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Cavachon
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
9-18 lbs, 9.5-13 in.
Coat Type:
Medium length, wavy
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Friendly, Gentle, Playful, Affectionate
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
10 – 15 years
Adopting a Cavachon: An Overview
The Cavachon is a small designer dog that mixes the bichon frisé and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. These dogs are not an officially recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and there is no exact breed standard, though most Cavachons are known to be playful, affectionate, and friendly.
The Cavachon makes an excellent lap dog and animal companion for those who cannot take care of a bigger dog, and they tend to be small and fluffy with a sweet, open expression.
Cavachons may be somewhat hard to find for adoption, as this is not the most popular or the oldest breed around. In fact, this breed may only date back to 1996, which makes them relatively new by dog breed standards. That being said, there are breeders still working with this dog around today, and you may find Cavachons in local shelters or at breed-specific rescues.
The cost of a Cavachon can range from a few hundred dollars if you work with a local shelter or rescue organization to between $800 and $2,000 from a breeder. The exact price of your Cavachon will depend on where you adopt them from, your location, and any specific genetic factors, such as certain coat colors or patterns.
Keep in mind that because there is no specific breed standard for Cavachons outside of that generally recognized and worked for by Cavachon breeders. So, your Cavachon may vary in their exact size, fur style, coat coloration, and temperament. However, you can expect that your Cavachon will be lovable and ready to stay by your side, no matter what.
We recommend conducting initial research on whether or not you wish to adopt your Cavachon from a rescue or a breeder. This will help you determine which next steps to take when it comes to adding a Cavachon to your life. If you are working with a rescue, you can browse the website of the rescue to look for available dogs or visit your local shelters in person.
If you decide to adopt a Cavachon puppy from a breeder, you will need to conduct extensive research to make sure that the breeder you choose is reputable.
Cavachons For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted Cavachon?
Cavachons aren’t the most high-maintenance dogs out there, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have to take careful steps to give your dog the happy, healthy life they deserve. When bringing home your adopted Cavachon, there are a few things to keep in mind that can help you set your dog up for success.
Training
Training and socialization are some of the most important things any dog owner can do for their dog, and Cavachons are no different. This breed may not be as dangerous when they develop behavioral issues due to their small size, and the personality of a Cavachon can be generally quite gentle and calm. You still must train your dog with basic manners and ensure they meet lots of people and animals as they grow.
Training helps your Cavachon grow into a healthy dog that can react appropriately to new situations and new people in their life. This will lower the chances of your dog developing fear-based or anxiety-based reactive behaviors.
Additionally, a Cavachon that is well-trained can accompany you more easily on adventures outside the home, something that allows you and your dog to enjoy more of what life offers in terms of pet-friendly public spaces.
Exercise Needs
Cavachons are small dogs, but they are also quite playful. Your Cavachon will need a few short to moderate walks each day. They will need at least 30 minutes of playtime with you and their toys.
These dogs will appreciate a fenced-in yard where they can run around and play, something that keeps them physically healthy and provides mental stimulation as they sniff new things and spend time outside.
Grooming Needs
Your Cavachon will need regular brushing, at least twice a week, though the fur of a Cavachon can be straighter and silkier, or it can be thick and curly. The type of coat and exact grooming needs of your Cavachon depend on their genetics and the fur they inherit from their parents.
Bathe your Cavachon as needed and consider taking them to a professional groomer every so often to get their fur trimmed and out of their eyes if the length tends to be on the longer side.
Feeding
Your Cavachon will need a diet of high-quality wet food or dry food, or a combination of both food types. It may take some trial and error to figure out which food type your Cavachon prefers best.
Make sure that you adhere to your dog’s caloric needs without going over or under, as this can result in health issues. You should also look for food that is suited for a small dog’s needs; smaller breeds tend to develop blood sugar issues easily, which means they need a highly nutritional food in small meals several times throughout the day to stay healthy.
You may also need to get kibbles that are suited to their mouth size if you are feeding your Cavachon dry dog food.
Special Cavachon Considerations
The Cavachon is not particularly prone to serious behavioral issues such as resource guarding or territorial behaviors. They get along well with most other animals, when introduced properly, and they don’t have a particularly high prey drive. However, the Cavachon can develop separation anxiety quite easily, and these dogs do need to spend a fair amount of time with their families.
You shouldn’t leave your Cavachon alone for more than six to eight hours, and it’s important to address behaviors related to separation anxiety such as increased stress, whining, barking, pacing, and destructive behaviors the moment you notice them. A professional trainer or online dog training course can often be a great way to address these problems.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Cavachon As Your First Dog?
Cavachons are perfect dogs for first-time dog owners, as these pups have plenty of great qualities. They are sweet, friendly, and easy to train, and their smaller size means that they have less extensive exercise needs.
The Cavachon is overall a sweet dog that loves to be with their owners, and they make an excellent companion, especially if you are in need of an emotional support animal. They are also quite adaptable due to their small size and relatively easy-going nature.
The only issue you might encounter as a first-time dog owner with a Cavachon is this dog’s tendency for anxious behaviors. If you are not prepared to commit patience and time to training your dog or addressing behaviors related to separation anxiety, then your Cavachon may become destructive and unhappy, depending on their situation.
All first-time dog owners should take note of their Cavachon’s behavior and ensure that they have the support and care they need to thrive.
Adopt the Right Cavachon for You
Adopting the right Cavachon for you means taking the time to conduct research about where your dog comes from.
You will have two main adoption options: purchasing a Cavachon puppy from a breeder or adopting a Cavachon from a rescue. Once you have learned all you can about this breed and selected a reputable breeder or shelter to adopt from, you can start the next steps for adding a Cavachon to your life.
As soon as you have your Cavachon, ensure they are comfortable in your home and provide them with exercise, toys, and lots of love.
