Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need to be brushed a minimum of two times per week and should be bathed about every 2-3 weeks. Always read the directions on the bottle of the shampoo and/or conditioner being used as many call for a ratio of 1 shampoo/conditioner to 10 of water (ounces is what I go by). Using the shampoo/conditioner at full strength can dry out the skin and cause damage to the hair so always follow the directions printed on the bottle. Products I prefer to use are listed below.
If showing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the show ring the only trimming that is allowed is the trimming of the hair growing between the pads of the underside of the foot. The standard states that a trimmed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is to be so severly penalized as to virtually eliminate it from competition. NO trimming of whiskers, around the feet...NO thinning out the neck or cleaning out the throat are...NO sculpturing of shoulders or hindquarters. Cavaliers should be cleaned and brushed and exhibited naturally. Back coats may be coaxed flat with toweling and/or a drying coat. A few stray hairs of lovely coat here and there is part of the natural look and soft appearance of the breed.
AKC Coat Standard: of moderate length, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Feathering on ears, chest, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed. No trimming of the dog is permitted. Specimens where the coat has been altered by trimming, clipping, or by artificial means shall be so severely penalized as to effectively eliminate from competition. Hair growing between the pads on the underside of the feet may be trimmed.
Toe Nail clippings are also a part of grooming that need to be kept up on a monthly basis.
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Clipping Toe Nails
I prefer the scissor type toe nail clippers over the guillotine type. Viewing the photo on the left try to allow at least 2 milimeters of white area left on the nail before the pink area where the vein is located. Black nails are often more difficult to see the quick, but by using the pad and straight area beneath the toe nail you can guage where the extra length of nail is at that needs to be trimmed. |
Anal Sac expression is also sometimes needed on a monthly basis if your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is unable to expell them naturally on their own. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will often scoot their bottom on the ground when attempting to expell their anal sacs. If you see scooting make a mental note to yourself noting the day you first saw it and if within 2-3 days your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is still scooting then your will need to take your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the vet to have them expressed or for a diagnosis of another problem if the anal sacs are not the cause of the scooting. |
