Cavachon Breed Guide

cavachon puppies laying on couch

The Cavachon is a very energetic breed of dog. They love to go outside and play with the family. They also love attention and will follow their owners around the house to make sure they never miss out on their daily dose of affection. Some people prefer small dogs because they are easier to handle than large dogs, especially if you have children. If you are looking for a companion but don't want one that will take up too much space or too much time, this is the perfect breed for you!

So, are you lucky enough to be the guardian over adorable, fun-loving, Cavachon puppies, but you don't know how to provide the best care possible for them? In this guide, you will learn all about your Cavachon and how to give a remarkable, supportive life to them. So, keep reading to learn more!

The Cavachon Dog Breed Explained. 

Although it may seem like a new breed, the Cavachon has been around for a long time. The Cavachon was developed from two dog breeds with a long lineage: the Bichon Frise and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. And, both parent breeds are famous in their own right. 

The Bichon is a fluffy, curly-coated lap dog that originated in the Mediterranean and is distinguished by its egg-shaped head. Bichons have long white fur with black or tan markings around their eyes and nose, and their personalities set them apart from almost every other breed! They are fun-loving and resilient.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a regal dog with an even temperament, making it the perfect companion. They are considered small dogs and have silky, flowing coats and large, prominent eyes. 

The Cavachon has the long white coat of a Bichon Frise and the round head of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Their eyes are typically brown or hazel but can be blue like those of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel or light blue like a Bichon Frise.  

If you are looking for the perfect dog who will snuggle with you on the couch all day but still has enough energy to play with your kids, the Cavachon may be the ideal choice for your family!

Cavachon puppies tend to be somewhat rambunctious and active. They can be stubborn as they grow older and require some training to break their bad habits. Cavachons do best when they have plenty of toys to keep them occupied and a family that can provide plenty of socialization opportunities for the young pup.

A Cavachon is a cute, cuddly, and affectionate breed that is small in stature. Cavachon puppies can be high-energy dogs, so they require daily walks and plenty of playtime. Facial hair — especially whiskers — is also possible from both parents, although the Bichon's softer whiskers cause them to curl upwards more than the Cavalier's coarser whiskers. Cavachons are generally healthy and long-lived, with an average life expectancy of 15 years or longer. However, like other dogs mixed from purebred dogs, Cavachons are prone to certain inherited diseases.

Cavachons do not need lots of grooming, but they will appreciate regular brushing to rid them of excess hair. This breed is a good traveler and great for car rides. And generally, a Cavachon can be described as calm yet energetic. They enjoy playing with other dogs, their owners or both. Cavachons are intelligent dogs that learn new tricks quickly, making them great for canine sports like agility training or dog shows.

Whatever your reason for wanting to buy a Cavachon, this breed is an adorable and loyal companion. However, you'll want to make sure that you prepare plenty of time for your pet, as these dogs tend to be very affectionate and want to spend a lot of time with their families.

cavachon laying on couch

Psychological Predispositions Of The Cavachon.

The Cavachon is a smaller version of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavachons were bred to have a gentle temperament, so these dogs do not make good guard dogs. In addition, they inherited the Bichon's intelligence and the Cavalier's playfulness.

Cavachons absolutely love being around people and would never hurt someone unless they felt like it was absolutely necessary. Cavachons are very affectionate and love to stay close to their owners. This hybrid can bond very closely with particular people or households like the parent breeds.

To have well-behaved Cavachon puppies that are also friendly and good-natured, you have to start socializing your Cavachon puppies early. If you wait until your Cavachon puppies are older to start training, it will be much harder to teach them how to behave appropriately. Your Cavachon puppies will already be set in their ways if this happens. 

To help ensure your Cavachon puppies become well-mannered adult Cavachons, be sure to get them involved in the family as soon as possible. Your Cavachon puppies should spend time with adults and children alike. The best way to accomplish this is to bring them along for activities that everyone does together, like going for walks or sitting down for meals. 

These opportunities for interaction with diverse groups of humans help Cavachon puppies learn that all people deserve respect, not just the humans or dogs in the most familiar household. The more opportunities they have to see and interact with people and other pets, the better behaved your Cavachon puppies will be when they grow up.

Generally, when it comes to their temperament, Cavachons are incredibly balanced dogs. They are not hyperactive or excitable dogs, but they are not dull either. They are friendly with everyone, including other pets and people alike. 

Cavachons are almost always happy and energetic. And, it's important to note that Cavachons aren't known for being exceptional workers or athletes in any way. But, Cavachons are lively, intelligent dogs that need to be kept busy. But, they can get into trouble if they have too much time on their paws, as they are prone to chewing. Because Cavachons like to chew, owners should be careful about what objects they leave lying around the house. 

