According to the American Kennel Club, Cavaliers tend to adapt their exercise needs to fit the needs of their families. Although Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy plenty of lap time, their sporting heritage means that they need to go outside for a good walk or be allowed to run off some of their excess energy in the backyard at least once a day to ensure good health.
Grooming a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed with a medium-length, wavy coat. For show purposes, no clipping of the coat, except on the feet, is allowed, so daily brushing helps keep the soft, silky fur from becoming a tangled mess. The breed has trademark feathering of the fur on the chest, ears, legs, feet, and tail that needs regular bathing to keep it and the rest of the dense coat looking its best.
Brushing
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need daily brushing with a medium-bristle brush to stimulate and spread the skin's natural oils throughout the coat. Use a slicker brush to remove and prevent any knots and tangles in the coat. Concentrate the brushing on the feathered, longer parts of the coat, especially the ears, back of the legs and under the tail, which can easily become tangled.
The Cavalier's feet also require brushing to keep them looking fluffy. This is one of the few breeds where the hair on top of the feet is left without trimming; brushing prevents this hair from becoming tangled. Knotted hair on your dog's feet and between the toes makes it hard for the Cavalier to walk, especially on slick surfaces. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has both an undercoat and outer coat, so make sure you lift the outer coat to get to the hair beneath, when you brush.Before a bath, you must brush through the coat to remove tangles, which can become worse when wet.
Bathing
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a water-resistant coat because of the oils in their undercoats. To completely cleanse your dog's skin and hair, you will need to shampoo the coat twice to first break down the oils and then remove them. Because bathing removes the oils, washing your dog more than once a month isn't recommended, because it can dry out your Cavalier's skin.
You can lather up your dog's coat in a kitchen sink: These small dogs range in size from 13 to 18 pounds. Use lukewarm water to wet the coat, then lather it with dog shampoo. Rinse the coat thoroughly and repeat. After the second wash, apply dog conditioner to the coat according to directions, rinsing the coat well afterward. Be thorough: Any shampoo or conditioner not rinsed out completely can irritate your dog's skin. Using the sink sprayer to rinse your dog can improve soap removal.
Avoid getting soap or conditioner in your Cavalier's face when giving them a bath. Instead, wipe these areas with a damp washcloth. Clean the corners of your dog's eyes with the cloth, and remove stains left by tearing with moistened eye wipes, found in pet supply stores.
Drying
Wipe your Cavalier's coat with a towel to begin the drying process and to prevent your dog from shaking excess water all over your home. Don't rub the coat too much, because this can cause tangles to form. Dry the coat on the lowest hairdryer setting, feathering out the fur of your dog with a medium-bristle brush. This drying process fluffs the coat, especially feathered areas such as the ears, and helps prevent skin issues that might be initiated by residual dampness.
Ear Care
The hanging, floppy ear leather of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel creates excellent places for infections to form in the warm, moist environment inside the ears. Use dog ear-cleaning solution and cotton balls to wipe out the insides of the ears once a week, removing any waxy buildup. Check inside the ears for fungal or bacterial infections that give off an unpleasant odor. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice that your Cavalier has signs of an ear infection. If you don't plan to show your dog, the hair inside the ears under the ear flaps can be trimmed short to improve the air flow to this area.
Trimming the Feet
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have fluffy, feathered fur on their feet, which is longer than on other parts of the coat. To prevent problems walking, the American Kennel Club allows for trimming of the hair between the pads of the underside of the feet but nowhere else. Use electric clippers to shave away this fur, or have a professional groomer perform this service. Check the feet daily for any debris or tangles stuck in the fur on the top of the feet; brush these out with a slicker brush. If the nails need trimming, have a professional do it who knows how to avoid the risk of accidentally cutting the quickly, causing bleeding and pain.
Clipping
Clipping of the fur is not allowed for show purposes on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you don't plan on showing your dog, you can have the coat clipped to a puppy cut, which shortens the fur all over the body to about an inch in length. This makes grooming easier for this breed but may also cause the fur to grow back thicker and more curly, requiring continued clipping of the coat in the future to keep it in check, according to the book, "Getting to Know Cavaliers: A Guide to Choosing and Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel."
