I tend to observe a furry companion as an extension of self, home and family. Whether it is my pet or another person, of course, we do judge by appearances. Before bringing yet ANOTHER mammal home, I need to ask myself if I have the 1.) time, 2.) patience, 3.) financial means 4.) desire to give to this animal what it needs.

Grooming is part of the package we all need to look at with an open mind to the DOG’S needs.

Personally, I was drawn to the natural look of the Cavalier. Having Spaniels in the past (Springers), I loved the rugged “Grinchy” feet, long chest and side hair, and, of course, that loooooong, feather-y tail. When I flew out to North Carolina to pick up my blenheim boy, Willy, I was amazed at how little he shed. A quick search on the internet shows these loveys are “high maintenance” and they “shed quite a lot”. Honestly, this has NOT been my experience. Of course, the mild Northwest (U.S.) temps are part of this, but I think a LITTLE grooming goes a LONG way with the Cavvys.

Living with an amazing and wonderful yellow Labrador Retriever who was everything our family could ever imagine…except for the hair, hair, hair…everywhere! And he HATED being brushed!! I could sweep/vacuum a PILE every day. Ugh (where was the “Rumba” when I needed one so desperately?

Fast forward…now I have 5 dogs and puppies frequently in my Kennel Home and I am amazed at how LITTLE I have to keep up on my floors. I attribute it to the FUR on the lab vs. the HAIR on my Spaniels. Both have a double, or under coat. So, what’s the difference and how do I maintain a beautiful home AND dog?

FUR is almost always short and thicker than hair, (follicles per sq. inch). Fur also goes through a faster growth cycle, and so sheds more heavily. HAIR is generally smoother, longer and finer than fur (which attributes to the “silkiness”). Either can either be straight, wavy, or curly. Both tend to have an undercoat that needs to be combed out regularly to stay on top of the fur bunnies in the corners of our dining room.

People inquiring about puppies or the breed ask me how much maintenance is involved with the upkeep of my lovely dogs. I always ask them “when is the last time YOU think I brushed or washed this dog”. They usually say “today”. Nope, most likely it was last WEEK and bathed last MONTH.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard, aka: what is acceptable to Judges around the world may be different than what YOU prefer. The Standard is NO thinning or trimming, except for under the paw pads, not the hair around the feet though. Take an inventory: Do you live where burrs and mud can easily get under the coat of the dog and between the paw pads? Is my boy not quite “lifting” high enough, therefore I need to keep his belly trimmed tight? Are my pooches eyebrows and whiskers out of control and need a little trimming? YOU are the Judge of your own sweet furry companion. I’m here to help YOU.

Most of us like the “look” of the beautiful Cavalier, but not the weekly maintenance, so this is how I keep my furry friends looking so sharp. I pick A DAY that works for me each week and go over them thoroughly: 1.) a good comb (known as a pin brush or de-matting “rake”) to help with the daily/weekly snarls. Deal with them asap so you don’t have to CUT. This is a good time to utilize that flea comb (more on Fleas: ) 2.) Use an electric trimmer to get in and around the paw pads when needed (think spring and summer). During the MUDDY winter months I trim around the front and tops of feet, especially for the ones who despise me wiping too much (see above picture). I also SHAVE the underside of the ears and trim up the long feathers that you don’t see when the ears are down (see above). I will address ear care and treatment on another blog. This is also a good time to remember those toenails (and dew claws) I’ll address this one later as well. 3.) Brush the undercoat with a shedding blade or undercoat rake. You may need to LIFT the top layers in order to properly brush out the undercoat. I have several brushes I use for this and will be adding to comments soon. 4.) No more than once a month give a nice warm bath (any more, that nice sheen of the natural oils may be harmed). Peanut butter on the side of the tub so your dog can lick helps those who might not enjoy their bath time. 5.) When fully dry (some like to use a hair dryer on lowest setting, be sure to wipe ears and be sure all moisture is gone) use a slicker (boar hair) brush.

Should I shave my dog during the summer?

Clipping or shaving a Cavalier’s coat (some refer to this as the “Puppy Cut” might seem like the best approach to keeping your dog cool. It certainly is one approach, but it is a bit controversial. Here is one diagram that shows the impact of a dog with that thick undercoat in the summertime heat:

• The longer topcoat hairs actually protect your dog’s skin from the heat and sun. It’s like an insulator.
• Your pet’s topcoat provides a water shield, keeping the skin and undercoat dry as well as provides protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Your Cavalier’s coat may grow back thicker and curlier, rather than returning to the long silky coat most admired in this breed (this is a bit controversial and could be different based on YOUR dog). The “Puppy Cut” (apx. a Size 7 Blade all over) is most common throughout the world to keep the hair manageable.

In short, clipping your Cavalier’s coat short may actually increase the risk of sunburn and overheating – the opposite of what you intend! I keep fans going and have the cooling mats around the house. Most of our home and yard have several “cooler” areas (we don’t need a/c except for a few days in the summer). I’ve even used an old fashioned “swamp cooler” (fan blowing over ice) for the dogs when I felt it was needed. We have a kiddie pool in the backyard filled with fresh water and sometimes they will even wade in it. No shave needed!

Is a Professional Groomer Necessary for this Breed?

If what I explained above seems like a LOT for you and your schedule, then you need to find a Groomer who you can work with. I start by sharing this picture I found on the “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Stomping Grounds”. It’s one of a few drawings that I use as a guide – and I give my preferences as well:

I’ve taken my dogs to a Groomer ONCE. She was wonderful with all the dogs and did a fantastic job with them. I was getting ready to do some traveling with my five (above) and did not want to take the time, in addition to packing, etc. I liked it so much, I think I will make this my spring and fall “treat”. We were the only one’s in the Groomers area, they weren’t kept in kennels, they had a play area and truly seemed to have a good time. Like breeders, finding a good Groomer takes time and interviewing to find the right one for you.

What has been your biggest challenge about grooming your Cavalier or dog?