The short answer
Cavaliers have moderate grooming demands. Medium silky single coat with feathering on ears/legs/tail/feet. Weekly brushing minimum (daily during spring/fall shedding), bath every 4–6 weeks, professional grooming every 6–12 weeks ($60–$95 in Calgary). Ear infection prevention is critical — ~40–50% of Cavaliers have ≥1/year due to long pendulous ears + canal hair + allergies. Weekly ear cleaning + thorough drying after baths is non-negotiable. Cavaliers don't require haircuts like Maltese/Yorkies — preserve natural coat with occasional foot/sanitary trims. Cavaliers are NOT hypoallergenic. Calgary trimming considerations: feathering between paw pads should be flush for winter ice prevention.
What kind of coat do Cavaliers have?
Cavaliers have a medium-length silky coat with feathering on ears, legs, chest, tail, and feet — defining feature of the breed. Single-layer (no insulating undercoat) but moderate length — between Yorkie/Maltese (long single coat) and Lab/Beagle (short double coat). Moderate year-round shedding. Naturally silky and doesn't require haircuts in the traditional sense. Cavaliers still need winter coats below -5°C due to single-coat heat loss.
How often do Cavaliers need brushing?
Weekly brushing minimum, daily during shedding seasons (spring and fall) or if your Cavalier is prone to matting.
Friction zones to monitor: behind ears, armpits, between back legs, around the collar. The feathering on ears is particularly mat-prone — daily check during regular grooming.
Brush kit:
- Pin brush ($20–$40) — better for silky Cavalier coat than slicker for daily use
- Slicker brush ($25–$60) — for finishing
- Metal comb ($15–$25) — verify no remaining mats
- Detangling spray (TropiClean, Show Sheen) for stubborn knots
Working order: pin brush first to remove tangles, slicker brush for finishing, metal comb to verify no remaining mats. Skipping brushing for 2–3 weeks creates mats that require professional de-matting.
How often should I bathe my Cavalier?
Every 4–6 weeks for a healthy Cavalier, more often (every 2–3 weeks) for Cavaliers with allergies or recurring skin issues. Hypoallergenic + oatmeal-based shampoo for general use, medicated chlorhexidine or ketoconazole for active skin issues. Critical drying technique: thoroughly dry the silky coat or you risk hot spots and ear infections. Pay extra attention to drying inside ear canals — ear infections are the #1 Cavalier grooming-related issue.
How do I prevent ear infections in my Cavalier?
Critical for Cavaliers — ~40–50% have at least one ear infection per year due to long pendulous ears + canal hair + allergies.
Prevention protocol:
- Weekly ear cleaning at home with dog-safe ear cleaner (Epi-Otic, MalAcetic Otic) — squeeze cleaner into ear canal, massage base of ear for 30 seconds, let dog shake head, wipe outer ear with soft cloth
- Always thoroughly dry ear canals after baths or swimming
- Trim hair under the ear leather to improve airflow
- Watch weekly for redness, odor, dark wax, head shaking, scratching
- Allergy management — most chronic Cavalier ear infections are allergy-driven
- Plucking ear hair is controversial — discuss with vet based on individual dog
Calgary cost: $200–$400 per vet visit for ear infection diagnosis + medication. Recurring 1–3 times per year is common; lifetime ear management cost $2,000–$5,000+. Calgary specialty veterinary dermatology: Western Veterinary Specialist Centre for chronic cases.
How do I care for Cavalier feathering?
Feathering is the long silky hair on Cavalier ears, legs, tail, and feet — defining feature of the breed.
Daily care by area:
- Ears — feathering most mat-prone. Comb daily, spot-check after meals/water (food and water collect in ear feathering)
- Tail — full plume, brush 2–3x weekly. Trim tip if it drags or collects debris
- Legs and chest — moderate brushing, trim if excessive
- Feet — tuck-and-trim feathering between paw pads is critical for Calgary winter (ice ball prevention) and general traction
Tools: thinning shears for blending, blunt-tipped scissors for paw fur ($15–$30 set). Calgary professional groomers can do feathering trims as add-on ($10–$20).
