Cavachon

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Cavachon

Cavachon Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Cavachon Breed Information

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized

Weight: 10-20 lbs

Height: 12-16 inches

Color(s): Black and white, red and white, sable and white; may also be solid or tri-color

Overview

The Cavachon is created by crossing two breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. They are typically referred to as "designer dogs". They have become popular companions, especially to allergy sufferers.

Character

Small to medium in sie, the Cavachon possesses large expressive eyes and a sporty appearance. They are alert, sturdy, animated, and lively.

Temperament

The Cavachon is affectionate, loving, and gentle. They are very family oriented and do not do well if ignored or left alone for extended periods of time. They do best with older, considerate children or with children they have been with from puppyhood. Cavachon's will generally get along with dogs, cats, and other household pets. The Cavachon is non-aggressive but will alert their family to visitors and out of the ordinary sounds.

Care

Depending on coat type, the Cavachon requires regular brushing or professional clipping. It is important to regularly check and clean the ears. Dental hygiene is important to prevent early tooth loss. Cavachon's may be prone to such health issues as ear infections, skin problems, sensitivity to flea bites, heart problems, and hip dysplasia.

Coat

The coat of the Cavachon may be silky and slightly wavy or loosely curled.

Training

Early socialization and obedience are recommended. The Cavachon may be difficult to housetrain. The crate method is recommended. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency.

Activity

The Cavachon is relatively active indoors. They are well suited for apartment living. They enjoy family activities, securely leashed walks, and off-lead play time in a securely fenced yard.

Ask a Question Cavachon Questions & Answers

QUESTION: How big do cavachons get

Anonymous - 2/8/2012 4:39:35 PM

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QUESTION: What can I put on my Cavachon's coat to help with itching and licking?

Anonymous - 2/8/2012 8:00:49 AM

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QUESTION: how smart are cavachons?

Anonymous - 2/6/2012 9:02:29 PM

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QUESTION: When do female cavachon start bleeding for first time?

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 4:03:07 PM

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I've heard that cavachons usually get their first heat at around 6 to 7 months. Mine is still very young so I couldn't tell you exactly.

Anonymous - 2/2/2012 9:21:00 AM

QUESTION: Help! My 10 week old cavachon is shedding quite a bit! I purchased this breed because I am highly allergic, supposedly the cavachon does not shed but for some reason mine is, it depends on the day, sometimes I pick her up and my shirt is full of hair and other days its not so bad but she still sheds. Does anyone have the same problem? What do you suggest I do?

Anonymous - 1/25/2012 9:24:21 AM

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GET POODLE. THEY TRULY DO NOT SHED!!!!!!!

Anonymous - 2/3/2012 3:36:17 PM

Thank you so much for your answers! I am feeding her a food named " life's abundance" is made from high quality protein from chicken meal, vegetables, fruits and vitamins and minerals.It doesn't have corn or wheat, no artificial flavors or colors. I am also a very calmed person and talk to her in a soft voice and pamper her all the time, of course giving discipline when needed ( when she takes my shoes for example haha). I've been thinking about the skin condition you mentioned and that may be possible, even though the vet told me everything was perfect I do see her scratching often, I check her for fleas or ticks every time she scratches but she is clear. The vet gave me an all natural puppy shampoo and I have only bathed her 2 times in 4 weeks ( I don't want to dry out her skin, or maybe I already did). I will take her to the vet again next week and will have her checked for any skin condition or lack of vitamins. again thank you for your response. 3

Anonymous - 2/2/2012 9:15:13 AM

I took our cavachon to the vet last week and they said everything was perfect. Could it be her baby coat? I've heard they start shedding their baby coat at 5 months, she is only 11 weeks. It seems like the shedding is increasing every day.

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 10:13:39 AM

It is very possible that the food you are feeding is not agreeing with your cavachon. High protein dog foods are best suited to working dogs. Feed her something like a chicken/rice formula for a while and use a gentle shampoo on her as well. She may also be shedding from nerves. If you are a high strung or loud person, calm down. She may not be understanding you. She may think you are yelling at her. People loose hair from nerves as well.

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 12:55:01 PM

QUESTION: we have a cavachon and she is 7 months old. when she is in the yard and we call her she doesn't act as if she sees us until she gets closer. do they have a tendency for eye problems?

