Cavachon vs Cavapoo
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Cavachon | Cavapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| A cross of | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle |
| Size class | Small | Small |
| Adult weight | 4.5 to 9.1 kg | 3.6 to 11.3 kg |
| In pounds | 10 to 20 lb | 8 to 25 lb |
| Adult height | 23 to 33 cm | 23 to 36 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Coat | Medium soft wavy | Medium wavy to curly |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Usually good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Usually good | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | Not published | United States |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Cavachon is 4.5 to 9.1 kg and the Cavapoo 3.6 to 11.3 kg.
- Both have moderate energy in their published profiles.
- Grooming is high for both.
- Life expectancy is similar: 12 to 15 years for the Cavachon and 12 to 15 years for the Cavapoo.
- With children, the Cavapoo is rated reliably good and the Cavachon usually good.
Temperament
Cavachon: The Cavachon is a companion cross that takes the tolerant, people focused nature of the Cavalier and the playful sociability of the Bichon Frise. Two short walks a day suit them, and they are generally patient with children and other pets under supervision.
Cavapoo: The Cavapoo is gentle and even keeled, one of the lower key Poodle crosses, and suits first time owners. They attach strongly to their household and are prone to separation anxiety.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Cavachon
- Mitral valve disease from the Cavalier side, detected as a heart murmur on auscultation and graded by echocardiogram
- Syringomyelia and Chiari like malformation, diagnosed by MRI scan
- Patellar luxation, observed clinically in the first 18 months and graded on orthopaedic examination
- Hereditary cataracts, dry eye and corneal dystrophy, found on eye examination and tear production testing
- Bladder stones from the Bichon side, diagnosed by urinalysis and imaging
- Periodontal disease, found at annual dental examination
Cavapoo
- Mitral valve disease from the Cavalier side, detected as a heart murmur on auscultation and graded by echocardiogram
- Syringomyelia and Chiari like malformation, diagnosed by MRI scan
- Patellar luxation, graded on orthopaedic examination
- Hip dysplasia, screened by hip scoring radiographs
- Progressive retinal atrophy and other inherited eye disease, detectable by DNA test and eye examination
- Dental disease in the crowded small jaw, found at annual dental checks
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Cavachon or the Cavapoo?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 4.5 to 9.1 kg for the Cavachon and 3.6 to 11.3 kg for the Cavapoo, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Cavachon or the Cavapoo?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 15 years for the Cavachon and 12 to 15 years for the Cavapoo. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Cavachon or the Cavapoo better with children?
The Cavapoo scores higher for children (4 against 5 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- purina.co.uk for adult weight and height and coat type
- petmd.com for life expectancy and energy, grooming and the temperament ratings
- petmd.com for health notes
- petmd.com for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- purina.co.uk for country of origin