🐶 Dog · silky coat

Coat care: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Silky, medium-length coat, free from curl (a slight wave is permitted), with long feathering on the ears, chest, legs, feet and tail.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a glossy, silky, medium-length coat, free from curl but with a slight wave permitted, and long feathering on the ears, chest, legs, feet and tail. The coat is relatively easy to maintain, but it sheds all year round and the feathering tangles. At home it needs regular brushing – a thorough session at least once a week, and ideally a short one every day – a bath every 1–2 months and trimming of the hair between the paw pads. The breed is traditionally left with a natural, untrimmed coat.

🛁 Bathing

For pet dogs – usually every 1–2 months, more often if needed. Dilute concentrated shampoos according to the label, rinse well and dry while brushing the coat.

🪮 Brushing

A thorough brush at least once a week, and ideally about 10 minutes every day – with a bristle brush or a pin brush, after lightly dampening the coat with water. Start with the ears and feathering, then move on to the body; check with a metal comb behind the ears, on the chest, on the backs of the legs, the tail and the belly.

🍂 Shedding and coat change

The Cavalier sheds moderately all year round, and in many dogs shedding increases in spring and autumn – brush daily at those times so that the hair ends up in the brush rather than on the furniture.

Tips for home

  • Check the ears at least once a week – heavy, drop ears limit airflow; if you notice an unpleasant smell or redness, consult a vet.
  • Trim the hair between the paw pads, but not the feathering on top of the feet – it is characteristic of the breed.
  • Trim the nails at least once a month.
  • While brushing, check the skin for changes; if in doubt, consult a vet.

Shampoos and conditioners for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Cavaliers that are not shown are usually bathed every 1–2 months, and more often if needed. Regular bathing freshens the coat and keeps it in good condition. Brush before bathing, dilute the shampoo according to the label, rinse well – especially the feathering – and dry while brushing, so that the coat stays smooth and glossy.

Does a Cavalier King Charles need trimming?

No. The breed standard calls for a natural, untrimmed coat, and the feathering on the feet is a characteristic feature. The only thing usually trimmed is the hair between the paw pads, so that the dog does not slip. Many pet Cavaliers are nevertheless lightly tidied for convenience – that is a matter of personal choice, but regular brushing remains essential.

Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shed?

Yes. The Cavalier sheds moderately all year round, and in many dogs shedding increases in spring and autumn. Brushing daily for about 10 minutes with a bristle brush or a pin brush collects loose hair before it ends up on the furniture and keeps the feathering from tangling. If you notice patchy thinning of the coat or changes in the skin, consult a vet.

Care for other breeds

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This advice is general. For skin or ear problems, consult a vet.