How to Groom a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are proud, happy little dogs. They are gentle and friendly, and are active companions. They are intelligent and are trainable when the owner uses gentle methods. They get along with other dogs and pets and are generally well behaved. They have an average grooming regimen, which calls for a once a week general grooming and a full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Metal combs
• Clippers
• Thinning shears
• Scissors
• Protein-rich shampoo

1. Trim the hair on the under side of the dog's foot pads with grooming scissors or clippers. Check the hair on the dog's ears for mats or tangles.
2. Bathe the dog with a shampoo that is rich in protein. This type of shampoo is good for the coat of the King Charles Spaniel. Dry thoroughly after baths.
3. Use thinning shears to get rid of stray hairs around the feet and legs.
4. Brush the dog's coat once a week. These dogs are average shedders. The coat of this breed is valued for its sheen and feathering, but shouldn't be curly.

Tips & Warnings

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a toy breed.
• This breed is good with older, well behaved children, but may be too boisterous and rowdy for younger ones.
• Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is a serious condition which affects approximately 50 percent of King Charles Spaniels in North America. Color doppler ultrasound exams and auscultation exams are two of the best methods vets use to detect the disease.
• This breed is descended from hunters and retains a natural chasing instinct. To avoid injury to the dog or other people and animals, keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on a leash when out in public.