Cavachon vs Cavapoo Ultimate Breed Comparison [with photos]
Cavachon and Cavapoo are designer dogs-a term given to offspring after an intentional crossing of two pedigrees.
Both hybrids have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as one of their parents. That is where the “Cava” in their names is derived from, and since they share one parent, you can expect a lot of similarities between these cute canines.
But when you compare the Cavachon Vs Cavapoo breeds you will find key differences in appearance, temperament and health that you should consider before adopting.
For Cavachons, the other parent will be the adorable Bichon Frise, while Cavapoos will have either Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle as the other contributor of genes. These two hybrids are significantly different from each other in many aspects, making their hybrid puppies interesting and one-of-a-kind.
More relaxed and laid-back, you will usually see a Cavachon snoozing in the afternoon while a Cavapoo has a more energetic lifestyle. Another marked difference is their appearance-the Cavapoo is curlier thanks to their Poodle parent. This is one of the fastest methods to tell them apart.
Both dogs have a kind and gentle temperament, although a Cavapoo would require more mental encouragement throughout the day.
If you are considering getting a hybrid dog and one of your prerequisites is unending cuteness, you will have a challenging time picking between the Cavachon and the Cavapoo.
Understanding the Breed Histories
Both hybrids are considered 90’s puppies, as that was when they were introduced. Although relatively new in the canine kingdom, many families and individuals have shown a lot of interest in these two hybrids. Blame it on their parents!
Introducing the first contender – the super cute Cavapoo (aka Cavoodle if you are from Australia)
The Cavapoo is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, and it has been bred with an eye to producing pups that have low-shedding coats.
This dog loves its family–it’s affectionate towards kids and other pets in general. It also does well at adapting to new situations or environments once introduced gradually, making it ideal for families who are looking for an active pup that needs very little grooming maintenance!
If you want a cuddly companion, then this might be the breed of designer dog you’ve been seeking all along!
The competition – the dynamic Cavachon!
Photo Bev Goodwin CC
The Cavachon is another adorable mixed-breed puppy that was bred for short hair. It’s a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, with an emphasis on less-shedding coats that require little grooming!
This pup also loves attention, so it will be your best friend in no time–especially if you live alone or have children who are too young to take care of this adorable companion.
If you’re looking for an easy dog to integrate into your family life, then the Cavachon is perfect as long as they get enough exercise each day!
Bringing it All Together for the Cavopoo vs Cavachon Showdown
The Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Poodles are all small-sized, gorgeous pure-breeds. Cross two in any combination, and you’ve got a furry cherubic munchkin that will simply steal your heart.
The Cavachon breed is believed to have started in the US, while the Cavapoo is from Australia.
In the world of genetics, crossing two pedigrees to make the first generation of hybrid dogs like Cavapoo and Cavachon is referred to as F1s. Once three generations of F1 puppies are established, the idea of becoming a pure breed on their right can be further explored by a kennel club.
With this, you can expect that the Cavapoo and the Cavachon may move up from being considered as hybrids to purebreds in the near future.
Overall Looks
Since both are a small dog breed, some find it hard to tell the difference between Cavachons and Cavapoos. Sharing one parent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, means that they do have shared traits. A careful examination, however, will show that both the Cavachons and Cavapoos have many distinguishing features.
A Cavachon stands at 13-inches or less and weighs 15-20 pounds. Meanwhile, its half-sibling can be more flexible with height and weight, as Poodle sizes vary from Miniature to Toy. However, most Cavapoos are about 9-14 inches in height and weigh about 7-18 pounds. If your Cavapoo had a Miniature Poodle parent, you can expect your dog to be almost the same size as the Cavachon. If the Poodle is a Toy variant, then your canine buddy will be slightly smaller.
Since breeding standards have not yet been established, these canines’ appearances can vary significantly even if they come from the same litter.
Generally, Cavachons have silkier, softer, and waiver medium-length coats. There have been exceptions, though, as some Cavachons have straight coats. These hybrids are also lighter, courtesy of the white Bichon parent gene, but they can have spots and markings in varying colors like apricot, black, and brown.
Cavapoos are easily recognized for their curls, courtesy of the Poodle gene. These breeds have three coat forms: fleece, a silky and soft coat like the Cavachon, and wooly, tight curls. Unlike the Cavachon, Cavoodles can be tricolored, black, white, gold, or Blenheim.