Cavachon puppies are curious and love to explore, so off-limit areas in the house should be blocked off using baby gates or other barriers. In addition, dogs of this breed will not do well if left alone for long periods of time. They are loving, docile creatures who want to be with their owners and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Many owners will adopt a Cavachon simply because they grow so attached to it during puppyhood. Because they're so loving and eager to please, it's hard not to get connected. Cavachons are one of the dog breeds that make a great family pet. And, because the breed craves companionship, most owners opt to adopting two Cavachon puppies! 

cavachon walking on the beach

Stress And Your Cavachon. 

Your Cavachon is a loving and loyal friend to you and your family. However, they are canines, which means their instincts drive them to be territorial, aggressive, protective, and stressed. So yes, dogs experience stress just like people do. 

When our dogs are stressed, they may show it in different ways, depending on their personalities and the sort of stressor. While stress can take on many other forms, it's essential to know what the signs of stress are in dogs, so you can help your dog cope with these issues. In addition, identifying the source and taking steps to remove it will help alleviate some of your Cavachon's stress. Remember that your dog can't tell you what he's feeling or why, so you must be the one to recognize the signs of stress in your dog.

There are many different types of stress. Some stress is positive, while other types of stress can be damaging and even fatal. Knowing which kind of stress your Cavachon is experiencing can help you determine the most effective method for reducing it. 

Severe stress is the physical and emotional trauma that has a powerful effect on the body and mind. Stress from illness is an example of this type of stress. Severe stress can also be caused by extreme temperature changes, attacks from other animals, or a stressful event. 

Stress that causes temporary health problems is considered acute stress. For example, a thunderstorm that frightens your dog may cause them to get sick temporarily because they cannot handle such intense emotion. Acute stress can also cause behavioral problems, such as excessive barking or destructive behavior.

Cavachons tend to be anxious and stressed; some of this is due to their sensitivity. There are five tell-tale signs that your Cavachon puppies are struggling with stress. First, if your Cavachon suddenly stops eating his food, then this could be a sign of stress. Cavachons that are sick or injured often lose interest in their food. The next symptom to be aware of is diarrhea. Diarrhea is often the result of stress, especially if your Cavachon has never had issues with either problem before. 

The third sign to look for is isolation. A Cavachon that begins to isolate itself from other pets or people may be trying to communicate that it's suffering from feelings of stress. Fourth, if your Cavachon feels lethargic, it may be worth noting. Lethargy is another sign that something may be wrong with your Cavachon. If your Cavachon puppies seem lazy and unmotivated, it could be a sign of illness, injury, or stress. Finally, the fifth symptom of stress is aggression. Cavachon puppies are loving, and if they begin showing aggression, it could be a sign of their stress.

Most guardians recognize that a visit to the vet or a trip in the car can cause stress for their dog. But some people aren't aware that a change in household routine, an addition to the family, or even moving to a new home can also be stressful events for their dog. But, what really is the difference between stress and anxiety in your Cavachon? Keep reading! 

cavachon wearing orange harness

Anxiety And Your Cavachon.

​​Stress and anxiety are part of our everyday lives. But, even though they can be debilitating, they don't have to be. Addressing stress and anxiety requires making lifestyle changes for your Cavachon puppies to feel relief from the symptoms. Surprisingly, stress and anxiety are pretty similar. So, when it comes to your Cavachon puppies, there can be a very fine line when looking at the differences between stress and anxiety. 

Both tend to come in waves, with periods of calm interspersed with periods of high stress or anxiety. In addition, both can cause a wide range of physical symptoms in your Cavachon, including muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, and the potential for aggression. The most significant difference between stress and anxiety is that stress is a reaction to an external trigger – something out there is stressing your Cavachon out – such as a mailman at the front door momentarily, or a friend is coming over quickly. 

Anxiety has no known external cause; it's just there inside your Cavachon's head. It may be caused by an event in the past that's now causing your Cavachon to worry about its potential reoccurrence. Or it may be caused by fears based on your Cavachon's perception of a current situation. Anxiety can also be caused by genetic factors or even triggered by a physical illness. But, in many cases, anxiety is caused by worrying too much about what could go wrong in an uncertain situation.

As a result, your Cavachon will feel anxious even when nothing is happening to provoke it. 

Another main difference between stress and anxiety is that most people are more familiar with the physical symptoms of stress than they are with the symptoms their Cavachon puppies will exhibit with anxiety. So, how do you know if your Cavachon is suffering from anxiety? And, what signs are worth monitoring?

According to a recent study, "more than 70% of dogs display anxiety," so your Cavachon will likely experience anxiety throughout its life. But, what are the signs? According to this same study, the most common symptoms of anxiety shown in the dogs studied were noise sensitivity, general fearfulness, separation anxiety, and aggression. 

