Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to prevent tangles in the silky coat. Use a comb through the ear feathering, chest, belly, and leg furnishings where mats form most easily. Be gentle around the ears, as the long, heavily-feathered ear hair is prone to painful tangles.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 4-6 weeks using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo for silky coats. Use a lightweight conditioner on the feathering areas. Rinse thoroughly, as product residue attracts dirt and causes matting. Dry with a low-heat dryer, brushing through the feathering as you dry to prevent tangles from forming.

Common Issues

• Ear infections from long, heavy ears with poor airflow
• Matting behind the ears and in the armpit feathering
• Tear staining, particularly in Blenheim and tricolor markings
• Skin sensitivity and allergies
• Heart-related exercise intolerance affecting grooming positioning

Extend Your Grooming Results

Focus between-groom brushing on the ears, chest, and behind the front legs where feathering mats fastest. Use a detangling spray before each session. Keep ear hair clean and check underneath the ear leather weekly for redness or odor. A light trim of the feathering between grooms keeps the coat tidy without changing the breed's signature look.

Seasonal Care

Cavaliers shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding in spring and fall. The silky coat picks up debris easily in any season. In summer, the feathering can trap heat, so keep it trimmed and free of mats. Winter coats thicken slightly and require consistent brushing to prevent undercoat tangles.

Maintenance Schedule

Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Brush 3-4 times weekly, focusing on feathered areas. Ear cleaning weekly. Face wiping for tear stains every 1-2 days. Nail trims every 2-3 weeks.