Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Comparing Temperament, Size, & Maintenance 

If you’re trying to decide between the Cavachon vs Cavapoo, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we discover the key similarities and differences between these two crossbreeds. Starting from their size and appearance, and finishing with their health and temperament, we’ve got it all covered. So, if you’re keen on learning more about these pups, then keep on reading! 

Table of Contents

• About the Cavachon: History & Key Characteristics
• About the Cavapoo: History & Key Characteristics
• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Size
• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Temperament
• Cavapoo vs Cavachon: Appearance
• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Grooming & Maintenance
• Cavapoo vs Cavachon: Health & Wellness
• Cavapoo vs Cavachon: Lifespan
• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Training & Environment
• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Cost
• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Are they Family Friendly?
• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Which is the Puppy for You?

About the Cavachon: History & Key Characteristics

The Cavachon is a hybrid cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. As both the Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are rather small dogs, the Cavachon also takes after their parents. These pups come in the most adorable small package and they make excellent pets for people living in apartments. 

It’s thought that the Cavachon crossbreed was first created some time in the 1990s, making them one of the newer hybrid breeds. Nonetheless, these pups have quickly gained popularity amongst dog lovers all across the globe. They combine the best of both worlds – they’re as affectionate and intelligent as their Cavalier parents, and as playful and gentle as the Bichon Frise. It sure sounds like they’re perfect pets for almost anyone!

About the Cavapoo: History & Key Characteristics

The Cavapoo, on the other hand, is a hybrid cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. Cavapoos have quite a long history already, as the very first Cavapoos were likely created in the 1950s. However, just like other “designer breeds”, they’ve gained much of their traction starting from the 1990s. You may also know them by other names, such as the Cavadoodle or Cavoodle. 

As with any hybrid breed, the Cavapoo inherits its most fabulous traits from its parents. They’re equally as playful, loving, and intelligent as both the Cavaliers and Poodles (and also Cavachons!). 

If you’ve ever seen a Cavapoo, you know that these pups are also on the smaller side. Although the Poodle comes in three different sizes – Standard, Miniature, and Toy – the Cavalier-Poodle mix uses the smaller Miniature and Toy Poodles to achieve smaller Doods. 

By the way, there’s also a triple hybrid cross called Cavapoochon, which is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Poodle. These pups are most often created by crossing a Cavachon back to a Poodle, resulting in a mix of roughly 50% Poodle, 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and 25% Bichon Frise. 

Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Size

When comparing the Cavachon vs Cavapoo, you may be glad to learn that both of these pups are rather small in size. On the other hand, this could also make your decision that much more difficult – they’re both so freakishly adorable!

The main thing you should keep in mind is that their size is very much influenced by the size of their parents. For instance, the Poodle used in the Cavalier-Poodle mix can be either Toy or Miniature, which gives more room for variations. Still, the goal with both Cavachons and Cavapoos is to achieve smaller-sized pups. 

Here’s a Cavapoo vs Cavachon size chart for your reference:

* A dog’s height is measured from the highest part of their shoulder blades, also known as withers.

As you can see from the Cavachon vs Cavapoo size chart above, both of these crossbreeds fall into a similar size range. The only difference between those two is that since the Bichon Frise comes in just one size, Cavachons also tend to weigh in at a similar weight and height range. So, there are actually no different size categories for the Cavachon. Nonetheless, it all depends on the size of the Cavachon’s parents and the genetics they inherit. 

Meanwhile, when the Cavapoo has a Toy Poodle in its lineage, we can expect these pups to be significantly smaller than Cavachons. Again, their genetics play a huge role here, and the Poodle parent greatly influences their full-grown size. 

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Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Temperament

Just like with any other traits, both Cavachons and Cavapoos inherit their temperament and personality traits from their parent pups. In fact, as they both share Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genetics, we can expect both Cavachons and Cavapoos to be loving, outgoing, and playful dogs. They both enjoy spending time with their human parents, and they’re overall just oh so loving companions. 

Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that each puppy, regardless of their breed and heritage, is unique and has its own personality. Even puppies from the same litter can be rather different. Some are naturally more outgoing and love to be in the center of attention, whereas others exhibit more of an independent streak. If you’re in doubt, we always recommend you discuss this topic with your puppy breeder. They’ll be the best person to advise you when adopting your puppy, as they often evaluate their dogs’ and puppies’ temperaments to make sure that each of them goes to the most suitable forever home. 

