Kashon
The Kashon is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Cairn Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Kashon. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy companion dog that presents a cheerful appearance with its distinctive powder-puff coat and merry expression. Standing between nine and twelve inches at the shoulder and weighing between seven and eighteen pounds, with most adults falling between ten and eighteen pounds, the Bichon possesses a compact, balanced body with moderate bone structure. The breed should appear slightly longer than tall when viewed from the side, with a level topline and well-developed chest that reaches to the elbow. The overall silhouette should convey substance without coarseness. The Bichon Frise's most recognizable feature is its glorious white double coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat. When properly groomed, the coat stands away from the body to create the breed's signature rounded, powder-puff appearance. The coat texture is soft and silky to the touch, with a spring quality when patted. While the breed standard calls for white coats, puppies and young adults may display shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around the ears or on the body, which typically fade with maturity. The coat requires extensive maintenance to maintain its characteristic appearance, including regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming. The Bichon's head is proportionate to the body, with a slightly rounded skull and a muzzle that is approximately three-fifths the length of the skull. The round, dark eyes have dark halos surrounding them and convey an alert, soft, inquisitive expression that is a hallmark of the breed. The ears are drop-style, set slightly above eye level, and covered with long flowing hair. The black nose is prominent and rounded. The tail is set high and carried curved over the back, covered with long, flowing hair that creates an elegant plume. The breed moves with a precise, effortless gait that reflects its happy, confident temperament.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Bichons are excellent family dogs that generally get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats when properly socialized. They tend to greet strangers warmly and rarely display aggression, though individual dogs may bark to alert their families to visitors. The breed craves human companionship and does not do well when left alone for extended periods, potentially developing separation anxiety that manifests in destructive behavior or excessive barking. Bichons are often described as having a merry disposition, and their playful antics can provide entertainment for their families throughout their lives.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its proper position, affects a significant number of Bichons and can range from mild to severe cases requiring surgical correction. The breed is also prone to various eye conditions including cataracts and corneal dystrophy, which can affect vision. Regular ophthalmologic examinations can help detect these conditions early. Allergies are relatively common in the breed, manifesting as skin irritation, itching, and ear infections. The Bichon's floppy ears and the hair that grows within the ear canal create an environment conducive to ear infections, requiring regular cleaning and hair removal. Dental disease is another concern due to the breed's small mouth, making regular dental care essential.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a hardy, compact working terrier that embodies the description of a big dog in a small package. Standing nine to ten inches at the shoulder for females and ten inches for males, with weights of thirteen and fourteen pounds respectively, the Cairn is one of the smallest of the working terrier breeds. The breed standard emphasizes a medium-length body with a level back, presenting a well-proportioned appearance that conveys strength and agility without heaviness. The body should be deep in the ribs with strong hindquarters, reflecting the breed's heritage as a tireless hunter of vermin in rocky Scottish terrain. The Cairn Terrier's head is distinctively shorter and wider than that of any other terrier breed, contributing to the foxy expression that is a hallmark of the breed. The skull is broad with a decided stop, and the muzzle is strong but not excessively long or heavy. The medium-sized, hazel or dark hazel eyes are set wide apart and slightly sunken beneath shaggy eyebrows, giving the dog a keen, alert expression. The small, pointed ears are carried erect and set wide apart on the head, adding to the breed's attentive appearance. The teeth are large for a dog of this size, meeting in either a scissors or level bite. The Cairn's weather-resistant double coat is one of its most important features, consisting of a profuse, harsh outer coat and a short, soft, close-fitting undercoat. The outer coat should be approximately two inches in length and should never appear sculpted or trimmed in the manner of some other terriers. Acceptable colors include cream, wheaten, red, gray, and nearly black, with brindling permitted in all colors. Solid black, white, or black and tan are not permitted. Dark ears, muzzle, and tail tips are considered desirable characteristics. The tail is set at back level and carried gaily but not curled over the back.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Cairn Terriers are generally good with children and can make excellent family pets when children are taught to interact respectfully. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, though they maintain a degree of independence that distinguishes them from more dependent companion breeds. Cairns can be assertive with other dogs and may challenge larger dogs despite their small size, making proper socialization essential. They are alert watchdogs that will bark to alert their families to visitors or unusual sounds. The breed has moderate exercise requirements, with daily walks and play sessions typically sufficient to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Craniomandibular osteopathy, sometimes called lion jaw, is a painful condition affecting the jaw bones of growing puppies, typically appearing between three and eight months of age. The condition causes abnormal bone growth in the jaw, making it difficult for affected puppies to eat. While painful during active episodes, the condition typically resolves as the dog matures and the bone remodels. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, affecting the hip joint, and patellar luxation are orthopedic conditions that may occur in the breed. Ocular melanosis is a pigment disorder unique to Cairn Terriers that can lead to glaucoma and blindness. The breed is also prone to allergies, particularly atopic dermatitis, and may develop cataracts and other eye conditions. Regular dental care is important as the breed can be prone to dental disease.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Kashon may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Bichon Frise and Cairn Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.