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 1:52:27 PM

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QUESTION: My 10 month old neutered male cavachon has become very aggressive with unknown people who come to the house. It is more than just barking. He appears to want to attack, and if he can pull far enough away from me he will snap and grab the "invader's" pants. Otherwise he is sweet, affectionate, etc. Has anyone else had this problem?

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 8:36:54 AM

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The basis of aggression is fear. The dog must feel he is supposed to protect you. Your cavachon needs to be socialized and you must become more assertive - the pack leader as Cesar Millan would say. Watch the Dog Whisperer or "Its Me or the Dog" with that English lady.

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 12:59:55 PM

QUESTION: do you have to clip cavachons

Anonymous - 1/13/2012 6:26:28 PM

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QUESTION: My cavachon is 3 1/2 years old and potty trained. He recently started spraying everywhere and I am at my whits end. Does anyone know why he would start soing this now? He sprayed all my verticle blinds and the back of my furniture and my rugs. I am now keeping him in one area.

Anonymous - 1/8/2012 12:40:40 PM

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QUESTION: We've had our little Cavachon for 1 week. We've been trying to get her to go potty on puppy pads. She seems to be getting the concept, going on the pad about 75% of the time. We give her a treat and lots of praise each time. I dont know when we should start taking her outside to go - she is 2months and hasnt had all her injections so I'm reluctant to take her out into the garden yet. We dont want her to use pads forever though - they will need to be there for when we are out for longer periods though. Any advice?

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 6:33:51 AM

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Hi there - try the bell. It was unbelievable. After a few half hearted attempts by my family to "bell train" after a few weeks our dog actually started to ring the bell himself to go out. Granted, some times our Cavachon probably just wants to go out but it is a very deliberate act on his part and think that it is great that he has a way to "communicate."Good luck!

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 4:42:50 PM

I've never heard of a dog ringing a bell? How do you train them to do that- sounds very sophisticated!

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 7:58:22 PM

We have a cavachon too. We did the exact same thing. We weaned her off the pads and started to get the concept. We got a bell for the door and when she rings it, we know she needs to go. P.S. Taken us a long time.

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 6:02:38 PM

QUESTION: How much should a 3 year old full size male cavachon weigh?

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 2:28:27 PM

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Our female cavachon is 5 years old and has consistently weighed 16 - 17 lbs since she was 3.

Anonymous - 1/13/2012 4:34:21 PM

My daughter's male cavachon is a year old and he weighs 23lb's the vet said he's good for weight

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 7:46:10 AM

QUESTION: We are adopting a 22 month old cavachon from a family. We have never had a dog and I was wondering how best to acclimate him into our family and make him feel comfortable.

Anonymous - 12/19/2011 2:35:09 PM

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That is a big question, you may need to seek advice from your vet. You should establish a vet right away. Often times, they have behavorists working for them that can give you advice. Best thing is no yelling, screaming or running around because this will take your cavachon time to adjust. Too much commotion will overwhelm and frighten the dog. Calm people, calm dog.

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 1:04:00 PM

QUESTION: I've been reading online about how cavachons don't shed. I bought my little puppy about 4 months ago at a store. He shed's like a cat. It's really bad. Do you think maybe he is a second generation one. Im slightly confused.

Anonymous - 12/19/2011 1:15:50 AM

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POODLES WILL NOT SHED.

Anonymous - 2/3/2012 3:39:44 PM

A cavachon may shed even if first generation. People buy these pups thinking they wont shed and they will be allergy freindly but its not true. You are mixing a non shedder with a very moulting dog, there is always a chance of shedding. Also allergies are to do with the dander not the moutling..(i am a cavachon breeder and never sell mine as non moulting)

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 5:38:12 PM

Our Cavachon is a year old and we bought him from a certified buyer and he does shed a little. Not as much as our Golden Retriever but he sheds. I think it is almost impossible for a dog not shed.

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 11:36:16 PM

our cavachon is year old he doesn't shed as a matter of fact we have him trimmed every few months

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 7:48:37 AM

QUESTION: how to house break and potty break a cavachon?

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 11:33:05 PM

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Crate training really is the best way. Start as young as you can though. Buy a cage with a divider so it can grow as your dog grows (if its still a puppy). With crate training you need to continue with the routine to get the animal use to what you need it to do. Leave your dog in the crate/cage over night when you wake up take them outside. If they dont go or dont fully finish take them back inside and put into cage for 5-15 minutes then back outside and try again. Continue this until you get a routine down try and bring treats for after they are done going to the bathroom to positively reinforce their "good" behavior, and of course "good boy/girl" is always good. I did this and stayed within the same times to walk my dog and he is now fully house trained. Good luck!

