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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels/Castration leading to bad fur?

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Expert: Liz Gregory - 7/27/2009


Question

Our Cavalier
Dear expert,

I'm writing you from Europe, as the Cavalier King Charles is so popular in the USA I hope to receive some good advice.

We have a pretty 5 month Blenheim girl, not for breeding and would like to castrate her to keep her cute and to avoid heat.

I heard if she is castrated before the first heat her fur will most likely stay nice. What do you recommend and at what age should we do a castration if we decide to do it?

Thank you very much in advance and best regards from Frankfurt Germany!

Susann Ritter

Answer
Hi Susann,
I haven't heard of castration at an early age helping to keep the coat nice. I think it is best after the first season because I believe that they need to finish maturing. They are also older and better able to handle the surgery. I feel more strongly about the females than the males since the procedure is more invasive for females than males. I would wait and not worry about the coat. I have three adults and all three have different coats. My mother has several cavaliers and I can say that of the ones she has, the texture of the coat is different on two of them that is not like any of mine. I would wait until after the first season and after the age of 1 year preferably/
Good luck!!
Liz
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentDear Liz, Thank you so much for your immediate and precise reply. The fact that you can compare Cavaliers of yourself and your family is a very helpful argument. My trainer had the same opinion and I will definitely wait as you recommended.


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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

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Volunteer

Liz Gregory

Expertise

I can answer questions on health, genetics, breeding, buying, conformation, behaviour, color genetics, and general questions

Experience

I have owned bred, and shown this breed for over 6 years, and have shown and bred dogs for over 12 years. My parents have been breeding/showing dogs for over 30 years, including several champions and top breeding dogs.

Organizations
Delaware Valley Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

Education/Credentials
I have an Associate Degree in Science

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