Cavapoochon Guide: Temperament, Size, Price, Lifespan & More

Cavapoochons (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise x Poodle) are a triple cross-breed or tri-hybrid breed which has become very popular in recent years. Their friendly, playful and gentle nature paired with their adorably fluffy teddy bear appearance makes them highly sought after, fetching high prices!

If you are interested in Cavapoochons keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about this dog breed!

Table of Contents

What Is A Cavapoochon A Mix Of?

A Cavapoochon is a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle and Bichon Frise. There are many ways that a breeder can create a Cavapoochon by breeding a selection of two of the dogs together and then introducing the third breed into the next generation of puppies. Most commonly, Cavapoochons are 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 25% Bichon Frise and 50% Poodle.

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What Type Of Dog Is A Cavapoochon?

A Cavapoochon is a mixed-breed dog or more specifically, a triple-cross breed or tri-hybrid breed. They are considered to be a designer dog breed.

Cavapoochon Summary

Cavapoochon Characteristics
Size	9 to 14 inches (22.9cm to 35.6cm)
Weight	12 and 20 pounds (5.4kg to 9.1kg)
Temperament	Friendly, playful, gentle
Activity Levels	Moderate
Exercise Requirements	Moderate
Lifespan	12 to 15 years
Coat	Wavy or curly single coat
Shedding	Light
Apartment Adaptability	High
Good with Children	Yes

What Is The Difference Between A Cavapoo And A Cavapoochon?

A Cavapoo is a mix of 2 dog breeds while a Cavapoochon is a mix of 3 dog breeds. Cavapoos are the result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle while a Cavapoochon is the result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Frise and a Poodle.

Cavapoochons are the result of multigenerational breeding practices most commonly by breeding a Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise) with a Poodle. However they can also be bred by mixing a Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle) with a Bichon Frise or a Poochon (Bichon Frise x Poodle) with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. On the other hand, Cavapoos are usually created by breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle or by back-cross breeding where a Cavapoo is bred back to a Poodle.

Appearance wise, Cavapoos and Cavapoochons are very similar. This is understandable as they share many of the same genes. Cavapoochons are generally smaller than Cavapoos however they can be the same size. This depends on what size of Poodle was bred with the other breeds. Cavapoochons usually are bred with Toy Poodles however Cavapoos can be breed with Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodles.

What Is The Difference Between A Cavachon and a Cavapoochon?

A Cavachon is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise while a Cavapoochon is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. Cavachons are the result of first generation breeding while Cavapoochons are the result of multi-generational breeding. Cavachons are a double-cross breed while Cavapoochons are a triple-cross breed.

Appearance wise, Cavachons and Cavapoochons look very similar so it can be hard to differentiate between the two breeds. Generally, Cavapoochons have curlier fur than Cavachons due to their Poodle genes.

As for their temperament, Cavachons are usually described as being calmer than Cavapoochons that are much more lively and energetic.

Cavapoochon Temperament

Cavapoochons have a mix of the temperaments of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise and Poodle. As they are a triple cross-breed it can be difficult to determine which personality traits they will inherit from each parent breed however they are generally described as being playful, friendly, cheerful and gentle.

Cavapoochons are a companion dog, inheriting this trait from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise, which means that they love to spend quality time with their family members. They get along very well with children as they love cuddling and have an easy-going nature.

Is A Cavapoochon A Good Family Dog?

Yes, Cavapoochons are a good family dog as they are affectionate, playful and also very gentle around children. They are also very friendly to strangers so they do well in settings where lots of visitors are coming in and out of the house. Their small size also makes Cavapoochons a very manageable dog size for families as they are easy to transport around in the car or take on holidays. Just don’t forget to bring along a dog seat belt so your Cavapoochon can come along to all the family adventures!

Are Cavapoochons Needy?

Cavapoochons are not usually described as needy however they can become clingy if they are not properly socialised from a young age and haven’t spend adequate amounts of time alone.

Are Cavapoochons Smart?

