Many dogs shed, but if you’re thinking about getting a Cocker Spaniel, you should keep in mind that this elegant sports breed sheds a lot.
The Cocker Spaniel’s coat is adorned with luxuriant, flowing locks of hair.
Cocker Spaniels shed, although the amount depends on the dog’s coat, how often they are brushed and cleaned, and occasionally their overall health.
It also depends on whether you have an English or American Cocker Spaniel.
Cocker Spaniels have a single coat, as opposed to the multiple coats of certain other dog breed.
Despite the fact that they shed, the Cocker coat has additional characteristics to consider.
Because the breed is so hairy, it necessitates constant grooming and coat maintenance.
Here’s all you need to know about Cocker Spaniel shedding and how to deal with it, as well as coat care and some extra suggestions and products for keeping a Cocker Spaniel’s coat in great form all year.
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Table of Contents
Do cocker spaniels have hair or fur?
Some breeds have hair instead of fur, but the Cocker Spaniel has hair.
Fur tends to be shorter and denser.
Hair feels finer and much smoother than fur.
The Shedding Rate Of A Cocker Spaniel Dog?
Cocker Spaniels are a 3 to 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least and 10 being the most.
Yes, Cocker Spaniels shed, although the amount of hair they shed varies from dog to dog.
Kim Vavolo, a long-time Cocker groomer, says Cockers shed more in the spring and fall.
Spaniels are not shedding breed like a Siberian Husky or a Labrador Retriever.
What Does A Cocker Spaniel’s Coat Look Like?
Cockers are not double-coated dog breed.
She claims that a Cocker’s coat is not comparable to a normal “double coat” breed like Labrador Retrievers or Siberian Huskies.
She cautions dog owners that a double coat is not defined by distinct hair textures on the dog’s body.
A cottony coat underlying the topcoat, as seen on Collies, Huskies, and Corgis, is an easy way to recognize this is a double coat.
The texture of the coat of an American Cocker Spaniel is very crucial.
The coat is silky, flat, or slightly wavy, and has an easy-to-care texture.
She is a “moderately coated sporting dog,” according to the official American Cocker Spaniel Club “Blue Book,” which outlines breed standard and coat assessment.
Is it true that Cocker Spaniels are hypoallergenic?
Cocker Spaniels, however, are not hypoallergenic.
There is no dog or breed that is completely hypoallergenic (unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in its owner).
At some time, all dogs must shed some of their fur.
Hypoallergenic dogs are those that shed very little or none at all.
Some individuals mistake having less shedding for being hypoallergenic, which is not the case.
People are allergic to the proteins found in a dog’s saliva, dander, and urine, not their fur.
There is no such dog breed that is completely hypoallergenic to anything.
Difference Between The English Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels?
Cocker Spaniels, both English and American, have a single coat, not a double coat.
The American Cocker has a longer coat with more feathering than the English Cocker and has more hair on its coat.
Both breeds shed the same amount, however there are a few key distinctions between them:
American Cocker Spaniel
- Coat that is longer
- Snout that is shorter
- Cocker Spaniels are taller than English Cocker Spaniels.
- Necks that are longer
English Cocker Spaniel
- Coat with a shorter length
- Snout lengthening
- Cocker Spaniels are a little shorter than American Cocker Spaniels.
- Necks are shorter than those of American Cocker Spaniels.
What Is the Difference Between Cocker Spaniel Hair and Fur?
Cockers are known to shed, but do they shed fur or hair?
The Cocker Spaniel, unlike some other breeds, has hair rather than fur.
Fur is typically shorter and denser. Hair has a finer, smoother texture than fur.
Keratin is a powerful protein found in both dog hair and dog fur.
Despite the fact that there is no chemical difference between hair and fur, it appears that people refer to hair as hair when it is long and fur when it is short.
The Pomeranian is an example of a dog breed with fur.
The Cocker Spaniel, like all dogs with hair, requires more frequent brushing.
A full-coated Cocker Spaniel will require at least a half-hour of brushing three times per week.
If you want to keep your Cocker in a fuller coat, you’ll need to keep her hair clear of debris and mats.
The American Spaniel Club breed standard requires a “adequate but not excessive coat” for individuals wishing to display their Cocker Spaniel in the show ring, and they have seen that show Cockers have larger coats over the years.
When Will My Cocker Spaniel Puppy’s Puppy Coat Fall Off?
“When brushing a Cocker Spaniel puppy between the ages of 8 and 12 months, you may notice a little more hair coming out than usual,” says Marlene Ness.
In general, Cocker puppies do not “blow their coat,” therefore shedding is minimal.
As they mature and develop their adult coat, they will begin to shed, but not excessively.
Cocker Spaniel shedding is light in general, and no two dogs are similar.
What is the cause of my Cocker Spaniel’s excessive shedding?
One of the numerous reasons a Cocker sheds excessively is that she has to be brushed more frequently.
Brushing her hair stimulates the production of skin oils and increases blood flow.
Brushing and grooming on a regular basis keeps matting at bay and makes life easier for Cocker Spaniels.
I’m not a professional dog groomer, but I learned how to groom my dog at home, and I’ll share my favorite grooming products, brushes, and techniques later down.
A Cocker Spaniel who sheds excessively may have a thyroid problem, which is a frequent condition in the breed.
Hair and skin changes are one of the many symptoms of canine hypothyroidism.
Can Fish Oil Aid in the Shedding of My Cocker Spaniel?
The inclusion of fish oils to a dog’s diet is beneficial to the majority of them to avoid hair loss.
The advantages of including a high-quality omega 3 fish oil in a dog’s diet include, but are not limited to:
- Dogs Coat with more luster
- Skin that is less dry
- Decreased shedding
- Dog Allergy management
- Autoimmune disease prevention and therapy
- When combined with normal treatment, it can help dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.
- Cancer prevention is important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Overview of the Cocker Spaniel Coat.
Cocker Spaniels have a double coat, meaning they have two layers of hair instead of just one – an outer coat and an undercoat.
Around the head, the outer coat is short and fine, whereas the rest of the body has a lengthier coat.
Cockers, as a dog breed, may shed at some point during their lives.
Most American Cocker Spaniels, on the other hand, shed very little, if at all.
They can shed to some extent, but in comparison to other breeds, the cocker spaniel is not the worst shedder.
Yes, these adorable puppies are gentle, kind, and loving companions who are ideal for families with young children.
They are well-known for their cheerful, sound, and trustworthy demeanor.