In our home, we have 3 dogs – a Poochon, Biscuit, a Cavapoo, Blue and a Cavapoochon, Castiel. Biscuit is Castiel’s mother and Blue is his father. Cavapoochons and Cavapoos have become increasingly popular over the past few years. One question I am often asked is what are the differences between the Cavapoo and the Cavapoochon. In this post, we will explore these differences and finally answer the question – Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon.
Speaking as an owner of both breeds, I can certainly say that you will not find a more loving dog in both a Cavapoo and a Cavapoochon. These popular designer breeds have won the hearts of dog lovers with their adorable appearance, friendly demeanour, and low-shedding coats. Cavapoo and the Cavapoochon share similar origins and traits but they also have distinct differences that may influence your choice of which breed is best suited to you and your lifestyle and settle the conundrum Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon.
What is a Cavapoo?
The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavoodle, is a crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, typically a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This hybrid was originally bred to combine the gentle and affectionate nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle.
Key Traits of a Cavapoo
Size:
Cavapoos are generally small dogs, weighing between 10 to 25 pounds and standing around 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size can vary based on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature variety. My Cavapoo, Blue’s father was a miniature poodle, making his father taller than the toy breed. This means Blue is a rather large Cavapoo.
Appearance:
Cavapoos have soft, wavy, or curly coats that can come in a variety of colors including cream, apricot, red, black, and even multi-colored patterns. Their expressive eyes and floppy ears give them an irresistibly cute appearance. We have an apricot Cavapoo. As a puppy, his coat was red but as he grew and lost his puppy coat, he turned a beautiful apricot colour.
Temperament:
Known for being incredibly friendly, loyal, and sociable, Cavapoos are great family pets. They tend to get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, making them excellent companions for households of all sizes. They’re eager to please and enjoy cuddles, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
Energy Level:
Cavapoos have moderate energy levels. They enjoy playtime, daily walks, and mental stimulation but are not overly demanding when it comes to exercise. A few 20-30 minute walks a day should suffice to keep them happy and healthy.
Health and Lifespan:
Cavapoos generally have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Like all hybrid breeds, they can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, including heart problems from the Cavalier side and hip dysplasia or eye issues from the Poodle side. However, they are generally healthy dogs, especially when sourced from a reputable breeder.
What is a Cavapoochon?
The Cavapoochon is a more recent hybrid, combining three beloved breeds: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Poodle, and the Bichon Frise. This unique mix was bred to enhance the Cavapoo’s positive traits while adding the hypoallergenic and robust characteristics of the Bichon Frise.
Key Traits of a Cavapoochon:
Size:
Similar to the Cavapoo, the Cavapoochon is a small dog, weighing between 12 to 20 pounds and standing 9 to 13 inches tall. Due to the presence of the Bichon Frise, they tend to be slightly more compact and sturdy than Cavapoos. Our Cavapoochon is a lot smaller than his father, our Cavapoo, Blue.
Appearance:
Cavapoochons have thick, curly, or wavy coats that are often hypoallergenic, making them a good option for allergy sufferers. They can come in a range of colors, including white, cream, apricot, or a combination of these. Their teddy bear-like face, with round eyes and a small, button nose, adds to their charm. Indeed, Cavapoochons are often called ‘forever puppies’ or ‘forever teddies’ because of their appearance.
Castiel, our Cavapoochon has a similar coat to his mother, our Poochon, Biscuit. His coat is mostly white with patches of apricot. He has dark eyes like his mother too.
Temperament:
Cavapoochons are affectionate, playful, and well-suited to families or individuals who want a companion that will form strong bonds with them. While they are sociable like Cavapoos, they may exhibit a slightly more independent streak due to the influence of the Bichon Frise. This breed tends to be very adaptable and can thrive in both active households and quieter homes.
Energy Level:
Cavapoochons have moderate energy needs, similar to Cavapoos. They enjoy daily walks, games of fetch, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys. While they love to play, they are also content lounging on the couch with their owners.
