MyDogBreeds
Cavachon is originated from United States but Australian Kelpie is originated from Australia. Cavachon may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Australian Kelpie. Cavachon may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Australian Kelpie. Both Cavachon and Australian Kelpie has same life span. Both Cavachon and Australian Kelpie has almost same litter size. Both Cavachon and Australian Kelpie requires Moderate maintenance.
The 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).
The energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.
These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.
The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.
Cavachons 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.
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.
The Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.
The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.
The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.
The 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.
The Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.
Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.
Although 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 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.
Your Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.
You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.
Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.
Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.
Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.
The 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.
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.
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.
Australian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.
It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.
When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.
Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.