Brushing
The complete guide to brushing, coat care, preventing mats and keeping your Cavalier's beautiful coat healthy
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is renowned for its beautiful, silky coat, long feathering and distinctive ears. That elegant appearance does not happen entirely by itself, however. Regular brushing is an important part of responsible Cavalier ownership and can help keep the coat clean, comfortable and free from troublesome tangles.
Brushing is about much more than making your Cavalier look beautiful.
A good grooming routine can help remove loose hair, dirt and debris, prevent mats from developing, distribute natural oils through the coat and give you an opportunity to check your dog's skin for abnormalities. It can also become a wonderful opportunity for calm handling, positive reinforcement and bonding.
For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, particular attention should be given to the ears, chest, feathering, legs, belly, armpits, feet and tail, where tangles can develop more readily.
Regular brushing is preventative healthcare as much as it is grooming. A few minutes of gentle grooming can help keep your Cavalier comfortable while allowing you to notice changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Why Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Need Brushing?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long, silky coat with plenty of feathering. The Dogs Australia breed standard describes the coat as long and silky, with slight wave permissible, and specifies plenty of feathering.
That beautiful feathering can also be prone to:
tangling
knots
mats
collecting grass and plant material
collecting dirt and debris
becoming soiled around the feet and underside
friction-related tangling around the ears and legs.
Regular brushing helps prevent these problems before they become difficult or uncomfortable to resolve.
Dogs Australia recommends brushing coats according to their needs, noting that long coats may require brushing every day to remain in good condition.
For many Cavaliers, a short daily grooming session is an excellent routine.
The Benefits of Brushing Your Cavalier
Regular brushing can provide a number of benefits.
1. Helps prevent mats and tangles
This is perhaps the most obvious benefit.
A small knot can become a substantial mat surprisingly quickly, particularly in areas where hair rubs together.
Regular brushing allows tangles to be removed before they become tightly compacted.
2. Removes loose hair
Cavaliers shed hair throughout the year.
Brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up on:
furniture
carpets
clothing
bedding
floors.
It can also make shedding considerably more manageable around the home.
3. Removes dirt and debris
Your Cavalier's coat can collect:
grass
leaves
seeds
dirt
sand
burrs
other outdoor debris.
Regular grooming helps remove these materials before they become tangled into the coat or irritate the skin.
RSPCA Australia recommends grooming partly because it can help remove grass seeds and other objects that may cause discomfort or health problems.
4. Helps distribute natural oils
Brushing can help distribute the skin's natural oils throughout the coat.
This contributes to the coat's overall condition and can help maintain a healthy-looking, glossy appearance.
5. Allows you to check your Cavalier's skin
A grooming session gives you an opportunity to look and feel for changes such as:
lumps
bumps
redness
sores
scabs
parasites
irritation
areas of hair loss
grass seeds
wounds
unusual odours.
Regular hands-on grooming can therefore help you become familiar with what is normal for your dog.
If you notice something unusual, particularly something persistent or painful, consult your veterinarian.
6. Provides valuable bonding time
Brushing can become a lovely one-on-one activity.
When introduced gradually and positively, many dogs learn to enjoy being groomed.
RSPCA Australia recommends making grooming a pleasant experience, starting with short sessions and rewarding calm behaviour.
How Often Should You Brush a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
There is no single rule that applies to every Cavalier.
However, daily brushing is a sensible routine for many Cavaliers, particularly those with abundant feathering or coats that tangle easily.
Dogs Australia states that long coats may need daily brushing, while the American Kennel Club's Cavalier grooming guidance recommends daily brushing for maintaining the breed's silky coat and preventing knots.
Your Cavalier may require more or less frequent brushing depending on:
coat length
coat texture
amount of feathering
age
lifestyle
time spent outdoors
swimming
weather
whether the dog regularly visits a professional groomer
whether the coat is being maintained for showing.
A useful rule
If you regularly find knots, your Cavalier probably needs more frequent brushing.
Prevention is much easier and kinder than trying to remove established mats.
Where Do Cavaliers Usually Get Knots?
Some areas deserve particular attention.
Behind the ears
The silky hair behind the ears can tangle easily.
Because Cavalier ears are heavily feathered, this is one of the first places to check.
Under the ears
Moisture, friction and food debris can contribute to tangling.
Chest
The feathering on the chest can become tangled, particularly in dogs that lie on their chest or wear collars and harnesses.
