The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is, quite simply, one of the loveliest natured dogs you could wish for: gentle, affectionate, sociable and happy to be a proper lap dog. Their coat matches their character, soft, silky and elegant, with pretty feathering on the ears, legs and tail. The good news for owners is that after some of the higher-maintenance breeds, the Cavalier is refreshingly manageable.
That does not mean no maintenance, though. A little regular care keeps that silky coat healthy and free of tangles, and there are a couple of breed-specific things (the ears in particular) worth knowing about. Here is my guide, from a groomer here in York.
Understanding the Cavalier coat
Cavaliers have a medium-length, silky, slightly wavy coat with distinctive feathering: longer, finer hair on the ears, the backs of the legs, the feet and the tail. The Royal Kennel Club's Cavalier profile notes the coat is medium length and that, unlike the low-shedding breeds, the Cavalier does moult. If you are unsure how this compares with other breeds, our guide to dog coat types explains the difference.
That regular shedding is actually helpful in one sense: dead hair drops out rather than felting into the coat, so a Cavalier is much less prone to solid matting than a Poodle or Bichon. The feathering is where tangles do gather, though, so that is where your attention goes.
How often does a Cavalier need grooming?
Cavaliers are moderate maintenance. A professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the coat, feathering, nails and ears in lovely order. Some owners come a little more often in moulting season for a bath and tidy.
At home, brushing two or three times a week is usually plenty, focusing on the feathered areas that tangle. During the spring and autumn moults, a bit more brushing helps clear the loose coat.
Groomer's tip: The feathering behind the ears and on the back legs is where mats sneak in on a Cavalier, often after a wet or muddy walk. A quick comb through those areas once the coat has dried prevents almost all of it.
Brushing your Cavalier at home
Simple tools do the job:
- A slicker brush or a soft pin brush for the body coat.
- A comb to work gently through the feathering on the ears, legs and tail.
- After muddy or wet walks, let the feathering dry then comb it through, as damp tangled hair mats faster.
Because Cavaliers moult, a rubber grooming mitt or a gentle wash, dry and deshed during the seasonal coat change helps lift the loose hair before it ends up on your sofa.
Tidy trims, not short clips
Here is an important point about the breed: a Cavalier's coat is traditionally left in its natural state and simply kept tidy, rather than clipped short like a Poodle. We do not usually take a Cavalier's coat right down, because that silky natural coat is part of the breed and clipping can sometimes change its texture.
What we do instead is neaten and enhance the natural shape:
- Tidying the feathering so it looks neat rather than straggly.
- Trimming the hair between the paw pads and around the feet for comfort and grip.
- A light tidy underneath (a sanitary trim) for hygiene.
Some owners of very active or muddy Cavaliers do opt for a shorter, practical trim, and that is a perfectly reasonable choice, we will always talk through what suits your dog and your lifestyle.
Ear care matters with this breed
Those gorgeous long, feathered, low-hanging ears are a Cavalier signature, and they also mean less air circulates in the ear, which can make the breed prone to ear problems. So ear care is the one thing I would ask every Cavalier owner to stay on top of:
- Check inside the ears regularly for redness, a bad smell or excess wax.
- Keep the ear feathering clean and dry, especially after eating or wet walks.
- Have your groomer clean and check the ears at each visit.
If you ever notice your dog shaking their head, scratching at an ear, or an unpleasant smell, see your vet, as ear infections need proper treatment. Nails should also be kept short and comfortable, and nail clipping is included in every groom.
Frequently asked questions
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need professional grooming?
Yes, though less intensively than curly-coated breeds. A groom every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the feathering tidy and the ears, nails and feet in good order, alongside regular brushing at home.
Should you clip a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Usually not short. The breed is traditionally kept in its natural coat and simply tidied, as clipping can alter the silky texture. A neat trim of the feathering and feet is the norm, though a practical short trim is an option for very active dogs.
How often should I brush my Cavalier?
Two or three times a week is generally enough, concentrating on the feathering on the ears and legs where tangles form. Brush a little more during the spring and autumn moults.
Why do Cavaliers get ear problems?
Their long, hairy, low-set ears reduce airflow to the ear canal, which can encourage infection. Regular checking, keeping the ear feathering clean and dry, and a prompt vet visit at the first sign of trouble all help.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. From tidying the feathering to careful ear care, we will keep your Cavalier looking and feeling their best. Book your Cavalier's groom.