Cava-Chon Breed Information
Description: The Cava-Chon is a combination of a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are small-framed, family-friendly dogs with soft, silky tri-colored coats. Thriving as companions opposed to protectors, Cava-Chons are intelligent and eager to be trained. They excel in exercises and aim to please their owner. Overall, these dogs have a sweet personality and deep-rooted loyalty to the humans who care for them.
Other Names: Cavachon
Type: Hybrid
Height: 12-13 in.
Weight: 15-20 lbs.
Colors: Cava-Chons typically come in the colors white, apricot, black or tan.
Coat: The coat of this breed is best describes as soft, silky with medium length waves.
Temperament: This dog tends to win humans over with their fun-loving personality, sweet nature and sensitivity. They get along with children, other dogs and all family members. As long as they get a lot of affection and compliments paired with daily exercise, Cava-Chons are loveable and friendly to all. With Children: This breed is patient and gentle with children of all ages. Cava-Chon dogs are not intimidating due to their small size and will always be up for a game of fetch or playing with toys. With Pets: Socialization with other animals should be included in a Cava-Chon puppy’s training but this breed plays well with other dogs. They thrive in dog park settings.
Watch-dog: In strange and new surroundings, the Cava-Chon breed go into defense mode and have no problem warning their owners when something feels wrong to them. This makes them a great watch dog.
Guard-dog: The Cava-Chon’s petite size defeats their ability to be a proactive guard dog.
Care and Training: Cava-Chon dogs are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t shed a lot. Owners are still urged to groom their pet regularly to prevent coat damage. Baths and trims are suggested for seldom occasions, using veterinary-recommended shampoo that will prevent skin irritation. Cava-Chon dogs require daily teeth cleanings and weekly ear cleanings for dirt with a damp cotton ball. This breed excels at treat-based training with positive reinforcement.
Learning Rate: High. This breed catches on to training quickly. Obedience: High. Cava-Chon are a loyal breed who aim to please their owners. Problem Solving: High.
Activity: High. Cava-Chon are an energetic and playful breed who favor ball games and family-centric activities.
Living Environment: Cava-Chon can happily live in an apartment as long as they are given time to be outdoors on the daily.
Health Issues: Some of the common health problems that Cava-Chon inherits from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise are hip dysplasia, heart murmur, congestive heart failure, ear infections, eye problems, liver problems, and autoimmune diseases.
Life Span: 13-17 years.
Litter Size: 4-6 puppies.
Country of Origin: United States of America
History: The Cavachon is a mix of Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, originating in the 1990’s. The Bichon Frise are from the Mediterranean area, descendants of barbets or water spaniels who were crossed with small white lap dogs. An Italian artist named Francisco de Goya was so moved by the appeal of this breed, he incorporated them into several pieces of work. The Bichon made its way to the United States of America in 1955 and became eligible to enter the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class in 1971. Toy Spaniel s gained popularity due to royal paintings created throughout the 1600’s to 1800’s. King Charles II was a famous fan of the breed for their gentle nature and companionship. Years of breeding brought the Cavalier King Charles to North America in 1952. The breed wasn’t added to the American Kennel Club until 1996. Cava-Chon are not recognized by this club because they are a hybrid breed.
First Registered by the AKC: Cava-Chon are not recognized by the AKC.
Class: Hybrid
Registries: The Cava-Chon breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Breed Registry.
