy who was both playful, and then cuddly when we picked him up (didn’t struggle). We bought him, named him Murphy, and he’s been our family’s love for the last two months. We’re doing “okay” on potty training, but man, give him a chance to go into our living room and he just loves to potty on the carpet! We keep him confined(with boxes that are about 18″ high, believe it or not) to our kitchen and family room, and we don’t have many problems in there. He still hasn’t figured out how to tell us he needs to go, so we just take him out every couple of hours when we’re home(or 30 minutes after eating). I have a neighbor coming in at lunch time and letting him out to pee and play for a little while until he gets older.
I saw someone else’s doggie didn’t like to eat first thing in the a.m.- ours is the same. Because he’s in a cage while we’re at work, I give him a Kong toy that I fill up with his food and top off with peanut butter before I leave in the mornings. This way I know he’ll eat something. It also keeps him busy.
He likes to “dig” on weird things like a bean bag chair that he just adores diving into or the kitchen floor (we don’t know what that is about). He is a SUPER social dog- he strains like a crazy dog if there’s another person or dog within his vision. He just MUST get to them! It’s made him pretty popular in our neighborhood of dog lovers, thankfully.
He doesn’t lift his leg to pee- just kind of stretches out. We give him bacon treats for doing his business outside- which he totally loves. He’s a big licker, too. He’ll just lick the life out of you if you let him.
He is super funny to play with- just comical! Yet he can also happily lay on your lap. Just a perfect combination.
This was my first-ever indoor dog. He doesn’t shed, but he does tend to start smelling pretty “doggie” after about a week (our house is clean, and he doesn’t roll around outside much at all). Does anyone else bathe their dog every 10 days or so?? He also really smells if he’s gotten all worked up, like at puppy training class. Weird!
I’m so surprised I’m enjoying this dog as much as I am. We got him because my husband and I both had outdoor dogs growing up and because our only child (boy,
would like him (and he does). We all feel quite devoted to him.
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Murphy sounds just like Kasey – right down to the stretching to pee (most of the time – lately he does raise his leg a little sometimes) Kasey “liked” carpet at first also, I assumed it confused him since he had been confined to the tile floor when we first got him. We also used boxes as a barrier – sometimes just opened up flat and propped up. He was very easy to confine!
As far as the “doggy smell” goes – you are right, it does not take long to show up. I definitely notice it more in the summer and if he has been in the rain. They must sweat just like humans! I bathed Kasey more often when he was a young puppy and it was so easy. Now, it’s when he needs it – sometimes every week, sometimes it might be three or four weeks. It just depends.
I am so happy to hear you are enjoying your Cavachon. They are impossible not to fall in love with and have fun with! I hear – and experience it – all the time!
[Reply]
Can you breed a cavachon with another cavachon?
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
August 11th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
I do not know the answer to that.
I do know Cavachons are a Hybrid, which means they are a product of 2 purebreds (Cavalier and Bichon).
I would say you should check with a vet and/or professional breeder for the answer to your question.
[Reply]
My cavachon Rugby was born on Christmas and is now celebrating 4th of July weekend with us at about 10 lbs. He loves to run, play with all toys, and cuddle. He LOVES people (good in crowds, at outside restaurants, house parties, with children.) He has anxiety and cries every day when I leave for work. We’ve worked with him to alleviate that, but nothing works. I met a lady who coined it perfectly, “He’s a velcro dog.” As long as he’s at my side, he’s happy. For his size, I am constantly amazed by his athleticism. I live in a very hilly area, and he never slows down. He has also gone on runs with me (5 minute run, one minute walk) for about 30 minutes. He LOVES the beach. Water isn’t his favorite, which surprised me because bichons are part water dog. I am having trouble house breaking him, but that was because of bad advice I received early on… I would highly recommend NOT using puppy pads with this breed. He was a sick puppy when we first bought him (100% health now,) so we relied on puppy pads on vet advice to not expose him to other animals… What a mistake that was! He now thinks everything cloth is a puppy pad, including my bed. I’ve tried bell training. He understands this means I’m taking him outside, but he has never once been able to indicate when he has to go. So, I just end up taking him outside every hour. He does wait until I get home from work and take him outside before he goes. He hangs out in the back kitchen when I’m at work, so I guess he doesn’t like to soil his area. I’m thinking about expanding his day time area, but I wonder if that will set back his house training. We are using positive training with him, and our vet told us that he’s one of the happiest dogs she’s ever seen. LOVE my cavachon. Be prepared to hear “he’s so cute” whenever you go out for a walk.
