While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Italian-Bichons are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Cav-A-Malt is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Playful
Agile
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Companionable
Cheerful
Athletic
Mischievous

Active
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Gentle
Social
Tempered
Sweet
Fearless
Cheerful
Quiet
Easygoing
Nonaggressive
Polite
Graceful
Sporty
No tendency towards nervousness

Italian-Bichons are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Cav-A-Malts are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound

Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

2000's

Unknown

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Cream
Fawn
Sable
White

Red
Brown
Black
White
Pied

Italian-Bichons have short coats.

Cav-A-Malts have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Straight

Wavy

An Italian-Bichon can have a litter of 2-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Cav-A-Malt can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Urolithiasis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Glaucoma
Hip Dysplasia

Cataracts
Shaker Dog Syndrome

Deafness
Cherry Eye

Urinalysis
Blood Count
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Chemistry

X-Rays
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Chemistry

Italian-Bichons are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Cav-A-Malts' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Italian-Bichon has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Cav-A-Malt has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Italian-Bichons bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Cav-A-Malt dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Italian-Bichons are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Cav-A-Malts are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Cav-A-Malt dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Italian-Bichon, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cav-A-Malt, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Italian-Bichons usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Cav-A-Malts usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Italian-Bichons are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Cav-A-Malt has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

The Italian-Bichon is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Cav-A-Malts make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Italian-Bichons have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Cav-A-Malts make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Italian-Bichons are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Cav-A-Malts are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Italian-Bichons are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Cav-A-Malts are highly friendly around strangers.

Italian-Bichons are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Cav-A-Malts have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.