Settling on a specific breed of dog for your family takes a lot of patience, planning, and finding a match for your home. If you have been thinking of getting a Cavachon, you may want to understand how they relate to pets, kids, and adults.
So, are Cavachons good family dogs? Cavachons are considered companion dogs which makes them suitable in a family setting. They have a fantastic personality and enjoy human attention and interaction; therefore suitable for any family.
We have a Cavachon at home, and our experience having one has proven that, indeed, Cavachons are great family dogs. But, what makes them that, and what do you need to know before you plunge into getting one. Keep reading.
Are Cavachons Good For Families?
First, it is essential to understand Cavachons as a breed to give you an idea of what to expect. Cavachons are a crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. These two are companion dogs making the Cavachon a fantastic family companion.
Our Cavachon, Kirby, likes to lay next to us and will often follow us around the house. Kirby loves the attention, and thanks to my in-laws living with us, he gets it in full measure. He loves to cuddle, too, and can never have enough neck rubs.
More to their attention-seeking personality, Cavachons are extremely friendly. They enjoy human interaction and will relate well with other pets in the home too. Kirby makes friends easily at the park and will play well with kids and other pets, of course with supervision.
So, is a Cavachon an excellent choice for your family? It depends on the dynamics of your family. Cavachons seem to do better with older children than with young ones under 7. Therefore, if your kids are older, a Cavachon will seamlessly adapt to your family dynamics.
Their small stature makes them hard to care for if you have small children. They are prone to injury during play with kids that cannot manage their bubbly personalities. That said, they may develop fear increasing the risks of developing behavioral issues such as aggressiveness.
Unlike most small breeds, Cavachons are not hyperactive. They enjoy little to moderate playtime and will be happy to cuddle on the couch after a play session. They are a perfect mix of bubbly, high-energy fluffball and a cuddly, calm pet on the couch.
How To Take Care of Cavachons
Cavachons are relatively low-maintenance. They do not need much brushing, grooming, or exercise; however, they demand attention and need supervision almost always. Like other small breeds, they need an aye to keep on them every time.
Thankfully, as I had mentioned, we live with my in-laws, who come in handy to take care of Kirby’s needs while we are away at work. He gets his daily dose of snuggles, has playtime buddies, and can order for attention any time of day.
Cavachons need at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day to help them expend the built-up energy. We take Kirby on walks as much as possible, and when that is not possible, we let him run around the backyard playing with his toys.
Our Cavachon is lucky to have this much attention, and his contentment shows. If you have a large family, a Cavachon will very much appreciate the extra attention from everyone. Just be careful not to spoil them too much.
Are Cavachons Good For First-Time Owners?
I can recommend a Cavachon for a first-time owner, especially those with families. A Cavachon is easy to take care of and does not need complex grooming and training. Additionally, Cavachons are smart, friendly and will settle in before you know it.
If you are looking for a companion dog, specifically, a Cavachon should be top of your list. Their high-energy, bubbly personality will have you enjoy every minute with one, not forgetting how fluffy and cuddly they are.
However, their small, fluffy stature should not be taken for granted. They need to be socialized as early as possible, trained, and assisted in relating with everyone in the family. Socializing a dog is vital to help prevent behavioral issues such as aggressiveness, anxiety, etc.
Can You Leave a Cavachon Alone?
If you have a busy schedule and do not have anyone to leave your Cavachon with, it might not be your best choice. Cavachons are people-oriented and are prone to isolation and separation anxiety if left alone.
Separation anxiety in dogs is common, especially those that enjoy human interaction, and if not solved, they are prone to developing behavioral habits such as aggressiveness, excessive barking, etc.
That said, a Cavachon suits large families whereby there is always someone at home at each given time. Luckily for us, my in-laws are there to care for Kirby’s needs when we leave for work.
The idea is to ensure your Cavachon gets the attention he needs and does not get bored. Cavachons can take about two hours alone, but any more than that is not fair for your fluffy friend.
If you have to leave your Cavachon and do not have anyone to take care of them, I’d suggest hiring a dog sitter or dropping your dog at a dog care center. These are temporary solutions that, even though your dog may not adjust easily, are much better than leaving them alone.
The Bottom Line
Cavachons are good family dogs, as long as you do not have small children. Smaller children may have a hard time relating to this small dog, resulting in unforeseen injuries. I recommend Cavachons to large families, especially those with older kids.
Cavachons love to cuddle and enjoy playtime with pets, kids, and adults as well. They are easy to maintain and work perfectly fine for busy families, just like us.
More on Cavachons
If you’re simply in love with Cavachons and can’t get enough, then check out our other posts below:
- Are Cavachons Hypoallergenic? [Our Personal Story]
- How Much Do Cavachons Cost in 2021? [Complete Price Guide]
- How Long Do Cavachons Sleep? *Sleep Habits & Training Guide
- Are Cavachons Hyper? [Our Personal Experience]
- Cavachon Lifespan: How Long Do Cavachons Usually Live?
- How Big Do Cavachons Get? [Firsthand Experiences Shared]
- How Long Does it Take to Potty Train A Cavachon? [9 Top Tips Inside]
- Do Cavachons Have Dew Claws? [All is Revealed]
- Do Cavachons Get Tear Stains? [Treating + Prevention Tips]