[Reply]
We are thinking of getting a cavachon puppy. I have four boys age 14,11 and 8 yr old twins. I would love to get a female puppy (if nothing else, to balance the household out!); is there a difference in personality between male and female Cavachons? My boys mentioned the humping factor of boys dogs and I thought this might be a good thing to avoid. Your thoughts?
Thanks!
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:25 pm
I was leery about getting a boy dog. My cavachon pees like a girl dog, so he doesn’t mark things. Most people assume cavachons are girls, so we always have to say “He’s a boy.” We joke that he’s our pretty boy. Mine has never humped anyone. Good luck!
[Reply]
My Cavaoshan is 10 mos old. I am not really a “dog” person, but I grew up with them. I lost my dear Dad, about a year and a half ago,and was too full of greif and sadness. I needed to exercise,and was as well, too much of a “couch potato.” I could either go to a gym,or get a puppy. I choose a puppy. Romeo and I met, when he was 11 weeks old. He has won my heart,and now I love him to very much. these dogs are VERY bright,and he knows, lots of words,and what they mean. I am glad I have him to love and him to walk. He is 20 pds, and a very muscle type boy! LOL!
[Reply]
My Cavachon, Patch, is 11 weeks old. He is great. However, I am having problems with the house trainging, but I know that’s just something I have to be consistant with. I am doing the right things. He is very mouthy though. He bights (not aggressivly) and chews on everything. It is annoying, but he’s a joy. He was the runt so he is very small, and the vet says she’d be surprised if he got over 10lbs. He’s just a little, cute fluff ball
[Reply]
Hello. I have a cavachon named Bailey
She was purchased from dcdogfinders.com as a puppy. She is now almost 3 years old and is an absolute joy. She is the most loveable dog ever. She is about 15lbs. She has lots of energy and loves to play in the water, chase squirrels and birds and go for long walks. She was very easy to house train. She does dig on occassion and barks at doorbells and people knocking on the door. She is also an early riser and gets up with whenever the first person in the house gets up. She also licks a lot, which I don’t know if that’s just her or if its common amoung the breed? But she is so friendly and so loveable.
[Reply]
The food thing….hmm….I guess this is something to consult with your vet on. They do take phone calls just like pediatricians! Nutrition for your puppy is an important topic, especially being so young and still growing and developing.
My first thoughts, though, are this:
When he is hungry, he will eat.
If you give him the chicken and fish, he is going to really develop a taste for that and will never want the dog food.
Maybe there is something you can put on the dog food to entice him, a little chicken broth or something. They even make stuff specifically for this in the pet food section. Maybe mix in a little shredded carrot that will not add a lot of calories.
I would really limit his feeding to his bowl only and wait for him to eat it.
What happens if you give a piece of his dog food to him as a treat? Does he eat it then? We did that with Kasey as a puppy sometimes just to keep track of how much food he was getting. Anything we hand fed him he considered a treat.
Maybe other readers have some suggestions, too? Outside of what I called finicky periods when Kasey was young and would skip eating for a day, I really never had to deal with this.
[Reply]
Hi, I have a cavachon pup who is almost six months old. Does anyone have a problem with feeding this breed. My pup (I got him at the age of l5 weeks) refuses to eat in the morning and just seems not interested in food at all. I have even tried throwing his food for the birds (he will eat bread which is thrown out for the birds) but this doesn’t work. He looks healthy enough and, to make sure he eats something on a daily basis, I have resorted to giving him chicken and fish. I am training him with doggie bacon treats which he loves but dog food (dried or wet) – forget it.
As regards housetraining, he came completely trained at the age of l5 weeks. I can only put that down to the fact that I chose a good home breeder who did all the hard work for me. He has never chewed on anything but his toys. He will sit, go down on do a high five and even pretend to be shy on command (for a bacon treat as mentioned above).
