Cavachon
Canis lupus familiaris
Also called Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise
From United States; Hill's Pet Nutrition credits a breeder in Virginia with the first deliberate cross in 1996.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Adopt-a-Pet gives 10-20 lb, Dogster 15-20 lb and Hill's 15-35 lb (about 4.5-15.9 kg across sources). No split by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium to long, soft, wavy to curly
A soft, silky coat of medium to long length that falls in waves or loose curls. It sheds only lightly, which is part of why the cross was made.123
Personality what they are like
A sweet-natured, cheerful little dog that loves company and likes to be close to its people. It is usually calm indoors and not a big barker, yet playful when games start. Bright and keen to please, it tends to pick up training quickly.231
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Around 30-45 minutes a day, ideally split into two outings, plus play and small brain games. Many enjoy fetch and even dog sports.312
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush two to three times a week to keep the soft coat tangle-free, with a professional trim every 6-8 weeks. Bathe monthly or as needed, and keep up with nails, ears and teeth.231
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to flats or houses thanks to its compact size and calm manner. Suits families, older owners and first-time dog keepers, as long as it is not left alone for long periods.231
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality food made for small breeds, in measured portions to keep a trim shape.3
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and dislikes long spells alone. Usually gentle with children and gets on with other dogs and cats when socialised young.123
The story where it all began
The Cavachon is a young designer cross. According to Hill's, a Virginia breeder first paired a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Frise on purpose in 1996, hoping for a sweet companion with a low-shedding coat. The cross caught on through the late 1990s and beyond.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.4
- American Kennel Club
- Not recognised by the AKC.2
- American Canine Association and designer breed registries
- Recognised by the American Canine Association and by designer breed registries, according to Hill's.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cavachon. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cavachon, and at what times?
Feed your Cavachon twice a day, ideally at set times like morning and evening. For puppies, three to four smaller meals are better. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portions.35
What should a Cavachon eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, good-quality small-breed dog food in measured portions. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet if unsure.36
How often should I bathe a Cavachon?
Bathe your Cavachon about once a month, or every 8 weeks as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. More frequent baths are fine if your dog gets dirty, but avoid over-bathing.2317 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Cavachon need brushing?
Brush your Cavachon two to three times a week to keep the soft coat tangle-free. Daily brushing is even better for a long silky coat, but 2-3 times a week works well.2317 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Cavachon's nails, and how often?
Trim your Cavachon's nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the pink quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer.2317 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Cavachon need?
Your Cavachon needs about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily, best split into two walks. Add some play and brain games to keep them happy and healthy.312 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Cavachon's teeth and ears?
Brush your Cavachon's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never poke anything into the ear canal. Daily tooth brushing is ideal.2317 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Cavachon live?
A Cavachon typically lives between 10 and 17 years, bringing many happy years of companionship.231
Is a Cavachon good with children and other pets?
Yes, Cavachons are usually gentle with children and get along well with other dogs and cats if socialised from puppyhood. They are sweet-natured and love being part of the family.123
Can a Cavachon be left alone?
Cavachons dislike being left alone for long periods because they are very people-oriented. They do best when someone is home most of the day, or with a pet sitter for short absences.123
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Parents and lookalikes
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Bichon Frise
Cavapoo
Cavapoochon
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Cavachon Dog Breed - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for history (1996 Virginia), size, coat, colours, temperament, recognition
- Cavachon Breed Profile - Adopt-a-Pet adoptapet.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, living
- Cavachon - Dogster dogster.comused for size, lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, parent origins
- What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.