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Cavachon |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain <> France / Belgium -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Cavachon |
| If you're not yet convinced of the merits of specific crossbreed dogs, prepare to be conquered. The Cavachon is a cuddly little dog that combines the appeal of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise to make one of the most attractive and playful dogs imaginable. The Cavachon is energetic and affectionate, and less delicate than some of the other popular crossbreeds, making it an excellent choice for children. Its low shedding coat makes it attractive to allergy sufferers. Being a small dog, he can do most of his exercise within the confines of a garden, but needs regular walks if he's expected to live in an apartment. Like the Bichon, he can do a decent job as a guard dog, but most Cavachons are extremely friendly and will soon be showering affection on all visitors arriving home. Cavachons are generally healthier than their parent breeds, but can still develop some of the conditions described in pedigree lines, including heart and hormonal disorders. Most are expected to live 11 to 13 years, but some can live much longer, especially if they can avoid these inherited health problems. |
History of the Cavachon |
| Gleneden Kennels of Berryville, Virginia, USA, prides itself on being the first Cavachon breeder, having created this hybrid in 1996. Since then, the Cavachon has traveled the world and today is one of the most popular dogs, both pedigree and crossbred, in the USA, UK and much of Europe. Although the Cavalier was designed to imitate ancient hunting dogs, it is first and foremost a companion dog, and the Bichon is first and foremost a companion dog. The Cavachon was designed with this in mind. As well as fitting this role perfectly in terms of temperament, it also inherits a very discreet coat from the Bichon, making it all the more attractive as a pet. All crossbreeding involves a bit of luck, and as most Cavachons are first-generation crosses between pedigree parents, you can never be sure what the puppies will turn out to be. While their size is reasonably predictable, other traits are not, and some Cavachons will look more like one parent or another. Most represent a happy marriage of the two breeds, and the following description gives an idea of the characteristics you can expect from the average Cavachon. |
A little of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
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| The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming and adorable little companion dog. The breed's big eyes and constantly wagging tail are sure to delight everyone, and they are patient and affectionate with other pets and children. Although its name suggests its origins in the court of Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles, or Cavie, is actually a recently developed breed, modeled on the Spaniel toys seen in many early paintings of European royalty. | ||
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| Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | ||
A little of the Bichon frise |
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| Bichon Frises are compact, elegant little dogs, always with a distinctive white coat. Originally bred as merry seafaring companions, the Bichon Frise is now a popular choice of dog as a pet. The breed is extremely gentle with children and requires relatively little exercise. The Bichon Frise is intelligent and quick to learn, which means training is not usually a problem. The Bichon Frise's sociable nature means they get on well with other dogs and animals, but can be prone to separation anxiety. | ||
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| Standard of the Bichon frise |
Appearance of the Cavachon |
| Most individuals measure between 29 and 33 cm and weigh between 4.5 and 9 kg. Being small and adorable, it's not unusual for Cavachons to be spoiled by their owners (and everyone else they meet), as they're so overweight, and even a little heavier than that, to be taken into account and guarded against, think about it when buying a puppy. These are fairly sturdy little dogs, with a broad back and ribcage inherited from the Bichon, as well as strong, bony limbs. The appearance of the head and face varies, but the muzzle should be of good length, as some short-nosed Cavignons can suffer from a degree of respiratory distress due to brachycephalic airway syndrome, as in the Cavalier. The ears are medium-sized and hang to the side of the head. The eyes are almost always large and brown, and will melt the hardest heart. The coat is soft and can be straight, wavy or curly. It can grow to several centimeters in length if left unattended. Cavachons can vary in color, the most common patterns being: white, brown, apricot, tricolor, red. The crossbreed can also be a mixture of white with patches of any of the colors listed above. |
Temperament of the Cavachon |
| The Cavachon is above all a happy dog. He goes through life with the absolute certainty that everyone is a friend, and that every day is an opportunity to have fun. It's an excellent companion for children and adults alike, and generally gets on very well with other pets. It's a high-energy hybrid that retains its zest for life well into old age, and should be given every opportunity to socialize and play. That said, Cavonniers that inherit more of the Bichon's temperament, especially male dogs, may try to assert themselves with their owners, especially if the owner is inexperienced or nervous. Owners must therefore make sure they firmly establish themselves as pack leaders. |
Needs and activities of the Cavachon |
| A Cavachon doesn't need much exercise, and a half-hour walk is usually enough. They usually have games for more, so on a pleasant day, don't hesitate to take a longer detour. These are energetic, playful dogs. Therefore, ball games will help you burn off excess energy. Because they get on very well with children, activities with them will be very useful in keeping your dog healthy and fit. A feisty dog, they like to play in a fenced-in yard, but are happy to live in an apartment as long as they're taken out every day for exercise. They don't tolerate the cold very well, so they shouldn't be left outside in winter, and shouldn't be taken for walks when temperatures are low. Your pet will enjoy walks on the beach or in the dog park, but will also appreciate interactive play in an enclosed yard. |
Maintenance of the Cavachon |
| A Cavachon doesn't shed much, and the breed is considered hypoallergenic, which is good for people who may suffer from allergies. But even if they don't shed much, they'll still need to be groomed fairly regularly to prevent their coats from becoming matted and dirty. Some dogs need occasional grooming. Bathing is recommended only when necessary, and with a good shampoo recommended by the vet to prevent skin irritation. Try to brush your four-legged friend's teeth every day to avoid dental problems. Check their nails regularly to see if they need trimming and to make sure there are no tears or sores. Ears should also be checked weekly for dirt or burrs, and can be wiped clean with damp absorbent cotton. |
English (United Kingdom)