As the research states, "32% (of the dogs in the study) had noise sensitivity, meaning that they were frightened of at least one noise. Among noise-sensitive dogs, the most common fear was that of sounds associated with fireworks — this fear had a "prevalence of 26%," the researchers write. General fearfulness affected 29% of the dogs in the study. "Specifically, 17% of dogs showed fear of other dogs, 15% fear of strangers, and 11% fear of novel situations," the authors write. The least common anxious behaviors, according to the surveys, were separation-related behaviors, which affected 5% of dogs, and aggression, which owners reported in 14% of dogs."

Understanding these symptoms is essential in providing the best life possible for your Cavachon. If your Cavachon is suffering from anxiety, it's vital to provide support and relief so they can live a happy life by your side!  

cavachon sitting on wood floor

How To Relax Your Cavachon Puppies. 

If you're anxious about your dog's stress and anxiety, then it is your responsibility to take action as your Cavachon's responsible guardian. 

Whether or not you know it, you can have a little bit of a calming effect on your dog. Just you being with your Cavachon can bring relief to its stress and anxiety. But, as their guardian, there are other steps you can take to protect your Cavachon puppies from the strain of stress and anxiety. Of course, the only tried and true way to give your dog some peace of mind is by not leaving your house. But, unfortunately, the only way you can do that is by being a hermit, and that's not a great life for anyone. But, by following these four simple tips, you can help bring relief to your Cavachon (and have a life of your own). 

First, you must make sure your Cavachon gets to exercise every day. For example, suppose anxiety is causing your dog to over-exert himself or play too hard. In that case, he may be showing signs such as panting heavily when there is no hot weather outside, pacing around the house non-stop or attempting to chew on furniture or other items inside the house. This type of behavior can be highly frustrating for any guardian. Instead of getting upset with your dog, take them for a walk. Exercise is one of the best ways to get rid of pent-up energy and relieve stress and anxiety. 

Next, make sure to pet your dog often. There is absolutely nothing more calming to your Cavachon puppies than when you pet them. If you see that your Cavachon is struggling from stress and anxiety, let them know you're here to support them by spending dedicated time petting, cuddling, and loving them. 

The third way you can help relieve your Cavachon's stress and anxiety is massage. A massage can work wonders for most humans, but did you know that massage also allows dogs to find relief from stress and anxiety? There are a couple of reasons why massaging can soothe an anxious dog. First off, it reminds them of their mother grooming them as a puppy. This type of contact can help build trust in you, which is especially important if you are trying to fix an issue such as separation anxiety. Also, it provides direct contact with you that they might not always be able to get because they are so anxious or hyperactive. So when dealing with anxiety in dogs, massage can be an essential part of reducing their stress levels.

And finally, the fourth way you can bring relief to your Cavachon suffering from stress and anxiety is by creating a safe space in your home for them. This safe space is essential, giving your Cavachon a safe retreat when it all gets too much. If you're in a particularly stressful situation, try playing with your dog or taking him for a walk before the event and then leaving them in their safe space to feel supported.

But what if your Cavachon isn't responding to all of these tools? Well, there are more things out there that can provide the relief you want for your Cavachon puppies. Nowadays, the dog market has expanded vastly to include homeopathic options to relieve stress and anxiety for Cavachon puppies. So, you don't have to put your pup on prescribed anxiety medication just to get the relief you dream of for their well-being. Instead, follow these three steps to help resolve the stress and anxiety your Cavachon is experiencing. 

First and foremost, it is essential to find a treat that you can give your Cavachon that also helps to relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety that they are experiencing. Thankfully, this is a need for many dog owners, so there are various options available in the market today. Whether you choose something with CBD or something specially made to help relieve anxiety, like Calming Zen Chews, you are supporting their well-being. Treats like Calming Zen Chews contain ingredients that help reduce stress, such as L-Theanine and Chamomile. The L-Theanine helps calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety, which can help your dog deal with stressful situations. Dog treats created specifically for anxiety are great for assisting dogs in dealing with problems that make them stressed out, such as thunderstorms, strangers, and traveling. When you give your pup these tasty homeopathic supplements before a stressful situation, you're giving them away to better cope with the problem.

The next way to help give support and natural relief to your Cavachon is using different calming sprays on their bed when you leave the house. Calming sprays are created as a safe way for pet owners to help with their dogs' anxiety problems. By focusing on recreating pheromones that already exist in your dog's body, the ingredients are inherently all-natural and totally harmless to animals. Calming sprays for dogs are an excellent alternative to traditional sedatives, which just cover up the symptoms but don't eliminate them. So when you need to calm your dog down, try a spray that will help your dog relax and unwind naturally instead of reaching for a sedative. 