DIY tip: trim foot fur flush with paw pad surface, never cut into webbing. Some Cavaliers compete in show ring with full feathering preserved; pet Cavaliers can be trimmed to “puppy cut” style if desired.
How often does a Cavalier need professional grooming?
Every 6–12 weeks depending on coat condition and owner DIY commitment. Calgary professional Cavalier grooming: $60–$95 per visit for full groom (bath, blow-dry, light trim, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim). Boutique groomers $80–$120, chain stores $50–$70, mobile groomers $90–$130.
Cavaliers don't require haircuts the way Maltese/Yorkies do — many show-style Cavaliers go to professional grooming every 8–12 weeks for bath + light trim. Pet-style Cavaliers with feet/sanitary trims may need 6–8 weeks. Tell your Calgary groomer: keep natural coat (or specify trim style), pay extra attention to ear cleaning + drying, trim foot fur flush with paw pads, 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 Lab, Golden, German Shepherd) but more allergic than truly low-shed breeds (Poodle, Bichon, Maltese). Cavapoo and Cavachon mixes are typically lower-shedding due to Poodle/Bichon parent — better for allergy-sensitive households but still not fully hypoallergenic. Bathing weekly significantly reduces allergen load. Before adopting: 2–3 hour visit + 48-hour wait if you have allergies.
How often should I trim a Cavalier's nails?
Every 3–4 weeks. Cavalier nails grow at moderate rate. Tools: guillotine clippers ($10–$20) or Dremel/grinder ($30–$80). Calgary professional nail trim: $15–$25 if not bundled with grooming. Vet clinic drop-in: $20–$35. If your Cavalier hates nail trims, counter-condition with high-value treats.
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 paw pad for traction and Calgary winter ice prevention
- Sanitary trim — short hair around genitals and rear
- Ear cleaning + thorough drying — Cavaliers prone to ear infections, non-negotiable
- Ear hair plucking yes/no — discuss based on your dog's history (controversial)
- Anal gland expression preference
- Any cardiac history — Cavaliers with MVD shouldn't be over-stressed during grooming
Frequently Asked Questions
Cavalier coat type?
Medium silky single coat with feathering on ears/legs/tail/feet. Moderate year-round shedding. Doesn't require haircuts. Winter coat needed below -5°C.
Brushing frequency?
Weekly minimum, daily during shedding seasons. Pin brush + slicker + metal comb. Detangling spray for stubborn knots. Skip 2–3 weeks = mats requiring professional de-matting.
Bath frequency?
Every 4–6 weeks. Hypoallergenic + oatmeal shampoo. Critical: dry coat thoroughly, especially ear canals.
Ear infection prevention?
~40–50% have ≥1/year. Weekly home cleaning (Epi-Otic, MalAcetic Otic), thorough drying, trim under-ear hair, watch weekly for symptoms, allergy management critical (root cause of most chronic cases).
Feathering care?
Defining feature. Daily ear comb, weekly tail brush, foot fur trim flush with pads (Calgary winter ice prevention). Calgary feathering trim add-on $10–$20.
Professional grooming frequency?
Every 6–12 weeks. Calgary $60–$95 full groom. Boutique $80–$120, chain $50–$70, mobile $90–$130.
Hypoallergenic?
No. Moderate year-round shedding. Cavapoo and Cavachon mixes lower-shedding due to Poodle/Bichon parent. Trial visit + 48hr wait if you have allergies.
Nail trims?
Every 3–4 weeks. Dremel preferred for smooth edges. Calgary professional $15–$25.
What to tell groomer?
Coat style + length, foot fur flush, sanitary trim, ear cleaning + drying critical, ear plucking preference, cardiac history disclosure (MVD dogs shouldn't 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 medium-silky-coat care, similar feathering principles.