Our 4-year old Cavachon, Kirby, loves to play. He’ll play until he is barely walking a straight line, then promptly fall asleep. He seems to love sleep even more than play!
How long do Cavachons sleep? Cavachons, like most adult dogs, sleep 14 to 16 hours a day. Puppies under a year old need as much as 18 to 20 hours!
Sleep patterns vary between breeds and are dependent on other factors such as age, health, and energy levels.
First bred in the 1990s, Cavachons are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. They are an intelligent, spunky breed that needs loads of interaction and playtime.
Their compact size and easy personality make them ideal apartment dogs for city dwellers. They can do well with or without a yard. In addition, their medium-length coats are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them suitable for people with allergies.
Their happy-go-lucky nature and trainability make them excellent family pets and ideal even for inexperienced dog owners. In addition, their friendly nature usually means they get along with children and other pets.
They inherit the energy and athleticism of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and are moderately active dogs that will always be up for hikes, runs, and playtime.
They also tend to inherit the guarding instincts of Bichons and will alert you when things are out of whack. Bichons are superb companion dogs that are intelligent and love training.
Cavachons can grow to a height of 12” to 13” (30 to 33cm) at the withers and weigh between 10 and 20 lbs (4.5 to 9kg). (Source)
Their coats can vary and be straight, wavy, or curly. The adult coat will be fully grown at about 4 to 6 months and can be medium to long. Cavachons are bred to be low-shedding but still require grooming at least once a week to remove dead hair and skin.
They don’t need much exercise, but they are relatively active dogs that will benefit from a half-hour walk or more a day. Energetic and playful games are a huge hit with these adorable furballs.
They are usually social butterflies that enjoy playing with other dogs in a dog park or other doggy play dates.
Because of their social nature, Cavachons can be unhappy if left alone for long periods. This might lead to separation anxiety issues and destructive behavior such as chewing, barking, and whining. Therefore, they do well in households where a family member is at home for most of the day.
Do Cavachon Puppies Sleep A lot?
Yes! Like all puppies or babies for that matter, Cavachon puppies can spend up to 18 to 20 hours sleeping per 24 hour period.
They’ll only be awake an hour at a time, for about a total of 4 to 5 hours a day.
Let them sleep. It is normal, and sleep is crucial in ensuring the healthy development of the brain functions, muscles, immune system, and central nervous system.
When he was a 3-month-old pup, Kirby did not like sleeping! The world was a new, exciting place with lots of new sights, smells, sounds, and constant stimulation.
If your pup, like Kirby, seems to have unlimited energy, here are a few tips to encourage nap time:
Crate training – Dogs like dens. When crate trained properly, the crate becomes a safe haven for your pup, where he goes for some alone time or a nap. This makes housetraining easier as well, as dogs won’t soil their dens.
It also keeps your puppy safer and out of trouble if you can’t have him under constant supervision. Your pup is likely to chew on a bed or any bedding, so use an old blanket or other bedding and save the expensive dog bed for later. Also, beware of any loose threads or items that can cause choking. Puppies love to chew!
Leave him be – We know it’s hard to stop cuddling and playing with the cutest thing in the world, especially when they fall asleep in your lap. But you don’t want your pup to need your lap to fall asleep. All family members should leave the puppy alone to sleep and avoid waking him up.
Schedule – Dogs like routine. Plan your pup’s day so that active time is followed closely by nap time. Pups can nap for about 30 minutes to 2 hours. Ensure that they aren’t disturbed or woken up during that time.
Prepare for bedtime – Avoid feeding food and water a few hours before bedtime, and establish a routine of play and cuddles before going outside for a pee break. Then pop the pup in the crate or on his bed, and soon, he’ll understand that nights are for sleeping.
Remove stimulation – The area that your puppy sleeps in should be kept peaceful and quiet to avoid overstimulation. For example, you can place a towel or blanket over the crate to keep it dark and simulate a den.
