About
King Cavaliers

More about the breed

Cavalier Grooming

Despite their elegant, silky coats, the Cavalier does not require a great amount of care. Rather, he needs to be brushed out once a week so that “mats” do not form in his hair. A simple “pin” brush or a natural/nylon combination will work quite well. Do remember that the ears need to be kept clean inside so that they do not cause him any discomfort, resulting in scratching and mat formation behind the ear. A sensible amount of bathing in a mild shampoo is advisable, but this does not have to be done weekly. For dogs who are not going into the show ring on a weekly basis, a bath every couple of weeks or so, or even once monthly, will suffice. If you use any “flea” shampoos, take special care—all of these preparations are toxic to some degree, including those labelled “natural.” Consult your veterinarian before using.

Of course, as with any dog, attention to toenails—keeping them tidy for the comfort and sure-footedness of the dog—is necessary. If nail trimming is done from the time he is a puppy, your Cavalier will tolerate it quite well, though most dogs do not exactly relish the idea. A simple “guillotine” type of clipper will work nicely. If your Cavalier has dewclaws (those small accessory claws on the inside of the front legs), remember to keep those trimmed as well. Do trim in good light so that you do not cut into the vein that runs down toward the tip of the nail. If you do make a mistake, don’t panic! It is always advisable to have some doggy styptic powder on hand to stop any mild bleeding if it occurs. It is not necessary to have dewclaws removed, but if this is done, it is a surgery performed by a veterinarian when the puppy is only 3-5 days old.

Housebreaking and the Crate

Your Cavalier puppy can be rather easily housebroken if you as his owner are willing to whisk him outside at frequent intervals—and always when he has consumed a meal, or awakes in his crate upon your return. Yes, one of the greatest aids in house training is the dog crate. A #200 Vari Kennel is an ideal size, as it will accommodate an adult Cavalier—you will find that your puppy will eventually learn to enjoy his crate as a respite from a busy household and a place to sleep peacefully. We leave our young puppy in his crate when we depart the house—you will find that he does not wish to soil his own little “den.” The crate also keeps him safe from household hazards such as electrical cords and poisonous plants. Far from being a cruel restriction of his activities, it acts in the best interests of his health and well-being, while allowing his owners peace of mind when they are not present.

The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

The ACKCSC was founded in 1993 and is the recognized AKC parent club for the breed in the USA. This organization and its members are dedicated to the welfare and betterment of the Cavalier. The Club offers many benefits of membership—a timely newsletter and general information on the health and well-being of your Cavalier. Competitions in conformation, obedience, agility, or other events are also outlined on the Club web site: www.ackcsc.org .

Just as you would put your small child in a safety child seat in your car, remember to crate your Cavalier when riding in the automobile. It may save his life some day—riding on your lap is cute, but affords him no protection in the event of an accident.

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