Cavapoochon | Mixed Breed Information, Pictures & Facts

The Cavapoochon is often described as a puppy that looks like a teddy bear that never gets old. It is an endearing dog that doesn’t only appear extremely adorable but also exhibits a good temperament.

As a mix of three different dog breeds, the Cavapoochon has become a highly sought-after mixed breed in recent years. Dog lovers admire how it showcases the best traits of all three breeds, from appearance to personality.

If you’re curious about this wonderful puppy and want to own one, you’ve come to the right place! Read until the end, as this covers everything you need to know about Cavapoochons.

Breed Overview

What Is a Cavapoochon?

The Cavapoochon is a tri-hybrid dog created by crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Poodle, and a Bichon Frise. It has a teddy bear-like appearance and a playful and affectionate personality it acquired from its parent breeds. This cute designer dog is also very easy-to-train.

To produce this unique pooch, breeders initially cross a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise to make a Cavachon. Then the offspring is crossed with a Poodle, creating a Cavapoochon.

The Cavapoochon makes an incredible pup that inherits the best characteristics from these lovely purebreds.

It got its affectionate and friendly personality from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, while its playful and sociable behaviors come from the Bichon Frise. Meanwhile, it inherits the intelligent and easy-to-train nature from the Poodle.

Aside from these traits, the Cavapoochon offers several perks for its owner. In particular, it is a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breed that has a compact size ideal for families and apartment living.

However, despite these admirable features and being highly popular, the Cavapoochon is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), just like other mixed breeds.

Cavapoochon vs. Cavachon vs. Cavapoo: What’s the Difference?

Aside from the Cavapoochon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can produce two other mixed breeds, the Cavachon and Cavapoo.

The Cavachon is a result of cross-breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. This hybrid dog typically weighs between 15 and 25 pounds and has an average height of 12 to 13 inches.

Medium-length and wavy, its usual coat colors are white, cream, pied, and brown. As an offspring of the two breeds, the Cavachon is affectionate and playful. This dog’s life expectancy ranges from 10 to 15 years.

On the other hand, the Cavapoo, also known as Cavoodle or Cavadoodle, is a cross-breed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. The size of this hybrid dog will vary depending on the size of its Poodle parent.

Breeders use either Miniature or Toy Poodle dog breeds, but they are generally small dogs. On average, the height of a Cavapoo ranges from 9 to 14 inches and weighs only 9 to 20 pounds.

The Cavapoo also has a medium-length and wavy coat with a wide variety of shades, but the usual colors are cream, fawn, chestnut, white, chocolate, and gold. It’s an intelligent and sociable dog with a 12 to 15 years lifespan.

The Cavapoochon dog, as stated earlier, is a mix of the three breeds. Because of this, the Cavapoochon offers a wider variety of characteristics compared to the other two. It can get its traits from any of its three parent breeds.

This is why the Cavapoochon is the most expensive mix of the three.

Cavapoochon Origin and History

The Cavapoochon dog was first bred in the state of Arizona back in 2021.

Dog enthusiasts Steve and Linda Rogers have been breeders of the Cavachon since 1996. While this hybrid quickly gained popularity because of its endearing appearance, some pet owners were put off by its shedding potential.

Because of this, Rogers incorporated the Toy Poodle’s non-shedding genes in the Cavachon. They worked on this with the help of veterinarians and reproductive specialists.

Thus, the birth of Cavapoochon puppies became a success. So originally, the Cavapoochon is a quarter Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a quarter Bichon Frise, and a half Toy Poodle.

This triple cross-breed was designed for dog owners with sensitive fur allergies looking for low-maintenance pups. Until today, the Cavapoochon is considered a rare breed. Only a few breeders produce this tri-hybrid dog.

Cavapoochon Appearance

The Cavapoochon is known for its forever-puppy and teddy bear-like appearance. It remains to look young even as it gets older and never loses its endearing look that everyone adores.

The main contributor to this is the Cavapoochon’s big round button eyes that resemble that of a teddy bear. It also has a round head and muzzle, floppy ears, and a black nose.

