Welcome to the Cavachons by Design Blog!

When the sun is shining and the great outdoors is calling, it’s only natural to want your Cavachon by your side—whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring hiking trails, or enjoying a family picnic by the lake. These fluffy companions love a good adventure, but it’s up to us to make sure they stay safe, hydrated, and healthy along the way.

🌞 Hydration is Non-Negotiable

Cavachons may be small, but their need for water during warm-weather activities is big. Dogs don’t sweat like humans—they pant to cool down, making them more pr

🚗☀️ Hot Cars & Cavachons Don’t Mix: Why It’s Never Safe to Leave Your Dog in the Car

It’s no secret: dogs and parked cars on sunny days are a dangerous — and sometimes deadly — combination. Even with the windows cracked, the interior temperature of a vehicle can soar in minutes, creating an oven-like environment that puts your Cavachon (or any pet) at serious risk of heatstroke or worse.

How Hot Is Too Hot?
You might think, “I’ll just be five minutes.” But on a 75°F day, your car can reach 100°F in just 10 minutes.

🌊 Don’t Let Water Ruin the Fun: Why It’s Vital to Dry Your Cavachon’s Ears After Playtime

Spring, Summer and early Fall can be the seasons of splashy adventures (depending on where you live), and Cavachons—those happy-go-lucky, water-loving pups—are always up for a swim or a chase through the sprinkler. But while water play is great exercise and enrichment, it can also sneak unwanted moisture into your Cavachon’s delicate ears. And that moisture? It can spell trouble.

If you’re a Cavachon parent, here’s what you need to kno

When the skies light up and the fireworks boom, it’s not always a reason to celebrate—especially for our four-legged companions.

For many dogs, fireworks aren’t a fun summer tradition. They’re loud, unpredictable, and downright scary. As pet parents, it’s our job to help them feel safe, calm, and secure through it all. Thankfully, there are gentle, natural solutions you can turn to.

Below, you’ll find helpful tips, calming strategies, and holistic remedies to support your dog through fireworks season.

Summer is all about sunshine, sprinklers, and sweet snacks—and one fruit that often makes its way into family picnics is watermelon. But as you’re slicing up this refreshing favorite, you might catch your Cavachon’s big eyes watching every bite. It begs the question:
Can dogs eat watermelon?

Good news: Yes, they can! With a few important precautions, watermelon can be a

Unlocking the Secret World of Scent Through a Dog’s Extraordinary Sniffer

Have you ever watched your dog stop mid-step, nose lifted, tail wagging slowly, completely enraptured by a scent you can’t even perceive? To you, it’s invisible—but to your dog, it’s a vivid narrative.

Dogs don’t just smell their world.
They read it.
They feel it.
They write it in scent.

And their noses? They are nothing short of poetic instr

Summer brings sunny skies and outdoor adventures—but it also brings serious heat, and Cavachons are especially sensitive to rising temperatures. Heatstroke in dogs is a potentially life-threatening condition, and Cavachon ownersneed to take extra care to protect their furry friends.

This guide will walk you through the signs of heatstroke, how to prevent it, and what to do in an emergency—all with your Cavachon’s health and safety in mind.

On a warm day, nothing hits the spot quite like a scoop of ice cream. And if you’re a Cavachon parent, chances are you’ve caught your pup giving you those irresistible eyes as you enjoy your sweet treat.

But is it safe to share?

The short answer: sometimes, and only in small amounts. While certain types of ice cream may be safe as an occasional indulgence, there are important health and safety concerns every dog owner should know first.

Have you ever yawned and noticed your dog yawned right after you? You’re not imagining things. Research shows that dogs can “catch” human yawns—a behavior once thought to be uniquely human or limited to primates. But what’s even more fascinating? This quirky canine habit might actually be a sign of empathy.

The Yawning Contagion: What Is It?

Contagious yawning happens when seeing or hearing someone yawn triggers a yawn in you. It’s common among humans and is believed to be l

At Cavachons by Design, we love hearing how our puppies grow into beloved family members. Some of the most meaningful moments come from updates like this one—from Carole, who welcomed one of our beautiful Cavachons into her heart and home years ago.

As a sports fan with the last name Miller, Carole and her husband found the perfect name for they’re new pup: Bode—inspired by none other than Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller. And just like his namesake, this Bode has a champion spirit all his own.

From the very beginning, Bode made an unforgettable impr

Cavachons Included! 😉

You talk to your dog, right? (We all do—no shame!) But here’s the incredible part: your Cavachon might actually understand way more than you think. Studies have shown that most dogs can recognize up to 165 words, and some super-smart pups—like border collies—can learn over 1,000!

Now that’s something to bark about! 🐶💬

🗣️ So… What Kinds of Words Do Dog

At Cavachons by Design, we work incredibly hard to provide you with the healthiest puppy possible. From the moment your Cavachon is conceived to the day they join your family, we are committed to giving them the best start in life. That means not only breeding from top-quality parents but also providing exceptional nutrition to support long, happy, and healthy lives.

We provide our adults and puppies with NuVet Plus. This ensures: 

• Beautiful coats
• Strong teeth
• Clear vision
• Robust immune systems

Your puppy has been on NuVet Plus from the beginning of his/her creation! We feed high-grade food to our adults and puppies but we also give them NuVet Plus to

As pet parents, we want to do everything we can to ensure our dogs live healthy, vibrant lives. One of the most important (and often overlooked) ways to support your dog’s overall health is by nurturing their gut. That’s where a high-quality probiotic like Honest Paws Pre+ Probiotics comes in.