With regard to his weight, he is still only 10.5 lbs but doesn’t look skinny (maybe that is due to the heavy coat they have. He must look pretty good as the amount of people who have asked if ever I want to rehome him would I consider them really I have a queue – but that would only happen if I was no longer able to care for him (I am a retired widow living in spain and, although I am physically fit and healthy I realise that I am now in my twilight years).
In the next couple of weeks he is going to be neutered and, although he hasn’t been a problem humping anything or anyone, there are a lot of dogs which are not spayed in this country and I don’t want him to run off.
So to anyone who is thinking of a cavachon I can only say ‘go for it’ – I have had golden retrievers in the past and would probably still have purchased another if it wasn’t for the amount of hair they shed all year round (I want to enjoy my retirement and not spend time hoovering up all the dog hair).
My only concern is that I would love to get him to eat dog food as then I know he will be getting all he needs vitamin wise. Any ideas anyone?
[Reply]
My cavachon Bella is 10 months old and in the last couple of months has become quite territorial….when other dogs approach me she is a bit hostile toward them….growling (not her normal “talking growl”) angrily at them. How do I stop this behaivior? She has always been around other dogs and people.
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
May 3rd, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Hmmm….this is a new question……
Honestly, sounds like a phase to me, I truly believe dogs go through those, too. Also, it sounds as though Bella is feeling threatened for some reason. MY suggestion, based on things I’ve gone through with Kasey is this:
Both reprimand and comfort her. What I mean is tell her “NO!” and “BE NICE! Then, bend down to her, hold/pet her and tell her everything is OK. She no doubt knows “no,” but has she had to learn the meaning of “be nice” yet? If she has – great. If not, it is time. It will come in handy!
Comforting her in this kind of situation will teach her what to do around other dogs. When she was very young, other dogs probably looked liked family. She is getting older now, has no constant siblings, and just doesn’t get it when she meets other dogs.
She will, and it won’t take long! Cavachons are so smart and so eager to please.
[Reply]
My cavachon is 8 months old, he is our life, great with the kids etc..
My concern is that he always is trying to hump our leg which is quite frustrating…
Is this normal? or does he need to mate?? or does he need castrating?
Please help!!
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
May 3rd, 2011 at 11:36 pm
If this is a serious question, all I can say is that since Cavachons are not really meant to breed, I would suggest having him neutered. Cavachons are meant to be first generation to keep all of their great and unique characteristics.
I can tell you that we do not have this problem with our male Cavachon at all. He was neutered as soon as our vet suggested.
Good Luck!
[Reply]
I was wondering if someone could recommend a breeder for me. I live in Pennslyvania and would like to find one. My son is allergic to dogs and was hoping this would be a good fit. Please let me know what you think.
[Reply]
Carole Replied:
April 20th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
I would recommend fOXGLOVE CAVACHONS thatn is where we purchased our dog. They are first generation dogs, which are much more likely to be allergy friendly. I am extremely allergic to dogs and am not affected by my cavachon at all. Foxglove charges more for your dog but it is worth it!! Healthy dogs , and first generation which makes all the difference. Good luck!
[Reply]
Chris Replied:
July 27th, 2011 at 8:51 am
Kelly,
Not sure if you found a place yet, but we just got our little puppy from TLC Kennels located in Elizabethtown, PA. It was a wonderful experience. We lived close enough that we went ot visit and pick our puppy at 5 weeks old. They are first generation and all parents live there onsite. Cavachons are the most expensive hybrid dog they sell, but so worth it.
[Reply]
My Sampson is 8 months old and roughly 23 pounds. I have to wonder if he is a first-generation Cavachon like my vet recommended me to adopt. Supposedly, Cavachons lose their “hypo-allergenic” properties when it isn’t a first-generation breeding litter. My little guy sheds all over the place and I had to increase my allergy medication. I wouldn’t trade him for the world, though!
Between Sampson, my other dog (maltipoo) and my son, I have such a happy, energetic group of hooligans I am proud to call my own!!