Both dogs share the same dark, big eyes that you can’t say no to. Both also inherited the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s huge floppy ears that usually reach the dogs’ jawlines.
Add button noses and dainty paws, and you’ve got irresistibly cute companions.
Temperaments of a Cavachon Vs Cavapoo
They may be cute and small, but both Cavachons and Cavoodles have larger-than-life personalities.
Again, thanks to their Spaniel parent, these two hybrids have similar temperaments except for one marked difference.
Cavachons are completely easygoing since the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise are both relaxed and calm breeds.
A Cavapoo dog, courtesy of their poodle-ness, is bouncy, more playful, and energetic.
This contrast plays a huge role in how well they settle in with their future human families.
The Poodle in the Cavapoo is a traditional working dog, so daily exercises are required alongside playtime and other physical and mental stimulation. Considering their hyper levels of energy, they need to be part of families that are equally, if not more active.
The Cavachon, meanwhile, enjoys being in a quieter environment.
Both, though, are affectionate and love their cuddle time. They can sit on your lap for hours at a time and even snuggle and nap on it.
Both hybrids are social dogs and enjoy the company of other pets.
The Cavachon and the Cavapoo are all-rounders; they are incredibly adaptable to their environment. Both hybrids are passionate about and loyal to their humans. This might become a problem for some because these dogs suffer a great deal of separation anxiety and might not thrive if left alone frequently for long periods.
Despite having that soulful gaze and angelic face, they can get restless and stressed from being on their own for a whole day, and that may result in furniture munching. So if you or your family travels a lot or is seldom home, neither of these dogs are ideal pets as you really can’t leave them alone for extended hours without them getting anxious. However, if on the off chance you do need to leave home for a bit, walk your Cavachon or Cavapoo and leave them with plenty of toys to keep them occupied. This will curb their destructive tendencies that arise from boredom and lack of physical activity.
In summary, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is loving, elegant, and kind, while the Bichon Frise is spirited, peppy, and always curious. The Poodle can be described as highly intelligent, proud, and energetic. Mix these personalities, and you get the right combination for an offspring with a cheerful temperament.
Daily Physical Demands
The more energetic Cavapoo would need half an hour to an hour of daily exercise. Aside from walking, running, and other play activities, you also need to mentally stimulate this hybrid pup to prevent him from getting bored. Going through their training commands as a refresher is an excellent way to keep them mentally stimulated. Walking them in new areas filled with exciting scents and sights is another way to ensure that your Cavapoo gets the mental exercise it needs.
Your Cavachon, on the other hand, with its low-energy personality, can only survive half an hour of physical exertion. After this, you can expect this ball of cuteness to snuggle and sleep the afternoon away.
Both a Cavachon puppy and a Cavapoo puppy will need to sleep ALOT. Think more than 18 hours a day level of sleeping.
Grooming and Maintenance
Cavachons need less grooming time. A brushing at least 2-3 times a week should be enough to keep his coat healthy, wavy, and manageable. A trim every few weeks will also help your Cavachon maintain its well-groomed appearance. Compared to the Cavapoo, the Cavachons are easier to maintain.
Cavapoos with their wavy or curly hair that you cannot allow to tangle needs to be brushed daily. Matting can result in an uncomfortable and irritable dog. So ensure that you take those few precious minutes to brush your Cavapoo.
Since maintaining and grooming your designer dog’s coat takes time and sometimes energy and patience, you need to make your selection based on how much time you have.
On the plus side, both crossbreeds are said to be hypoallergenic, which means even families with dog-hair related allergies can now enjoy a four-legged furry companion without health issues!
If you want a non=shedding dog – you should pick the Cavapoo. The Poodle mix coat genetics mean little to no shedding. A wavy or curly coat Cavapoo will shed the least.
Underlying Health Conditions
One of the reasons why purebred dogs are crossed with another pedigree is to produce a healthier breed sans the genetic disorders common to and hereditary from both parent pedigrees.
This does not eliminate, though, the expectation that your hybrid can still get sick – at some point. One disadvantage of hybrids is that there is no official registry yet of health risks. But based on a generous population of Cavachons and Cavapoos, you can be sure to find information about possible health issues. Here’s a list of what to watch out for:
Cavachons are known to suffer from the following illnesses:
- Atopic Dermatitis: This is a typical dog allergy that is very itchy. When scratched, it can lead to sores and wounds that can get infected.