Aside from this, the Cavapoochon is known for its thick fleece coat. This pup’s fur may be wavy or curly. The wavy fur is inherited from the Cavachon parent, while the curly fur is from the Poodle.

Its common colors are red, apricot, tan, white, black, and sable, depending on the parent breeds’ shade. Some pups also carry a bi-color coat.

For instance, a red Cavapoochon can have a white coat in the middle of the face down to the chest.

Cavapoochon Size and Weight

Considering the size of its parent breeds, the Cavapoochon is generally a small dog. However, its height and weight will vary depending on the size of its Poodle parent.

On average, the height of a Cavapoochon pup ranges from 9 to 15 inches and weighs between 9 and 20 pounds. It reaches its adult size at around 12 to 18 months but may still gain a few more inches and pounds.

If you want to see how Cavapoochons grow from one to ten weeks old, check out this video showing the pups’ weekly growth:

Cavapoochon Temperament and Personality

Cavapoochons are generally described as having a good temperament, inheriting the best traits of the three parent breeds. They are friendly dogs known to be playful, intelligent, and highly trainable.

Like most dogs, training with the use of positive reinforcement works well with the Cavapoochon puppy.

They are also easy-going and sociable dogs that are welcoming to strangers. As affectionate pups, they crave human companionship the most. Therefore, they are prone to separation anxiety, which makes them bark excessively.

This is a common issue with the Bichon Frise, but good thing Cavapoochons aren’t known to struggle with fear aggression as the Bichon Frise exhibits.

With their wonderful characteristics, Cavapoochons make great family pets who can get along well with the entire family. Their sweet and gentle nature is also perfect for younger kids.

Cavapoochon Lifespan and Health Issues

The Cavapoochon is a generally healthy dog with an average life expectancy of 12 to 20 years.

As tri-hybrids, they can have fewer hereditary issues as the common ailments associated with the three parent breeds are already bred out during the breeding process.

However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed is known to have several health issues. The Cavapoochon can still inherit the same health problems as this parent breed.

Here are some health problems a Cavapoochon might face:

• Mitral Valve Disease: This is a heart condition common in older dogs wherein the mitral valve deteriorates, separating the left atrium from the left ventricle. Some symptoms include coughing, low energy, panting, weight loss, and fainting.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This eye disease is a hereditary condition wherein the cells deteriorate and eventually cause dogs to go blind. You can watch out for signs that your dog displays, such as reluctance in going to dark rooms, being nervous at night, or bumping into things when in dim light.
• Hip Dysplasia: Commonly occurring in large dogs, Cavapoochons can also suffer from hip dysplasia. It’s a condition where the ball and socket of the hip joints rub against one another, resulting in loss of function. Depending on the severity, this can be treated through medication, therapy, or surgery.
• Patellar Luxation: Luxating patella, also called loose knees, is a common condition among small dogs wherein the kneecap dislocates itself from the normal position. Surgery is required in severe cases to treat this, but therapy or medication is sometimes enough.

It is recommended to do routine vet visits to prevent these illnesses from developing. Securing pet insurance is also a good idea to save yourself from high medical costs in the future.

How to Take Care of Your Cavapoochon

The most basic thing aspiring Cavapoochon owners need to learn is how to take care of this triple cross-breed to ensure it lives a happy life.

Even though low-maintenance in general, the Cavapoochon also has a few basic needs, such as recommended food and diet, cleaning and grooming, and training and exercise.

Food and Diet

Like other dogs, the Cavapoochon needs proper nutrition to prevent possible health problems and sustain its good shape. This can be achieved through a complete and balanced healthy diet.

If under ten pounds, the Cavapoochon puppy must be fed two to three small meals a day. Depending on the pup’s appetite, it can be increased up to four small meals if the Cavapoochon is ten pounds or over.

This triple cross-breed has a small stomach, so it cannot intake large quantities of food at once. To avoid bloating, it is important to regulate the Cavapoochon’s food intake.

Any dog food types, namely kibble or dry biscuits, canned or wet food, semi-moist food, and frozen food, can be fed to the puppy. Fresh meals such as apples, green beans, and sweet potatoes are also good.

Additionally, it is recommended to give them foods that are high in protein and contains fat, such as chicken, salmon, and eggs, as these are essential in boosting their immune system and the growth of their muscles.

