The short answer
Cavaliers have moderate grooming demands. Medium silky single coat with feathering on the ears, legs, tail, and feet. Brush weekly at minimum (daily through spring and fall sheds), bathe every 4 to 6 weeks, and book a professional groomer every 6 to 12 weeks ($60 to $95 in Calgary). Ear infection prevention is the critical piece. About 40 to 50 percent of Cavaliers get at least one a year due to long pendulous ears, canal hair, and allergies. Weekly ear cleaning and thorough drying after baths is non-negotiable. Cavaliers do not need haircuts the way Maltese or Yorkies do. Preserve the natural coat with occasional foot and sanitary trims. Cavaliers are NOT hypoallergenic. One Calgary-specific note: trim the feathering between paw pads flush for winter ice prevention.
What kind of coat do Cavaliers have?
Cavaliers have a medium-length silky coat with feathering on the ears, legs, chest, tail, and feet. It is the defining feature of the breed.
The coat is single-layer (no insulating undercoat) but a moderate length. It sits between Yorkies and Maltese (long single coat) and Labs and Beagles (short double coat). Shedding is moderate and runs year-round.
The coat is naturally silky and does not need haircuts in the traditional sense. Most owners keep their Cavalier in its natural coat, with occasional trimming around the feet and sanitary area.
Calgary climate note: the medium single coat gives moderate cold protection. Cavaliers still need a winter coat below -5°C.
How often do Cavaliers need brushing?
Weekly at minimum. Brush daily through spring and fall sheds, or if your Cavalier is prone to matting.
Friction zones to watch: behind the ears, armpits, between the back legs, and around the collar. Ear feathering is the worst spot for mats. Check it daily during routine grooming.
Brush kit:
- Pin brush ($20 to $40). Better for the silky Cavalier coat than a slicker for daily use.
- Slicker brush ($25 to $60). For finishing.
- Metal comb ($15 to $25). To verify no remaining mats.
- Detangling spray (TropiClean, Show Sheen) for stubborn knots.
Working order: pin brush first to remove tangles, slicker brush to finish, metal comb to check for any remaining mats. Skip brushing for 2 to 3 weeks and you will get mats that need professional de-matting.
How often should I bathe my Cavalier?
Every 4 to 6 weeks for a healthy Cavalier. More often (every 2 to 3 weeks) for Cavaliers with allergies or recurring skin issues.
Use a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo for general use. Switch to a medicated chlorhexidine or ketoconazole shampoo for active skin issues. Critical drying technique: dry the silky coat thoroughly or you risk hot spots and ear infections.
Pay extra attention to drying inside the ear canals. Ear infections are the #1 Cavalier grooming-related issue.
How do I prevent ear infections in my Cavalier?
Critical for Cavaliers. About 40 to 50 percent have at least one ear infection a year. Long pendulous ears, canal hair, and allergies all stack against them.
Prevention protocol:
- Weekly ear cleaning at home with a dog-safe ear cleaner (Epi-Otic, MalAcetic Otic). Squeeze cleaner into the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds, let your dog shake their head, then wipe the outer ear with a soft cloth.
- Always dry ear canals thoroughly after baths or swimming.
- Trim the hair under the ear leather to improve airflow.
- Watch weekly for redness, odor, dark wax, head shaking, and scratching.
- Allergy management. Most chronic Cavalier ear infections are allergy-driven.
- Plucking ear hair is controversial. Talk to your vet about whether it is right for your dog.
Calgary cost: $200 to $400 per vet visit for ear infection diagnosis and medication. Recurrence 1 to 3 times a year is common. Lifetime ear management for a chronic Cavalier often runs $2,000 to $5,000 or more. For chronic cases: Western Veterinary Specialist Centre offers veterinary dermatology in Calgary.
How do I care for Cavalier feathering?
Feathering is the long silky hair on Cavalier ears, legs, tail, and feet. It is the defining feature of the breed.
Daily care by area:
- Ears. Most mat-prone area. Comb daily and spot-check after meals or water (both collect in ear feathering).
- Tail. Full plume. Brush 2 to 3 times a week. Trim the tip if it drags or collects debris.
- Legs and chest. Moderate brushing. Trim if excessive.
- Feet. Trim feathering between paw pads flush with the pad surface. Critical for Calgary winter ice ball prevention and for general traction on hardwood.
Tools: thinning shears for blending, and blunt-tipped scissors for paw fur ($15 to $30 for a set). Calgary professional groomers can do feathering trims as an add-on for $10 to $20.
DIY tip: trim foot fur flush with the paw pad surface. Never cut into webbing. Some Cavaliers compete in the show ring with full feathering preserved. Pet Cavaliers can be trimmed to a “puppy cut” style if you prefer easier upkeep.
