User:Thomassondavis

The Cavachon is a popular hybrid breed resulting from the mating of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Cavachons are fluffy, low shedding, hypoallergenic little dogs that have both the dark, expressive eyes of the Bichon Frise, and the irresistible "Lady and the Tramp" face and markings of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Cavachon's temperament reflects the sweet, friendly, non-aggressive, and intelligent nature that is the hallmark of both breeds.

As a result of hybridization, Cavachons possess what is known as "hybrid vigor"--a genetic health advantage over pure bred dogs. Simply stated, a hybrid of two purebred dogs of different breeds will carry less risk for recessive inherited genetic health problems than a purebred dog. http://www.cavachonpups.com/cavachons/aboutcavachons.html

Basic genetics tells us that diversity within a population leads to improved temperament, vigor, and overall health health. The same concept is equally as true when two healthy pure breeds are crossed. If the two breeds are complimentary for hybridization, they will share a similar temperament and size while carrying different risk factors for genetic recessive health issues.

In the case of Cavaliers, the Cavalier breed carries a risk factor for genetic recessive problems with Mitral valve disorder. This means that two heart-healthy Cavaliers of breeding age may produce a puppy with mitral valve disorder because both of the parent dogs were recessive carriers for this problem. Hybridizing the same Cavalier with a Bichon Frise would virtually eliminate the risk for this problem, as Bichons do not carry the same genetic risk factors for MVD.

Bichons can carry a genetic risk factor for juvenile cataracts. Cavaliers don't, so again, the hybridization of the two improves the statistical probability of producing puppies who are not double recessive carriers for genetic disorders. Both breeds are known for being affectionate, non-aggressive, and friendly, so you can expect that the hybrid puppies will also carry those qualities from a temperament standpoint. Cavachons are generally tolerable for people with sensitivities to Cavalier dander and shedding!

The Most Common Color Combinations of Cavachons:

Tri-color, Black and White, Sable and white, and Blenheim puppies can be produced from the mating of a Tri-color Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Frise. The term "Blenheim" (pronounced BLEN-um) comes from Cavalier lingo describing the russet and white variety of the breed. Blenheim puppies can also be the result of the mating of a Blenheim Cavalier with a Bichon Frise. Blenheim shades range from soft peach to apricot to copper.

Solid color Apricot and Solid Sable puppies are produced from the mating of a solid color (Black and Tan, or Ruby) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Frise. http://www.cavachonpups.com/cavachons/cavachoncolors.html