Cavachon Breeder

Hello,

My daughter has been wanting a dog for a very long time now and has been inquiring into different dog breeds. She has come across the cavachon, a cross between a cavalier king charles and bichon frise. As this breed fits all of our expectations, I have begun to look into breeders. The issue is that I would rather not have to get this dog from oversees and cannot find any breeders in Switzerland. If you know of any Cavachon breeders in Switzerland or possibly in Zürich, please feel free to let me know as we have been waiting and looking for this for a very long time now.

Also, If any of you do own a cavachon, my daughter would love to dog sit as she has never actually come across one before. I am hoping to find this dog for my daughter as she has been wanting one for almost her entire life and has put so much effort into persuading me and being (to be honest) possibly even more responsible and consistent than me, showing serious determination and the time finally seems right.

Please let me know if you know anything of the breed at all,

Thank you very much.

While it's not the same breed, there is a bit of discussion on buying mixed breeds in Switzerland in this thread

Where can I get a Schnoodle in Switzerland?

Meloncollie to the rescue!

Thank you for that information as it was very helpful, so do you reckon that I will be able to find a reputable breeder in switzerland?

Or should I look in germany, Uk...

Amelina, please read what I wrote in the 'schnoodle' thread. The same issues apply.

A 'cavachon' is not a breed. There is no breed standard, no governing body regulation health and temperament issues, no code of ethics regulation breeding practices.

Because this is a mix of two breeds, it cannot "meet your expectations" because the characteristics are not set. This is what a mixed breed means. Repeat: No breed, no breed standard. It is possible that no two puppies will be alike - in size, looks, temperament, character, health, etc. This is what happens when you toss random genetic factors together. It takes generations of selective breeding to produce reliably repeatable characteristics. As there is no breed, breed standard, breeding code of ethics, breed club oversight, what you would get in any litter is anybody's guess..

Be aware that many breeders of these these so called 'designer dogs' do so because there is no regulation, no ethical code to follow. They know that the type of buyer who is attracted to a catchy name probably is rather naïve about the dark side of the dog world, and so these are usually battery farmed, the more accurate term for puppy mills. Most of these so called designer dogs are poorly bred, often sick, raised in horrific conditions.

If you are drawn to a cavalier, get a cavalier. If you are drawn to a bichon, get a bichon. If you are drawn to a mix, get a mix. But understand what you are - and are not - getting.

Why not look at an established breed, one where the breeders are regulated under the SKG or FCI, one where there are ethical standards set?

Or, if you want a mixed breed dog, why not look at rescue? Lots of cute fluffy mixes needing homes...

If you are determined to go the so called designer dog route, you will need to do significant research into the genetic health concerns, into what makes a good breeder in general... And you need to do serious due diligence with every breeder you encounter. Start with the assumption that all is likely not what it seems, and add a healthy dollop of suspicion. Eyes wide open.

I would again urge you to read the article I linked in the other thread written by Wally Conron, the guide dog breeder who coined the 'oodle' name which much to his regret unleashed the nightmare of badly bred dogs with cute names.

I want to emphasize that I am trying to dissuade you not out of breed snobbery ( I work in rescue, I am not part of the SKG/FCI world) but rather out of concern. This trend of unregulated breeding, of selling a cute name rather than a dog, is on a hiding to disaster. The worst sort of battery farmers have jumped on the bandwagon, eyeing the silly money uninformed people will pay. Our dogs deserve better.

ETA:

By the way, are you a first time dog owner, that is, have you had a dog registered in you name in the ANIS database here in Switzerland? If so, have you already done the SKN theory course? I ask because the course, mandatory for first time owners, discusses what makes a good breeder or rescue...which is why it is required before one acquires a dog.

ETA 2:

Re: your offer of dog sitting. Do be aware that dog sitting is a regulated activity in Switzerland. If you are paid to take care of a dog you have to have taken specific courses, and possibly be registered with the cantonal Veterinäramt . To care for fewer than 5 dogs you only need the two SKN courses, the theory and the practical. Caring for 5-19 dogs requires the FBA, more than 19 the eid. Tierpfleger degree. If you are not being paid, as in doing a favor for a friend, then the dog care regulations do not apply. (Of course, you are the adult so the legal responsibility fall to you.)

Thank you very much for the tips, I have read your schnoodle thread. I will take these tips into account thank you very much.