Additionally, both Cavachons and Cavapoos are known to be quite intelligent little pups that are eager to please their humans. They respond very well to positive reinforcement training. But! The key is to start training and socializing your new puppy from the moment you bring them home. That’s the single most important thing you can do to raise a well-behaved, well-rounded, and confident dog. 

However, there’s one key difference that you might want to consider before getting one of these two pups. Cavachons are generally a bit more laid-back compared to Cavapoos. Meanwhile, Cavapoos tend to be slightly more active and energetic thanks to their Poodle heritage.

Word Of Caution

Another thing to note is that both Cavachons and Cavapoos do often struggle with separation anxiety. For this reason, you should carefully consider your lifestyle and family dynamics before adopting one, as they don’t do well when having to spend long hours alone at home. 

Cavapoo vs Cavachon: Appearance

In terms of the Cavachon vs Cavapoo appearance, we again must admit that these two crossbreeds can look rather similar, especially for an untrained eye. After all, they both have Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in their lineage, so it only makes sense for them to look similar.

For one thing, they’re both similar in size. But as we discussed earlier, the Cavapoo does come in two different sizes, one of them being considerably smaller. In contrast, Cavachons tend to be slightly larger than Toy Cavapoos, as the Bichon Frise doesn’t come in different sizes as the Poodle does. 

Secondly, although their fur does look almost identical, there are some differences that you might notice. For instance, as Cavachons have Bichon Frise as one of their parents, they often come in lighter colors, such as white coats with darker markings in their fur. Meanwhile, Cavapoos tend to come in a wider variety of different coat colors and markings, including various bi-color and tri-color coats, and also an array of solid coats. 

But as both of these pups have the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in their lineage, they can also inherit the famous blenheim coat pattern that’s common in Cavaliers. At the end of the day, it all boils down to each puppy’s unique genetics. 

Furthermore, differentiating between the Cavachon vs Cavapoo may also be tricky, since both Poodles and the Bichon Frise have super fluffy and curly coats. And as we’re dealing with hybrid breeds, they may either take more after the Poodle or Bichon Frise parent with tight curls, inherit a more relaxed wave, even almost straight hair, from the Cavalier Parent. Or, they might fall somewhere right in between, which is the most common option.

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Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Grooming & Maintenance

Since we briefly touched upon the Cavachon vs Cavapoo coat types, it only makes sense to continue on this topic. Grooming holds a key role in both of these pups’ daily routines. If you know a little bit about grooming dogs, you know that curly coats require tons of care and attention on your end. 

Before we talk about the different coat types and their grooming needs in both Cavachons and Cavapoos, it’s important we note one key difference that sets these two apart from each other. Most notably, the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are single-coated breeds, whereas the Bichon Frise actually has a double coat.

Why does it matter, anyway? Well, if a dog has a double coat, it means that they’ll also shed some hair. Even though both Bichon Frise and Poodle have curly, fluffy coats, the Bichon Frise has a silky undercoat that may not be as suitable for people with allergies. For this reason, the Cavapoo may be more suited for you if you do struggle with dog allergies. On the other hand, the purebred Bichon Frise is still considered very much allergy-friendly, as their thick curls are known to trap in any loose dog hair and thus prevent shedding. 

Now back to the details! We have to keep in mind that both Cavachons and Cavapoos are crossbreeds, which means that they may inherit different types of coats from their parents. Let’s take a closer look.

Curly Coat

If Cavapoos or Cavachons inherit the tight and textured curls from the Poodle parent, you have to be prepared for lots and lots of brushing and grooming to keep those stubborn knots and tangles out of the fur, as this can quickly lead to matted hair. That usually happens because the curly hair is more textured. Therefore, all of the dirt, debris, and loose dog hair will get trapped more easily as well. And as we all know, if you don’t brush those pesky knots out, you’ll soon have to deal with a pretty nasty situation. Ideally, you should brush a curly-coated Cavapoo or Cavachon every day to keep their coats looking gorgeous at all times. 

Wavy Coat

If these pups inherit a coat type that’s neither wavy or straight, but rather something right in between, you’ll be glad to know that grooming isn’t as much of a hassle. These types of coats aren’t as textured, so brushing should be a breeze. For these dogs, you should aim for 3 to 4 brushing sessions a week, at least. 

However, when wavy-coated Cavapoos may very well be single-coated, then Cavachons with wavy coats may shed a bit more hair.