Prepare for disturbances – Keeping the crate within earshot is recommended. Your puppy probably needs a potty break in the middle of the night and will indicate this by whining or barking. Puppies at two months can hold their pee for only 3 hours, while six-month-old puppies might be able to last through a 7 to 8 hour night. (Source)
He is also likely to make a noisy fuss before turning in for the night. Ignore this, and don’t let him out of the crate when he wants to be let out.
Are Cavachons Lazy?
No! Cavachons are medium energy dogs that do well with a 30-minute walk or more a day, with some other games and play sessions in between.
They love to interact with everything and play until they drop, so be careful not to overtire your Cavachon.
Here are a few activities that you can do with your Cavachon:
Walking and hiking – Dogs love to go out! Just pick up the leash, and your pooch will probably go nuts with excitement. A 30-minute walk is enough, but don’t shy away from longer walks. Switch it up by taking different routes and exploring new areas.
Fetch – They love to play, and a good session of fetch is usually enough to tire them out for the day. Pick up toys and balls from eco-friendly brands that use non-toxic chemicals in their products. You certainly don’t want Fido to have a bunch of nasty chemicals in his mouth.
Training – Cavachons are intelligent, trainable dogs that like pleasing us and getting treats! Enroll your pup in playschool or an introductory obedience class to optimally develop cognitive skills and mentally stimulate him.
Interactive dog toys – Treat dispensing toys or the classic Kong will keep your dog entertained for hours. Kirby loves to chase his rubber ball around, swatting it around and earning treats!
We love the 100% natural ball from Beco Pets (found on Amazon). It contains no toxic chemicals and is made from sustainably harvested rubber tough enough to withstand the attentions of the most enthusiastic chewer.
How Much Sleep Does A Cavachon Need?
Adult dogs over 12 months old need about 10 to 12 hours of sleep per 24 hour period. In addition, older dogs over ten years of age will need more sleep.
You might notice some dogs yipping or whimpering during their sleep. Although worrying, this is perfectly normal. It indicates that your dog is in the deep REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of the sleep cycle and likely even dreaming.
The phrase “let sleeping dogs lie” comes from the potential danger of a bite or attack when a dog is woken up suddenly. Think of your nightmares. If you get suddenly woken up, you can be disoriented and scared for the first few moments. Dogs will do the same and can bite if unexpectedly woken.
Can Cavachons Sleep Alone?
Yes, although Cavachons are highly social dogs that would prefer to sleep with us.
Teaching your Cavachon to sleep alone will encourage independence and get him used to the idea of being alone, reducing separation anxiety issues.
Having your Cavachon sleeping in his bed or crate also cuts down on fur and dander that might trigger allergies.
When puppies are very young, having your puppy sleep in a crate or bed near you will allow you to monitor him during the night when a whine might mean the pup needs to poop or pee.
Whichever you choose, keeping it consistent will help your pooch get used to a routine, and dogs do best in stable environments. For example, having your dog sleep in your bed for several years then suddenly kicking him out of the bedroom will probably result in howling and crying.
It’s best to set the boundaries from the start and stick to them. Pick a quiet, safe spot for your Cavachon’s bed or crate, line the bed with toys and treats, and let him sleep.
Final Thoughts
Cavachons are loving, loyal dogs that will reward you with years of love and adoration. Kirby has been a family member for four years now, and he means the world to us.
We wish you many happy years with this fantastic breed!
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More on Cavachons
If you’re simply in love with Cavachons and can’t get enough, then check out our other posts below:
- All About Cavachons By Actual Owners [The Ultimate Guide]
- How Big Do Cavachons Get? [Firsthand Experiences Shared]
- Are Cavachons Hyper? [Our Personal Experience]
- Are Cavachons Good for Apartments? [Our Kirby Thinks So]
- Do Cavacons Like to Cuddle? [Our Kirby Sure Does]
- How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Cavachon? [9 Top Tips Inside]
- Cavachon Lifespan: How Long Do Cavachons Live?
- How Much Do Cavachons Cost? [Complete Price Guide]
- Do Cavachons Have Dew Claws? [All is Revealed]
- Do Cavachons Get Tear Stains? [Treating + Prevention Tips]
