Cavachon Puppy Tilting Its Head While Sitting On A Fluffy White Carpet

A cavachon has a way of turning an ordinary house into a home. These small, fluffy designer dogs are a cross between the cavalier King Charles spaniel and the bichon frise, which makes them naturally loving, playful, and eager to please. They steal hearts wherever they go with their soulful eyes and “teddy-bear” looks.

South Dakota is a great place to raise these little pups, as long as you understand their needs. Cavachons are sensitive to extreme weather, so the state’s freezing winters and hot summer afternoons can be tough on their small frames. Most of the time, they’re happiest indoors, snuggled up with their humans, but they’ll enjoy short walks around the neighborhood or in a quiet park on milder days.

Before we explain how to adopt a cavachon in South Dakota, it helps to know what to expect from the breed. Cavachons are great with kids and not ones to bark excessively or overwhelm you with constant energy. Adoption is the best way to bring home one of these adorable pups while supporting local shelters and rescues that give dogs a second chance.

Cavachon Adoption in South Dakota

Cavachons are somewhat rare in local shelters or foster-based rescues, so being patient is important. They do show up occasionally, but you may need to join waiting lists, sign up for alerts, and check small-breed rescues often.

When you find one, the process is simple. You fill out an adoption form, provide details about your lifestyle, and may be asked to schedule a home check. If all goes well, some shelters will let you meet the dog right away, while foster-based rescues may arrange a meet and greet in a volunteer’s home.

Once approved, you’ll finalize the paperwork, pay the adoption fee, and take your new furry friend home.

Pro tip: Cavachons are in high demand and don’t last long in rescue listings, so start early and stay in touch with rescues to improve your chances. Another pro tip is to check out our detailed guide on cavachons if you want to learn more about the breed.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Cavachon Sits Calmly On Lush Green Grass In A Sunny Park

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cavachon in South Dakota?

Adoption fees for cavachons in South Dakota can vary, but you’re generally looking at $300 to $600. Puppies are usually priced higher due to demand. Breeders often charge $2,000 to $3,000, so adopting can save you a significant amount of money.

The adoption fee usually includes spaying/neutering, microchipping, core vaccines, and sometimes even a vet visit. Don’t forget to budget for essentials, like quality food, a crate, a leash, bedding, toys, and regular grooming. There are also those surprise vet visits because dogs often eat things they shouldn’t.

How Should I Train a Cavachon?

Training a cavachon is easy when you use positive and gentle methods. These dogs love praise, treats, and all the affection you have to offer. They don’t respond well to harsh corrections, so skip the scolding and focus on rewarding their good behavior instead.

Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Keep sessions short and fun, as their attention span can be somewhat selective. Once they’ve mastered those, you can move on to crate training, potty routines, and leash manners.

If you’re new to training or want extra guidance to train your pup at home, Dog Academy offers excellent online courses for small dogs. These step-by-step lessons are based on positive reinforcement and are super beginner-friendly.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Cavachon Puppy Chewing Favorite Toy

Find the Right Cavachon in South Dakota for You

If you have time for daily walks and playtime, can handle regular grooming, and keep your home cozy during South Dakota’s extreme weather, you won’t regret opening your home (and heart) to a cavachon. These dogs are the complete package: sweet, affectionate, and easy to train. However, they’re not the kind to leave in the yard all day. They need human time, gentle care, and some indoor cuddles (and we mean lots of cuddles).

Finding your perfect cavachon in South Dakota might take a little patience, but it’s worth it. Sign up for shelter notifications and reach out to small breed rescues to hear about available dogs before anyone else. When the right one comes along, you’ll know.