What is it? Curly Coat, often abbreviated as “CC”, refers to a genetic condition in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels known as “Curly Coat Syndrome” or “Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome.” It’s a congenital disorder that affects the skin, coat, and eyes of the affected dogs.

Symptoms:

1. Coat Changes: Affected dogs have a curly or rough coat, which is distinctly different from the typical silky coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
2. Dry Eyes (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): This condition results in reduced tear production, leading to dry, irritated eyes that can become infected if not treated.
3. Footpad Hyperkeratosis: The footpads become hard and thickened, which can lead to discomfort.
4. Other Skin Issues: Affected dogs may also have scaly skin and be prone to skin infections.

Genetics: The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to be affected by the condition. Dogs that inherit one copy of the gene are carriers and can pass the gene to their offspring but typically do not show symptoms themselves.

Testing and Diagnosis: A genetic test is available to determine if a dog is clear, a carrier, or affected by the Curly Coat mutation. This test is crucial for breeders to ensure they do not unintentionally breed affected puppies.

Treatment: While there’s no cure for Curly Coat Syndrome, the symptoms can be managed:

1. Eye Care: Artificial tears and other eye medications can help manage dry eyes.
2. Skin and Coat Care: Regular grooming, moisturizing shampoos, and conditioners can help manage skin issues and improve coat texture.
3. Footpad Care: Emollients can be applied to soften and protect the footpads.

Elfore Cavaliers and Curly Coat Testing: Elfore Cavaliers understands the importance of genetic health and tests their breeding dogs for the Curly Coat condition. By doing so, they ensure they are making informed breeding decisions, prioritizing the health and well-being of their dogs, and providing potential puppy buyers with confidence in the genetic health of their puppies.

Conclusion: Curly Coat Syndrome is a significant health concern in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. Prospective owners should be aware of this condition and choose breeders, like Elfore Cavaliers, who prioritize health and conduct genetic tests for Curly Coat and other inherited conditions.