Imagine a walking marshmallow with puppy-dog eyes and a PhD in cuddles — that’s the Cavachon. A cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, this adorable mix has cornered the market on cute. But behind that fluff and charm lies a cheeky little personality that knows exactly how to get its own way.
The Cavachon first popped up in the late 1990s, bred to combine the Cavalier’s affectionate nature with the Bichon’s non-shedding coat. These days they’ve become one of the UK’s most popular family dogs — and it’s not hard to see why.
Thinking of adding one to your sofa (and your heart)? Try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz first — just to make sure you’re ready for life with a professional snuggler who hates being alone.
Pickles’ Aside: Cavachons don’t follow you from room to room — they escort you.
Great Names for a Cavachon
These floofs deserve names as sweet and sassy as they are.
Fluffy charmers: Marshmallow, Pudding, Snowy, Muffin, Waffle, Cookie
Classic cuties: Rosie, Alfie, Molly, Bella, George, Teddy
Quirky picks: Noodle, Buttons, Bubbles, Pickle, Ziggy, Tizzy
Heritage nods: Darcy, Beatrix, Chester, Florence, Winston, Byron
Need a nudge? Spin through the Dog Name Generator until you find one that makes you grin.
Exercise
Cavachons aren’t marathon runners — they’re more Sunday-strollers with style. But don’t mistake them for total lapdogs. Their Cavalier side gives them bursts of playful energy that need daily outlets.
One owner said: “She gets the zoomies every evening — five minutes of chaos, then she’s back asleep on the sofa.” Another added: “He loves a good run, but only if there’s someone to admire him while he’s doing it.”
Daily needs:
- 45–60 minutes of walking
- A bit of off-lead fun or fetch
- Mental games and gentle training indoors
Pickles’ Aside: Think of them as exercise minimalists — they’ll do the work, but only if it looks fun.
Grooming Commitment / Sensitive Soul Warning
That soft coat needs regular brushing to avoid tangles, and their gentle nature means harsh words can hurt their feelings. Keep things calm, kind, and fluffy.
Temperament
Cavachons are sunshine in dog form — cheerful, affectionate, and always in the mood for a cuddle. They adore attention and thrive on company.
Traits you’ll spot:
- Friendly and affectionate with everyone
- Brilliant with kids and other pets
- Can be a bit clingy — they’re companion dogs through and through
- Usually calm indoors after their daily playtime
Owners often say things like: “She’s such a happy little thing — always wagging.” And another: “Honestly, he’s like a teddy bear with an off switch. He just wants to be loved.”
Pickles’ Aside: Warning — personal space will become a distant memory.
Training
Training a Cavachon is usually a breeze — they’re eager to please, clever, and sensitive. The only challenge? They can get distracted by cuddles and compliments.
Tips that work:
- Keep it positive — lots of praise and treats
- Short, fun sessions keep their focus
- Nail recall early — some get cheeky when off lead
- Socialise from puppyhood to prevent barking at new things
An owner admitted: “She was toilet trained in weeks, but she’ll still sulk if I don’t praise her after.”
Need help staying consistent? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer to tailor fun, bite-sized training games that’ll keep your Cavachon engaged.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Cavachons are more likely to invite a burglar in for cuddles than scare them off. They’ll bark when someone knocks, but friendliness wins out fast. Expect a warm welcome for every visitor.
Other Animals
Thanks to their social, gentle nature, Cavachons usually get on brilliantly with other dogs and even cats. They love having a buddy to play or snooze beside.
One owner wrote: “He’s best mates with our cat — they share the same chair like an old married couple.”
Pickles’ Aside: It’s all fun and games until the cat steals the bed.
Grooming
Their soft, wavy coats are gorgeous but need regular upkeep. Cavachons don’t shed much, but they do matt easily if you skip brushing.
Routine:
- Brush several times a week (daily for long coats)
- Trim every 6–8 weeks
- Regular ear and eye cleaning (Cavaliers can be prone to tear stains)
- Nail trims and dental care
Grooming Commitment Warning
Skipping the brush means you’ll be paying your groomer more than your mortgage.
Health
Crossbreeds like Cavachons can be hardy, but they’re not immune to health quirks from either side of the family.
Common concerns:
- Heart issues (from the Cavalier side)
- Patella luxation (knee problems)
- Ear infections (floppy ears trap moisture)
- Dental issues (small mouths = crowded teeth)
One owner said: “He’s healthy as anything — just gets ear infections if I don’t keep up with cleaning.”
Do your homework and stick with trusted breeders listed in the Best in Breeder Guide to avoid inherited problems.
Cost of Ownership
Life with a Cavachon is full of love — and grooming bills. In the UK, expect:
- Puppy price: £1,000–£2,000
- Insurance: £25–£50/month
- Food: £20–£40/month
- Grooming: £40–£60 every 6–8 weeks
- Vet bills: £200–£400/year (more for heart or ear issues)
Famous Owners & Moments
Cavachons have quietly conquered the celebrity world — you’ll spot them lounging on influencer sofas, posing in matching jumpers, and generally living their best pampered lives. They’re the dog equivalent of a velvet cushion with opinions.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Cavachons don’t need much care.” | Their coat and social needs take real commitment. |
| “They don’t bark.” | They’ll let you know if the post arrives — politely but persistently. |
| “Crossbreeds are automatically healthy.” | They can still inherit genetic conditions, so good breeding matters. |
FAQs
Are Cavachons good for first-time owners?
Yes — they’re loving, easy-going, and great for beginners who don’t mind grooming.
Do they shed?
A little, but far less than many breeds.
Can they live in a flat?
Absolutely, as long as they get daily walks and plenty of company.
Do they bark a lot?
Sometimes — especially if left alone or startled.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
A Cavachon will make every day softer, funnier, and fluffier. They’re gentle enough for families, cuddly enough for sofa-snugglers, and cheeky enough to keep life interesting. But don’t mistake their sweetness for simplicity — they crave company, need regular grooming, and will guilt-trip you for leaving them alone.
If you’re ready for a dog who’ll follow you from breakfast to bedtime and fill your home with affection (and fur tumbleweeds), a Cavachon could be the perfect match. Get organised with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and capture those teddy-bear looks forever with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small to medium
- Weight: 6–10 kg
- Height: 25–33 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, adaptable, cuddly
- Challenging Trait: Grooming upkeep, separation anxiety