As mentioned above, a safe space is sometimes required to help your Cavachon feel less anxious and stressed. If this is the case, it is always supportive to ensure your Cavachon has a comfortable place to rest in their safe space. Finding the right dog bed for your Cavachon can mean the world reducing its anxiety. Once you have established your Cavachon's safe space and set it up with essential tools like a comfortable dog bed and calming sprays, you should begin to see relief in their anxiety and stress.  

As a whole, all of these different tools paired with a healthy diet with regular exercise can help relieve your Cavachon puppy's stress. You can do so much to help your dog overcome their anxiety. With a bit of work and patience, there is no reason why your dog has to suffer from this debilitating condition.

cavachon laying on tile floor

Travel and your Cavachon's psychological state. 

There are a few essential things to understand when it comes to traveling with your Cavachon puppies. Most importantly, as a responsible guardian, remember that travel can increase stress and anxiety, so you must be prepared to provide extra support, tools, and love to your Cavachon when you're on the road. The good news is that you can do things to help reduce your dog's anxiety when traveling (especially in the car). 

But why are your Cavachon puppies experiencing heightened stress and anxiety during travel? Most dogs experience a level of stress and anxiety when their surroundings change drastically. And, those feelings are exacerbated if the dog is traveling to a place it's never been before. Therefore, flying or driving to a new place can trigger a lot of anxious feelings (especially if they don't travel often). 

If you are traveling with your dog but will be separated from them during a part of the trip, like a flight, it is possible your pup could develop separation anxiety. While traveling, separation anxiety can look like excessive barking, panting, whining, destroying items in their crate, and even urinating or defecating in their crate. This behavior can be highly uncomfortable for dogs and their guardians and should be avoided at all costs. To ensure your Cavachon never develops these anxiety symptoms, here are some simple steps you can take to provide support and make the drive or flight with your pet smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for everybody.

The number one rule of driving with your dog is to start early and begin desensitizing your pet to the car before actual travel anxiety occurs. This desensitization is essential because the only way you will travel with your anxious Cavachon is in a crate that is not ideal for either party. Ensure that you have done any necessary "car training" before reaching the point where your dog is so anxious that it refuses to go in the car. Your Cavachon needs to know how to safely get in and out of the vehicle. It must understand the rules about what they are allowed to do in the car and how to sit quietly while someone drives; these boundaries provide security and help to relieve your Cavachon's travel anxiety generally.

Next, it is essential to make sure that your Cavachon is safe. This means attaching a dog seatbelt, collar, or harness and taking every possible precaution. By ensuring the safety of your Cavachon puppies, you are also supporting their anxiety. It's best if you can find a place for them to sit (a dedicated safe space in the car) where they can still see out the window. And remember to bring along dog treats, chew toys, and a blanket or towel that smells like home for them. Not only will these things help keep them relaxed, but they'll also help distract them from any anxiety that may come with the new environment. A towel or blanket thrown over the backseat can give them a cozy spot to relax in and feel safe. Also, make sure they're not hot – air conditioning is your friend here!

Remember, all of these suggestions are based on a few things. One, it's essential to minimize the dog's discomfort while traveling. And two, we want to maximize the comfort of the guardian so that you feel confident traveling with your Cavachon. In the end, both are extremely important. It's not just about making sure your Cavachon is comfortable and content; it's also about ensuring that you don't get so overwhelmed or upset that you are uncomfortable traveling with your Cavachon. 

Stress and anxiety can be challenging for both dogs and their owners. If none of these options are working to support your Cavachon's stress and anxiety when traveling, other solutions are available. Treating separation anxiety early on is key to a dog's future success and happiness, but getting started with the proper equipment is crucial. 

The best solution to help your Cavachon's travel anxiety is a calming dog carrier when looking at all options. Of course, crates are the best way to ensure that your puppy is comfortable when you travel, and you can use them in a multitude of ways. So, if you're looking to make sure your pup is more comfortable when you travel, you must have a calming dog carrier. 

Whether you're driving or flying, the next thing to do is make sure your dog is as comfortable as possible. Pack a few of your Cavachon's favorite toys and treats to keep him occupied throughout the trip. If your Cavachon gets nervous when driving or flying, try new calming music or a natural supplement such as Calming Zen Chews to assist them instantly. 

As a whole, the best way to manage travel anxiety in your Cavachon is prevention. Preparation and planning are the cornerstones of any good trip. Take some time to think through what you'll need to support their anxiety, make a list, check it twice, and then do your best to stick to it! You'll be glad you did.

Back to Blog