Anonymous - 12/14/2011 4:49:36 PM

QUESTION: I am curious as to the age when you get the male puppies fixed. Our Cavachon is about 6 months and I am being told this is the time. Is there a big recovery process or anything that we should be aware of?

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 6:12:36 PM

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We had our Cavachon boy fixed right around 6 months (your vet will give you the final word as to when the time is right for your puppy) and he bounced right back very quickly and was his normal super happy self within a couple of days.

Anonymous - 1/2/2012 8:42:39 PM

I recently got my Cavachon Rascal neutered about a week before his 1st birthday. He has healed up very nicely and was back to his normal self the next day. :) I kind of wish I had done it sooner though, he does like to hump people still. Just make sure you find a good vet to do the procedure and plenty of TLC once you bring your little guy home. Good luck!

Anonymous - 12/14/2011 4:44:52 PM

QUESTION: My boyfriend is allergic to most dogs. I have heard Bischon's are non-alergetic - what about these Cavachons?

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 3:23:03 PM

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A bichon has hair, like a human, it is the "danders" people are allergic to. My bichon was wonderful and my friends and family had no allergic problems with her. I still miss her but she is waiting for me at the rainbow bridge

Anonymous - 1/10/2012 8:18:35 PM

f1 hybrids and f1b hybrids will moult less but can still moult and cause allergies. i wish people would understand that moulting isnt the issue. it is down to dander on the skin not the fur. also some cavachons can moult even if first generation

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 5:40:25 PM

I am also allergic to most dogs, but we had a Bichon Frise for 12 years and I never had a problem, we now have a first generation Cavachon (very critical that it be a first generation) and I have absolutely no issues with him either.

Anonymous - 1/2/2012 8:45:42 PM

Our 7 month old cavachon girl does not shed! Amazing dogs and who cares if ther are "designer"

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 5:34:30 PM

QUESTION: Our Cavachon is 4 years old. When she gets overly excited, she starts acting like she is gasping for her next breath. Maybe discribe it as an asyma attack and gasping for air. After a few seconds, she is fine returns to normal breathing. Have any Cavachon owners experienced this with their pet?

Anonymous - 11/29/2011 9:29:28 PM

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My bichons have never done this but my cavaliers do. its very highly known in the cavaliers as a backwards cough. just rub her throat or open the mouth wide

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 5:41:25 PM

That is a genetic trait of the Bichon. We have a Yorkie/Bichon mix and he does the same thing when excited. I believe it was called Esophageal achalasia: a functional structure or spasm of the muscles of the esophagus where it joins the stomach.

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 2:21:12 PM

Our cavachon does the same thing.....when we pick her up after being away, she gets very excited and goes into panic attack (basically)---- can't catch her breath, etc. Our friends keep her for us when we're away. We're trying to come up with a way to warn her that we're coming for her....so it's not such a surprise when we show up at the door.

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 4:24:16 PM

QUESTION: Hey i was wondering if getting a cavachon is a good idea.

Anonymous - 11/29/2011 5:38:54 PM

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They are very sweet and loving. Cavachons are great lapdogs. Diffucult to potty train.They don't shed are adorable!!!

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 6:06:22 PM

Hey there. I do not know if you bought a dog yet but the Cavachons is the best dog I could ever imagine. I am totally not a dog person but this is the most loving breed and seems to be very smart. Just the right amount of energy and the potty training seems to be coming along. Not a lot of biting and chewing furniture (if at all) and a friend to all. NOT a watchdog but that is fine with us. Good Luck!

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 6:07:10 PM

QUESTION: I am thinking about buying a Cavachon puppy and have been doing some research on them. I was told that it is best if the pups are from a male Cavalier King and the Bichon being the female. Do you know any thing about this? I have seen puppies from a reversed situation and wondering if it really matters and why.

Anonymous - 11/24/2011 9:25:55 PM

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yes that is the best mix, breeding cavachon with cavachon also is a no no you lose the pure look of the dog

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 2:34:18 PM

Maybe some think that the puppy will have more bichon characteristics...(personally I think Bichons are cuter...shhh), but really I don't see the difference. I honestly don't know and this is just a hunch but I hope this helped

Anonymous - 12/12/2011 9:54:04 AM

QUESTION: my cav is 16 months old now and i was wondering how many times a day he should go poop.