There are two possible issues with the wavy coat for allergy sufferers. Firstly, wavy-coated Cavapoos may shed slightly more simply because their hair isn’t as textured. Therefore, it won’t trap in loose dog hair as easily. Secondly, for wavy-coated Cavachons, their lightly shedding undercoat might pose a problem.

Straight Coat

Finally, we have the straight coat – these pups inherit their coat type mostly from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Regardless if you’ve got a Cavapoo or a Cavachon, these pups are likely to shed some hair. This means that regular brushing is strongly recommended to minimize shedding. By the way, if you don’t brush out the loose dog hair, it can also lead to knots, tangles, and ultimately matted hair. So, for these pups, we also recommend daily brushing sessions to keep their coats healthy and beautiful. Nonetheless, thanks to the Poodle and Cavalier genes, both Cavapoos and Cavachons with straight coats will likely be an okay choice for people who have mild to moderate allergies. 

Cavapoo vs Cavachon: Health & Wellness

When it comes to Cavachon vs Cavapoo health, we’ve got some excellent news for you! Both of these crossbreeds are generally healthy dogs with minimal health issues. That’s because crossbreeds often benefit from something called hybrid vigor. What’s that, exactly? Hybrid vigor indicates that hybrid breeds are healthier than their purebred parents, because they inherit superior qualities from them. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Cavapoos or Cavachons never experience any health issues. Rather, there’s a smaller chance of breed-specific health conditions. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues

As Cavachons and Cavapoos have a common purebred parent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, many of their common health issues do overlap. Some of the most common health issues in Cavaliers include:

• Joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and cataracts
• Allergies and skin sensitivities
• Heart diseases like congenital heart attacks and heart mitral valve disease (MVD)
• Ear infections due to their floppy ears
• Epilepsy 

Poodle Health Issues

Poodles are also at risk of many of the same health conditions. These include eye diseases, joint problems, skin allergies and sensitivities, food intolerances and sensitivities, epilepsy, but also bloat, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Additionally, smaller Poodles are at risk of a hip joint disorder called Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCP Disease or LCPD). Poodles are also prone to von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), Addison’s disease, and thyroid issues. 

Bichon Frise Health Issues

Lastly, the Bichon Frise also tends to struggle with allergies and sensitivities, ear infections, stomach problems, eye diseases, and joint problems common in smaller-sized breeds. They are also prone to diabetes, bladder stones, Cushing’s disease, and dental problems. 

So, in terms of the Cavapoo vs Cavachon health debate, they’re both at risk of similar health concerns that are often observed in smaller-sized breeds. As long as you take good care of your pup, take them to routine vet checkups, and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior at all times, you should be all good. 

What’s more, if you’ve decided to adopt your new puppy from a breeder, make sure you choose a reputable breeding program. These breeders extensively test their breeding dogs for numerous genetic health conditions before breeding any litters to ensure that their puppies are as healthy as possible. 

Cavapoo vs Cavachon: Lifespan

As we discussed above, both of these hybrid breeds tend to be generally healthy and live long, fulfilling lives for many years to come. Of course, it’s your responsibility to provide your pup with everything and anything they need to thrive. This includes a healthy and balanced diet, the right amount of food, daily exercise and playtime, regular grooming, and a stress free and happy life. Don’t forget lots of kisses and cuddles, too!

As to their lifespan, both Cavapoos and Cavachons also have a similar life expectancy. Cavapoos have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, whereas Cavachons have a life expectancy of around 10 to 15 years. But, if you’re lucky and take very good care of your best pal, they may live up to 18 years old! 

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Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Training & Environment

In terms of the Cavachon vs Cavapoo training requirements, you’ll be glad to learn that both of these pups are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. As we mentioned earlier, the best course of action would be to start training and socializing your new puppy as early as possible. This will help establish good behaviors and manners from an early age, making the adolescence period and adulthood that much easier for both of you. For any and all dogs, early socialization, potty training, crate training, and basic manners are an absolute must! If you’re not quite sure where to start with all of it, then we recommend you check out the Online Puppy School by Baxter & Bella.

You should also implement various forms of enrichment methods and play into your pup’s daily routine to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Equally important is daily exercise, as it helps tire these pups out and help them express their energy in a healthy, constructive way. It’s also healthy for them! 

Although both Cavachons and Cavapoos are intelligent pups, the Cavapoo might have a slight advantage in this area. That’s because the Poodle is ranked as one of the world’s most intelligent breeds, making Cavapoos highly intelligent just like their Poodle parents.

