Cavachon Apple - Female #571

Cavachon

If you have ever been a fan of the designer dog collection, then the Cavachon is your ideal pet. 

Alert and curious, Cavachons make nice little watchdogs’but they are lovers, not fighters, and operate under the assumption that there are no strangers, just friends they haven’t met yet.  They are natural people pleasers and are highly trainable once they understand what is expected of them.

Cavachons get along nicely with children and other dogs. Adaptable they do equally well with active owners and homebodies.  They can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes, depending on an owner’s lifestyle.

History

What do you get when you combine the Cavalier King Charles and the Bichon Frise? The Cavachon! This breed has become one of the United States’ most popular breeds of dogs. It is widely believed that the Cavachon was designed by breeders in North America in 1996. The goal was to create a gentle companion dog that fit well into families. This breed’s parent Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean and descended from water spaniels. This breed’s second parent, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is known for her gentle and loving demeanor and calm and loving disposition.

Personality

This breed has an incredibly loving and outgoing personality. They have a warm and gentle temperament and are very easy-going dogs. They tend to be very loyal to their families and enjoy as much love and attention as you can give them. They are not aggressive dogs and do great with children and other animals in the house.

Grooming

Cavachons should be brushed at least two or three times a week, but every day is best.  Some Cavachons shed more than others depending on what sort of coat type they have inherited from their parents.  The more Bichon-Frise style, non-shedding coat should get a bath and a clipping at least once a month.  If your Cavachon inherited more of a Cavalier-style coat then regular weekly brushing and an occasional bath is all that is required.

Most pet owners take their Cavachon to the groomer every four to six weeks.  As with all breeds, the Cavachon’s nails should be trimmed regularly as well.

Exercise

Although the Cavachon was bred to be a beloved lap dog, he is descended from sporting dogs and does enjoy moderate exercise and outdoor activities. He will happily go on walks with his owner, but he’s just as glad to stay on the sofa all day. Long stretches of calm are interspersed with brief bursts of high activity, often just running through the house or around the yard. Daily play sessions, in addition to walks, are required. Another dog can be a fine exercise companion, but the Cavachon will still need quality playtime with his owner.

Cavachons should not be allowed off leash because they retain scenting and hunting instincts, and they may not come when called if they’ve found an interesting trail to follow or a creature to pursue. Cavachons are surprisingly fast, and if one makes a dash for freedom, he may be difficult to catch or to call back to you.