Anonymous - 11/21/2011 1:17:34 PM

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At Least 2-3 Times A Day. And If Not See A Vet If Heavy Poop

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 11:26:51 PM

QUESTION: I have a 12 week old Cavachon. We are trying the crate method for night time and when we leave the house, but he tends to poop in the crate. We take him out before putting him in the crate, but he refuses to potty on the grass. He wants to go on the carpet or end up going in the crate. Any suggesions??

Anonymous - 11/15/2011 5:07:06 PM

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Make the crate seem like his own space. It shouldn't ever be a punishment to put your cavachon in there.

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 6:08:27 PM

I have a three year old Cavachon, I found her to be very easy to house break. You must remember to make a schedule and stick to it. Out upon rising, after eating, after play, after naps and whenever they start sniffing and looking for a spot to go. I used puppy pads in the beginning.Don't forget the praise for a job well done. I had a small fenced in area out side for her to relieve herself and she did not have full roam of the house until she was not going on the pad for two weeks just out side. You have to be observant and diligent. It pays off in the end and they are house broken sooner Had very few accidents in the house and she now sits at door waiting to go out.

Anonymous - 12/18/2011 12:49:03 PM

I have a male cavachon and we have this problem if we don't take him for a walk. When I don't walk him, it takes FOREVER for him to do his business outside, but when we walk him, he goes without any problem and he doesn't do at home.

Anonymous - 12/8/2011 9:23:44 AM

I do not know that much but after 6 weeks with a soon to be 6 month old Cavechon, you may not be taking him out enough or feeding him to late in the day. We give our dog three meals (1/2 cup eAach) and then watch him and try to take him out about 15 or so minutes after he eats.. Good luck~

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 6:08:52 PM

QUESTION: do cavachons molt?

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 7:23:44 AM

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some cavachons can shed even if first generation. they are after all mated with a moulting dog

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 5:42:20 PM

Only birds molt... But no cavachons don't SHED

Anonymous - 12/12/2011 9:55:12 AM

QUESTION: My Cavachon has dry brittle fur - why?

Anonymous - 11/9/2011 4:28:25 AM

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QUESTION: Hi! New to this web site love all the information. We have adopted a year old cavachon. He is great so far very hand shy. I was wondering how often they get bathed and what kind of shampoo anyone has used. He is getting fixed on Saturday does that change any behavior? He is very sweet with my kids and lab!

Anonymous - 11/3/2011 7:33:34 PM

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I also use a gentle oatmeal conditioning cleanser on my Cavachon. I as well wash her fur about every 2 weeks. I wait a little longer if she isn't too dirty cause Cavachons are known to get dry skin easily. If I wait a little longer I spray her with waterless shampoo to keep her smelling good and add moisture to her skin. Hope that helps. My vet informed me that Cavachons normally don't have any behavior change after being fixed. Female dogs usually have behavior changes after having puppies cause they become territorial.

Anonymous - 11/19/2011 9:06:11 PM

We bathe our cavachons once every two weeks with a gentle oatmeal conditioning cleanser. Be sure to brush your puppy regularly to keep the tangles to a minimum. We visit the groomer once every 6 weeks. Hope this helps.

Anonymous - 11/5/2011 9:18:46 AM

QUESTION: I have my cavachon for 2 weeks now and keep him in the kitchen while I'm at work. He has plenty of toys and only cries for a few seconds when I leave the room. I give him a lot of attention in the morning before I leave and he has a good run around in the garden. I am afraid that he may be lonely while I'm away as he is so affectionate. Does any one out there have a cavachon and work full time? It took me a long time to decide to get a dog and I hope I'm not being cruel, leaving him alone all day.

Anonymous - 11/2/2011 4:05:15 PM

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Cavachons are affectionate dogs. Leaving your Cavachon in the crate while at work isn't being cruel. If you put him in a crate at night as well, he might enjoy having company for a brief period while your at work. Maybe ask someone (a friend, neighbor, or on sittercity.com) to visit for about an hr in the afternoon to take him out and play with him, just to give him a little more exercise and attention.