Cleaning and Grooming

As a non-shedding dog, the Cavapoochon’s coat constantly grows, so it needs hair-trimming once in a while to keep the hair out of its eyes and floppy ears. This is important to prevent possible ear infections.

The Cavapoochon needs daily brushing as its wavy or curly coat can get tangled easily, which may result in matted fur. A regular bath once or twice a month is also essential to keep the coat free from dirt buildup.

These grooming tips can mostly be done at home, but it is always best to bring the Cavapoochon to a professional groomer every four to six weeks.

Training and Exercise

Like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who love taking naps, Cavapoochons only require 30 to 60 minutes of regular exercise daily.

They can achieve this through activities like short walks and playtime with their owners or other dogs.

As an offspring of one of the most intelligent dog breeds originally bred for duck hunting, the Poodles, Cavapoochons are easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement rather than punishment.

Rewarding the Cavapoochons with treats, affection, or praise is enough to motivate them. Like Bichon Frises, they have an eager-to-please personality, so they learn commands quickly while enjoying training sessions.

As early as six months, obedience training can already be started as it can be more difficult to train dogs once they reach adulthood.

Moreover, the Cavapoochon is extremely sociable. But to make a more compliant pet, it is important to socialize it at a young age. This includes bringing it to puppy kindergarten or arranging playdates.

How Much Does a Cavapoochon Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The Cavapoochon puppy price ranges between $2,000 and $5,000. This depends on several factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, coat color, and age of the pooch. Adult Cavapoochons typically have a lower price tag.

As designer dogs, Cavapoochons are undoubtedly unique puppies with their mix of three popular breeds. They are considered rare, with only a few breeders, so no wonder they come with a hefty price tag.

Adopting Cavapoochons from rescue organizations can greatly reduce costs, ranging from $500 to $800.

The table below summarizes the estimated initial cost of owning a Cavapoochon:

Most of these are one-time purchases, so make sure to invest in high-quality ones to avoid buying another. It is also a good idea to set aside a budget for emergencies.

Places to Find Cavapoochon Puppies for Sale and Adoption

When buying a Cavapoochon puppy, it is a must to get them from reputable breeders to ensure the quality of your pup and avoid getting scammed.

Buying from puppy mills is not recommended as they produce low-quality dogs with health problems. Their ways can often be considered inhumane.

To help you out, here’s a list of reputable breeders where you can get a Cavapoochon pup:

• Apricot Lane Puppy – This Mansfield, Ohio-based breeder begins house and crate training their Cavapoochons while they are with them. Raised as part of the family, their pups are socialized and well-maintained health-wise before rehoming. They also give a 3-year health guarantee.
• Heartland Puppies – This breeder guarantees to provide happy pups that are socialized around other dogs and people. With a 1-year health guarantee, their Cavapoochons are dewormed and have completed the first round of vaccines upon purchase. They also start potty and crate training the pups to make the home transition smoother.
• Bluegrass Puppies – This breeder raises Cavapoochons in their home and as part of their family. They produce healthy, top-quality, and well-socialized Cavapoochons. They keep their puppies vet-checked and up-to-date on all immunizations.

Meanwhile, if you prefer to adopt a Cavapoochon, it is good to get them from legitimate rescue organizations. However, since the Cavapoochon is rare, it can be difficult to find one.

Here’s a list of rescue organizations where you can possibly get a Cavapoochon:

• Poodle Rescue Connecticut – This Connecticut-based organization is dedicated to rehoming neglected Poodles and other Poodle mixes. The dogs’ health and well-being are its top priority, including vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures, and grooming.
• Bichon Rescue Brigade – This foster-based non-profit organization is an all-volunteer group with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Bichon Frises and other Bichon Frise mixes. Their pups are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before placing them in new homes.

Though these rescue organizations don’t specialize in rescuing Cavapoochons, they do rescue all Cavalier, Poodle, and Bichon Frise mixes. You can check their websites to see if there’s an available Cavapoochon in their listing.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Cavapoochon

Every dog has its pros and cons, including a Cavapoochon. If you want to own one, it is recommended to weigh these first so you know what to expect and if the Cavapoochon is really the pup for you.

