How to Groom a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may look easy to care for with their luscious locks and sad brown eyes, but maintaining their coat can be a real pain in the tail if you don't know what you're doing. The reason grooming silky-haired dogs like spaniels is fur-strating for many pets and owners is because their hair is finer than most breeds.
Don't get your fur in a bunch, though. We'll show you exactly how to groom your Spaniel in a way that's comfortable for both of you.
Dog's Perspective
A visit to the groomer can be quite overwhelming for a shy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. New smells, loud blow dryers, unfamiliar dogs, and strange sensations can be scary for a dog who doesn't understand what's happening. Even DIYing your dog's 'do at home can be an adjustment for a pet who's never been cut and styled before.
Grooming Cavalier King Charles Spaniels at home from a young age can help get your dog accustomed to the process. Spaniels' coats grow quickly, and their long, fine hair is prone to painful matting. Regular brushing, conditioning, and trims will train the hair and help them stay more sanitary.
The Show Dog Style Method
The Au Naturale Method
Caution & Considerations
Cavalier's coat texture and growth pattern are comparable to Afgan hounds and Setters. The hair grows longer on their ears, legs, abdomen, and tail than other parts of their body, so you'll need to pay special attention to these fast-growing areas when maintaining the hair.
Spaniels are particularly susceptible to inner and outer ear infections due to their floppy ears, which hold moisture. Gently dry the inside of your dog's ears with a soft cloth after bathing to prevent inflammation and infections. Some Spaniel groomers also pluck or trim the sparse hairs inside the ear canal to increase air circulation. Be very careful if you choose to remove your dog's inner ear hair--this area is very delicate and vascular.
Conclusion
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Oscar
What about under his tummy. Should I use a electric clippers
Our dog went outside and got some sort of sticky tack in her tail. I've spent hours washing and conditioning and brushing and cannot get it out. We are really good about keeping her brushed and feathers long but I'm so upset about the tail and believe I need to cut the knot out. Will the hair on her tail grow back?! Any tips?
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, sorry for the delay, this question was missed by me! The old trick of applying ice to the sticky tack may work; sometimes freezing the tack makes it come out easier. It may help you if you decide to cut it out as well because the sticky tack will form into a hard, easy to see shape. You could also try rubbing a little olive oil on it, making it more pliable to take out. I think it should grow back if you do have to cut it, but expect it to take a couple of months. All the best to little Gidget!
