Crossbreeds

Cavachon

A soft, sociable cuddle-bug combining two famously friendly breeds.

Cavachons combine the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. They are gentle, affectionate and friendly with everyone, with a low-shedding coat — but they need grooming, company and attention to inherited heart risks.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Bichon Frise cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.

Parent breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Bichon Frise

Height
9–13 in23–33 cm
Weight
10–20 lb5–9 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Small
Group
Crossbreeds
Origin
United States

Coat: Soft, wavy to curly coat; low shedding. Colours: White, White with apricot, Blenheim, Tricolour.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness5.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Cavachons are sweet, playful and sociable. They generally love children, strangers and other animals.

They are people-focused and often struggle when left alone. House-training can take patience.

Living with a Cavachon

Exercise

About 30–45 minutes of walks and play daily; short games indoors keep them happy on rainy days.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Clean around the eyes and ears.

Training

Eager and gentle; reward-based training works well. House-training needs consistency.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other pets; their gentle nature suits most households, including first-time owners.

Time alone

Prone to separation anxiety; best in homes where someone is around most of the day.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Cavachon right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Cavachon matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Cavachon typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Mitral valve disease

    Inherited from the Cavalier side; ask for parents’ cardiology results.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps are common in small dogs.

  • Allergies

    Skin allergies from Bichon lines can cause itching.

  • Ear infections

    Hairy, floppy ears trap moisture; clean them regularly.

Ask a breeder for

  • Cavalier parent: cardiology exam and MRI for syringomyelia
  • Both parents: patella and eye examinations

Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise; Bichon Frise Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Cavachons were first bred in the United States in the 1990s, combining two gentle companion breeds.

As with other crosses, look for breeders who health-test both parents, especially the Cavalier’s heart.

Did you know?

  • Cavachons were first bred in the 1990s.
  • Many Cavachons are white with apricot or Blenheim markings.
  • They are often used as therapy dogs thanks to their gentle nature.

Library guides for Cavachon owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Cavachons hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but many Cavachons shed little.
Are Cavachons good family dogs?
Yes — they are gentle, sociable and great with children.
Do Cavachons have health problems?
They can inherit Cavalier heart disease, so choose a breeder who health-tests.