Frequently Asked Questions About Cavaliers

• ​What do you feed your Cavaliers?

I currently have my Cavaliers on Iams MiniChunks but will supplement with raw here and there for dental health.

• Do Cavaliers shed? What kind of grooming do Cavaliers need?

Yes, they do shed. The coat that routinely sheds out is a soft, fuzzy undercoat that clings to certain fabrics. These guys are deceptive on what they actually need for regular grooming. My Cavaliers may see the bathtub once or twice a week, depending on their level of grime and how hard they've played outdoors. In addition to bathing, they are typically hand dried and a undercoat rake is used to pull out all their dead coat. Some areas are carded to encourage the coat to lay properly. On my companion and retired dogs I do take off their fringe and trim their grinch toes in more tightly.

• How much exercise does a Cavalier need?

When they are puppies or young dogs they may be a bit excitable from time to time. As they've aged I have found mine to be loafers. My oldest in particular (middle aged dog) likes to sleep nearly all day and then in the evening she might have a 30 minute burst of energy shortly before bed. After they calm down from being adolescents they generally just want to do whatever you're doing.  

• Is obedience training recommended for Cavaliers?

Yes, at least the basics. They are easily distracted so solid recalls are hard to establish at first. Their nose and natural curiosity can lead them to trouble. I have some that pick up on cues from the get go and some that are totally oblivious.