Welcome to the Cavachons by Design Blog!

Apartment Living with a Cavachon

Are you considering getting a Cavachon but live in an apartment? Good news! The Cavachon is one of the best small dog breeds for apartment living. Their friendly demeanor, moderate exercise needs, and adaptability make them ideal companions for city dwellers. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about raising a Cavachon in an apartment, from space optimization to exercise and training tips.

Why Cavachon’s Are Great for Apartments

Cavachon’s are a hybrid breed, a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. They inherit the best traits from both parents, making them affectionate, intelligent, and low-shedding. Here’s why they thrive in apartments:

Training your Cavachon puppy can be a joyful bonding experience when done with positive reinforcement. That means praise, treats, toys—and lots of love!

Let’s walk through the four essential commands that every Cavachon should know, starting with the basics and building confidence as you go.

1. COME – The Recall Command”

This is all about teaching your Cavachon to return to you every time you call, no

Carrot Dog Treats with Almond Flour

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour

1/2 cup finely grated carrots

1 egg

2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)

1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, and melted coconut oil until well combined.

Add Almond Flour and Carrots

Gradually stir in the almond flour and grated carrots to form a dough. If the dough feels too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.

Shape Treats: Roll the dou

🐾 Meet Nellie Belle -A Little Dog with a Whole Lot of Healing Love!

From the moment Nellie Belle joined the Hawkins family, she’s been a true source of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. Named in honor of Kennison’s mother—affectionately called “Nellie Belle” by her sister—this sweet Cavachon has brought healing after loss and joy into everyday moments.

Nellie is a snuggly little cuddle bug who lives for bedtime (and never forgets when it is!). Her excitement when welcoming her family home is unmatched, and her playful growls and alert ears show just how much she listens and loves.

Some of Nellie’s favorite things?
🧊 Chasing ice cubes from the fridge
🐾 Playing hide and seek with “Mom” and “Dad”

The Many Faces of Maxie!

Meet Maxie! From the moment she arrived in her new home, this little Cavachons by Design pup was on a mission to spread joy. I mean, within five minutes of stepping through the door, she was already giving kisses and making herself right at home. Talk about a natural-born lovebug! 💕

Maxie took to training like a natural, picking up ‘sit’ in no time flat and was eager to please from day one. And let me tell you, this girl is fearless! She hopped into her booster seat for car rides without hesitation, and before long, she was cruising around in her dad’s bicycle basket like a little superstar. 🚲✨ And would you believe it? Maxie LOVES the water! She swims in the pool, goes on boat rides, and even has her own tiny life jacket—becaus

Beef Trachea Chews: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat for Your Cavachon 

If you’re looking for a natural, healthy, and satisfying treat for your beloved Cavachon, beef trachea chews are an excellent choice. These hollow chews, made from the windpipe of a bull, are not only a delightful snack but also come packed with nutritional benefits that support your dog’s overall health and well-being. 

What Makes Beef Trachea Chews Special?  

Beef trachea chews are lined with cartilage, which naturally contains glucosamine and chondroitin—two essential nutrients known for promoting joint health. These compounds can help maintain mobility and comfort for your Cavachon, particularly as they age. Additionally, beef trachea chews are: <

When it comes to your Cavachon’s health and happiness, choosing the right treats and chews is just as important as selecting the right food. While rawhide chews have long been a popular choice for dog owners, they pose significant risks that make them unsuitable for your Cavachon. Did you know that natural alternatives like bully sticks, cow trachea, and cow hooves are much healthier and safer options for your furry friend? Here’s why you should think twice  before giving your Cavachon rawhide chews: 

1. Rawhide Chews Are Hard to Digest 

Rawhide chews are notoriously difficult for dogs to digest, especially smaller breeds like Cavachons. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as gas, stomach upset, and even blockages in severe cases. Your Cav

Checking Your Cavachon’s Teeth for Ticks: A Surprising but Vital Practice 

Everyone knows to check their dogs for ticks frequently, but did you know that you should also check inside their mouths? This is especially true for breeds like the adorable and affectionate Cavachon, who, with their curious and playful nature, can easily pick up ticks in unexpected places. Here’s why it’s important and how to keep your  Cavachon’s health in check. 

Why Check Inside Your Cavachon’s Mouth? 

Ticks are notorious for hiding in warm, moist, and less visible areas. While you may already inspect your Cavachon’s coat, ears, and paws, their mouth can often be overlooked. Cavachons, with their small, soft muzzles and lively personaliti

Providing clean, safe water is just as essential to your Cavachon’s health and well-being as offering high-quality, nutritious food and treats. Water plays a critical role in every bodily function, from regulating temperature to aiding digestion and flushing out toxins. However, giving your Cavachon tap water can potentially pose risks, as it may contain contaminants like fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, or bacteria. These substances, even in small amounts, can contribute to a range of health issues, including digestive disturbances, kidney strain, skin irritations, and excessive tear staining.

To protect your dog’s health and ensure optimal hydration, consider providing filtered, spring, distilled, or reverse osmosis water that is free from harmful additives and

If you’re a proud parent of a Cavachon—a delightful mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise—you may have noticed their adorable habit of lying flat with their legs stretched out behind them. Known as splooting, this quirky behavior is common in many dogs but particularly endearing in playful breeds like the Cavachon.

Splooting: A Cavachon Classic

Splooting isn’t just an adorable habit; it’s also great for your Cavachon puppy’s joint health and overall well-being. This playful position helps stretch their hip flexors and maintain healthy joints. As a proud Cavachon owner, you can feel confident knowing that splooting reflects your puppy’s comfort, safety, and happiness. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture those ir

A simple, healthy, and dog-safe Valentine’s snack made especially for Cavachons and other small breeds!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (hypoallergenic and gentle on digestion. Organic is bes
• 1/4 cup unsalted pumpkin puree (low-fat alternative to peanut butter)
• 1 mashed banana
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cranberries (dog-safe, in moderation and also optiona
• 1 egg white (instead of whole egg to reduce fat)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
3. Roll out dough and cut into heart shapes.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
5. Let cool before treating your

When searching for a Cavachon puppy, you may come across breeders offering lower prices. It’s true —new breeders seem to pop up online every day! My heart truly goes out to families trying to navigate this overwhelming maze of options. Finding a reputable Cavachon breeder you can trust is no small task. 

That’s why I am so incredibly grateful for the families who have chosen Cavachons by Design over the years. Many of our families return for a second (or even third!) puppy or refer us to their friends and loved ones. Their trust and support mean the world to me and make it so much easier for other families to find their perfect Cavachon companion. 

Our puppies are not inexpensive, but they are an incredible val