THIS King Charles Cavalier will be left shivering this winter after a close shave at the grooming parlour.

Rex now has as little hair as his owner, four-year-old Joshua Sherwood, who himself has a short back and sides.

The dog, who lives with Joshua and his family in Cowleaze Crescent, Wroughton, was booked in for an £18 wash and cut at Petsmart's grooming parlour in Greenbridge to smarten him up. But staff had to take more off than expected because his coat was matted, leaving Rex with the equivalent of a Grade One shave.

Joshua's dad John said Rex was in a sorry state after his haircut.

He said: "King Charles Cavaliers should have lovely wavy coats but instead Rex has ended up looking like my head almost bald."

But Petsmart says staff had to give Rex a closer cut because of the condition of his coat.

Spokeswoman Denise Dawson said: "Our staff explained at the time that because the dog's hair was fairly matted they weren't sure how much hair they would be able to save. They were told they would have to do what they had to do.

"They took the appropriate action for the well being of the dog and the customer re-booked."