Cavachon at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 24–34 cm
- Weight
- 4.5–9 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Cavachon right for you?
Like every breed, the Cavachon is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
How would the Cavachon fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Cavachon
The Cavachon is a small designer crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. It can be a first cross, bred back to one of the parent breeds, or bred from two Cavachons, so size, shape, colour and coat type vary. In every case it is a small companion dog that is usually affectionate and bonds closely with its owners.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Often fine
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet dog around the home.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The Cavachon was first bred in North America in 1996, with the aim of producing a small, fun, trainable companion that would fit into any family's lifestyle. It is more common in the US but is slowly growing in popularity elsewhere. As a mixed breed, it is not recognised by the Royal Kennel Club.
Both parent breeds have long histories as companions: the Cavalier comes from the English toy spaniels, and the Bichon Frise was a favourite of the Spanish and French courts.
Cavachon temperament
Like most crossbreeds, a Cavachon's personality depends on its parents and how it was bred and reared. A well-bred Cavachon should be outgoing, happy and confident, not nervous or shy. Temperament tends to be more predictable in first crosses.
Cavachons enjoy training, games and being part of everything their owner does, and will want to go everywhere with them. They are not well equipped to cope alone and suit owners who are at home almost all the time. They are usually quiet dogs, generally friendly with other dogs, and can happily live with cats, especially if socialised early.
Size and appearance
Cavachons are small dogs. Adults typically stand 24–34 cm at the shoulder and weigh 4.5–9 kg, depending on their breeding.
Colours can be any of those found in the parent breeds, including black and tan, ruby, Blenheim, tricolour and white.
How much exercise does a Cavachon need?
Around an hour of walking a day is usually enough, as long as there are plenty of games, training and time with their owner too. Cavachons can live in a flat or smaller home and in the city, provided they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks. A small garden is welcome.
Training a Cavachon
Cavachons are clever, curious dogs that usually enjoy training and learning tricks and games. Basic training is needed for manners and control, and many go on to enjoy dog sports.
- Teach them to walk nicely on a lead and harness.
- Train a reliable recall.
- Add fun tricks to keep their minds busy.
- Try sports such as mini agility or heelwork to music.
Cavachon grooming
The coat can be quite high maintenance, depending on which coat type the dog inherits. Daily brushing keeps it free of mats. Some Cavachons shed, often in clumps, and some do not; those that do not shed will need regular trimming. A good local groomer can either care for the coat or show you how to do it yourself.
Living with a Cavachon
Cavachons can make fun family companions. They usually suit families with older, sensible children who can follow rules, or children who would like to get involved in training and dog sports. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A garden is helpful.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Cavachon health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Purina describes the Cavachon as generally healthy. Because it is a crossbreed, health can vary, as some dogs take after one parent breed more than the other. It is worth reading about the health of both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, and choosing a responsible breeder who prioritises health and behaviour. Inbreeding becomes more of a potential concern when Cavachons are bred to each other over several generations.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Cavachon home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Cavachon cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Cavachon home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically 10–15 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Cavachon
If you have decided the Cavachon suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Cavachon
Cavachons do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Cavachons looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Cavachon adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Boston Terrier
Affectionate, fun-loving, lively, intelligent, happy, determined, outgoing and social.
View breed guide
Cavachon FAQs
Is the Cavachon good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Cavachon live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Cavachon need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Cavachon shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Cavachon need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Cavachon easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Cavachon be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Cavachon bark a lot?
Tends to be quiet. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Cavachon good with cats?
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Cavachon live?
Typically 10–15 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Cavachon get?
Adults typically stand 24–34 cm at the shoulder and weigh 4.5–9 kg.