Regarding adorable, affectionate, and family-friendly designer dogs, Cavapoos and Cavachons steal the spotlight. These two charming hybrids share Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes, but their other half—Poodle for Cavapoos and Bichon Frise for Cavachons—sets them apart uniquely.
From coat type to temperament, exercise needs to grooming demands; each breed brings something special. Are you looking for a low-shedding, intelligent pup like the Cavapoo or a cheerful, cuddly companion like the Cavachon? While both make excellent pets, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living space, and personal preferences.
Whether you want an energetic playmate or a relaxed snuggle buddy, understanding their key differences will help you decide. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Cavapoo vs Cavachon breed to find the perfect four-legged friend for your home!
Cavapoo vs. Cavachon
The Cavapoo is a delightful mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, bringing together intelligence, playfulness, and an affectionate nature. Known for their wavy, often curly coats, they are a great choice for allergy sufferers due to their low-shedding qualities.
Cavapoos are highly trainable and eager to please, making them excellent for first-time dog owners. Their energy levels are moderate to high, meaning they thrive in active households with plenty of playtime and mental stimulation.
Whether it’s a game of fetch or a long walk, they love being engaged with their humans. They are incredibly social dogs, forming strong bonds with their families and often following their owners from room to room. Their affectionate nature makes them fantastic cuddle buddies, but they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
The Cavachon, a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, is equally charming but with a slightly different personality. These dogs are known for their soft, fluffy coats that range from straight to slightly wavy, giving them an irresistibly cuddly appearance. While they do require regular grooming, their shedding is minimal.
Cavachons are cheerful and easygoing, making them wonderful companions for families, singles, and seniors. They adapt well to different living situations, whether in a spacious home or a cozy apartment.
Cavachons tend to be more relaxed and content to lounge with their owners while still enjoying playtime. They are incredibly affectionate and thrive on human companionship, making them ideal lap dogs. Their gentle and friendly nature makes them great with children and other pets, ensuring they fit seamlessly into a loving household.
Cavapoo vs. Cavachon: Size
The Cavapoo is a small to medium-sized breed, with its size largely depending on whether they are bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle. On average, Cavapoos stand between 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 12 to 25 pounds.
Their build is typically compact yet sturdy, making them an ideal size for both apartment living and larger homes. They are small enough to be lap dogs but also energetic enough to enjoy outdoor activities and playtime.
The Cavachon is similar in size but tends to be slightly more compact and lightweight. They usually stand 10 to 13 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds. Their petite yet well-proportioned frame gives them an adorable, plush-like appearance.
While small, they are not as delicate as some toy breeds, making them a great choice for families with children. Their manageable size makes them easy to carry, travel with, and comfortably fit into any home environment.
Cavapoo vs. Cavachon: Origins and History
The Cavapoo originated in the late 1990s, primarily in Australia, where breeders aimed to create a small, intelligent, low-shedding companion dog. By crossing the affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the highly trainable and hypoallergenic Poodle, they developed a breed that quickly gained popularity for its friendly temperament and adaptability.
The Cavapoo was designed to be a perfect family pet, combining the Cavalier’s loving nature with the Poodle’s intelligence and reduced shedding. Over the years, Cavapoos have become beloved worldwide, particularly in the United States and the UK, where they are cherished for their affectionate personalities and suitability for allergy sufferers.
The Cavachon was first intentionally bred in the early 2000s in the United States, focusing on creating a small, affectionate dog with a soft, fluffy coat and a cheerful demeanor. By mixing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Bichon Frise, breeders achieved a companion dog that was both sociable and relatively low-shedding.
The Cavachon quickly gained popularity for its adaptability, thriving in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes. Their easygoing nature and minimal grooming needs make them an appealing choice for families looking for a low-maintenance yet affectionate companion.
Cavachons remain a sought-after hybrid breed known for their charming looks and loving personalities.
Cavapoo vs. Cavachon: Parent Breeds
The Cavapoo is a designer crossbreed created by mixing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle parent, typically a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle. This combination results in a small, affectionate dog with a low-shedding coat and Poodle heritage, making it a great option for allergy sufferers.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, one of the purebred parents, is known for its affectionate and social nature, while the Poodle contributes intelligence, trainability, and a single-coated fur type. This unique blend of traits makes the Cavapoo’s appearance charming and diverse, with coat variations ranging from curly to wavy.