Here are the advantages of owning a Cavapoochon:

• Hypoallergenic: Because of the thick fleece coat and breeding history, Cavapoochons are low-shedding dogs, so they only release very little dander. With this, they are considered hypoallergenic and perfect for pet lovers with dog allergies.
• Good with children: Their friendly, affectionate, and playful personality makes them a perfect pet for families with children. Unlike other dogs, they are also good with younger kids due to their gentle nature.
• Manageable size: Cavapoochons are small dogs. Hence, it doesn’t need a big space inside the house. This makes them a good choice as family pets for apartment living.
• Highly trainable: The Cavapoochon doesn’t require much exercise and is very easy to train, so it will be a good fit for first-time dog owners.

On the contrary, here are the disadvantages of owning a Cavapoochon:

• Needs regular grooming: Due to its low-shedding nature, the Cavapoochon’s hair continually grows. Hence, it needs not only frequent haircuts but also requires daily brushing to get rid of the knots that might cause them pain in the long run.
• Costly maintenance: Because of their need for regular hair trimming, you can expect to spend more on professional grooming services. Including this in your budget is a good idea.
• Prone to separation anxiety: Even though Cavapoochons aren’t prone to fear aggression, they tend to experience separation anxiety when left for long hours due to their affectionate personality. It is best to do crate training at an early age to prevent them from exhibiting this unwanted behavior.
• Difficult to breed: To produce this tri-hybrid, the breeder must first cross-breed two purebreds and then mix the offspring with another purebred. Considering this, it may take time to create a Cavapoochon puppy. This is why this pooch is rare, and only a few breeders offer this mixed breed.

Overall, while the Cavapoochon has some disadvantages, it also has many positive traits that make it an exellent dog for the right owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cavapoochons Good Dogs?

Given that Cavapoochons are known to be friendly in general, they are considered good dogs. They get along well with children of all ages, strangers, and other pets.

Cavapoochons exhibit behavior ideal for anyone looking for a family pet. They are friendly, sociable, affectionate, intelligent, and easy-going. They got these best traits from the three of the most popular breeds.

Is a Cavapoochon Smaller than a Cavapoo?

Either Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle can be used to breed both pups. Hence, the size of both mixed breeds will always vary depending on the size of their Poodle parent.

A mix produced with a Toy Poodle will generally be a smaller breed than a mix produced with a Miniature Poodle, regardless of whether it is a Cavapoochon or a Cavapoo.

Are Cavapoochons Barkers?

Cavapoochons are quite vocal. They will alert you for visitors or if they have seen other small animals, such as squirrels and rabbits. They are also prone to separation anxiety as they are affectionate dogs who crave attention.

Cavapoochons suffering from separation anxiety tend to bark excessively. This issue can be addressed by training them at a young age and through crate training.

Are Cavapoochons Smart?

Cavapoochons are considered smart dogs. This is expected since they are offsprings of three intelligent purebreds. They pick up commands quickly, especially if given positive reinforcement.

Do Cavapoochons Shed a Lot?

Cavapoochons have non-shedding Poodle genes so they don’t shed a lot. Because of this, their coat continues to grow and is therefore prone to tangles.

These pups need daily brushing and frequent hair trimming to prevent them from having any pain and ear infections.

Are Cavapoochons Hypoallergenic?

Cavapoochons are hypoallergenic since they don’t shed a lot. Their thick fleece coat tends to have low dander levels.

They inherited this trait from the Poodle and Bichon Frise parents, which are both included on the AKC list of hypoallergenic dogs.

Final Thoughts

Cavapoochons are truly unique designer dogs. As a triple cross-breed, they offer lots of positive traits they acquired from their parent breeds.

They don’t just have adorable teddy bear-like features, but their friendly, affectionate, and sociable temperaments also make them desirable. They have most of the characteristics of companion dogs that human owners seek.

However, the rarity of a Cavapoochon makes it quite expensive, so get your puppy from a legitimate source to ensure that you get your money’s worth.

Hopefully, this article has guided you to decide if a Cavapoochon is the right dog for you. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!