Cavachon

• Breed Origin: The Cavachon originated in the United States due to an accidental mating between a champion Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a Bichon Frise. This mating resulted in a hybrid breed which they called Cavachon.

• Coat Colors: The color of the Cavachon’s coat can vary a great deal due to the nature of the mix, however, shades of white or brown are the most common. Although, a solid peach color, tri-colored, sable and white and even black and tan are possible coat colors as well.

• Description: A Cavachon is a hybrid that is a cross of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise and may demonstrate any combination of traits from either parent. These mixed types are often described as a “Designer Breed”.
  

• Exercise Requirements: The Cavachon is not an extremely high energy dog. They are quite active indoors and will enjoy playing with the family all day. They will still require a daily walk to expel any excess energy. A Cavachon should not be left in an unfenced, unsupervised area, as they are known to run off. While the Cavachon does like to play, they are just as happy snuggling up on your lap, snoozing the day away.

• Grooming: Cavachon’s are a high maintenance breed and need to be be brushed and bathed on a weekly basis to prevent knots and matting in their curly coat. They also require a trek to the groomer every six weeks or so. The Cavachon sheds very little and are a good breed choice for allergy sufferers.

• Hereditary Disorders: Cavachons can inherit health problems that are common in both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel suffer Mitral Valve Disease, which can lead to congestive heart failure. If the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent suffers from heart defects then it is very likely its Cavachon offspring will inherit such heart defects as well. Bichon Frise, even though considered to be a healthy breed, can also suffer from diseases to the immune system disorders, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and liver shunts, which drastically decrease their overall lifespan from 15-20 years to just 4-6 years. Even though hybrid dogs, including the Cavachon, are generally healthier than when bred pure, it is important to make sure that both of the parents are screened and known to be free from inherited health problems prior to getting a Cavachon puppy.
  

• Height: The height of an individual Cavachon will solely depend on the parents.

• Hypoallergenic: Yes

• Life Expectancy: 12-18 yrs

• Living Area Requirements: The Cavachon is a dog breed suited or apartment living, as they do not require a large amount of space to play. The Cavachon is well suited to most environments, but extra care should be taken in extreme cold.

• Temperament: Cavachons are a wonderful family dog that are very eager to please. This Cavachon is known to be very tolerant of play with small children. Cavachons also get along well with other family pets. They are a first generation cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Both breeds have been raised for centuries as companion and healing dogs. When these two breeds are crossed you get the wonderful playful , intuitive , quiet and gentle temperament and a very healthy companion. They are great with kids. They love water and love to play and snuggle. In addition they tend to be very hypoallergenic and low to non shedding. The Cavachon is a wonderful, affectionate, loving, and gentle dog, making them an ideal family pet. Last but not least Cavachon’s do not do well if ignored or left alone for extended periods of time.

• Weight: anywhere from (12 - 20 lbs) or (5 - 9 kg)