- Heart Defects: A murmur in your dog’s heart is an indication that something serious needs to be treated, like Mitral Valve Disease.
Cavoodles (a less popular nickname for a Cavapoo) are prone to the following health conditions:
- Heart Defects: similar to the Cavachons
- Eye Conditions: owners would need to check for Progressive Retinal Atrophy that can lead to blindness.
- Hip Dysplasia: an unusual formation of the hip joint that when left untreated may lead to arthritis.
- Luxating Patella: this is a kneecap dislocation and is excruciating for your dog.
Notice that both hybrids share the same risk of heart conditions, which they got from their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. For this reason, it is highly recommended that veterinarians evaluate your Cavachon and Cavapoo. Be proactive and ensure your fur baby gets regular health examinations to address any concerns in a timely fashion.
Lifespan of a Cavapoo vs Lifespan of a Cavachon
Aside from these, they are generally healthy dogs. Cavachons have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, while Cavapoodles live for 10 to 14 years.
Trainability and Training Response
The average Cavachon and Cavapoo dog owner needn’t worry about this particular aspect since both hybrids are extraordinarily easy to train, and they get this from their Bichon Frise and Poodle parents.
Both are intelligent hybrids, and they respond to a positive reinforcement training approach. If their socialization begins early, they won’t have any issues around humans, children, and other animals.
When properly trained, they can be good family dogs and companions.
- Both Cavapoo and Cavachons are easily potty trained
- Both breeds are good with families – provided they are socialized correctly
- If you are a cat and dog lover you can be cautiously optimistic that a Cavapoo, Cavachon and a cat can find a level of mutual tolerance
- The Cavapoo temperament is particularly susceptible to great otucoems with positive reward based training (aka bribe with treats)
Nutritional Needs
The Cavachon and Cavoodle can consume an average of one cup of food daily.
Thanks to their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel side, these hybrids are inclined to quick weight gain, which escalates to obesity if unchecked.
It is vital that when you give them any treats, you do so in moderation.
With an age-appropriate diet, proper exercise, limited treats, and regular vet check-ups, your Cavachon and Cavapoo can enjoy good health.
Price Comparison: Which is more expensive?
At present, a Cavachon puppy’s starting range is about $800. Cavapoos are slightly more expensive, and breeders ask for about $1,200.
- Cavachon average cost: $800 USD
- Cavapoo average cost: $1200 USD and up
The price difference is based on the suggested idea that Cavapoos are more in-demand than the lesser popular Cavachons. Poodles are a top inquiry for interested individuals, and as a result, Cavapoos are recommended.
But both are cute pups, and although the Cavapoos are more popular, both are likely targets of deceitful puppy mills. This is why as potential new parents, it is highly suggested that you get your pup from a reputable breeder instead of a pet store.
Better yet, check your local animal rescue centers and shelters, as there might be a Cavachon or Cavapoo waiting for you there. Reputable Cavapoo breeders will be highly reviewed and very transparent about their whole process.
Cavapoo Vs Cavachon Conclusion (When to Get Which Breed)
Relatively new to the designer breed world, these mixed breed puppies make for promising fun additions to any home.
With an adorable appearance and overall sweet temperament, you won’t be disappointed with either crossbreed. As long as a registrable, purebred dog is not a deal-breaker for you, both of these hybrid breed dogs will suit your family well.
Just remember to consider the one significant difference between the two-energy levels-when making your choice. Cavapoos are more energetic, and they will demand more time from you to meet their daily physical needs. Also, both do have some separation anxiety.
These are NOT larger dogs are will not be a suitable running companion. Think trainable, enthusiastic, social small dogs.
Specific Choices for Specific Needs
- Want a larger dog? If you are after a medium sized pet pick a different hybrid dog breed like a Cockapoo or a purebred like a Cocker Spaniel. For a larger hypoallergenic dog – consider a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle.
- Allergies? In demand hypoallergenic dog breeds are typically Poodle mix dogs – so pick a Cavapoo if this is a deal breaker for your situation.
- Have cats? You can pick either Cavapoo or Cavachon they will both do equally well (and it will be a challenge)
- Want to be more chill? Pick a Cavachon (though every dog is different)
Make sure that your choice for a pet will suit your lifestyle and your family dynamics so that both you and your Cavapoo or Cavachon dog are happy and satisfied. It would be better to get an entirely different breed if you travel often.