Cavapoochons are a relatively smart dog breed. When it comes to obedience and working intelligence that ranks 138 purebreeds, Poodles rank 2nd, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels rank 44th and Bichon Frises rank 75th. Considering the intelligence of the Cavapoochon parents, it is evident that they would rank above average for intelligence.

Do Cavapoochons Bark A Lot?

Cavapoochons bark a moderate amount. They usually only bark if there is a reason to, for example if a visitor comes to the door or if there is a small animal outside such as a squirrel. They may also bark if they are feeling hungry around feeding times. If you train Cavapoochons from a young age, excessive barking shouldn’t be an issue.

cavapoochon black and tan — Cavapoochon Black & Tan

Are Cavapoochons Aggressive?

No, Cavapoochons are not considered to be an aggressive dog breed however they can display signs of aggression in situations where they feel threatened or fearful such as in the park around larger dogs however this is a rare occurrence.

Are Cavapoochons Good With Cats?

Cavapoochons can be good with cats if they have been introduced to them from a young age. As a puppy Cavapoochons need to be gradually introduced to your cat through controlled physical interaction such as through a crate or on a lead. You also have to consider that fact that not all cats are good with dogs and may be aggressive towards them rather than the other way around.

When Do Cavapoochons Calm Down?

Cavapoochons can be hyperactive as puppies however they generally calm down between 1 and 2 years of age. There are many ways that you can get your Cavapoochon to calm down including making them partake in high intensity exercise such as running around the dog park or through mental stimulation such as dog puzzle games and treat dispensing dog toys.

Another popular way to get a Cavapoochon to calm down is to give them a Kong toy with peanut butter or treats inside it. This will keep them busy for hours and tire them out.

Cavapoochon Size

As a multigenerational cross-breed there is a lot of variation in Cavapoochon size between dogs. The size of Cavapoochons highly depends on the percentage mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Bichon Frise to Poodle as well as the size of Poodle (Toy, Miniature or Standard) that is bred with.

How Big Is A Cavapoochon?

On average, Cavapoochons get to a height of 9 to 14 inches (22.9cm to 35.6cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 12 and 20 pounds (5.4kg to 9.1kg). Nevertheless, some dogs can be larger than this, especially Cavapoochons that have been bred with a Standard Poodle. This is relatively rare as most Cavapoochon breeders use Toy or Miniature Poodles.

The best way to predict how large your Cavapoochon will get is by looking at the sizes of the parents and averaging their heights and weights.

cavapoochon teddy bear — Cavapoochon Teddy Bear

What Size Dog Is A Cavapoochon?

A Cavapoochon is classified as a small size dog. A small dog is defined as one that weighs under 30 pounds (13.6kg) so most Cavapoochons fall under this category. Nevertheless, Cavapoochons that have been bred with Standard Poodles are sometimes classified as medium sized dogs depending on their adult height and weight.

When Do Cavapoochons Stop Growing?

On average, Cavapoochons stop growing between 11 and 12 months of age. They may reach their full adult height by 9 or 10 months and for the remaining months of growth will gain muscle to increase their weight.

What Size Crate For A Cavapoochon?

A Cavapoochon should use a small sized dog crate. The best way to measure an Cavapoochon for a crate is to measure the length from their nose to the base of their tail, then add 2 or 3 inches for the crate measurements.

We recommended the Diggs Revol Dog Crate (pictured below) for Cavapoochons as is a highly unique design that has been inspired by baby industry quality standards through it’s incorporation of diamond shaped mesh pattern that prevents injury to paws and jaws. Additionally, it is travel friendly as it is collapsible with a carrying handle and wheels and perfect for puppies as it includes a puppy divider and multiple door options!

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Cavapoochon Lifespan

Cavapoochons have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years however they are known to live for 15+ years. As a triple cross breed they have less hereditary health issues in comparison to purebred dogs which lengthens their lifespan. If a Cavapoochon is given adequate exercise daily and is given a balanced healthy diet they will have a very good chance of living a long life.

Cavapoochon Exercise Needs

Cavapoochons have a moderate energy level and require 30 minutes to 60 minutes of exercise daily. They enjoy going walks with their owners or playing with other similar sized dogs at the dog park. Other exercise options for Cavapoochons include playing a game of tug-o-war or playing fetch which can be done at home or outside.

