Cavachon Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

The Cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. It is a small, gentle and sociable companion with a soft, wavy coat and a cheerful disposition.

Origins and appearance

The cross has been bred since the late twentieth century in the UK and the United States. Cavachons are small and sturdy, with a rounded head, dark eyes, soft drop ears and a coat ranging from silky to curly in white, cream, apricot, ruby and tricolor.

Temperament

They are gentle, affectionate and playful. They tend to love people and are often good with children and other pets. They are sensitive. They dislike being left alone and may develop separation problems. Some bark at sounds.

Exercise

A Cavachon enjoys a daily walk of about half an hour plus play in the garden. Many like short games of fetch, and the breed adapts well to flats if its outings are regular. Rainy days call for indoor games such as hide-and-seek with treats.

Training

Cavachons are eager and friendly, so reward-based training goes smoothly. They can be slow to house train, so use a regular schedule and plenty of praise. Practice being alone for short periods from the start, since the Cavalier and Bichon sides both bond closely with people.

Coat and grooming

The coat needs brushing several times a week and a trim every six to eight weeks. See curly coat dog grooming guide. Wipe the eyes, clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

A cross can inherit conditions from either parent. Topics include:

• Heart disease, including mitral valve disease. See heart murmurs in dogs
• Luxating patella. See luxating patella in dogs
• Skin allergies. See dog skin allergies
• Eye conditions, with exams
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Dental disease. See dental disease in dogs

Living with a Cavachon

Cavachons are at their best in homes where people come and go but someone is usually present. They greet visitors with enthusiasm and cope well with children who have been taught to be gentle. Expect a dog that prefers the same room as you.

A typical day

A Cavachon might trot around the neighborhood after breakfast, play with a ball, nap beside the sofa and sit for a brush in the evening. Many love sniffing in the garden.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are fluffy and affectionate, with a coat that changes as they mature. Brush gently from the first week, get the puppy used to a harness and offer short play sessions. Teach settling and independence early so that separation does not become a problem.

Costs and commitment

Plan for regular grooming, vaccinations, dental care and, if you choose, insurance. Cavalier-related heart disease can mean long-term medication and check-ups, so a savings buffer is sensible. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Cavachons cope with mild weather but can overheat when the coat is long. Keep it trimmed in summer and carry water on walks. In winter, rinse and dry paws after wet or salted pavements. A car harness keeps small dogs safe.

Common mistakes

Typical errors include skipping brushing until mats form, ignoring ear care, feeding too many treats, and leaving the puppy alone for long stretches. Buyers also sometimes forget to ask about heart screening in the Cavalier parent.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask to see both parents, request heart and kneecap test results, and learn how the breeder raises the litter. Be careful with sellers who promise a particular coat or size. Adult Cavachons from rescues may be a calm option.

Two cheerful parents

The Cavalier brings gentle manners and a love of laps, while the Bichon adds a plush coat and a playful streak. Puppies can inherit varied mixes of both, so look at the parents' temperaments.

Heart checks

Cavaliers have a high rate of mitral valve disease, so responsible breeders test parents. Ask your vet when to start listening for murmurs, and keep a record of any findings.

Daily care checklist

• A walk or garden play.
• A brush through the coat.
• A check of eyes, ears and teeth.
• A few minutes of training.
• A cozy bed and fresh water.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Cavachon suits social owners who want a small, cheerful companion and will groom and screen for heart health. It may not suit those out all day. For a parent breed, see the Bichon Frise.

The takeaway

Cavachons are gentle, sociable and fluffy, and they need grooming, company and health-tested parents.