The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, friendly, and popular breed of toy dog. Their physical characteristics include a long, silky, and wavy coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and feet. While their sweet and gentle demeanor makes them a popular choice as companion pets, it is important for potential owners to consider how much they shed before bringing one into their home.
Before exploring the shedding behavior of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, it is important to understand the anatomy of their coat and the type of fur they have. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are considered to have a single coat, which means they have only one layer of fur. The hairs are generally soft, and the undercoat is made up of fine, silky hairs. The outer layers of fur are usually somewhat longer, and this is what gives the breed its characteristic “feathering.”
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are considered to be average shedders. This means that they do shed, but not as much as some other breeds. This breed will still shed some, especially during the shedding season. During this time, they will shed more than usual, as their coat becomes thicker in preparation for the colder months. Regular brushing and vacuuming can help to keep the shedding to a minimum.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate amount of dander, which is a combination of saliva, sweat, and fur. This can be reduced through frequent bathing and grooming, as well as vacuuming. If the pet is not properly groomed, the dander, fur, and saliva can become trapped in carpets and furnishings, causing potential health issues and triggering allergies in people and other pets.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a loving and loyal breed of dog and make excellent family pets. They are relatively low shedders, and with proper grooming and care, their shedding can be kept to a minimum. While shedding is a fact of life with any pet, potential owners should consider their shedding habits before bringing one of these sweet dogs into their home.