Saturday, August 17, 2013

Designer Puppies From Cavachon Breeders

By Helga Stokes


Designer breeds use purebred parents from unrelated bloodlines to increase hybrid vigor. Cavachon breeders strive to produce puppies with the best health and personality traits from the parents, without the health problems common in purebred dogs. The result of cross breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, is a teddy bear like fur ball with a great personality. Cavachons can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club.

The first Cavachons were bred in 1996. As a hybrid there are no required standards. The Cavachon Club of America does list basic traits of this popular crossbreed. They're small, 8-20 pounds, and come in many colors, the most common being white, apricot and white, and white with black and/or tan markings. Hair is silky, soft, usually wavy. They're friendly, gentle, and sociable forming and needing close bonds with their housemates, active but not hyperactive.

This lovable little dog just wants to be near his people. He'll follow his family from room to room, always on the look out for a lap to sit on. When weather is bad, Cavachons enjoy indoor games as much as they love outings. Their modest energy needs makes this a perfect dog for condo and apartment dwellers. Even travelers in recreational vehicles will find this little 8-20 pound dog an excellent companion. They're not high strung. They don't bark a lot. They're easy to train, sociable with strangers, good with kids, good with other pets including the family cat.

A designer dog is not just a fancy word for a mutt. The parents are AKC registered purebred dogs with a documented family tree. Controlled breeding to create desired traits is the genesis of all of today's purebreds. After a while, the limited bloodlines available tend to inbreed genetic problems and diseases. Careful crossbreeding restores hybrid vigor producing a sturdier pet.

These dogs are low to non-shedding, great for homes with allergies. Brush your puppy regularly. The silky hair becomes thicker and heavier as he grows and will require regular grooming to keep from knotting. Hair can be cut in a variety of lengths and styles for easy care.

Studies have found that crossbreeding does result in hybrid vigor. Of course, both parents must be healthy to produce healthy puppies. Reputable Cavachon breeders include a health guarantee and a return clause in the contract. Ask the breeder if the puppies have received initial vaccinations. Ask for a health certificate.

Great Cavachon breeders will always raise the puppies in the home, the first step in socialization. Ask the breeder about their experience with Cavachons and the parent breeds. Ask about the lineage of the parents. Know if neutering and/or spaying is a requirement of the purchase. If possible, it's always best to visit and meet the parent dogs as well as the puppies.

Responsible Cavachon breeders will ask questions to be sure you're a responsible dog owner. They'll ask about the home environment. They'll ask about your socialization plans, experience with dogs, and your commitment to provide regular attention to this sociable, attention loving little dog.




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