Armpits
Friction between the front legs and body can create small mats.
Belly
The finer hair on the underside can become tangled and may collect dirt.
Back of the legs
The feathering on the legs can collect grass and other outdoor material.
Feet
Hair around the feet can collect debris and become tangled.
Tail
The beautiful feathering of the tail needs regular attention.
Under the tail
This area can become soiled and tangled and should be checked regularly.
What Brushes Are Best for a Cavalier?
You don't necessarily need an entire cupboard full of grooming equipment.
A few appropriate tools can be enough.
Pin brush
A pin brush is commonly recommended for Cavalier coats.
It can help:
remove loose hair
separate feathering
work through light tangles
smooth the coat.
The American Kennel Club recommends a pin brush or suitable bristle brush for Cavalier grooming.
Comb
A good-quality metal grooming comb can be extremely useful.
A comb is particularly valuable because it can help determine whether you have actually brushed through the coat rather than simply smoothing the surface.
A coat can look beautifully brushed on top while still hiding a knot underneath.
The comb test
After brushing, gently run the comb through:
behind the ears
the chest
armpits
legs
belly
tail.
If the comb passes through smoothly, you have probably reached the underlying coat.
If it catches, investigate the area rather than pulling through it.
Soft bristle brush
A soft bristle brush can be useful for finishing the coat and smoothing the surface.
It can also be a pleasant introductory grooming tool for a puppy who is learning to enjoy being handled.
Slicker brush
A slicker brush can be useful for certain tangles, but it needs to be used carefully.
The pins can irritate or scratch the skin if excessive pressure is applied.
A slicker brush should never be used aggressively to repeatedly pull through a tight mat.
If you are uncertain how to use one safely, ask a professional groomer to demonstrate the technique.
What Should You Avoid?
Be particularly cautious with:
aggressive brushing
pulling through knots
repeatedly brushing the same area
pressing hard against the skin
using damaged brushes
sharp tools close to the skin
cutting mats with scissors close to the body
grooming when your dog is frightened or distressed.
RSPCA Australia recommends gentle strokes and warns against pulling hard or scraping the skin.
Brushing should never be painful.
How to Brush a Cavalier Correctly
A good grooming session does not need to be complicated.
Step 1: Choose a calm environment
Choose somewhere your Cavalier feels comfortable.
A non-slip surface can help your dog feel more secure.
Step 2: Let your Cavalier investigate the brush
Especially with a puppy, allow your dog to sniff the grooming equipment.
Reward calm behaviour.
The objective is to teach:
Brush = something pleasant happens.
Step 3: Start where your dog is comfortable
Begin with an area your Cavalier enjoys having touched.
For example:
shoulder
chest
back.
Don't immediately begin wrestling with a sensitive knot behind the ears.
Step 4: Work in small sections
Separate the coat into manageable sections.
Brush gently rather than repeatedly dragging the brush across the entire dog.
This allows you to reach the underlying hair.
Step 5: Work through the feathering carefully
Pay particular attention to:
ears
chest
legs
belly
tail.
Use short, gentle strokes.
Step 6: Check with a comb
Once you have brushed an area, use a grooming comb to check that the hair is genuinely free of tangles.
Step 7: Reward your Cavalier
Praise your dog and provide an appropriate reward for calm cooperation.
Keep the experience positive.
Don't Just Brush the Top of the Coat
One of the most common mistakes owners make is brushing only the visible surface.
The top of a Cavalier's coat can look perfectly smooth while a mat is developing underneath.
Your aim is to gently work through the coat down towards the skin, without scraping or irritating it.
The American Kennel Club recommends working all the way down to the skin using gentle strokes and checking areas where mats commonly develop.
This is where a comb becomes particularly useful.
What About Mats?
Mats are clumps of tangled hair that have become compacted.
They can form when:
loose hair becomes tangled
moisture causes hair to clump
dirt becomes trapped
friction repeatedly affects an area
a dog is not brushed regularly
grass or plant material becomes caught in the coat.
Mats are not simply a cosmetic problem.
Tightly compacted mats can pull on the skin and cause discomfort.
They can also conceal:
skin irritation
wounds
parasites
moisture
infections.
Never Pull Hard on a Mat
If you encounter a small, loose tangle, you may be able to gently work it apart with your fingers and an appropriate grooming tool.
