Most important facts
- Group
- Crossbreed
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 6–8.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Coat
- Soft, wavy to loosely curled
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 30–33 cm
- Colours
- White, cream, apricot or tricolour
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£19/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slicker brush and comb, small-breed no-pull harness, slow-feeder or puzzle bowl
Typical dry food, adult
About the Cavachon
The Cavachon is a deliberate cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. Breeders in the United States are generally credited with it in the mid 1990s, where they set out to make a small, gentle companion with a low-shedding coat. The cross made its way to the UK soon after and has become a familiar family dog here, though as a crossbreed it is not recognised by the Kennel Club.
Cavachons are friendly, affectionate dogs that thrive on human company, combining the sociable, gentle nature of the Cavalier with the playful, upbeat character of the Bichon Frise. Children and other pets are usually no problem for them, and they are easy-going companions with none of the drive of a working dog.
That strong attachment to their owners means they can struggle with being left alone for long stretches, and some show real separation distress. They are typically food-motivated, which makes training straightforward but also means treats and mealtimes need managing carefully to avoid steady weight gain.
Common health conditions
Things Cavachon owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Mitral valve disease / heart murmurs
An inherited risk from the Cavalier side. Book regular vet check-ups, and keep weight in a healthy range to reduce strain on the heart.
Patellar luxation
A slipping kneecap is common in small breeds. Keep your dog lean through correctly sized portions to reduce the load on the joints.
Cataracts and other eye conditions
These can be inherited from the Bichon Frise side. Keep up annual vet checks to catch changes early.
Ear infections
Floppy ears trap moisture and wax. Check and dry the ears regularly, particularly after walks or baths.
Dental crowding and tartar build-up
Small jaws mean teeth sit close together. Choose a dental-friendly kibble and build tooth-brushing into the routine.
Feeding a Cavachon
As a small breed with modest exercise requirements, the Cavachon can gain weight quickly on generic portion sizes. Measure meals against a small-breed complete food and adjust to body condition, not to the pack guideline. A small kibble suited to a compact jaw also makes meals easier to manage and supports dental health.
Given the heart and joint tendencies inherited from its Cavalier and Bichon lineage, a diet with good omega-3 levels and joint support is worth prioritising. Splitting the daily allowance into two meals, and counting treats within that total, helps prevent slow, steady weight gain over time.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Cavachon needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
6–8.5 kg
Est. daily calories
320–560 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Cavachons eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.62
- Per month
- ~£19
- Per year
- ~£227
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Cavachon
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Cavachon by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs5/10
- Appetite6/10
- Trainability7/10
- Good with children8/10
- Shedding3/10
- Tolerates being alone2/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Affectionate, sociable companion, easy with children and other pets
- Low-shedding coat that can suit some allergy-sensitive households
- Playful but not hyperactive, fitting a range of family lifestyles
Worth knowing
- Doesn't cope well with being left alone for long periods
- Needs frequent brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks
- Can inherit health risks from both parent breeds, including heart, joint and eye conditions
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed my Cavachon?
Feed to body condition rather than a fixed amount, weighing portions of a small-breed complete food and splitting the daily total across two meals. Because Cavachons are prone to weight gain, our Food Finder can help match a food and portion size to your dog.
Are Cavachons hypoallergenic?
No dog is fully hypoallergenic, but the Cavachon's low-shedding coat, inherited from the Bichon side, sheds less hair and dander than many breeds. Individual reactions vary, so spend time with the breed before committing.
Do Cavachons need a lot of grooming?
Yes. Their soft, wavy coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting, plus a professional groom roughly every six to eight weeks.
What health problems should I watch for?
Keep an eye out for signs of heart murmurs, slipping kneecaps and eye or ear issues. Regular vet checks, alongside a well-portioned diet that keeps weight healthy, do the most for long-term health.