Cavapoochon: Your Complete Guide
The cavapoochon is about as unique as it gets when it comes to designer dog breeds. Sure, most designer dogs are a mix between two breeds, and this is true for many dog breeds, but the cavapoochon is a cross between three. Yes, you read that right; three dog breeds have gone into the cavapoochon, and you’ll find a little bit of each dog in their size, coats, personality, and care needs.
So, what exactly are those three dog breeds? Well, the cavapoochon is a combination of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the miniature poodle, and the Bichon Frise. As you can see, these three breeds make up the portmanteau “cavapoochon.” Typically, these dogs are small, affectionate, and maintain a teddy-bear-like appearance throughout their lives. What’s more, you’ll find that some of them are hypoallergenic, which makes this breed a great choice for people who have allergies.
While this all sounds great so far, that doesn’t mean you should grab one as soon as possible. Before you adopt or purchase a cavapoochon, make sure you stick around and learn more about this unique, designer dog breed. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the cavapoochon down below.
Quick Look at the Cavapoochon
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 10 inches, 10-20 pounds. |
| Coat Type | Medium-length coat that’s soft and curly. |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, and loyal. |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits |  |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years. |
What Is the History of Cavapoochons?
As a designer dog breed, you’ll find that the cavapoochons have a unique and long history that delves a bit into the dogs that are crossed to create them. In fact, it intertwines with the history of the cavapoo, which was bred in Australia during the 1990s to create a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the poodle. While it’s common to mix up these two great dog breeds, it’s important to note that there is a big distinction between them because the cavapoochon is a mix of three breeds rather than the two that make up the cavapoo.
That said, this isn’t a dog breed that’s been bred over centuries. No, the cavapoochon is actually an American dog breed that was bred during the early 2000s in the United States. Ultimately, the goal of the cavapoochon breed was to create a popular teddy-bear-esque dog breed that was suitable for people who struggle with coat allergies. At the end of the day, it was definitely a success.
Since the early 2000s, the cavapoochon continues to rise in popularity across the United States and around the world. While there isn’t a ton of history on these dogs yet, don’t worry, we’ll update you as their journey continues.
What Do Cavapoochons Look Like?
When it comes to cavapoochons, you’ll find that they don’t all look the same, and this is due to the fact that you’re looking at a combination of traits from three dogs. While they’re usually always small dogs, they have some unique traits like spots and freckles on their faces. In fact, these spots may even end up on their legs, chest, and even around their eyes.
When it comes to their coats, you’ll find that they may have merle coats, along with some dilutions that create a unique and mottled appearance. You’ll also find that some popular colors for cavapoochons tend to be a combination of white and apricot, along with tan, white, and some shades of red.
Some other notable traits include small black eyes, big floppy ears, little black noses, and small little legs. Overall, you’re looking at a unique and cute dog breed that’s perfect for cuddles, even if you have an allergy or two.
What Size Is a Cavapoochon?
When it comes to the average size of a cavapoochon, you’ll find that there are some variations. However, many cavapoochons are around 10 inches tall. When it comes to their weight, you’ll find that the average cavapoochon weighs around 10 to 20 pounds.
Ultimately, their size and weight vary based on how the genetics from the parent breeds are inherited. So, you’ll find that some are larger than others.
What Is a Cavapoochon’s Coat Type and Length?
The cavapoochon has a unique coat. Depending on the combination of traits between the poodle, Bichon Frise, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you’ll find that their coats can either be curly or wavy.
Typically, their coats are also fleece and thick. Lengthwise, cavapoochons have medium-length coats, although some of them may be on the shorter side.
What Is a Cavapoochon’s Temperament?
Cavapoochon personality can be a little tricky. This is because it ultimately depends on how the traits from the three parent breeds are inherited. You’ll find that some are more like miniature poodles, whereas others may have more Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traits.