But if a mat is:
tight
close to the skin
extensive
painful
difficult to remove,
don't keep pulling.
RSPCA Australia recommends stopping if the dog becomes uncomfortable and seeking professional assistance where a difficult mat cannot safely be removed.
A professional groomer or veterinarian can determine the safest way to deal with a significant mat.
Should You Cut Out a Mat?
Extreme caution is required when using scissors near a dog's skin.
It can be surprisingly easy to cut the skin when attempting to cut through a mat because the skin can become incorporated into the tangled hair.
If a mat is close to the skin or you are uncertain how to remove it safely, seek professional assistance.
RSPCA Australia specifically advises that professional help may be safest when a difficult mat is close to the skin.
Brushing Cavalier Ears
Cavalier ears deserve special attention.
The breed standard describes the ears as long and having plenty of feathering.
That beautiful ear feathering can easily become tangled.
Check behind the ears regularly
Gently separate the hair and inspect the area.
Look for:
knots
mats
dirt
moisture
redness
unusual odour
excessive wax
signs of discomfort.
If your Cavalier is repeatedly scratching its ears, shaking its head or showing signs of ear discomfort, consult your veterinarian.
Do not assume the problem is simply a grooming issue.
Brushing the Tail
The Cavalier's tail is naturally well feathered.
Regularly brush through the tail from the base towards the tip using gentle strokes.
Check particularly for:
knots
grass seeds
burrs
dirt
faecal contamination.
Take your time.
Tail feathering can be sensitive, and pulling through tangles can be uncomfortable.
Brushing the Legs and Feet
The feathering on the legs can collect an impressive amount of outdoor debris.
After walks, check for:
grass seeds
burrs
sticks
mud
sand
leaves.
Pay particular attention between the toes and around the foot.
Dogs Australia notes that grooming includes maintaining the coat as well as other areas of routine care, and Cavalier grooming guidance highlights the importance of keeping foot hair appropriately maintained.
If your Cavalier frequently walks on grass, checking the feet after outdoor activities is particularly worthwhile.
What About Bathing?
Brushing and bathing work together, but they are not the same thing.
Brush before bathing.
Washing a tangled or matted coat can make the tangles considerably more difficult to deal with.
The American Kennel Club recommends brushing out mats before bathing a Cavalier.
How frequently a Cavalier needs bathing depends on:
lifestyle
coat condition
outdoor activities
swimming
skin conditions
professional grooming routine.
Use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.
If your Cavalier has a skin condition, your veterinarian may recommend a specific medicated shampoo or bathing schedule.
Brushing Puppies
It is never too early to begin teaching a Cavalier puppy that grooming is normal.
The goal initially is not to achieve a perfect groom.
The goal is to teach the puppy:
being touched is safe
brushes are not frightening
ears can be handled
feet can be handled
grooming is calm
cooperation is rewarded.
The American Kennel Club recommends gradually acclimating Cavalier puppies to handling of the body, face, ears and feet.
Start with very short sessions.
A few gentle brush strokes followed by a reward can be more valuable than attempting a 15-minute grooming session with a frightened puppy.
What If Your Cavalier Hates Being Brushed?
Don't force your dog through a prolonged grooming session.
A dog that repeatedly experiences brushing as frightening or painful may become increasingly resistant.
Instead:
Start with very short sessions
Try a few strokes and stop.
Use rewards
Reward calm behaviour.
Start with easy areas
Begin where your Cavalier is comfortable being touched.
Introduce grooming gradually
Increase the duration slowly.
Pay attention to body language
Signs of stress can include:
moving away
freezing
lip licking
yawning
turning the head away
tucked tail
trembling
growling
attempting to escape.
If your Cavalier becomes distressed, stop and reassess the approach.
RSPCA Australia recommends short, positive grooming sessions and stopping before the dog becomes uncomfortable or agitated.
Never Punish a Dog for Resisting Grooming
If your Cavalier growls, snaps or tries to escape during brushing, don't punish the warning.
Instead, consider why the dog is resisting.
The brush may:
hurt
be pulling a mat
be irritating the skin
be associated with a previous unpleasant experience
be frightening
be used too forcefully.
Pain is particularly important to consider if a previously cooperative dog suddenly becomes resistant to grooming.
If behaviour changes suddenly, discuss it with your veterinarian.
