Cava-lon

A Cava-lon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Papillon.

They’re a hybrid mix that are usually small in size and weigh no more than 18 pounds.

Cava-lon, like any cross breed, can vary in appearance depending on which parent they take after.

In spite of what breeders might say, it’s impossible to predict the appearance and temperament of a Cava-lon puppy.

However, given both the Cavalier and Papillon can make excellent companion dogs, they’re likely to make good pets that enjoy being around their fellow family members.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the Cava-lon breed, examining their appearance, temperament, exercise needs and much more.

What is a Cava-lon?

Cava-lon are a cross breed created by mixing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Papillon. A Cava-lon could be the result of intentional or unintentional breeding.

These hybrid dogs will encompass both physical and temperament traits from both parents, although sometimes they can mirror the Cavalier or Papillon more closely.

While Cavaliers and Papillons are recongised by the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club, these organizations haven’t granted the Cava-lon breed status.

The following organizations do recognize the Cava-lon: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America and International Designer Canine Registry.

Sometimes described as designer dogs, you’ll find Cava-lon in rescue shelters that need to be rehomed. If you’ve got your heart set on this mix, you should check with your local shelter.

Kobe’s parents, for example, had a pleasant surprise when they rescued him.

Valerie explained how she stumbled across Baobei at a local pet store in Singapore.

Cava-lon can also be called Drop-Eared Papillon.

Cava-lon size

Cava-lon size can vary depending on whether this mix takes after the Cavalier or Papillon parent more closely. Having said, we can estimate that a Cava-lon will range from between 10 and 14 inches in height and 8 to 16 pounds in weight.

Let’s hear from Toffee’s dad Elvis to learn more about Cava-lon size.

Cava-lon appearance

Like we mentioned above, Cava-lon can vary in appearance depending on which parent they take after. They’ll usually have brown eyes with long ears. Papillon are famous for their “butterfly” ears, which a Cava-lon could inherit.

Cava-lon usually have a coat color that is a combination of black, brown, red, tan and white.

Cava-lon temperament

As with all mixed dogs, it’s impossible to cross two breeds and predict the temperament of the puppies purely based on the traits of each parent. Having said that, Cavaliers and Papillons have both been bred to be companion dogs. So they’ll usually be sociable dogs that like to be around their fellow family members. Cava-lon can make great family pets due to their easy-going nature. We always recommend socializing your puppy from a young age, whether it’s going to puppy manner classes or puppy socialization events. While they’re too small to act as guard dogs, Cava-lon can make excellent watch dogs. Cava-lons don’t usually like the cold or extreme heat.

Valerie kindly gave us an insight into Baobei’s personality.

Do Cava-lons suffer from separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. It usually occurs when the pet parents leave the home but in some cases even before the departure has happened. The symptoms of separation anxiety include incessant barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging and in some cases even defecating or urinating inside the home.

Toffee suffers from some separation anxiety.

Proving that every dog is different, Baobei doesn’t suffer with the condition.

Do Cava-lons like to cuddle?

Cavaliers are usually described as one of the quintessential lapdog breeds. They like to give and receive affection from members of their family. The same can be said of Papillon. However, every dog is different so it would be unfair to assume all Cava-lon will enjoy cuddle time.

Do Cava-lons make great family pets?

Cava-lons are likely to make good family pets given both Cavaliers and Papillons tend to thrive in a family environment. They’re cheerful, happy and sociable dogs so they tend to do well in a family unit in the home. Having said that, children will need to be educated on how to handle these small dogs with care.

Elvis explained why he believes Cava-lon are a great options for families based upon his experience.

Are Cava-lons easy to train?

Cava-lon will benefit from regular training from a young age. You could even consider attending a puppy manner’s class or a puppy training class to help with the basics. The Intelligence of Dogs, written by Stanley Coren in 1994, rated the Papillon as the eighth smartest dog in the world. The Cavalier, on the other hand, is all the way down the list at number 73. The Cava-lon’s intelligence will vary from dog to dog but consistent training will help pet parents to lay down the ground rules early on.

Do Cava-lons bark a lot?

According to the Cava-lon owners that we interviewed for this feature, Cava-lons don’t bark a lot.

Toffee, for example, rarely makes any noise.

How much exercise do Cava-lons need?

Cava-lons have moderate exercise needs, according to Wag Walking. The dog walking website recommend around 45 minutes of exercise a day. This can vary depending on the energy levels of each Cava-lon.

Are Cava-lons hypoallergenic?

There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog but some breeds and mixes are less likely to trigger a person’s allergies. The Cava-lon is not one of these type of dogs.

Do Cava-lons shed?

Cava-lon are usually dogs that shed regularly due to the type of coat that both their parents have. Cava-lons tend to have a long, dense coat that is straight. They’ll shed a little all year but Cava-lon can shed even more during the changing of the seasons.

Do Cava-lons need regular grooming?

Given their long coats, Cava-lon will benefit from regular grooming. It’s a good idea to brush these companion-sized dogs at least twice a week to remove any dirt or debris caught in their coat.

In Elvis’ experience of owning a Cava-lon, Toffee has only shed in the summertime.

Do Cava-lons have any health problems?

Although mixed breeds are usually considered healthier dogs due to a wider genetic pool, that doesn’t mean all Cava-lons are free from health problems. Some conditions that Cava-lon owners should be aware of as potential issues include Mitral Valve Disease, Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts, and Hip Dysplasia.

In Kobe’s case, he fortunately hasn’t experienced any health scares so far.

However, Valerie has experienced some health issues with Baobei.

Are Cava-lons fussy eaters?

Some dogs can be fussy or picky eaters, which can lead to headaches and sleepless nights if you’re a pet parents. I’ve experienced this issue with my Klee Kai. I’ve found that dog food delivery companies can provide a solution for dog owners with their home-cooked meals. I’ve reviewed the best dog food delivery companies in the USA and the best dog food delivery companies in the UK. Alternatively, if you prefer feeding your dog dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here.

Valerie explains that Baobei isn’t a fussy Cava-lon.

It’s a similar story where Toffee is concerned.

Do Cava-lons get along with other dogs?

Cava-lons are usually friendly and sociable dogs but you should also introduce your pup to other canines in a controlled and relaxed environment. It’s a good idea to ask other owners whether their dogs are friendly and are up to date on all their shots.

Baobei, for example, gets along with small dogs but not so well with bigger canines.

Cava-lon price

If you’re thinking about getting a Cava-lon, we urge you to first check out your local rescue home or shelter to see if they have a Cavalier mix that needs a forever home.

If you search for a Cava-lon breeder, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200. Here’s what Baobei cost Valerie.

Are Cava-lons expensive?

You’ll also need to budget for additional costs once you bring your Cava-lon home. These include vaccinations, neutering or spaying, dog food, pet insurance and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK

Cava-lons to follow on Instagram

If you would like to learn more about Cava-lon, we recommend checking out examples of the breed on Instagram. Here are three accounts to follow:

• Baobei (@baoandsora)

• Kobe (@kobe_the_cavalon)

• Toffee (@toffeethecavalon)

In conclusion

So we’ve reached the end of our feature on the Cava-lon.

They’re a small dog that usually like to be around their pet parents, giving and receive attention.

Cava-lon don’t tend to be noisy dogs but these hybrid canines love their food.

They’ll require some grooming to maintain the health and quality of their long, silky coats.