Do Cocker Spaniels Shed? – Managing Fallen Fur

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Are you thinking about getting a cocker spaniel? A big factor you need to consider when getting a dog is how much hair they are going to shed. This will determine how much extra cleaning you will need to do around the house. Not only this, but all dogs will require a certain degree of grooming and brushing. Check this blog post out to find out just how much cocker spaniels shed, and the extra work you will need to do if you are to get one!

Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?

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Do Cocker Spaniels Shed Very Much?

The easiest answer is yes, they do shed a bit. But, they shed a lot less than people may assume.

All dogs will experience some shedding in their lifetime. However most cocker spaniel dogs will shed quite a little amount, and some may not shed at all! They will shed to a certain point, but compared to other dog breeds, the cocker spaniel is a breed that sheds much less than the others.

It can really vary from each individual dog, much like humans. With cocker spaniels, they can be much less of a headache when it comes to shedding than other dogs are.

The key to keeping a dogs shedding to a minimum is to maintain a regular rooming habit. If you keep your cocker spaniel dog regularly groomed, then you definitely won’t meet much trouble when it comes to shedding.

What is The Difference Between English Cocker Spaniels Vs. American Cocker Spaniels?

There are actually two different types of cocker spaniels, which are English and American. Both breeds are very similar in terms of personality, but they have some slight differences when it comes to their physical build and fur.

I will go through a list of differences below.

English Cocker Spaniels American Cocker Spaniels
A little bit shorter A little bit taller
Have shorter necks Have longer necks
Have a shorter coat Have a longer coat
Have a longer snoutHave shorter snouts

What Is The Difference In Grooming between An English And American Cocker Spaniel?

English Cocker Spaniels

There is a difference between grooming the two types of a cocker spaniel.

English cocker spaniels generally require less maintenance than American cocker spaniels because they have shorter coats. Compared to all dog breeds, English cocker spaniels have a ‘medium’ classification in regard to dog breed coats.

English cocker spaniels need to be brushed about 2 to 3 times a week. This frequent brushing is good to prevent their coat from tangling or matting. If your dog has a coat that has more of a wavy consistency, it may be prone to tangling more than a straight-haired dog coat. Make sure to take extra care when grooming a curly-haired coat.

American Cocker Spaniels

American cocker spaniels are like English cocker spaniels, they are medium shedders. That being said, they have longer hair. This means that they may need more maintenance in order to prevent their hair from tangled and matted.

It is easier to maintain an American cocker spaniel’s coat if you brush it every day. Their longer coat is more susceptible to matting and regular grooming can prevent this from occurring.

Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic Dogs?

There is actually no dog that is completely hypoallergenic. Allergies to dogs come from the dander which comes from their coat. This is similar to the dandruff that comes from your own scalp. Some dog breed produce more than others, but there are no dogs that do not produce any.

That being said, some dogs produce much less than others. Cocker spaniels are a breed that produce less dander than other dog breeds. If you are worried about a family member that my have allergic reactions to a dogs fur, there are methods which can reduce the chance of having an allergic reaction to a dogs fur. Below I will go through some of the best ways to prevent this.

If you’re interested in other dog breeds, check out our blogs:

Tips for Grooming Your Cocker Spaniel

While your cocker spaniel will not shed much during their lifetime, it is important to keep a regular grooming pattern, particularly if you have a family member who has allergies to dogs.

Make sure to regularly brush your cocker spaniels coat. Regular maintenance will mean that the loose strands will gather more easily on the brush. This makes it more manageable than letting the hairs fall out naturally and fall to the ground. Or even worse, catch on your furniture or carpet, which can be detrimental for people with allergies. If you practice regular grooming, this will also help to maintain a healthy shine to your cocker spaniel’s coat.

Another helpful tip to ensure that your cocker spaniel’s coat is maintained nicely, it helps if you purchase a good dog shampoo, along with a good grooming brush. If you purchase a sickle brush, this has a little curve that latches onto loose hairs. This will then gently pull the hairs out without hurting your dog.

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In regard to which shampoo to purchase, any dog shampoo should do the trick as this is produced with your dog’s fur in mind. Many shampoos will come with conditioner in it too, which will help to condition their fur at the same time.

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What Kind Of Coat Does a Cocker Spaniel Have?

Cocker spaniels actually have a double coat. This means that they have an undercoat, that is dense which provides protection from water, wind, and cold to protect their skin. Their topcoat can have either a smooth texture or a rough one, depending on the dog, and is longer than the undercoat. It does not matter whether the their topcoat is rough or smooth when it comes to how much they shed. Their topcoat can also be described as either ‘silky’ or ‘feathery’.

An important thing to note is that twice a year they usually shed their coat. This is a period of time where they go through a heavier shed than normal, which usually occurs during autumn and spring. This is caused by the increase and decrease of daylight hours. This change triggers a hormonal change in your dog, that leads to an increased period of shedding.

The period where dogs shed over sprig is to prepare themselves for the hot summer months. Their summer coat is designed to keep them cool despite looking like it would keep them warm. In Autumn, they shed their lighter hair so that their thicker coat can grow in to provide warmth for the winter. If your cocker spaniel spends lots of time outdoors and more exposed to the elements, then they will be more likely to shed more.

Can You Clip A Cocker Spaniels Coat?

Another method you can do to ensure that your cocker spaniel’s coat shed as little as possible is clip their coat. This is an optional step, which some owners choose as it will reduce the upkeep of your cocker spaniel. On the other hand, some cocker spaniel owners will choose to leave their dogs hair long as they may prefer the look of the long flowing hair.

You can choose to either purchase some dog clippers and do it yourself, or you can send your dog to the groomers to do it professionally. If you choose to clip your cocker spaniel, it will make the grooming of your dog a breeze.

If you choose to clip your dog yourself, this will save a lot of money long-term in regard to groomers costs. It will be an upfront cost for the clippers but after that the cost will be pretty minimum, just for new blades. If you are not confident enough or do not have the time a professional groomer is a good way to go too, as your pooch will have a perfect coat, every time.

How Much Does A Cocker Spaniel Shed – Your Questions Answered!

Cocker spaniels like all other dogs do shed their fur. That being said, they shed a little less than other breeds and can be kept in control with regular grooming and cleaning.

They also go through a period where they shed more than usual twice a year – in Spring and Autumn, which is helpful to know. During this period you can ensure to maintain a. ore regular grooming pattern which will help to keep your cocker spaniel from shedding onto your furniture and carpet. This is especially important if you have a family member who is prone to allergies from dogs.

If you enjoyed this post, please let me know in the comments or if you have any queries or questions, drop a message below!

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How Often Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?

Cocker spaniels have two periods during the year where they shed more heavily than usual – Spring and Autumn. During these periods they will shed their summer and winter coat to prepare for the season ahead.

When Should You Start Grooming a Cocker Spaniel?

If you were to start grooming your cocker spaniel from a very young age, you risk doing some long-term damage to their coat. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you wait until they are at least this old until you cut their coat. Until then, the best form of grooming is regular brushing and regular bathing.