As noted by Purina, Cavachon is another popular mixed breed, created by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Bichon Frise parent. This mix results in an affectionate, easygoing companion with a soft, wavy coat and a cheerful personality.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, shared by both hybrid breeds, provides a loving and friendly nature. At the same time, the Bichon Frise parent contributes a playful, gentle temperament and a single-coated fur that is more manageable in terms of shedding.
Due to their shared Cavalier lineage, the Cavapoo and Cavachon have similar affectionate and social traits, making them fantastic family pets for various living conditions.
Cavapoo vs. Cavachon: Shedding
Cavapoos and Cavachons are low-shedding breeds, but their shedding levels can vary depending on their coat type and genetics. Cavapoos, a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, often inherit the Poodle’s curly, hypoallergenic coat, making them low-shedding.
They are considered hypoallergenic dogs and make a great choice for allergy sufferers, though grooming plays a big role in keeping dander levels low. Their coat colors can range from solid shades like cream and apricot to multi-colored patterns, adding to their appeal.
However, Cavapoos with a wavier or straighter coat (leaning more towards the Cavalier side) may shed slightly more. Regular brushing by owners or a professional groomer helps control loose hair, prevent matting, and maintain their coat’s texture.
Cavachons, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, also tend to be low-shedding, thanks to the Bichon’s influence. Their coats are usually soft and wavy, sometimes with a double coat that provides extra insulation.
While this can make them slightly easier to maintain than Cavapoos, regular brushing is essential to prevent tangles. Their coat colors vary, often featuring white, cream, tan, or a mix of these shades. Taking them to a professional groomer every few months helps keep their coat healthy and free from excessive shedding.
Generally, Cavapoos are considered the lower-shedding breed, especially if they have a more Poodle-like coat. While still low-shedding, Cavachons may release slightly more hair, particularly if their coat is softer and less curly. Both breeds require routine grooming to keep shedding minimal and maintain a healthy, beautiful coat.
Cavapoo vs. Cavachon: Temperament
Cavapoos and Cavachons are affectionate, people-loving pups, but they have some key differences. Regarding temperament comparison, both breeds share a friendly and social personality, getting along well with other dogs and thriving in family activities.
Petplan states that Cavapoos are the life of the party—playful, energetic, and active companions who are always eager to learn. Their intelligence and enthusiasm make them easy to train. However, they also crave attention and can get anxious if left alone for too long.
Cavachons, on the other hand, are the ultimate chill buddies. They’re sweet, gentle, and super adaptable, making them great for families or anyone who loves a relaxed, low-key pet. They enjoy playtime but don’t need as much stimulation as Cavapoos, and they’re generally more independent.
A Cavachon could be the way to go if you want a cuddly, easygoing dog that’s happy to lounge around or go on casual strolls.
Both breeds are affectionate and social, but Cavapoos bring more energy and trainability, while Cavachons offer a calmer, more easygoing vibe. Whether you want a playful sidekick or a snuggly best friend, you can’t go wrong with either!
Cavapoo vs. Cavachon:Health
Cavapoos and Cavachons are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Cavapoos, with their Poodle heritage, can be susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye condition that can lead to vision loss.
They are also at risk for patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which affects hip joint development. Their floppy ears make them prone to ear infections, requiring regular cleaning to prevent discomfort and complications.
Cavachons share similar health problems, particularly inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel side. As per Hillspet, they are prone to heart conditions like mitral valve disease and may also develop thyroid issues, which can impact metabolism and overall health.
Bladder stones are another potential concern, requiring a well-balanced diet and adequate hydration. Additionally, Cavachons can be at risk for Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease, both of which affect hormone regulation and require lifelong management.
Both breeds benefit from regular veterinary checkups, a high-quality diet, and proper grooming to prevent infections and maintain overall health.
Choosing a responsible breeder and staying proactive about health care can help ensure either breed’s long, happy life.
Conclusion
Both the Cavapoo and Cavachon are amazing dogs, each offering a loving and affectionate nature that makes them ideal companions. When looking at a Cavachon overview comparison, these mixed breed dogs tend to be slightly more relaxed, while Cavapoos tend to have a bit more energy, thanks to both the Poodle influence.
While Cavachons love a calm environment, Cavapoo puppies may be more playful and active, making them great for dog park outings. Appearance comparison shows subtle differences, but both breeds are adorable, fluffy, and well-suited for cozy forever homes.
Choosing a reputable breeder is essential to avoid health concerns like Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and minimize destructive behaviors. Ultimately, whichever puppy you choose from these two breeds, you’ll welcome a loving companion into your life.
