Cavachon

Cavachons tend to be extremely friendly and affectionate. They make good watchdogs, but do not make good guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. They tend to have a happy outlook and are energetic and playful. Plus, they get along great with children, other dogs, and other pets. The Cavachon tends to retain a puppy-like demeanor throughout their life.

This dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in homes with or without yards as well as apartments. They are a good fit for single owners, families with children, and seniors. They are very in-tune with their owners and love spending time with them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They also do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, Cavachons are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because of their smaller size, you may also need to bundle them up for outdoor adventures when temperatures drop outside.

This designer dog breed can sometimes “win the genetic lottery” and be healthier than their parent breeds. However, they can also inherit the genetic conditions of one or both of the parent breeds as well. A few health conditions to be aware of include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, Syringomyelia, Mitral Valve Disease, allergies, and cataracts. Checking the genetic history of the parents and asking the breeder for any relevant health clearances can help allay some of these potential health concerns.

The Cavachon is a highly trainable dog breed. They are eager to please their owner and intelligent, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level. If they inherit more of their temperament from the Bichon Frise, they can have a little bit of a stubborn streak. So, it’s usually recommended for first-time dog owners to enroll in puppy training classes.

Cavachons respond best to training that is kept positive and is focused on positive feedback and praise. They do not respond well to criticism. Although they are relatively good at maintaining their focus for training sessions, it’s important to take breaks when it seems that their attention is starting to wander. Due to their small size, the basics of house-training can sometimes be difficult. Crate training and a good amount of patience can help both you and your dog when it comes to house-training.

Cavachons require a moderate to high amount of grooming. Although they tend to have low-shedding coats, it can be straight, wavy, or curly and needs to be brushed at least a few times a week to remove tangles and prevent matting. Monthly bathing is also recommended. If left unattended, the coat can also grow to be relatively long, so professional grooming is recommended at least several times a year, if not monthly. In addition to brushing their coat, you’ll also need to take care of their nails, ears, and teeth.

The Cavachon has a moderate activity level. They are highly energetic and will enjoy plenty of playtime. But, due to their small size, they don’t require a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. A few walks and some playtime will be plenty of exercise for this pup. They will also likely be up for more activities with you if you lead a more active life. They’ll be happy to spend more time with you, so don’t be afraid to go hiking with your dog or to go for a swim with them if they enjoy the water. Just keep an eye on them and take plenty of breaks if it seems like they’re showing signs of tiring or are having trouble keeping up.

A fully-grown Cavachon usually stands 12-13 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 10-20 pounds.

This dog breed generally lives for 10-15 years.

Although it is possible that Cavachons have been around longer, it is thought that they were developed as a designer breed and named in the late 1990s.