Cavachon are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise.
They’re a popular cross given this mix can encompass traits from both the Cavalier and Bichon Frise parent.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can make excellent companion dogs given their affectionate, easy going and loyal nature.
Bichon Frise can have hypoallergenic qualities, so they may not shed as much as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Therefore the Cavachon is usually described as a hypoallergenic cross.
While the Bichon Frise and Cavalier are breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club, the Cavachon doesn’t have breed status.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at why the Cavachon is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.
We’ve interviewed Monty (@cavachon.monty) and Dolly and Arley (@dollyandarley) to learn more about these hybrid dogs.
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
You may have encountered the term “hypoallergenic” during your search for the perfect dog for your home.
“Hypoallergenic” was first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s to describe a beauty product that was less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
While these “hypoallergenic” cosmetic products are less likely to trigger someone’s allergies, there’s still no guarantee some sort of allergic reaction won’t occur.
Let’s take a look at how respected medical website WedMD define the word “hypoallergenic” so we get a clear understanding.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
In the 21st century, hypoallergenic dogs have become hugely popular given they can be low shedding dogs that don’t produce a lot of dander. Given nearly 10% of the world’s population is allergic to dogs, it’s easy to see why hypoallergenic dogs are in such high demand.
Before we look at some hypoallergenic dog breeds, we need to take a look at what the American Kennel Club have to say. The prestigious organization write on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed in spite of claims made by breeders. The AKC write:
So, you want a dog but have always had an allergy attack whenever you’ve been around one – you’re not alone! According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10% of the U.S. population is allergic to dogs. While there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, there are many breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. Dander, which is attached to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in humans and these dogs have a non-shedding coat that produces less dander.
The AKC put forward a number of dog breeds that they consider to be hypoallergenic and suitable to prospective dog owners looking to find a canine companion that doesn’t shed as much as other dogs.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
You may be surprised to learn that around 10% of the US population is allergic to dogs. When you consider that there are over 90 million dog owners in the USA, we can assume that there are at least some pet parents who have found a hypoallergenic dog or they’re living with dogs despite their allergies.
When you think of dog allergies, you probably think pet hair is the number one culprit when it comes to triggering an unwanted reaction. While dog hair plays a big part, pet dander is another big contributor.
Here’s the American Lung Association’s definition of the word ‘dander’:
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
While pet hair and pet dander are two of the biggest contributors where dog allergies are concerned, you shouldn’t forget about other potential allergens such as dog salvia and dog urine.
Respected medical website Mayo Clinic write on their website:
Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine.
Your dog could carry in pollen from outside into your home to trigger your allergies – too. So even if you’ve got a hypoallergenic dog, your pup could still inadvertently trigger your allergies!
What are the symptoms?
If you think you could be allergic to dogs, you should contact your doctor to learn more about this condition. This article doesn’t constitute professional or medical advice. It’s no substitution for a conversation with your doctor.
Mayo Clinic outline some of the symptoms of dog allergies on their website:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Are Cavachons hypoallergenic?
Cavachons Arley and Dolly (Photo: @dollyandarley / Instagram)
Cavachons are considered a hypoallergenic cross breed thanks to the influence of the Bichon Frise. The Kennel Club put forward the Bichon Frise as a dog breed that doesn’t shed a lot. By crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Firse, you can potentially get a hypoallergenic dog. Having said that, there’s no guarantee a Cavachon will be hypoallergenic given the Cavalier isn’t considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Do Cavachons shed a lot?
Cavachons are likely to be a low-shedding mix but there’s no guarantee that some shedding won’t occur. So don’t fall for claims by breeder that their Cavachon are completely hypoallergenic. However, second or third generation Cavachons are more likely to be hypoallergenic than a first generation Cavachon.
In Arley and Dolly’s case, they don’t shed.
They don’t shed which for us is a dream. They have a lovely coat but surprisingly never shed, we have to take them to the groomers every 6-8 weeks as their hair grows fast and is prone to matting.
Cavachons care and grooming
Monty the Cavachon (Photo: cavachon.monty / Instagram)
Although you won’t have to worry about finding dog hair all over your clothes, furniture and floor, Cavachons do require regular grooming. Cavachon owners will need to commit to a regular grooming regimen to ensure their dog’s hair doesn’t become matted or tangled. In doing so, you will be able to remove dead hair, dirt or potential allergens from their coat.
Bee gave us an insight into the grooming routine for Monty.
Yes – brush every day or every other day to avoid knots. They have long hair, so this is to be expected unfortunately. We mostly struggle with his paws because they get so tangled on walks! Their lovely temperament makes it easy to brush them though. In terms of washing, we give him a bath every other week. Should probably be less because less is better for their coat, but he does love to roll around in mud.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK suggest a number of dog breeds on their website that they consider to be hypoallergenic. The AKC list 19 different breeds.
The AKC suggest the following 19 breeds:
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
The Kennel Club offer a more exhaustive list of 31 types of dogs:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
In our experience, the best way to learn about a dog – especially a mixed breed – is to speak to current owners. We find that pet parents are usually more than forthcoming with information about their cross breed on Instagram or other social media platforms.
In conclusion
Monty the Cavachon (Photo: cavachon.monty / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our feature on Cavachons and whether they’re hypoallergenic.
Cavachons are likely to be hypoallergenic thanks to the influence of their Bichon Frise parent’s genes.
However, each Cavachon can be hypoallergenic to different degrees given the Cavalier dog breed are moderate shedders.
If you decide to adopt a Cavachon, you’ll need to dedicate some time most days to brush your Cavachon.
