Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon: Which Breed is Right for You?

In our home, we’re lucky to share our lives with three delightful dogs: Biscuit, our Poochon; Blue, our Cavapoo; and Castiel, our Cavapoochon. Fun fact—Biscuit is Castiel’s mother, and Blue is his father! Over the years, designer breeds like the Cavapoo and Cavapoochon have grown immensely popular, capturing the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. A question I’m frequently asked is, what’s the difference between a Cavapoo and a Cavapoochon? As the proud owner of both, I’m here to explore those differences and help you decide which of these adorable breeds might be the perfect fit for you.

Loving Companions

Whether you choose a Cavapoo or a Cavapoochon, one thing is certain: both breeds are loving, loyal, and endlessly charming. Their friendly temperaments, low-shedding coats, and teddy bear-like appearances make them irresistible. While they share many similarities, they also have key differences that can help you determine which breed best suits your lifestyle.

What is a Cavapoo?

The Cavapoo, or Cavoodle, is a hybrid of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and either a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This breed was created to combine the Cavalier’s affectionate nature with the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat.

Key Traits of a Cavapoo

Size:
Cavapoos are small dogs, typically weighing between 10 and 25 pounds and standing 9 to 14 inches tall. Their size depends on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy or a Miniature variety. Our Cavapoo, Blue, inherited his size from his Miniature Poodle father, making him larger than the average Cavapoo.

Appearance:
Cavapoos have soft, wavy, or curly coats in colours like cream, apricot, red, black, or multicoloured patterns. Blue’s apricot coat started as a rich red when he was a puppy and gradually lightened as he grew.

Temperament:
Known for their friendly, loyal, and sociable nature, Cavapoos make excellent family pets. They love cuddles, thrive on human interaction, and are eager to please, which makes them ideal for first-time dog owners.

Energy Level:
Cavapoos have moderate energy levels. They enjoy daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation but aren’t overly demanding. Two 20-30-minute walks a day usually keep them content.

Health and Lifespan:
With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Cavapoos are generally healthy, though they can inherit health issues such as heart conditions from the Cavalier side or hip dysplasia and eye problems from the Poodle side.

What is a Cavapoochon?

The Cavapoochon is a more recent breed, blending the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle, and Bichon Frise. This mix was designed to enhance the Cavapoo’s best traits while adding the Bichon’s hypoallergenic coat and sturdy build.

Key Traits of a Cavapoochon

Size:
Cavapoochons are small, compact dogs, weighing 12 to 20 pounds and standing 9 to 13 inches tall. Thanks to the Bichon Frise, they’re often slightly sturdier than Cavapoos. Castiel, our Cavapoochon, is noticeably smaller than his father, Blue.

Appearance:
With thick, curly, hypoallergenic coats in colours like white, cream, apricot, or a mix, Cavapoochons are perfect for allergy sufferers. Their round eyes and button noses give them a forever-young, teddy bear-like appearance. Castiel’s coat is predominantly white with apricot patches, resembling his Poochon mother, Biscuit.

Temperament:
Cavapoochons are affectionate and playful but can be slightly more independent than Cavapoos due to their Bichon lineage. They’re adaptable and thrive in both active and quiet households.

Energy Level:
Much like Cavapoos, Cavapoochons enjoy moderate activity. Daily walks, interactive games, and training keep them happy, though they’re equally content curling up on the couch with their owners.

Health and Lifespan:
With a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, Cavapoochons benefit from the Bichon’s reputation for longevity. They’re generally healthy but can inherit issues like patellar luxation or eye problems from their parent breeds.

Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon: Key Differences

1. Coat Type and Grooming:
Both breeds require regular grooming, but Cavapoochons often have more hypoallergenic coats, shedding less than Cavapoos. If allergies are a concern, the Cavapoochon may be the better choice.

2. Temperament:
Cavapoos are incredibly people-oriented and thrive on constant companionship, making them ideal for those who work from home. In contrast, Cavapoochons are slightly more independent and may tolerate short periods alone better.

3. Trainability:
While both breeds are intelligent and trainable, Cavapoos tend to be more eager to please, making them a great choice for novice owners. Cavapoochons, though smart, can be a bit stubborn at times, requiring patience during training.

4. Health and Longevity:
Cavapoochons generally live longer, thanks to the Bichon’s genetic contribution. If lifespan is a deciding factor, the Cavapoochon has the edge.

5. Cost:
Cavapoochons are often pricier than Cavapoos due to their newer status and hypoallergenic qualities. Both breeds come with ongoing grooming and healthcare costs.

Which Breed is Right for You

Ultimately, the choice between a Cavapoo and a Cavapoochon depends on your preferences and lifestyle.

• If you’re looking for a devoted, affectionate companion who thrives on human interaction, a Cavapoo might be the perfect fit.
• If you prefer a slightly more independent dog with a hypoallergenic coat and longer lifespan, a Cavapoochon could be the better choice.

In our home, both breeds are wonderful with children and make excellent companions. They greet us with wagging tails at the door and bring endless joy to our lives.