Grooming Sessions
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are avid lap dogs, a helpful fact you can use when you are brushing your pet. Wait until your Cavalier gets settled on your lap, then brush the coat thoroughly. Positively reinforce the grooming session with treats and praise.
If you take your Cavalier to a professional groomer, first inquire whether the groomer has worked with the breed before. This is especially important if you are going to show your dog because there are strict rules regarding the trimming of the breed's coat. Incorrect work done by an inexperienced groomer could disqualify your dog in the show ring. Find a groomer in your area who works with this breed through the regional chapters of organizations such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cavalier King Charles A Good family dog?
Yes, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally considered a good family dog. They are affectionate, gentle, and love to be around people. They are also adaptable and can do well in a variety of living situations, including apartments and houses with yards. Cavaliers are typically good with children and other pets, and they tend to get along well with everyone they meet. However, every dog is an individual and may have their own unique temperament and personality, so it's important to do your research and meet the dog before making a decision. Additionally, like all dogs, Cavaliers require proper training, socialization, exercise, and care to thrive in a family environment.
Why are Cavalier King Charles so expensive?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be expensive for a few reasons. Firstly, they are a relatively rare breed, which means that there may be limited availability of puppies. Additionally, Cavaliers are a popular breed due to their gentle, affectionate nature and cute appearance, which can drive up demand and price. Moreover, reputable breeders often invest a lot of time and money into breeding healthy and genetically sound Cavaliers. They may conduct health screenings and genetic testing on their breeding dogs to ensure that they are free of common genetic disorders that can affect the breed, such as syringomyelia and mitral valve disease. This type of responsible breeding can increase the cost of the puppies.
What is the difference between a Cavalier King Charles and a King Charles?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and King Charles Spaniel are two different breeds, although they are closely related. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, while King Charles Spaniel is recognized only by the KC in the UK. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a slightly larger breed, with a more pronounced muzzle and longer snout than King Charles Spaniel. Cavaliers have a more expressive face, with larger, rounder eyes and long ears that are set lower on the head. Cavaliers have longer, silkier coats than King Charles Spaniels. The Cavalier's coat is generally straight or slightly wavy, while the King Charles' coat is typically shorter and more curly. Both breeds are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament, but the Cavalier is generally considered to be more outgoing and sociable, while King Charles can be more reserved and independent. Cavaliers are generally considered to be a healthier breed than King Charles Spaniels. Cavaliers have a lower incidence of health problems such as mitral valve disease and syringomyelia, which are more common in the King Charles Spaniel breed.
What are the disadvantages of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful companion dog, like any breed, they have some disadvantages that potential owners should be aware of. Cavaliers can be prone to a number of health issues, such as mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation, among others. These conditions can be costly to treat and may require ongoing medical care. Cavaliers are very people-oriented and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day or where they have a companion dog to keep them company. Cavaliers have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. They also shed moderately year-round, which can be a consideration for allergy sufferers. While Cavaliers are not a particularly high-energy breed, they do require regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity. They enjoy walks and playtime, but they may not be the best choice for someone with limited mobility or who is unable to provide daily exercise. Cavaliers can be stubborn and may require patience and persistence when it comes to training. Positive reinforcement methods are generally the most effective approach for this breed.
Can Cavalier King Charles be left alone?
While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sociable and people-oriented breed that thrives on human companionship, they can be trained to be left alone for short periods of time. However, they are not a breed that should be left alone for long periods on a regular basis. Cavaliers are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, which can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and other behavioral issues. To prevent this, it's best to gradually acclimate your Cavalier to being alone and provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation when you are home. If you need to leave your Cavalier alone for an extended period, it's best to make arrangements for someone to check on them, such as a dog walker or pet sitter. Alternatively, you can consider enrolling them in doggy daycare, where they can socialize with other dogs and receive plenty of attention and exercise while you are away.
More on The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Grooming A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Serving Size For A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Training For A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
