Cavachon
Planning on adopting or buying a dog is a no-brainer. However, choosing the perfect dog that fits your lifestyle, place of living, and compatibility with other pets or people in the house requires a great deal of thought. If you’re looking for a toy dog that is low maintenance, healthy and is a bundle of cuteness, then a Cavachon may be the right pet for you!
A Cavachon is a mixed-breed of two famous toy dog breeds namely the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. Cavachons are an intelligent, loving, and sweet breed. They have medium to long coats that can also be curly or wavy at times. Cavachons usual colors include white, apricot, tan, black, or a mixture of two to three of these colors. Their eyes are of a deep black or brown color that resembles a teddy bear. Since Cavachons are a mixed-breed, they tend to be healthier compared to their purebred parents.
The Cavachon is one of the newest breeds in the dog world. Not a quarter of a century has passed since the creation of the breed. There is still a lot to be discovered about Cavachons which adds to the thrill of owning one. If you are seriously considering getting an adorable Cavachon, do keep in mind that they are not listed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because they are a mixed-breed. That should not be an issue since the love the Cavachon has to offer to you will mean more than any certifications it does not have.
Cavachon Key Information
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 15-35 pounds
Life span: 10-15 years
Breed family: Mixed-breed
Exercise requirements: Low
Good with children: Yes
Area of origin: United States of America
Also Known As: Bischalier Cavashon and Bichalie-Cavashon
History
The magnificent Cavachon is a young designer breed compared to some other dog breeds that have graced the Earth for over a thousand years already. The breed was officially born in 1996 in the United States of America. It was facilitated by the Gleneden Kennels of Virginia for the goal of creating a breed that is much healthier than its purebred parents. Mixed-breeds are famous for being healthier since hereditary health issues will tend to be selectively bred out of the resulting breed. Although their official birth was recorded in 1996, it is possible that there was an earlier natural conception of the breed.
Being a mixed-breed means that the Cavachon is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) which means that it won’t have an official pedigree paper to document its lineage. Despite this, other major organizations such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dog Kennel Club, International Designer Canine Registry, and Designer Breed Registry do recognize the breed.
Personality
As the Cavachon is a new breed, their traits are still a great mystery. Like any other dog, they have their own unique characteristics that differentiate them from other Cavachons. Puppies that came from the same litter may even have varying traits. To have a glimpse of the traits of the puppies, you can meet the puppy’s parents or at least one of their parents since traits can be sometimes inherited.
During the years that this breed has been around, some commonalities in the nature of the breed have been observed. They are generally a sweet-natured, playful, smart, and affectionate dog.
Interaction with Children
The kids and your Cavachon will definitely enjoy each other’s company. The children will have a great time playing with the cute little dog. They won’t even be scared of petting the Cavachon even if they just met because of its adorableness. It’s like a live teddy bear!
At the same time, Cavachons love the energy of the kids. They are even patient and very tolerant of children’s noise. Nonetheless, if you’re considering adding this fur baby into the family, introducing them to the family at a young age is a huge advantage. This way they will learn how to socialize at a young age.
Another perk of welcoming this breed into the family is that their coats are hypoallergenic. This means that if you suffer from allergies they most likely will no longer be the hindrance in getting the pet of your dreams!
Interaction with other pets
You won’t have an issue if you already have pets and want to add the Cavachon to the pack. Cavachons like to have other dog playmates. Just make sure to give them attention because they can get jealous at times. Also, introducing them to the pack at a young age can help in their adjusting phase.
To give you an idea how what Cavachons are like as puppies, here’s a great video of them playing.
Feeding
Cavachons are small toy dogs so you wouldn’t have to worry about having to allocate a big budget for their food. Feeding them 2 times a day is more than enough. While the puppy is at its growing stage, it is best to give them a high-quality commercial pet food. This way, the nutrition and diet they need are taken into account. Giving them food that has high protein and fat will aid them in their growth.
At times, it can be tempting to shower your Cavachon with treats but don’t give in! Hybrids are more prone to obesity and Cavachons have a massive appetite which could not be sustainable with their small bodies. Beware of their gorgeous puppy dog eyes when they want to get a treat, be strong, and don’t give in! Making sure that they receive just the adequate amount of food will ensure they grow into active and healthy dogs.
Food Allergies
As of the moment, there is no one-size-fits-all rule with regard to the food allergies of Cavachons. Each Cavachon may develop a specific allergy to its food. If you notice appetite changes on your dog, make sure to seek professional advice immediately.
Care
Cavachon’s are, comparatively, a really easy breed to care for. That’s one of the reasons why they are the perfect pets for kids and the elderly. This breed is fairly low maintenance. Give them their basic needs such as food, water, and love and they’re good to go!
