Photo by Courtney Mihaka on Unsplash (featured image)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most affectionate breeds you’ll meet in Brooklyn’s dog runs, and their silky, feathered coat is a big part of that soft, approachable look. It’s also a coat that needs more attention than its smooth appearance suggests.
Quick answer: Cavaliers need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, along with twice-weekly brushing at home focused on the ears, chest, and leg feathering where mats form first. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Cavalier groom typically runs $75-$110 and takes 1-1.5 hours, with extra time set aside for careful ear cleaning.
Ear Care Is the Most Important Part
A Cavalier’s long, low-set, heavily feathered ears look beautiful, but they also trap moisture and reduce airflow to the ear canal — a combination that makes this breed genuinely prone to ear infections if the area isn’t kept clean and dry. Professional groomers check and clean the outer ear, trim excess hair around the ear opening, and keep feathering from matting against the ear leather. At home, a quick check after every walk in wet weather (not uncommon living near Prospect Park or the waterfront) goes a long way toward catching problems early.
The Silky Double Coat
Cavaliers carry a moderate-length, silky coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. It isn’t as prone to matting as a curlier coat, but the feathered areas need targeted attention — mats tend to start behind the ears and in the “armpit” area first, which is easy to miss during a quick once-over brush.
Brushing Routine
Twice a week with a pin brush, paying special attention to the feathering, is usually enough to keep a Cavalier’s coat tangle-free between grooming visits. A metal comb run through the feathered areas afterward will catch any small mats before they tighten up.
Shedding and Seasonal Coat Changes
Cavaliers are moderate, steady shedders year-round, with a heavier shed in spring and fall. Regular brushing during these seasonal changes keeps loose hair off your furniture and reduces how much the undercoat tangles into the feathering.
Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
A full Cavalier groom — bath, blow-dry, trim, nail care, and ear cleaning — typically costs $75-$110 at Brooklyn Pet Spa, depending on coat condition. See our full breed rate chart for exact pricing, or book a groom directly.
At-Home Care Checklist
- Brush with a pin brush twice a week, focusing on ear feathering and the armpit area
- Check and gently clean ears after walks in wet weather
- Run a metal comb through feathered areas to catch small mats before they tighten
- Wipe tear-prone eye areas with a damp cloth as needed
- Book a professional groom every 6-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel be groomed?
Every 6-8 weeks for a full professional groom, with brushing at home twice a week in between to manage the feathering.
Why are Cavaliers prone to ear infections?
Their long, heavily feathered ears sit low and trap moisture, reducing airflow to the ear canal. Regular cleaning and drying after baths or wet walks helps prevent infections.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed a lot?
They’re moderate, steady shedders with heavier seasonal sheds in spring and fall. Regular brushing keeps loose hair manageable.
Where do mats form first on a Cavalier?
Behind the ears and in the armpit/leg feathering area are the most common spots — both are easy to miss with a quick brush, so a slower, section-by-section check matters.
How much does Cavalier grooming cost at Brooklyn Pet Spa?
A full groom typically runs $75-$110. See our breed rate chart for exact pricing.
Ready to book your Cavalier’s next groom? Book an appointment at Brooklyn Pet Spa, or explore our full grooming services.
