Flat-Coated Retriever vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Cavachon - Breed ComparisonCavachon is originated from United States but Flat-Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom. Cavachon may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than Flat-Coated Retriever. Cavachon may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than Flat-Coated Retriever. Cavachon may live 5 years more than Flat-Coated Retriever. Cavachon may have less litter size than Flat-Coated Retriever. Both Cavachon and Flat-Coated Retriever requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Sporting dog
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
31 - 33 cm
12 - 13 inches
59 - 61 cm
23 - 25 inches
Height Female:
29 - 33 cm
11 - 13 inches
56 - 59 cm
22 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 10 kg
8 - 23 pounds
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 10 kg
8 - 23 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
4 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
None
Flatcoat, flatt, Flattie Flatte (Sweden)
Colors Available:
White, patches of apricot, tan and black or a mix of these colors.
liver and yellow (blonde, black
Coat:
Medium to long - wavy or straight
double, glossy and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cavachonThe Cavachon dog is a mix of the Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. There isn’t much on the history of the dog but it seems as though certain kennels in Berryville, Virginia, in the United States are the first breeder of the dog, establishing the hybrid dog in 1996.

This attractive little toy breed has become one of the most popular cross-breed dogs to own in the United Kingdom, United States, Europe and other parts of the world. As it is a hybrid, the Cavachon isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).

flat coated retrieverThe Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.

The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.

Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts

Description

cavachon puppy - descriptionCavachons are small dogs standing from 31 - 33 cm at the withers and weighing 4.5 - 9 kg. He has a medium-to-long silky coat which can be slightly wavy or even straight. The coat is available in several different colors – with white being the main color and he’ll have patches of apricot, tan and black or a mix of these colors.

Individual dogs will vary to some extent depending on which parent breed is more dominant, but they’ve generally got a compact, well formed body and short legs. People with allergies appreciate this breed as they don’t shed a lot.

Temperament:

The Cavachon isn’t aggressive at all and they are sweet dogs, enjoying being around children. Their wonderful nature makes them a great therapy dog as they love to charm and delight people. He is tolerant of the actions of children as well as being able to get on well with other dogs and cats in the home.

Even small dogs like the Cavachon however can benefit from training and socialization, and then he becomes a wonderful obedient little dog. He is actually more robust than he looks and this is what makes him such a good pet for children.

He is a social little dog and just loves his human family and doesn’t want to be left alone for any long lengths of time. His lack of aggression means you can’t really rely on him to be much of a guard dog although he will give you some warning with his barking.

flat coated retriever puppy - descriptionThe Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.

Characteristics

cavachon dog - characteristicsThe sweet Cavachon is a balanced, happy, social dog and with his amicable nature and appealing looks, everybody wants him as a friend. He is fun and entertaining and makes a wonderful family pet and playmate for children.

He gets on well with other pets in the home too. Even though he is a small dog, he will require training and socialization as his cuteness tends to make him want to assert himself over his owner. With socialization he becomes the most awesome, loyal and devoted little companion.

Children friendliness

flat coated retriever dog - characteristicsThe Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.

Special talents

They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.

Adaptability

They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.

Learning ability

Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.

Health Problems

cavachon puppies - health problemsAlthough a mixed breed such as the Cavachon is considered healthy, they can still have their share of health problems. Some of the common health problems that the Cavachon may have to contend with and which come from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise are ear infections, liver problems, hip dysplasia and eye problems.

A healthy Cavachon who has been fed well and nurtured can live to be up to 15 to 18 years.

Arthritis:

Arthritis is a disease seen in many dogs and it is inflammation of the joints because of wear and tear. You’ll notice lameness with your pet, stiffness, swelling, heat and pain and even depression.

Your pet may even display some aggressive behavior because of the pain, but this is excusable as this isn't an aggressive breed. Osteoarthritis is seen more often in senior dogs. Thankfully the good news is that arthritis can be managed by your vet.

flat coated retriever puppies - health problemsFlat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:

  1. Hip Dysplasia – not very common
  2. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can result in blindness
  3. Glaucoma - an eye disease that can result in blindness
  4. Epilepsy – very rare but still seen
  5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and volvulus) – fatal if not treated immediately

Cancers

Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

cavachon dogs - caringThe Cavachon is a small dog, so if you have a nice sized garden, a lot of his exercise needs will be met. However he will still want a walk every other day and appreciate ball games in the garden. He can adapt to living in much smaller places but then he will certainly need to be exercised.

Diet:

Small dog breeds like the Cavachon have a quick metabolism and you want to feed him a top quality dog food high in protein and fat. Protein is important as it supports growth in puppies and promotes lean muscle mass in adult dogs.

Make sure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water available.

Grooming:

The Cavachon’s hair sheds very little, so grooming and brushing will only be required twice a week. His hair may need to be clipped every now and then to keep him well groomed. If you don’t have the experience or the required tools, a professional dog salon in your area will be able to do it for you.

The nails must also be clipped regularly and the ears kept clean and dry to prevent ear infections. His teeth will need to be cleaned at least 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush to prevent dental decay.

Feeding the puppy

flat coated retriever dogs - caringHe will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.

Feeding the adult

Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.

Points for Good Health

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.

Games and Exercises

They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.

Comparison with other breeds

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  38. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Flat-Coated Retriever vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison