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Cavachons Are Sociable, Highly Intelligent and Affectionate

All You Need to Know About The Cavachon

Pictured: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise

One look into a Cavachon’s friendly eyes and adorable face and you can’t help but fall in love! Their playful and spirited nature steals the hearts of all who see them. Cheerful, responsive, and naturally playful, Cavachons are exceptional family pets and a pure delight to own. These beautiful dogs are extremely sociable, highly intelligent, and affectionate. They are devoted companions who love to be around people or even other dogs! It’s no wonder these faithful companions are one of the most popular breeds of choice!

The Cavachon is one of the most popular hybrids bred today. An F1 Cavachon is the first generation crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise.

What does a Cavachon look like?

Picture a teddy bear with a wagging tail, round, deep, dark brown eyes (that you can’t help but lose yourself in), a black button nose, silky, soft curls, and a little pink tongue ,and that about sums up a Cavachon! Most Cavachons are on the smaller, sturdy size with weights ranging between 8-20 pounds, so whether you’re looking for an adult dog that can fit in a chic shoulder bag or a larger size, the Cavachon will complement your every need and lifestyle.

There are NO registered colors for the Cavachon breed. They come in a range of colors, and these colors vary in degrees of one another. The coat of a Cavachon can be solid-colored, parti-colored or tri-colored. Their other coat colors are Blenheim, butterscotch, ruby, black, or a combination of two to three colors. With one parent being the white Bichon, oftentimes white can pair with any one of the aforementioned colors. A Cavachon’s coat can be curly, wavy or straight. Please visit our “Colors and Pricing” page for further details. 

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What is the personality of a Cavachon?

Sugar, spice, and everything nice, that’s what Cavachons are made of! Many would describe the personality of the Cavachon as “happy.” They have a playful, affectionate, lovable and cheerful disposition that makes them downright delightful!

Cavachons are sweet-tempered dogs that love to be by your side and their gentle and calm temperament it gives their owners a great option for them to become wonderful therapy and ambassador dogs (as we have experienced often with our dogs).

Do Cavachons Make Great Family Dogs?

Being an adaptable dog, they’ll fit in anywhere and in any family. They are excellent with children but they also do very well with elderly owners. Cavachons make a great addition to any family, be it in an apartment, condo or house! Their small size makes them portable while their sturdy body allows them to participate in sports and play with younger or older children. The good natured traits they inherit from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise makes them trustworthy around younger children.

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How Much Exercise Does a Cavachon Need?

Cavachons love to romp and play outdoors or simply snuggle. They aren’t overly energetic, but they don’t sleep all day, either. Cavachons are active dogs but they do not require much exercise. They are content with a short walk or playtime each day. If you’re looking for a companion to go on hikes or a long walk, the Cavachon is the perfect crossbreed.

They also enjoy going for a swim in the pool, lake, or beach – you can definitely bring them along on your family vacations, for a car ride or to the soccer field! Having a moderate energy level, the Cavachon is ideal even for less active owners as they easily adjust to your lifestyle.

Are Cavachons Easy to Train?

The Cavachon is one of the easiest breeds to train because they are so intelligent and eager to learn – characteristics they inherit from both parents. It’s important to be consistent and make each training session quick and fun.

Cavachons will respond better if you praise and encourage them but try not to give too many treats as rewards. I always recommend cutting a treat in half or fourths. Find a middle ground as you train– be firm and set yourself as the alpha but don’t forget to be loving and gentle with their training. Raising your voice and being harsh with them will get you nowhere.

Start with basic commands, housebreaking, crate training, and potty training (we provide our adoptive families with great information on how to continue the training that has already begun before your Cavachons by Design puppy left our home). Carry on with socialization, which will be easy to do since Cavachons love to socialize! I always recommend training classes after your puppy has been fully vaccinated. Puppy classes are not only great for your new puppy but also help to get the humans on the same page!

Is The Cavachon Excessive Barkers?

I can speak for our Cavachon puppies/dogs when I say “no” they are not excessive barkers. If you live in an apartment or close to neighbors, our Cavachons are perfect.

They aren’t yappy and they don’t bark as much as other dogs, so noise shouldn’t be a problem. Despite inheriting a friendly nature from their parents, the Cavachon may still growl at strangers, but only when they sense a threat to their beloved family.

Are Cavachons Good for Allergy Sufferers?

The companionship of a dog is within the grasp of allergy sufferers when it comes to the Cavachon! It’s hypoallergenic fur make it easy to control sneeze-inducing dander.

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Do Cavachons Get Along With Other Dogs and Pets?

Many of our families choose to adopt one of our Cavachons as a companion for their current dog—and for good reason. Thanks to their gentle nature and sociable temperament, Cavachons typically get along beautifully with other dogs, and even cats! Their friendly disposition makes them a wonderful addition to multi-pet households.

