Overview
The Cavachon is a first-cross or multi-generation mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, bred as a low-shedding family companion. It is small, with a soft wavy coat in white with apricot, sable or tricolour markings, and a gentle, expressive face. As with any cross, size and coat vary from dog to dog.
Temperament is almost always sweet. Cavachons are affectionate, sociable with people and dogs, and content to potter. The two things a walker should take seriously are separation anxiety, which is common, and the heart and breathing issues that can come from the Cavalier side.
Exercise and walking needs
Fifty minutes a day in two walks suits most adults, with some play indoors. They enjoy a sniffy stroll and a bit of fetch and are not built for long hikes.
Adjust to the individual. A Cavachon with more Bichon in it may be bouncier; one with more Cavalier may be happy with less.
On the walk
- Recall: Usually good; the dog wants to be near people. Reward check-ins and keep an eye out for food on the ground, which the Cavalier side cannot resist.
- Other dogs: Friendly and gentle. Protect it from rough play with big dogs; it is small and soft.
- Lead: Light. A harness suits a small neck and a dog that may have breathing sensitivities.
- Weather: The soft coat soaks up rain and the dog chills easily. A coat in winter and a towel at the door.
Tips for professional walkers
- Allow time for a big greeting when collecting; the dog may have fretted while alone.
- Keep treats tiny; the Cavalier side gains weight easily.
- Look inside the ears after wet walks; floppy, hairy ears trap damp.
- Watch breathing on warm days and shorten the walk if it gets noisy.
What to ask the owner
- Any heart murmur or breathing problem, and has the vet set any limits on exercise?
- How does the dog cope when left, and is there a routine for your arrival?
- When is the next groom, and are there routes you should avoid in the days before it?