The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a regal breed with a gentle nature and the athleticism of a sporting dog. These dogs are prized for their beauty, including the long, luxurious coats—but that may not be fun around grooming time.
Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shed a lot? These dogs are actually low to moderate shedders and require grooming once or twice a week. Learn more about what to expect with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Shed a Lot?
Despite that long, silky coat, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels don’t shed as much as you’d expect. They do require a little more than regular brushing and an occasional bath to stay beautiful, however.
Typically, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will shed year-round.
Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have High-Maintenance Grooming Needs?
Expect to brush your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a couple of times a week to keep the coat silky, shiny, and tangle-free. Mats are common around their ears and legs, so you will need to pay extra attention to these areas.
In addition to brushing, you will need to bathe your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on a regular basis. Getting that long, silky coat wet can add to the mats, however, so be prepared to put some more time into brushing and detangling.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also need daily tooth brushing to prevent dental disease, as well as regular nail trimming. The frequency of nail trims depends on the type of surface they walk on—dogs walked on concrete naturally wear their nails down more than those who frequent grassy parks or gardens.
Keep in mind that grooming isn’t just about keeping their coat healthy. It also provides a good bonding experience for the two of you. While you’re grooming, be sure to check your Spaniel’s coat, skin, and body for signs of illness or injury, such as wounds, lumps, ticks, scratches, rashes, bald patches, or other abnormalities.
Grooming Tips for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Unlike double-coated breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has just one coat that’s easy to maintain. It’s much easier to keep the coat in good condition in the first place rather than trying to work out tangles and mats after they form—which isn’t comfortable for your dog.
Though you may be able to get away with brushing once or twice a week, a daily 10-minute brush is best. This not only keeps the coat in good condition but prevents hair from ending up all over your house.
Lightly misting the coat with water and brushing around the ears, legs, and skirts will remove most of the dead hair and tangles. A boar bristle brush or pin brush will get the tangles out without damaging the coat or hurting your dog.
Final Thoughts
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do shed, but despite those good looks, they don’t require as much grooming as you’d expect. Regular brushing is key to keeping a Spaniel looking good and preventing bigger issues with tangles and mats, not to mention that it’s good bonding time for the two of you.
Featured Image Credit: tativophotos, Shutterstock
