From their ancestry to their appearance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be considered royalty in the canine universe. These dogs are closely associated with King Charles II, the king of England, Scotland and Ireland during the Restoration Period, so much so that he was said to be rarely seen without his beloved pets. The nobility of the 16th century were also fond of Cavalier King Charles dogs although these were not known as such then.

Also known as the King Charles or Cavs, these dogs have a regal appearance coupled with a regal behavior. Their coats are silky, smooth and shiny and these come in four standard colors, namely, Blenheim (chestnut markings and white background), tri-colour (white and black with tan markings on the chest, eyes and tail - the most prized coloration), black and tan, and ruby (entirely chestnut with perhaps spots of white in many dogs). Their behavior is described as affectionate, friendly and sociable, which means that Cavs are great companions for children and other animals.

Lest you start thinking that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are high-maintenance dogs because of their royal origins and appearance, think again. You will find that Cavalier King Charles dogs are relatively easy to maintain even with basic grooming routines. You must, however, ensure that your King Charles has regular veterinary check-ups as part of its health program.

When starting on a grooming routine for your Cavs, always keep in mind that each dog is different even within the same breed. For example, your Cavs may dislike baths as a puppy but may find these pleasurable later on. Patience is essential in introducing and establishing grooming routines to keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels feeling and looking like royalty.

It is also important to start on the grooming routine as early as possible preferably when the Cavs dogs are still puppies. Your purpose is to accustom them to the routine so that it is easier to do when they get older; the grooming sessions last longer because of their longer coats. Be sure to reward your Cavs puppies for their good behavior.

You should have a basic grooming coat in your home, said kit of which consist of a soft brush, a straight comb, a pin brush, a shedding tool, and nail clippers. You can add other accessories according to the needs and wants of your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, said accessories of which can include tear stain removers.

Just brush your Cavs' coats on an occasional basis but you can brush it as often as necessary. Your main goal is to keep their coats looking smooth, shiny and silky - no matting. You may also want to enlist the assistance of professional dog groomers for this purpose including the hair cutting, the nail clipping and the ear cleaning aspects.

Ear cleaning is of special concern to Cavs because of their long, floppy ears. Use an ear-cleaning solution with a cotton ball to clean your pets' ears. And don't forget his dental hygiene, too, via high-quality chews.

Indeed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a joy to care for! You just need to groom them on a regular basis to maintain their regal yet friendly appearance.