Cavapoochon Price

How Much Is A Cavapoochon Puppy?

Cavapoochons usually cost between $2000USD and $5000USD however some sell for even high prices. Cavapoochons have a hefty price tag because they are a designer mixed breed dog which requires longer breeding times as it is a multigenerational breed. Their prices can also vary depending upon litter size, coat colour as well as the percentage mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Bichon Frise to Poodle.

Cavapoochon Shedding

Do Cavapoochons Shed?

Cavapoochons are considered to be a low shedding dog breed as Bichon Frises and Poodles are low shedding breeds while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are moderate shedders. Most Cavapoochons are 50% Poodle, 25% Bichon Frise and 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which explains why they are a low shedding breed. Cavapoochons that have a higher percentage of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes may shed more than other percentage mixes of the breed.

Are Cavapoochons Hypoallergenic?

Yes, Cavapoochons are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed. This is because they are light shedders and as they don’t shed frequently they aren’t releasing large quantities of dander (dead skin cells) that irritate allergy sufferers into the environment.

Cavapoochon Grooming

How To Groom A Cavapoochon

The four main areas you need to take care of for grooming a Cavapoochon include:

Brushing
Nail Trimming
Bathing
Haircuts

Brushing

Cavapoochons have a single coat that is wavy or curly that can get tangled quite easily. That is why Cavapoochons need regular brushing which should be done every second day. The best type of brush for a Cavapoochon is a slicker brush.

Nail Trimming

Cavapoochon nails should be clipped once a month. If you take your Cavapoochon to a professional groomer they will usually do this for you but it is still a good idea to own a pair of dog nail clippers to use in between trips. The other option is to use dog nail grinder which have become quite popular in recent years.

How Often Should Cavapoochons Be Groomed?

Cavapoochons should be groomed once a month or once every 6 weeks depending on how quickly their fur grows. Some Cavapoochon owners opt to send their Cavapoochon to the professional groomers while other do it themselves at home with a DIY dog grooming kit.

How Often Should Cavapoochons Be Bathed?

Cavapoochons should be bathed every 2 to 3 months. They shouldn’t be bathed more frequently than this as it can dry out their skin and coat, causing irritations. If your Cavapoochon gets muddy try to wipe them down with dog grooming wipes instead of giving them a full bath. Additionally, while bathing your Cavapoochon ensure to use a premium dog shampoo that is non-irritating for sensitive skin and avoid using ordinary soap as it dries out their skin a lot.

Do Cavapoochons Smell?

Cavapoochons don’t smell any more than other dog breeds. They aren’t known to have a strong odour and if they are given baths every 2 to 3 months and regularly go to the groomers they should not smell at all.

Do Cavapoochons Change Color?

Cavapoochons do not drastically change color as they grow up however their coat color may fade with age, especially for darker colored Cavapoochons. This may happen if they inherit the Poodle “fading gene” however as Cavapoochons are a triple cross-breed the likelihood of them changing color is pretty low as this is not a trait of Bichon Frises or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

How To Train A Cavapoochon

Are Cavapoochons Easy To Potty Train?

Cavapoochons are relatively easy to potty train as they respond well to training with postive reinforcement. However in comparison to large dog breeds, Cavapoochons and other small dog breeds tend to be harder to potty train as they have smaller bladders and therefore need to go relieve themselves more frequently which can result in more accidents.

How To Potty Train A Cavapoochon

You should immediately start potty training your Cavapoochon once you are home from the breeder on collection day. The best way to potty train a Cavapoochon is to:

Take your Cavapoochon outside to the spot you want them to go
While at this spot say “go potty”
Wait for your Cavapoochon to wee or poop
Once they have done their business praise and reward them with a treat
Make sure you take your Cavapoochon out 5 to 10 minutes after meals
Keep repeating this process until they go outside to relieve themselves independently

Cavapoochon Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Hypoallergenic	Needs regular grooming
Affectionate	Not as common as other mixed breeds
Family friendly	Expensive
Less hereditary health issues compared to purebred dogs	Difficult to predict their adult size