Let’s dive into why probiotics are essential for your dog’s health — and why Honest Paws is one of the best choices available.

Did you know that up to 70% of your dog’s immune system is housed in their gut

What many people may not know about me is that in addition to being a dedicated Cavachon breeder, I’m also a proud member of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Through this unique opportunity, I have the privilege of teaming up and serving with the FBI in our community in meaningful ways—from visiting hospitals and participating in outreach programs to shopping for, delivering and handing out toys during the holiday’s. As part of this incredible experience, we’re granted behind-the-scenes access in D.C. each year to places like FBI Headquarters, Quantico, Interpol, Secret Service, the Pentagon, and the DEA in Washington, D.C.

Understanding Your Cavachon Puppy’s Early Development

When you bring home a new Cavachon puppy—or even just see a litter of tiny, sleeping pups—it’s easy to be charmed by their sweet faces and soft coats. But did you know that puppies are actually born completely blind and deaf?

It’s true! Like many mammals, puppies enter the world in an incredibly delicate and dependent state. Their eyes and ears are closed at birth and don’t begin to function until several days later. Here’s a closer look at this fascinating phase of puppy deve

When you bring home a brand-new puppy, every little feature is adorable—especially that tiny button nose! But if you’ve noticed that part of your puppy’s nose may be pink instead of fully black, you might be wondering if it’s normal.

🌸 The Science Behind Puppy Nose Pigment

Puppies are born with immature pigmentation, and their nose color can take several weeks—or even months—to fully develop. Many puppies start out with pink noses that gradually darken as melanin production increases. This is completely natural and varies by b

Whether you’re already a proud Cavachon parent or simply adore these sweet, teddy bear–like pups, we’d love to welcome you to the Cavachons by Design community!

Our monthly newsletter is where Cavachon lovers come together to celebrate the joy, fluff, and love that these amazing companions bring into our lives. 🧡

💌 What You’ll Get as a Subscriber:

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✅ Heartwarming Cavachon Stories from fam

Bringing home a Cavachon puppy is a joyful milestone—but for families who live far away, it can also come with logistical questions. At Cavachons by Design, we’ve made it our mission to make that transition smooth, safe, and stress-free. That’s why we offer several thoughtful transportation options for our Cavachon puppies, including our trusted Flight Nanny Service.

Paws & Personality: Why Cavachons Are Born to Be Social Stars

At Cavachons by Design, we’ve always said our puppies are more than just adorable—they’re little bundles of personality, joy, and heart. Whether it’s greeting guests at the door, hamming it up for the camera, or charming strangers in a store aisle, Cavachons seem to have an effortless gift: they know how to steal the spotlight.

Just take one look at this photo of our fluffy pup sporting a baseball cap while shopping, and it’s clear—Cavachons are born social stars. 🐶✨ But what makes them such naturals when it comes to social situations? And how can you help your Cavachon shine even brighter? Let’s take a look!

Boating with Your Cavachon: Tips for a Safe & Fun Day on the Water
By Cavachons by Design

There’s nothing quite like a sunny day out on the water—and if you’re a Cavachon parent, you may be wondering if your sweet pup can come along for the ride. Good news: Cavachons typically love being included in family activities, and boating can be a wonderful bonding experience when done safely.

Whether you’re planning a peaceful lake cruise or an afternoon on a pontoon with friends, here’s how to keep your Cavachon safe, happy, and comfortable on the boa

☀️ A Safety Tip for the “Dog Days” of Summer 🐾

Did you know that when the air is just 86°F, asphalt can heat up to 135°F? That’s hot enough to burn your dog’s paw pads in under a minute.

🐶 At Cavachons by Design, we care deeply about every pup’s well-being—even after they leave our arms and join your family.

📌 Paw Safety Tips: 🔹 Walk early in the morning or later in the

Tillie’s Vermont Adventures: A Cavachon Bringing Joy to Everyone She Meets

Meet Tillie, a delightful Cavachon from Cavachons by Design who now calls Vermont her home. Tillie’s life is nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to her loving mom, Judy, who owns Proctor Gas. Not only is Tillie a beloved family member, but she’s also a valued part of the Proctor Gas team.

On any given day, you’ll find Tillie at the office, where she’s a regular fixture, bringing smiles to customers and employees alike. She’s especially fond of the service manager, who seems to hold a special plac

Why Your Cavachon May Need UV Eye Protection

Your Cavachon’s adorable, soulful eyes are one of their sweetest features—but did you know they can be just as sensitive to the sun as yours?

Whether you’re heading out for a sunny walk, boating trip, or car ride with the windows down, it’s worth asking:
Should your Cavachon be wearing sunglasses?

Let’s explore the reasons why

Flying with Your Cavachon: A Stress-Free Guide to Airline Travel

Traveling with your Cavachon can be an exciting adventure—whether you’re visiting family, exploring new places, or just taking a much-needed getaway. These charming little companions are known for their adaptability and calm nature, making them excellent travel buddies. Still, flying with a dog—especially for the first time—can feel a bit overwhelming. The key to a smooth experience is preparation.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about airline travel with your Cavachon, from choosing the right carrier to ensuring your pup fe