Health and Lifespan:
The Cavapoochon is considered a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. The Bichon Frise element in their genetics is known for its longevity, which can contribute to a longer life span for the Cavapoochon compared to the Cavapoo. However, they can still inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as patellar luxation or eye problems.
Key Differences Between Cavapoos and Cavapoochons
While Cavapoos and Cavapoochons share many similarities due to their shared lineage from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, there are some distinct differences that may make one breed a better fit for your lifestyle.
1. Coat Type and Grooming Needs
Both breeds have coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles, but the Cavapoochon’s coat is often more hypoallergenic due to the influence of the Bichon Frise. If you or a family member have allergies, the Cavapoochon may be the better choice as they tend to shed less than Cavapoos.
Cavapoos can have a wavier or looser curl to their coats, while Cavapoochons typically have a denser and more tightly curled coat. Regular brushing, as well as professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, is recommended for both breeds.
Personally, if your decision on Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon comes down to their coats, I would opt for the Cavapoochon. They do tend to shed less (although the Cavapoo only sheds a little).
2. Temperament
Both breeds are affectionate and people-oriented, but Cavapoochons tend to have a slightly more independent nature, thanks to the Bichon Frise’s influence. This may make them slightly less prone to separation anxiety compared to the Cavapoo, which thrives on constant companionship. Our Cavapoo does suffer from separation anxiety and tends to cry when we leave the home. TheCavapoochon on the other hand does not mind being left while we are out. If you work long hours or have a busy schedule, a Cavapoochon may be a better match, as they can handle brief periods of alone time more comfortably.
On the other hand, Cavapoos are typically more attached to their owners and may be better suited for individuals who work from home or families where someone is always around.
3. Trainability
Both Cavapoos and Cavapoochons are highly trainable due to the Poodle’s intelligence. However, the Cavapoo’s eager-to-please nature might give them a slight edge when it comes to training, especially for novice owners. Cavapoos are quick to learn commands and are usually very motivated by praise and treats.
Cavapoochons are also smart and enjoy training sessions but may require slightly more patience due to their independent streak. They can sometimes be a bit more stubborn than Cavapoos, especially if they feel like doing something else. For instance, all my dogs learnt how to sit from a young age, but Castiel, the Cavapoochon will only do this trick when he feels like it!
4. Health and Lifespan
While both breeds have relatively similar lifespans, Cavapoochons can live a bit longer, thanks to the Bichon Frise’s contribution to their genetics. Additionally, the Bichon Frise is known for being a generally healthy breed, which can enhance the overall health profile of the Cavapoochon. If longevity is a critical factor for you, the Cavapoochon may have the edge.
5. Cost
Cavapoochons can sometimes be more expensive than Cavapoos due to their status as a newer and more unique designer breed. While prices can vary depending on the breeder, location, and lineage, it’s worth considering this when making your decision. Both breeds require regular grooming and potential health care costs, so be prepared for ongoing expenses with either choice.
Which Breed is Right for You?
The decision between a Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, preferences, and what you’re looking for in a furry companion.
If you’re seeking a loyal, affectionate, and eager-to-please dog who thrives on human companionship, the Cavapoo may be the best fit for you.
If you prefer a slightly more independent dog with a hypoallergenic coat and a longer lifespan, the Cavapoochon might be the better option.
Both breeds make excellent pets for families, singles, and seniors alike, thanks to their friendly temperaments, moderate exercise needs, and manageable sizes.
We have a young child and our home is always visited by younger children, both our Cavapoo and Cavapoochon are excellent with children. They both greet us at the door when we return home.
Whether you choose the Cavapoo or the Cavapoochon, you’re sure to gain a devoted and loving companion who will bring joy to your home for years to come.
I hope you enjoyed this post of Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon. Do you own either breed? Can you help my readers determine Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon? Let us know in the comments below.