Grooming and Positive Reinforcement
Grooming provides an excellent opportunity for positive reinforcement.
Reward your Cavalier for:
approaching the brush
standing calmly
allowing an ear to be touched
allowing a paw to be handled
accepting a brush stroke
remaining relaxed.
Reward-based training can help make grooming a cooperative activity rather than something that needs to be forced.
The objective is not simply:
"How can I make my dog tolerate brushing?"
It is:
"How can I teach my dog that brushing is safe and predictable?"
Brushing and the Cavalier Breed Standard
For owners interested in showing their Cavalier, coat care takes on an additional dimension.
The Dogs Australia breed standard describes the Cavalier's coat as: "Long, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Plenty of feathering. Totally free from trimming."
This is important because routine grooming and altering the coat are not the same thing. Brushing helps maintain the natural coat. Show preparation can involve additional grooming knowledge and techniques.
Dogs Australia advises that understanding the breed's structure, coat type, texture and breed standard is an important part of good breed-specific grooming.
If you intend to show your Cavalier, seek guidance from an experienced breeder, exhibitor or professional groomer familiar with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed standard.
Should a Cavalier Be Clipped?
This depends on the individual dog, its lifestyle and the owner's grooming goals. For a Cavalier being shown under the Dogs Australia breed standard, the coat is described as totally free from trimming.
Pet Cavaliers are a different consideration. Some owners choose professional grooming or limited trimming for practical reasons, particularly when maintaining a long coat is difficult.
However, clipping should not be used as a substitute for establishing an appropriate grooming routine. If your Cavalier's coat repeatedly becomes severely matted, discuss coat-management options with a professional groomer familiar with the breed.
Professional Grooming and Your Cavalier
Professional grooming can be an excellent complement to regular home brushing.
A professional groomer can help with:
bathing
drying
coat maintenance
nail care
foot care
sanitary grooming
difficult tangles
coat management.
However, professional grooming should not replace routine home care. A Cavalier that is brushed regularly between appointments is generally easier and more comfortable to groom. The American Kennel Club notes that home grooming and professional grooming work best together.
How Often Should My Cavalier Visit a Groomer?
There is no universal schedule.
Some Cavaliers may benefit from professional grooming approximately every four to six weeks, while others may require less frequent appointments depending on coat length, lifestyle and how well the coat is maintained at home.
The important point is that the groomer should be part of an overall grooming routine rather than the entire routine.
Daily or regular home brushing + appropriate professional grooming = a much easier coat to maintain.
Grooming in Queensland's Climate
Queensland's warm and humid conditions can make coat management particularly important.
After:
swimming
wet-weather walks
bathing
playing in wet grass,
make sure your Cavalier is dried appropriately.
Moisture trapped in a dense or tangled area can contribute to skin problems.
Regularly check areas where moisture can remain, including:
ears
armpits
belly
feet
skin folds
heavily feathered areas.
If you notice persistent redness, odour, discharge, itching or discomfort, consult your veterinarian.
Brushing After Walks
You don't necessarily need to perform a full groom after every walk.
Instead, make a quick inspection part of your routine.
Check:
Ears
Look for grass seeds and debris.
Feet
Check between toes and around the pads.
Legs
Look for grass and burrs.
Chest and belly
Check for plant material.
Tail
Look for seeds and tangles.
Coat
Run your hands over areas where debris may be hiding.
This small habit can prevent minor problems from becoming significant grooming issues.
Brushing and Health Checks
One of the most valuable aspects of grooming is that it gives you regular, hands-on contact with your dog.
You may notice:
a new lump
a change in skin texture
a sore area
a parasite
an unusual smell
hair loss
redness
a wound
sensitivity
a change in your dog's tolerance of touch.
Brushing is not a veterinary examination, but it can help you identify something that warrants further investigation.
The American Kennel Club similarly highlights grooming as an opportunity to notice abnormalities affecting the coat, skin and body.
When Should You Contact Your Veterinarian?
Seek veterinary advice if you notice:
persistent itching
repeated scratching
excessive licking
unexplained hair loss
redness
sores
bleeding
swelling
unusual odour
painful areas
sudden sensitivity to brushing
recurrent skin problems
persistent ear problems
a lump or bump that concerns you.
A grooming problem can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
A Simple Cavalier Brushing Routine
If you are new to grooming your Cavalier, start here.
Daily
1. Check the ears
Look for tangles and debris.