Thankfully, these tend to be great traits. You’ll find that many cavapoochons are trainable, affectionate, and gentle dogs. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about too many issues with them. Of course, some variations may apply, so make sure you train away poor behaviors before they become problematic.
Are Cavapoochons Good With Kids?
Cavapoochons are great dogs if you have children. They’re not aggressive and tend to be easy to care for, so you don’t have to worry about watching them all the time. Still, it’s important to socialize them and ensure that the children know how to interact safely with dogs before you leave them unsupervised.
This includes teaching them how to safely lift the dog, what foods it can and cannot eat, and common body language. Often smaller dogs suffer injuries from being dropped by small children or having their ears and tail pulled. Kids also might not know that their grape snacks are potentially deadly to small dogs and may try to share their lunch with their little friends. While the cavapoochon may be too small to significantly harm a child over three, make sure that you are keeping an eye out for everyone’s safety.
Are Cavapoochons Good With Other Animals?
More often than not, you’ll find that cavapoochons are great with other animals. You’ll find that their parent breeds tend to be good dogs around people and other animals, and this definitely rubs off on the cavapoochon. That said, their poodle genes can cause some issues with their prey drive, but as small dogs, you usually don’t have to worry about this too much.
Due to their trainable nature, if problems do arise, you can always socialize and train them early on to correct any behavioral problems.
Are Cavapoochons Aggressive?
Cavapoochons are not aggressive dogs. You’ll find that they tend to be kind, gentle, and affectionate, so you don’t usually have to worry about them snapping or becoming aggressive towards you. Still, if they feel threatened, it’s possible for a cavapoochon to get aggressive, but it’s still rare. Of course, every dog is unique, but you can always train away any bad behaviors due to how trainable these dogs tend to be.
Do Cavapoochons Bark?
Cavapoochons do bark, and you’ll find that most dogs tend to bark, at least to some extent. While cavapoochons bark, they’re not known for being passionate barkers. Sure, their bark is on the loud side, but they won’t bark at everything they see as long as you focus on training them. That said, some cavapoochons may bark or get excited when they see other animals, so keep an eye on this behavior.
Are Cavapoochons Affectionate?
Yes, cavapoochons are affectionate dogs. In fact, this is one of the many reasons that they were first bred back in the early 2000s. While it may take them a little while to open up to strangers, you’ll find that they can be very loving dogs once they get to know you. Therefore, if a lapdog is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a cavapoochon.
Are Cavapoochons Intelligent?
Cavapoochons are very smart dogs. With a combination of miniature poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Bichon Frise genes, you’ll find that cavapoochons are very smart. You can teach them a wide variety of commands, help them manage their behavior, and much more.
Look, they’re not the smartest dogs in the world, but they can keep up with some of the smartest breeds, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any limitations.
Are Cavapoochons Energetic?
More often than not, you’ll find that cavapoochons tend to be energetic dogs. They love to run around, play, and even learn new things. For these reasons, you need to make sure that you have at least 30 to 60 minutes daily to train and play with them.
If you don’t help them expend this energy, you’ll run into problems. They may keep you up at night, bark, or try other methods to keep you engaged. As long as you have one person who’s home and around for an extended walk or two daily, you shouldn’t have any issues. Still, when you compare them to other breeds with limitless energy, you’ll find that they tend to an energy level that’s around average.
Are Cavapoochons Easy to Train?
Cavapoochons aren’t too hard to train, so you should be able to get the job done without doing anything too crazy. That said, you’ll have the best results if you stick with a more traditional, positive reinforcement training regimen. This involves rewarding them for good behaviors but not scolding them if they make mistakes. The result? A dog that’s happy to train with you, and a cavapoochon who’s easy to train.
If you pair this with a training routine that’s consistent and at the same time daily, the best part is that you don’t have to worry about bugging them to train. Instead, you’ll find that your cavapoochon will nudge you when it’s time to train. Learn more about how you can train your cavapoochon with the help of our online dog training courses.