Anonymous - 11/19/2011 9:15:32 PM

QUESTION: I have a white and peach cavachon. She is having the red tear stain under her eyes. Is there anyone else having this problem? Any suggestions? I have tried Angel Eyes, seemed to help a little but not much. I clean them everyday. Also, what is the best dog conditioner to help with the matting?

Anonymous - 10/30/2011 3:56:15 PM

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We are doing Angel Eyes right now and its helping. Get cavachon grooomed every two months.

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 6:10:55 PM

I mix spring water with tap water for my Cavachon to avoid stain under her eyes. I didn't stop giving tap water completely cause of the need for floride in her diet for her teeth. Hope something works for you.

Anonymous - 11/19/2011 9:21:55 PM

Try switching to grain free food - Wellness Core grain free is a good option. Also be sure to brush your cavachon's hair frequently which will avoid all the matting ... use an oatmeal based shampoo w/conditioning.

Anonymous - 11/5/2011 9:17:16 AM

Hello! We had this problem with our Bischon Frise. One day while at the groomers a man overheard me and the groomer discussing about what to do about the stains. He had that problem with their dog and said not to give the dog tap water because of the chlorine and floride. I tried that and after a few months(the hair has to grow out) there was no more staining. We haven't had a problem since! An easy fix!!

Anonymous - 11/1/2011 8:10:03 PM

QUESTION: Hi Everyone - love this site and am finding it very helpful. Our Cavachon is now 4 months old and the potty thing still a little touch and go. Seems to go a lot and going to try to get a bell and start that training as the cleaning up after "accidents' is a little rough. Question - we are giving him about a half cup of food a day and unlimited water and he is chowing down very quickly and completely. Dpes anyone know if this is the right amount to be feeding a four month old dog? Thanks and good luck to all!

Anonymous - 10/25/2011 8:16:05 PM

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We give our almost 6 month old Cavachon puppy a half cup three times a day and he devours it most of the time.

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 6:10:59 PM

It took our cavachon a little longer to train than say our lab but now he's awesome. We crated and used the bell method and everytime he needs to go out now he rings the bell. Have patience and be consistent about ringing the bell and letting him out. Good luck. This is the best combination of dogs I've ever been around!

Anonymous - 11/5/2011 9:22:09 AM

We have 2 Cavachons, 1 is 3 and the other is 10 months. Crate training is the best. Make sure that you take the puppy out after eating and after playing. Put him in the crate if you can't watch him. You'll have fewer accidents. Depending on the size and activity of the dog, 3/4 to 1 cup a day is perfect.

Anonymous - 10/28/2011 9:08:51 PM

Our Cavachon is 4 months old too. We give her a little over 1/4 cup in the morning and late afternoon and she gobbles it up quickly too but I think it is enough. We are lucky with housebreaking her. She let's us know by barking. We use the bell but she doesn't seem interested. By the way, we got the bell at Walmart.

Anonymous - 10/28/2011 4:03:28 PM

QUESTION: My cavachon (8 mons.) doesn't look like cavachons but he is one. Most are wite with some patches but he is blond with some caramelnext to his hairline and on his ears. Is this normal? also he constently grunts for no reson. My brother thinks its cute but i'm concerned.

Anonymous - 10/22/2011 9:22:56 AM

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Don't worry about the color, the cav in him could have been a ruby accounting for his blonde color. There should be nothing to worry about with the grunting, but if you are worried, call your vet. It should calm your fears.

Anonymous - 10/28/2011 9:13:03 PM

QUESTION: do cavachon's hunt?

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 9:05:24 PM

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lol... I don't know if cavachon's would be able to get anything, but I assure you that mine does hunt.

Anonymous - 12/8/2011 9:29:21 AM

QUESTION: I have a 10 month old male cavachon puppy. He just recently started to have a fetish with buttons im scared hes going to swallow them and lead to other problems. Anyone know what I can do to break his habit?

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 11:58:04 AM

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My cavachon puppy is 4 months old and she still likes to put a lot of different things in her mouth. I try to keep everything out of reach, but when she finds something, I'm firm with her when I say no (a little rough on the tone) and she will back away and just look at me. Then I take it away and give her one of her toys. I believe it's working cause: i.e. shoe strings was her favorite, she no longer chews on.

Anonymous - 11/19/2011 9:29:40 PM

If you are looking for Cavachon puppies for sale from reputable Cavachon breeders or to adopt a Cavachon from a Cavachon rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Cavachon puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Cavachon puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.