In regards to their environment, both Cavachons and Cavapoos can thrive extremely well in an apartment setting. Since they’re both quite small dogs, they won’t need as much space as some larger dog breeds out there. 

Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Cost

The cost of these two puppies is definitely not for the faint hearted, as we are talking about hybrid breeds. Crossbreeds are known to be more expensive than purebred dogs, and that’s also the case with Cavachons and Cavapoos.

In the US, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 and up to $5,000 for either of these dogs. Of course, the exact price will depend on the breeder you choose, your location, but even what size and color of puppy you’re after. For instance, it’s rather common for breeders to charge more for highly sought after, rare coat colors and patterns. Furthermore, it’s also not uncommon for reputable breeders to charge more for smaller Toy Cavapoos. 

Understandably, the price tag of these puppies is not the lowest by any means. However, we urge you to be extremely cautious when looking for a dog breeder. Unfortunately, designer breeds like the Cavachon and Cavapoo are so in-demand that there are also countless unethical breeders and puppy mills taking part in the business. Even though you might be able to get a puppy from them for a much lower price, it’s never worth the trouble. These puppies often come with severe health issues and behavioral problems, sometimes even proving to be fatal. Not to mention, all the other unethical practices they follow. 

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Ongoing Costs Of Dog Ownership

For this reason, you should only consider reputable breeders that follow ethical breeding guidelines and practices. Be sure to take your time and do extensive research on each breeder you consider. For more information on this topic, be sure to check out this article. 

In addition to the initial cost of adoption, you also have to budget for all of your puppy’s necessities, such as dog beds, food and water bowls, collars and harnesses, crates, toys, and treats. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of dog food. And no, you should not pick the cheapest option from your local supermarket. A high-quality dog food formula from a reputable brand is going to nourish your pup and support their health. Even better, you might want to consider purchasing a dog food specially designed for small breeds. 

Moreover, don’t forget that these dogs do need regular grooming. So, be sure to purchase a high-quality dog brush, a sturdy metal comb, a shampoo specifically designed for dogs, and a dog detangler spray. Both Cavachons and Cavapoos also require regular haircuts, around every 4-8 weeks. So, if you’re not keen on spending money at a professional groomers that often, you could instead opt to groom your dog at home yourself. 

Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Are they Family Friendly?

When comparing the Cavachon vs Cavapoo, we know that both of these dogs make wonderful family pets. They’re highly sociable, loving, and playful dogs that enjoy spending time around humans more than anything else. They get along very well with children, but their small size could also prove to be a hazard for themselves. 

Since both Cavachons and Cavapoos are such small dogs, young children may not know how to properly handle them. For this reason, you should always keep an eye on your dog and kids when they interact to prevent any unfortunate accidents and injuries. Needless to say, it’s also your responsibility to teach your children how to handle your four-legged family member – they’re living beings after all! 

Cavachon vs Cavapoo: Which is the Puppy for You?

If you’ve made it to the end of this guide, you’re either fully convinced which of these dogs you should get, or even more confused as they are both so amazing! It also doesn’t make your decision easier that they’re quite similar dogs in many aspects, including their size and personality. 

So, when deciding between the Cavachon vs Cavapoo, there are a few things you should consider. First of all, the potential for shedding. As the Bichon Frise is a double-coated dog, the Cavachon may not be the best option for you if you struggle with severe dog allergies. Still, even the purebred Bichon Frise is considered low shed thanks to its fluffy, curly coat. However, there may be some shedding present, depending on whether your pup has an undercoat or not.

As both the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are single-coated breeds, the Cavapoo also inherits a single-layered, low-shedding coat. Still, curly-coated Cavapoos are usually the best option for people with severe dog allergies, as wavy and straight coats can still shed a tiny bit of hair. 

What’s more, in the Cavapoo vs Cavachon comparison, we learned that Cavapoos may be slightly more intelligent than Cavachons thanks to their Poodle heritage. Still, Cavachons are super eager to please their humans, which makes training them not as difficult, either. And lastly, the Cavapoo comes in two different sizes, Toy and Mini, whereas the Cavachon comes in just one size that corresponds to the larger Mini Cavapoo. 

We hope our guide on the Cavachon vs Cavapoo key similarities and differences has been a helpful resource, so you can make an informed decision when bringing home your new puppy! 

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