Can Cavachons be Left Alone?

Absolutely! Cavachons are wonderfully adaptable companions. If you’ll be away for a few hours, I often recommend leaving a radio or television on to offer a bit of comforting background noise—but even that’s not essential. They tend to settle in beautifully and adjust well to your routine.

How Do You Take Care Of a Cavachon’s Coat?

Great news! Cavachons are low-maintenance and very easy to care for! Compared to other designer dogs, they require less grooming. A trip to the groomer every 8-12 weeks (depending on the look you prefer) will keep your Cavachon looking sharp! I like to recommend the Bichon Puppy or Teddy Bear Cut.

Brushings once or twice a week will keep any mats or tangles down. Bathing with a quality PH-balanced shampoo should be given no more than once a week (as it can tend to strip the natural oils out of their coat) or as needed. In addition, it’s good to check their ears for debris and pests and clean them once or twice a month if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cavachon a mix of?

The Cavachon is a mix of a Bichon Frisé, which originates in Spain and gained popularity in France, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which hails from the  United Kingdom.

Are Cavachons recognized by the American Kennel Club?

No. The AKC doesn’t recognize the Cavachon as a breed because it’s considered a hybrid of the Bichon Frisé and Cavalier King Charles spaniel. To earn recognition, a breed must have a documented history, including pedigrees, that go back at least 40 years as well as a viable breed standard. The first  Cavachons were bred in the 1990s.

Are Cavachons hypoallergenic?

At Cavachons by Design, we’ve had many families over the years specifically choose one of our F1 Cavachon’s due to severe allergies. The F1 generation (a cross between a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a purebred Bichon Frise) consistently provides the best combination of hypoallergenic qualities and temperament. We’re proud to say these pairings have been remarkably successful in meeting the needs of allergy-sensitive homes—bringing joy and companionship without the usual allergy struggles.

What’s the difference between the Cavachon and Cavapoo?

They share one parent breed and are both friendly dogs, but the Cavachon and  Cavapoo have their share of differences. The Cavapoo is a cross between a purebred Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle; the Cavachon is a cross between a purebred Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a Bichon Frisé. 

Are Cavachons good with kids and other pets?

Absolutely! Well bred Cavachon’s are gentle, social, and adaptable, making them ideal for families with children and other animals when properly introduced.

Do Cavachons bark a lot?

Cavachons are not known to be excessive barkers, but like any breed, they may bark to alert or express excitement. Early training helps manage barking habits.

How long do Cavachons live?

Cavachons generally have a lifespan of 12–16 + years with proper care, vitamins and a healthy diet.

Do Cavachons need a lot of exercise?

Even though they don’t require exercise every single day to burn off excess energy like some high-energy breeds, regular activity is still highly beneficial. It supports their physical health, stimulates their mind, and helps strengthen the bond between you and your Cavachon. Think of it as a healthy daily habit that both you and your pup can look forward to!

Are Cavachons good for first-time dog owners?

Yes! Their easygoing temperament, small size, and affectionate personality make them a fantastic choice for first-time owners.

Do Cavachons like to cuddle?

Cavachons are exceptionally affectionate and people-oriented dogs. Most truly enjoy being close to their humans—whether that’s curled up beside you on the couch, resting at your feet, or occasionally snuggling in your lap.

That said, their desire to cuddle is sweet and balanced—not excessive. They love companionship but are also content to relax nearby without demanding constant attention. It’s one of the many reasons Cavachons make such wonderful, easygoing companions—they offer just the right amount of affection without being overwhelming.

How can I find a reputable Cavachon breeder?


Look for breeders who:

Raise puppies in a home environment

AKC Champion bloodline parents

Offer transparent communication

Provide early socialization and training

Have positive testimonials and reviews

Expert Guidance

Commited to ongoing support

Vet checked

Cavachons by Design is proud to be one of the top Cavachon breeders in the nation, with a reputation for healthy, well-socialized puppies raised in a loving home environment.

What They Are Saying

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“I could not have ‘designed’ a more perfect puppy!”

Joann M

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Yvonne - Can’t believe Bode is celebrating his 3rd Birthday—it’s been a wonderful 3 years for us to have him as a part of our family—such a delightful & loving character—loved by all who meet…

Carole

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Hi, Yvonne! Happy Halloween and hoping you’re doing well! Bailey is celebrating his third birthday today! He brings us so much joy! He is such a smart and loving boy, full of personality, that has us laughing…

Lara L

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Hi, Yvonne. It’s hard to believe that it’s been six years since we got Teddy and Sammy. We absolutely adore these sweet boys. They have the sweetest little personalities and bring us so much joy…

Jean J

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