[Reply]
Sharon Replied:
April 30th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I did not think Cavachons (or any hybrid) were supposed to be bread. I thought a Cavachon can only be called that if it is from the breeding of a Bichon Frisee and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Period. True?
[Reply]
Our cavachon, buster is about 22 lbs and is 10 months old. Our last dog was only 8 lbs, so this seems a little big to me. I am so glad to hear that some others are the same weight. I was also told that he was the larger of the litter. We couldn’t be happier with our little guy. He is great with our 5 year old son.
[Reply]
Like kids in America,is our breed of dog getting bigger? I thought initially I was getting a 12 – 15 pounder! All is good though. We could not be happier with our Kasey! He is such a perfect fit for our family!
[Reply]
My Cavachon is so fun but I don’t know if she is over weight. She is 28 pounds, but she runs, plays, and eats. Am I doing something wrong?
[Reply]
Kasey Replied:
November 26th, 2010 at 2:11 am
What is your vet saying?
My treats are usually limited to Cheerios (but occasionally something better!)
If your dog runs and plays, it sounds like she may just be on the upper limits of the weight range of our breed. When I was 18 lb. my vet said I was at a healthy weight, but I now am at about 22 and still am a healthy, active dog. I am given the same amount of food every day and rarely get table stuff
My best advice about the weight for your Cavachon is to ask your vet.
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
December 1st, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Hi Beth
I don’t know if it is normal or not, but our cavachon is about the same weight as well. He is about 9 months at this point and I’m wondering if maybe he is not a cavachon but has another mix in him as well. I’m curious if any other owners have cavachons that are larger as well….
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
December 20th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I’ve always questioned my whether or not my cavachon is a “true” cavachon… he now weighs about 30 lbs. It’s nice to hear other people saying the same.
[Reply]
Other breeds are known for digging and barking. I am a music teacher, and have children in and out of my house most afternoons. Can Cavachons be left in another room with out barking too much? Are there any negative behaviors that Cavachons are known for? If so, what are they?
Thanks, Trudy
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
November 26th, 2010 at 2:20 am
If you have crate trained them, their crate is their safe and happy place. Kasey often sleeps in there on his own with the door open. On that note, if the room you want to put your dog in is a comfortable and familiar place, I think it would be fine.
I really do not know of any negative behaviors of this breed. I will say though, that Kasey loves people and wants to greet them when they come over by “jumping” on them at first. I had him broken of that for a while, but most people encourage it so it is really difficult to enforce. Even though, he calms down very quickly.
[Reply]
Sharon Replied:
April 30th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
My Bella barks at door bells and door knocks (real and on the television). My neighbors have not heard her barking when I am gone. I generally hold her when people get here as she too likes to jump on them as a greeting. She is 13 pounds, so it is manageable. I do need to train her to stop this. I hope to have a trainer work with me in my home. I am moving in a few months so I am going to wait until the move is completed.
[Reply]
Our Cavachon, Philly, is a rescue and he is an Angel sent from God. His personality, sensitivity, intelligence, loyalty and antics make him priceless. He actually taught my other rescue a badly abused JackABee how to play. Our little Angel is now going on 2 and he has taught Hemi who is now going on 6, that it is okay to play and act like a dog. Hemi came to me at age of 1 and only now with the help of Philly has begun to act like a puppy, play with toys, play period.
Philly has brought so much joy since he came to us in 2008 that it is difficult to recall life without him. He has brought new life to my aged and ill mother and to see the joy in her eyes is priceless as well.
Philly loves his sisters Luna (Domestic Black Longhair) and China, a badly attacked wild bunny rescued 2 yrs ago. It is a happy household here.
[Reply]
We named our cavachon Chance which we thought was appropriate since we took a chance on buying him because of my allergies. I am extremely allergic to dogs, cats, and horses since I was a child. I am completly unaffected by our cavachon, It’s wonderful! He is very intelligent and a quick learner. He was housebroken after two and a half months. We never used a crate, we don’t believe in them. He was 12 weeks old when we got him. My sister bought a shorkie the same day we bought Chance and they are crazy about each other. SHE is a female, and it is the sweetest thing to see them together ; no stop play. Power to designer dogs, especially cavachons!
[Reply]