Are Cavapoochons Good Watchdogs?
Cavapoochons can be good watchdogs, but only under some circumstances. In other words, you’ll need to train them if you want them to behave like a watchdog. If you don’t, they may just bark at any animal or person who walks by. When it comes to guard dog work, however, you’ll want to consider a different dog breed. This is because cavapoochons are small and not very intimidating.
Are Cavapoochons Good Service Dogs?
When it comes to service dog work, cavapoochons aren’t always the best choice for physical disability assistance but great for psychological disabilities. They’re too small for most physical service dog roles, so you should consider a larger breed if you need physical support.
Since they’re hypoallergenic and easy to train, and have empathetic natures, you shouldn’t have any issues with them. This makes them good psychiatric service dogs. Their empathetic natures mean that they pick up on emotions and mental health issues, so you can train them to signal an on coming panic attack, fetch medications, and much more.
How to Care for a Cavapoochon?
Caring for a cavapoochon is easier than you may think. Since they’re hypoallergenic and don’t shed too much, it comes down to keeping them well-fed, happy, and healthy. This is done through grooming, bringing them to the vet to check for health issues, and keeping an eye on their energy levels.
Do You Need to Groom a Cavapoochon?
Cavapoochons have soft hair based coats that grow quickly, this means their coats can get matted if they are out and about. For this reason, you need to groom them frequently. In fact, it’s a good idea to brush them four to five times weekly for the best results. You should also inspect their ears for signs of infection weekly, and you should brush their teeth a few times weekly. Treats that clean their mouth can also help, and you may also need to wipe their eyes and ears from time to time.
Now, you also need to groom your cavapoochon professionally. This should be done every four to eight weeks, and it’s a good idea to trim their nails and give them a little trim at this time. It will make them more comfortable, and don’t sleep on how cute a cavapoochon can look with a fresh cut.
Do Cavapoochons Shed?
Cavapoochons may require a lot of work to maintain grooming-wise, but the good news is that you don’t have to stress about shedding. You’ll find that cavapoochons don’t shed too much, and you’ll also find that their coats are generally hypoallergenic. This makes them great for people who don’t want to worry about allergies or cleaning up hair all the time.
What Health Problems Do Cavapoochons Have?
One of the best parts about getting a breed that’s a combination of three breeds is that the chances of health risks are low. That said, there are still some health issues that you need to watch out for. A great example of this is mitral valve disease, which is inherited from Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes.
Some other common health issues include knee and joint problems, eye issues, dental problems, and ear infections. Cavapoochons may also have some food allergies, and they can have sensitive stomachs.
You should also check with breeders and shelters before you adopt or buy one to determine if they have a higher risk of some genetic conditions or cancers.
How Long Do Cavapoochons Live?
We wish that a cavapoochon would live forever, but this isn’t the case. On average, cavapoochons live for around 12 to 15 years, which is common for smaller dogs. If they have health issues, this can impact their lifespan, and this is also the case for too much food and too little exercise.
What Should a Cavapoochon Eat?
Cavapoochons should eat a diet of dog food that’s formulated for small dogs. When it comes to the specific type of food, we recommend a combination of kibble and wet food for the best results. You can also feed them treats and food from your table, but make sure you see how their stomach handles these foods before going all-in on them.
Is a Cavapoochon the Right Dog for Me?
So, is a cavapoochon the right dog for you? Well, if you’re someone who’s around for most of the day, or you have someone who will be, the cavapoochon is a good fit for most people. They have friendly personalities, are easy to train, and they’re even hypoallergenic. Plus, their small size makes it easy to care for them, even in smaller homes.
Overall, you really can’t go wrong with this dog breed if you find one available for purchase or adoption. Still, make sure you spend some time with them to determine if their personality is a good fit. After all, no two dogs are the same, especially when you’re mixing the genes of three breeds. The only time we recommend against this dog breed is if you need a service dog to help with a physical disability or a watch/guard dog.