A Cocker Spaniel is a social, loyal, and happy pet that is rare to find.
Furthermore, these dogs have amazing coats! But, do their gorgeous coats shed?
If that’s the case, how much will it set you back?
How do you keep up with the grooming of a Cocker Spaniel?
This page will teach you everything you need to know about shedding and allergies if you own a Cocker Spaniel.
We’ll also offer some tips for decreasing shedding and keeping your dog in good shape.
But first, let’s look at the many Cocker Spaniel breeds.
There are considerable differences between them when it comes to shedding and grooming.
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Table of Contents
Is a cocker spaniel prone to excessive shedding?
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.
Overview of Cocker Shedding
Coat: Silky texture with a medium to long flat or slightly wavy coat.
Color: Black, Liver/Brown, and Red/Golden are solid colors. White With Red, Black, Or Liver Are Parti Colors (Two Or More Solid Colors).
Mode of Shedding: Medium
Grooming Requirements: Very High
Cocker Spaniels from England vs. Cocker Spaniels from the United States
English and American Cocker Spaniels are the two varieties of Cocker Spaniels.
The two species have a lot in common when it comes to personality. However, they differ in various ways in terms of physical appearance and coat.
English Cocker Spaniels are a breed of dog that originated in England.
- Are a smidgeon shorter
- Necks that are shorter
- Have a snout that is longer
- Have coats that are shorter.
American Cocker Spaniels are a breed of dog that originated in the United States.
- Are you a little taller?
- Necks that are longer
- Snouts that are shorter
- Have coats that are longer.
Did you know that English Cocker Spaniels come in two varieties? Field lines are working dogs with shorter coats.
The coats on show lines are longer.
We’ll go over grooming for both sorts of Cockers in great detail. But wait, there’s a crucial question we need to address first.
Is it true that Cocker Spaniels are hypoallergenic?
Cocker Spaniels are not hypoallergenic.
“No,” is the response to that query.
But here’s the thing: the same can be said for any other breed of dog, including those classified as low shedders.
What is the reason for this? Because there isn’t a dog on the planet who doesn’t create allergies.
It’s not a dog’s fur or dander that you’re allergic to if you have a pet allergy (dry skin).
Proteins secreted by dogs’ skin glands and salivary glands are what you’re allergic to.
Because these proteins are absorbed through your dog’s fur and dander, heavier shedders are more likely to cause allergy problems.
However, it also implies that how much or little your symptoms flare is determined by your grooming practices and how well you keep unwanted fur and dander from accumulating in your home.
Let’s discuss about the coats that these two breeds have in common.
What Does a Cocker Spaniel’s Coat Look Like?
Your Cocker Spaniel’s coat is twofold.
The undercoat is thick and protects against water, wind, and cold.
The topcoat is longer than the undercoat and can have a smooth or rough texture.
The amount of shedding is unaffected by whether the texture is smooth or rough.
The texture of the coat is sometimes characterized as “feathery” or “silky.”
It’s helpful to know that they blow their coats twice a year. Spring and autumn are the times when there is a lot of shedding. Increased shedding is caused by a hormonal shift in your dog as the number of daylight hours increases or decreases.
They shed in the fall to allow for the growth of thicker fur for winter warmth.
High shedding is especially common in Springer Spaniel who spend a lot of time outside.
Cocker Spaniel Shedding Control
A dedication to frequent grooming in the form of combing and clipping is required while owning a Cocker Spaniel.
This is especially vital in the spring and autumn, but it is a chore that must be done all year.
Although grooming might help reduce shedding, you can still expect to find a lot of hair in your home.
Bathing on occasion, especially with an anti-shed shampoo, can be beneficial, but not too frequently.
Brushing this long-haired breed on a regular basis is essential (the frequency will be discussed later).
Feeding your dog a balanced food rich in fatty acids, vitamins, linoleic acid, and zinc is another way to help keep shedding under control.
Finally, keep an eye out for ticks and fleas, both of which can cause excessive shedding.
English Cocker Spaniel Grooming
Because English Cocker Spaniels have shorter coats than their American counterparts, they require less upkeep than their American counterparts.
Among all dog breed coats, they are classified as “medium.”
What is the frequency of their shedding?
They are neither the heaviest nor the lightest shedders, therefore they can be described as “medium.”
The American Kennel Club recommends brushing your English Cocker Spaniel twice a week.
Brushing your dog’s coat on a regular basis will keep it from tangling or matting.
If you don’t want to do the monthly trimming yourself, you can hire someone to do it for you.
It is advisable to do this if you do not have (or are unwilling to obtain) professional-level abilities and are willing to invest on supplies.
Why should you check your dog’s ears on a frequent basis?
This breed is prone to ear infections.
What You Should Know About American Cocker Spaniel Grooming
You now have a thorough understanding of English Cocker Spaniels and their grooming requirements.
But what about Cocker Spaniels from the United States?
The American Cocker Spaniel, like the English Cocker Spaniel, sheds moderately.
As a result, the American Kennel Club recommends grooming your American Cocker Spaniel every day. If you miss even one day, you may find yourself needing to put in more effort the next day to eliminate additional knots and mats.
When dealing with knots, take as much time as you need.
You’ll obtain the finest results if you separate the hairs carefully, starting at the ends and working your way down to the roots, if necessary by hand.
The AKC recommends using a metal comb with teeth that are close together.
Soon, we’ll provide more thorough information about grooming supplies for Cocker Spaniels.
It’s entirely up to you whether you maintain your dog’s hair long or short.
Although shorter hair is more manageable, many owners like the sight and feel of an American Cocker Spaniel coat that is long and luscious.
It’s critical to keep an eye out for debris in your pet’s ears once more.
Ear infections can be avoided by removing debris.
Cocker Spaniel Grooming Tips and Shedding Prevention
You now have a better understanding of the differences in shedding and grooming needs between American and English Cocker Spaniels. Here are a few more grooming tips and methods for any sort of Cocker Spaniel.
1. The frequency with which you should brush your dog is determined in part by the season.
As previously said, as the seasons change, these dogs shed more heavily in the spring and autumn.
2. Bathe your dog on a regular basis. Invest in a dog shampoo that is gentle on your pet’s skin.
3. Following bathing, properly rinse and dry your Cocker Spaniel.
Even if you use a gentle dog shampoo, if a residue remains after your pet’s bath, skin irritation can occur.
As a result, when rinsing your dog’s coat, you should be particularly thorough.
Check to see if you’ve gotten beneath all of the lengthy fur.
You can then blow-dry your dog’s coat.
Don’t crank up the heat too much. This could not only make your dog uncomfortable, but it could also dry up his skin.
4. Check your pet’s skin during grooming.
This is the ideal moment to be on the lookout for any irritations that need to be addressed.
While inspecting your pet’s skin, keep an eye out for deep mats and tangles that you might miss if you just looked at the topcoat.
5. To properly and safely untangle your dog’s fur and prevent excessive shedding, get the right products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cocker Spaniels shed in a moderate amount.
The Cocker Spaniel is a popular family dog, which is one of the reasons for his popularity.
He gets along with youngsters if he was reared with them and the children are kind and respectful to animals.
A smelly cocker spaniel could be suffering from a problem with his bottom or anal glands.
The unpleasant, putrid smell coming from their bottoms is the quickest method to tell if they have blocked anal glands.
Cocker spaniels’ anal glands must be expressed or emptied.