General Appearance

The Cavachon is a small, sturdy, and well-balanced dog with a cheerful and affectionate demeanor. They exhibit the elegance of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the charm and fluffiness of the Bichon Frise. Their expressive eyes and soft coat give them an irresistibly endearing look.

 

Size

• Height: 12–16 inches (30–41 cm) at the shoulder.

• Weight: 15–35 pounds (7–16 kg).
  Proportions should be harmonious, with no part of the body appearing out of balance.

 

Coat and Color

• Coat: Soft, silky, and wavy, ranging from medium to long length. The coat is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making regular grooming essential.

• Colors: Common coat colors include:

  • White with apricot, cream, or tan markings.

  • Tri-color (white, black, and tan).

  • Blenheim (white and chestnut).

 

Head

• Skull: Rounded, moderately broad, with a slightly domed forehead.

• Muzzle: Medium length, neither too long nor too short, with a well-defined stop.

• Eyes: Large, round, and expressive, reflecting the breed’s gentle and friendly temperament. Eye color is typically dark brown.

• Ears: Set high and hanging close to the cheeks, covered with long, silky hair.

• Nose: Black and well-proportioned.

 

Body

• Neck: Medium length, slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders.

• Chest: Moderately deep with well-sprung ribs.

• Back: Level and firm, with a strong topline.

• Tail: Carried high with a slight curl, often feathered, and wagging enthusiastically.

 

Legs and Feet

• Forequarters: Straight and well-boned, with elbows close to the body.

• Hindquarters: Strong and muscular, with moderate angulation.

• Feet: Round, compact, and well-padded.

 

Movement

The Cavachon moves with grace and energy, exhibiting a light, bouncy gait. Movement is free and effortless, with good reach and drive.

 

Temperament

The Cavachon is friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. They thrive on companionship and are excellent with children and other pets. Intelligent and eager to please, they are relatively easy to train. Cavachons are adaptable and suitable for families, singles, and seniors alike.

Health

 

The Cavachon is generally a healthy breed, but potential concerns include:

• Patellar luxation.

• Mitral valve disease.

• Allergies and sensitivities.
  Responsible breeders should prioritize health testing for both parent breeds.

 

Care Requirements

• Grooming: Regular brushing to prevent matting and occasional professional grooming.

• Exercise: Moderate daily exercise, including walks and playtime.

• Diet: A balanced diet appropriate for small to medium-sized breeds.

 

Disqualifications

• Aggressive or overly shy behavior.

• Extreme deviation from the breed's size or proportions.

• Severe underbite or overbite.

 

This breed standard aims to describe the ideal Cavachon for both companionship and appearance, celebrating the traits that make this designer breed so beloved.

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The Cavachon — also known as the Cavashon, Cavalier-Bichon, and Bichon-King Charles — is a designer breed created by crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Frise. Dog Academy confirms a breeder from Berryville, Virginia, claimed to be the first to cross Bichons and Cavaliers, with the first Cavachons appearing in 1996. The Cavachon was intentionally bred to combine the Cavalier's affectionate, gentle nature with the Bichon Frise's playful, hypoallergenic coat — creating one of the most popular small companion breeds in the United States. BetterPet notes the Cavachon is also referred to as Cavashon, Cavalier-Bichon, and Bichon-King Charles. The result is a highly adaptable, low-shedding companion suited to families, seniors, and apartment living alike. Dog AcademyBetter Pet

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PetGuide confirms the Cavachon is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Because the Cavachon is a crossbreed — a hybrid of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise — AKC does not register Cavachons, Cavashons, or any Cavalier and Bichon Frise cross. AKC registers purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and purebred Bichon Frises individually, but any cross between the two is permanently ineligible for AKC registration regardless of generation (F1, F1B, or Multigen). Designer Kennel Club (DKC) was built specifically to serve Cavachon owners and breeders who need official registration papers and cannot obtain them through AKC. PetGuide

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Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers and ownership documentation for Cavachons, Cavashons, Cavalier-Bichons, and Bichon-King Charles mixes with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Cavachon without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register for $45. All registrations are completed online and papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

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Registering your Cavachon or Cavashon with Designer Kennel Club establishes an official record of breed, ownership, and identification accepted for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, apartment and housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.