2. Brush the feathering
Pay attention to the ears, chest, legs and tail.
3. Check the belly and armpits
These are easy-to-miss areas.
4. Brush the body
Work gently through the coat.
5. Use a comb
Check that you have reached the underlying hair.
6. Check the feet
Remove any grass or debris.
7. Reward your Cavalier
Finish positively.
A complete session may take only a few minutes once your Cavalier is accustomed to the routine.
Cavalier Brushing Checklist
☐ I brush my Cavalier regularly.
☐ I check behind and underneath the ears.
☐ I check the chest and armpits.
☐ I check the belly.
☐ I brush the feathering on the legs.
☐ I check the feet and between the toes.
☐ I brush the tail.
☐ I use a comb to check for hidden tangles.
☐ I remove grass seeds and other debris promptly.
☐ I use gentle pressure.
☐ I never pull aggressively through knots.
☐ I don't cut mats close to the skin with scissors.
☐ I make grooming a positive experience.
☐ I monitor my Cavalier's skin while brushing.
☐ I seek professional help when a mat cannot be safely removed.
☐ I seek veterinary advice when I notice unusual skin, coat or ear problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Many Cavaliers benefit from daily brushing, particularly those with longer or more abundant feathering. Dogs Australia notes that long coats may need daily brushing to remain in good condition.
What is the best brush for a Cavalier?
A suitable pin brush is commonly recommended, with a grooming comb useful for checking and removing tangles. A soft bristle brush can also be useful for finishing the coat.
Should I brush my Cavalier every day?
Daily brushing is an excellent routine for many Cavaliers and can help prevent knots before they develop into mats.
Why does my Cavalier get knots behind its ears?
The long, silky feathering around Cavalier ears is particularly susceptible to tangling. Friction, moisture and debris can make the problem worse.
Should I brush my Cavalier before or after a bath?
Before the bath. Brush out tangles and mats first. Washing a tangled coat can make mats more difficult to remove.
Can I use a human hairbrush on my Cavalier?
It is preferable to use grooming equipment designed for dogs and appropriate for the dog's coat. Ask a professional groomer or veterinarian to recommend suitable tools for your Cavalier.
Should I cut mats out with scissors?
Use extreme caution. Cutting a mat close to the skin can result in serious injury. If a mat is tight or close to the skin, seek assistance from a professional groomer or veterinarian.
My Cavalier hates being brushed. What should I do?
Start with very short sessions, use positive reinforcement and begin in areas your dog is comfortable having touched. Stop before your dog becomes distressed and gradually build tolerance.
Should a Cavalier's coat be shaved in summer?
There is no general need to shave a Cavalier simply because the weather is warm. Coat management should be considered individually, and owners should seek advice from a knowledgeable groomer or veterinarian if they are concerned about heat, matting or coat condition.
Should I clip my Cavalier?
Pet grooming and show grooming have different considerations. Under the Dogs Australia Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed standard, the coat is described as "totally free from trimming".
Does brushing reduce shedding?
Regular brushing removes loose hair from the coat before it is shed around the home, which can make shedding easier to manage.
Can brushing cause skin damage?
It can if the wrong tool is used or excessive pressure is applied. Brush gently, avoid scraping the skin and stop if your Cavalier becomes uncomfortable.
In Conclusion…
A beautiful Cavalier coat is maintained through routine, not occasional rescue grooming. Regular brushing helps prevent mats, remove loose hair and debris, distribute natural oils and give you an opportunity to check your Cavalier's skin and coat. For many Cavaliers, a few minutes of gentle brushing each day is all that is needed to keep the coat in good condition.
Focus particularly on the areas most likely to tangle:
Behind the ears.
Chest.
Armpits.
Belly.
Legs.
Feet.
Tail.
And remember that the goal isn't simply to produce a beautiful coat.
The goal is to have a comfortable, healthy dog who is relaxed and happy to be groomed.
Start early. Be gentle. Work gradually. Reward cooperation. Never force your Cavalier through painful grooming.
And if you encounter a difficult mat, a skin problem or a sudden change in your dog's tolerance of grooming, don't struggle through it alone. Your veterinarian or an experienced professional groomer can help.
For the betterment of the breed, good grooming should always put the dog's comfort and welfare first.
Additional Reading
Disclaimer
This article is provided by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (Queensland) for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.