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
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 [email protected] 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
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.