How often does a Cavalier need professional grooming?
Every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on coat condition and how much you do at home. Calgary professional Cavalier grooming runs $60 to $95 per visit for a full groom (bath, blow-dry, light trim, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim). Boutique groomers $80 to $120, chain stores $50 to $70, mobile groomers $90 to $130.
Cavaliers do not need haircuts the way Maltese or Yorkies do. Many show-style Cavaliers go to a groomer every 8 to 12 weeks for a bath and light trim. Pet-style Cavaliers with foot and sanitary trims may need a visit every 6 to 8 weeks. Tell your Calgary groomer: keep the natural coat (or specify your trim style), pay extra attention to ear cleaning and drying, trim foot fur flush with the paw pads, and avoid over-shaving.
Are Cavaliers hypoallergenic?
No. Cavaliers shed moderately year-round and are NOT hypoallergenic.
People with mild dog allergies sometimes tolerate Cavaliers (less shedding than a Lab, Golden, or German Shepherd) but they are more allergic than truly low-shed breeds (Poodle, Bichon, Maltese).
Cavapoo and Cavachon mixes shed less because of the Poodle or Bichon parent. They are better for allergy-sensitive households but still not fully hypoallergenic. Bathing weekly cuts allergen load on the coat significantly.
Before you adopt with allergies: do a 2 to 3 hour visit with the specific dog and wait 48 hours for delayed allergic response.
How often should I trim a Cavalier's nails?
Every 3 to 4 weeks. Cavalier nails grow at a moderate rate. Tools: guillotine clippers ($10 to $20) or a Dremel grinder ($30 to $80). Calgary professional nail trim runs $15 to $25 if not bundled with grooming. Vet clinic drop-in: $20 to $35. If your Cavalier hates nail trims, counter-condition with high-value treats over weeks of practice.
What should I tell a Calgary groomer about my Cavalier?
Things to specify when booking:
- Coat style preference. Preserve natural feathering (show-style) or trim shorter (pet-style).
- Foot fur. Trim flush with the paw pad for traction and Calgary winter ice prevention.
- Sanitary trim. Short hair around the genitals and rear.
- Ear cleaning and thorough drying. Cavaliers are prone to ear infections. Non-negotiable.
- Ear hair plucking, yes or no. Discuss based on your dog's history (controversial).
- Anal gland expression preference.
- Any cardiac history. Cavaliers with MVD should not be over-stressed during grooming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cavalier coat type?
Medium silky single coat with feathering on the ears, legs, tail, and feet. Moderate year-round shedding. No haircuts needed. A winter coat is needed below -5°C.
Brushing frequency?
Weekly at minimum, daily through spring and fall sheds. Use a pin brush, slicker, and metal comb. Detangling spray helps with stubborn knots. Skipping 2 to 3 weeks creates mats that need professional de-matting.
Bath frequency?
Every 4 to 6 weeks. Use a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo. The critical step is drying the coat thoroughly, especially the ear canals.
Ear infection prevention?
About 40 to 50 percent of Cavaliers get at least one a year. Clean ears weekly at home (Epi-Otic, MalAcetic Otic), dry them thoroughly, trim under-ear hair, watch for symptoms each week, and manage allergies (the root cause of most chronic cases).
Feathering care?
Defining feature. Comb ears daily, brush the tail weekly, and trim foot fur flush with the pads for Calgary winter ice prevention. A feathering trim add-on at a Calgary groomer runs $10 to $20.
Professional grooming frequency?
Every 6 to 12 weeks. A full groom in Calgary runs $60 to $95. Boutique $80 to $120, chain $50 to $70, mobile $90 to $130.
Hypoallergenic?
No. Moderate year-round shedding. Cavapoo and Cavachon mixes shed less because of the Poodle or Bichon parent. Do a trial visit and a 48-hour wait if you have allergies.
Nail trims?
Every 3 to 4 weeks. A Dremel grinder is preferred for smoother edges. Calgary professional nail trim runs $15 to $25.
What to tell your groomer?
Coat style and length, foot fur flush with pads, sanitary trim, critical ear cleaning and drying, ear plucking preference, and any cardiac history (MVD dogs should not be over-stressed).
Cavalier Adoption Calgary
Where to find them, costs, MVD-aware adoption, 4 colors, Cavapoo mix.
Cavalier Health Issues
MVD, syringomyelia, eye conditions, episodic falling.
Adoptable Cavaliers in Calgary
All currently available Cavaliers and Cavalier mixes.
Maltese Grooming Calgary
Sister silky-coat breed. Both share medium-silky-coat care and similar feathering principles.