Cocker Spaniel Grooming

Cocker Spaniel grooming may be complicated, if you plan to show the dog. Long and dense feathering on the abdomen, ears, and legs of the Cocker Spaniel is difficult to keep in a good condition. Professional grooming is necessary for conformation shows. Though Cocker Spaniels don’t need much trimming, the body outlines should be emphasized with a professional hair-cut. With practice many owners trim their dogs themselves.

Cocker Spaniels are very active dogs. When they run and play outdoors, they like to investigate everything new and tend to explore everything they find. A curious dog with a long coat that reaches almost to the ground is a challenge for the owner. Even if a dog of this breed is kept as a pet and not intended for the show ring, Cocker Spaniel grooming takes much time and efforts. Their coat should be brushed daily to prevent matting. Frequent baths are necessary for a glossy and neat look. A suitable shampoo for dogs should be used. On the inside of the ears, the hair should be trimmed to prevent ear infections. The eyes and ears of these dogs need regular cleaning; nails should be clipped. For proper grooming you will need a metal comb, a fine spaniel comb, a bristle brush, a polishing cloth, and nail clippers.

Some owners clip the coat of the Cocker Spaniel to medium length. Some choose a short coat, so-called “puppy cut” for their Cocker Spaniels. Anyway, Cocker Spaniel grooming is very time taking. Without daily brushing, the coat of the Cocker Spaniel looks entangled. Despite a long and dense coat, the Cocker Spaniel is an average shedder. Its coat is silky and fine and lacks doggy odor. Neutered dogs require frequent grooming because of hormonal changes that cause a woollier texture of the coat.

A puppy should get used to grooming since the early age. Many dogs like being groomed, if the owner is accurate and gentle. If you have problems with grooming a puppy, praise it at the end of the grooming session. Cocker Spaniel grooming helps to form close bonds between the owner and the dog.