Did You Know? Puppies Can’t See or Hear at Birth!

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 development:

👀 When Do Puppies Begin to See?

A puppy’s eyes typically start to open between 10 to 14 days old, though it can vary a bit from pup to pup. Even once open, their vision is still blurry at first. It takes time for the eyes to adjust to light, shapes, and depth. By the time a Cavachon puppy reaches 3 to 4 weeks old, their eyesight becomes clearer, and they begin to explore their surroundings more confidently.

👂 When Do Puppies Start to Hear?

Just like their eyes, a puppy’s ears are sealed shut at birth. Around 2 weeks old, their ear canals begin to open, and their hearing gradually develops. Within a few days, puppies will start responding to sounds—especially the comforting voices of their littermates, mama dog, and eventually… you!

🐾 Why Are Puppies Born This Way?

In nature, some animals are born highly developed (think: foals and calves that can walk within hours), while others—like puppies—are born “altricial,” meaning they require a lot of care. This developmental delay is completely normal and allows the mother to more easily carry and deliver multiple pups.

For Cavachon puppies, this early vulnerability is met with warmth, safety, and love—first from their mother and breeder, and later from their forever family.

🌟 A Gentle Start for a Lifetime of Love

At Cavachons by Design, we understand how critical those first few weeks are. That’s why we raise our puppies in a nurturing home environment, paying close attention to every stage of development. By the time they’re ready for their forever homes, our Cavachons are not only seeing and hearing the world—but experiencing it with confidence, curiosity, and joy.