Grooming
Cavachons are simple to groom which makes them excellent pets for people with hectic schedules. They also do not shed a lot. One thing that you can do to maintain the gloss of their coat is to brush it at least three times a week. This also helps to keep their coat from tangling, which can be painful for the dog. It is also a great opportunity for you to bond with your Cavachon. Frequently checking their ears could help mitigate the early signs of ear mites. Likewise, brushing their teeth regularly is a must since smaller breeds are more prone to dental issues.
Nails
Hearing the nails of the Cavachon scratching on the floor may be a good sign that they need their nails trimmed. On average you’re likely to need to trim your Cavachon’s nails once or twice a month. If you’re unsure of how to trim your Cavachon’s nails then it is worth either getting a groomer to do it or getting your vet to show you how to do it properly. Incorrectly cutting your dog’s nails can hurt your dog, which you don’t want to do.
Exercise
The energy of Cavachons is at a medium level. Although they may not eat a lot, it is still very important for them to have a decent amount of exercise. This is not just to maintain a healthy weight but also for their overall well-being. Similar to humans, exercise can help to reduce their stress and improve their mental wellbeing.
You can help them stay healthy by going on a 30-minute walk daily with them. If you don’t have the time to do that, you can occasionally substitute this with simple activities such as playing with them. The important thing is that they receive their daily exercise daily regardless of the intensity of the exercise.
If you’re regularly going to be unable to provide them with their daily walks or exercise then it would be worth looking into alternatives such as getting a dog walker or a doggy treadmill. If those aren’t options either, then it is worth thinking seriously about whether it is the right time for you to be getting a dog.
Training
Cavachons are intelligent dogs that can follow and learn new commands quickly. They can get distracted easily which can make learning a new trick more challenging. One pro tip to avoid that is to spice up the learning process. Make sure that they are entertained which helps in memory retention. For example, you may consider giving them different treats.
Housing
Cavachons have a small build which makes them suitable for any living space. They can adapt well to big houses, small apartments, living with kids, or with other pets. Cavachons are quite easy about their home as long as they’re loved by their pet parents.
Apartments
Cavachons would do well even in tiny apartments like their parents the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. They don’t need a large yard to keep themselves fit. As long as they do physical activities every day, the size of their house shouldn’t matter.
Dog Houses / Kennels
Cavachons are sensitive to extreme temperatures and weather. It may not be advisable to leave them in dog houses especially in the cold or hot season. They prefer to be surrounded by people. This can also help in making them comfortable with other people especially with visitors to make them less prone to aggressiveness.
Leaving them alone
Cavachons should not be left alone for long periods of time. They crave human affection and interaction. They may also experience separation anxiety especially if they are not used to being unattended and unaccompanied.
Health
Cavachons are generally a healthy breed because they are a hybrid. Hybrids tend to be stronger and more resilient than their purebred parents. Despite this, there are still some health issues you need to be in the lookout for in your Cavachons. Here are some of the most common health issues of the breed:
- Hip dysplasia – Where the hip joint does not correctly join up.
- Heart murmurs – This is caused by the abnormal rhythm of its heartbeats.
- Eye ulcerations – When the cornea of their eyes is scratched because of their hair.
- Ear infections – This is primarily caused by ear mites or wax build-ups that can lead to serious illness.
To help minimize the chances of your Cavachon suffering from these conditions make sure to regularly take them to the vet. Making sure that you look after their grooming and keeping them active will also greatly benefit their welfare. If your Cavachon becomes overweight then it will put additional strain on their body which could lead to conditions such as arthritis as they get older.
Older age
As Cavachons are a relatively new breed there is relatively little known about how they do when they get older, what sort of conditions are common, or any other health complaints.
However, there are no outstanding problems that Cavachons face with old age that other breeds don’t have. Remember that if you have a Cavachon, you are probably one of the first owners of this breed. Your vet will always be there to guide you into this thrilling and exciting journey.
Allergies
Like with old age, there is not an abundance of research conducted with regards to Cavachon allergies. If you notice a change of behavior in your pet, make sure to get it checked immediately.
Wrapping up
Overall, Cavachons are a great pet to have. They are wonderful pets with admirable traits. They are perfect for existing or aspiring fur parents. This breed can easily adapt to any situation. They can live in small or big spaces and interact well with kids and other pets. If you’re not sold on them after that, I don’t know what would convince you! They are the perfect package when it comes to pets!
Nevertheless, having a pet is a two-way street. You also have to be a good owner. Provide them with the right amount of food, exercise, and love. That’s all they ask in exchange for their unconditional love!
To conclude, you will not regret picking a Cavachon as your pet. They are great companions and friends. Treat them right and you will have a loyal sidekick ready to be with you through the ups and downs of life.
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