Speaking of cocker spaniels, they are considered the most exuberant pets anyone can ever expect to nurture. But do cocker spaniels shed a lot? Yes, Somewhat they do but not to an extreme level. Given the choice of different Spaniels’ breeds, the shedding characteristics may differ.
Cocker spaniels mainly have two different breeds: English and American Cocker. They are pretty sensitive to shedding. They are single-coated breeds that need minimal grooming efforts as well as regular brushing.
However, if you own an American cocker spaniel rather than an English one, you might notice slightly more shedding than predicted. Sometimes, excessive shedding outcomes are effective due to their overall skin conditions.
This write-up gives you an in-depth insight into how much spaniels shed and what you should know. It also includes recommendations on how a regular grooming session affects your cocker spaniel’s shedding level.
Do Cocker Spaniels Shed A Lot? Shedding Level Overview
A cocker spaniel doesn’t consist of double coats. As a result, it sheds a little less than other dog breeds. Pet owners often think that the shedding level is much higher than other dogs. That’s not entirely true. Given the various coating standards, origin kinds, and physical growth, every breed differs in shedding level.
When graded on a scale of 1 to 10, a cocker sheds on an average level. That means you can grade an American cocker shedding with 4; comparatively, an English cocker can be graded 3. According to Kim Vavolo, a professional groomer, spaniels are prone to excessive shedding during the time period of spring and fall seasons.
English Cockers VS. American Cockers – The Subtle Differences
American and English Cocker Spaniels breed have a lot in common in their personality. But the main differences exist in their physical appearance. An American Cocker has much longer hair than an English Cocker. They have greater feathering and a thicker coat to remain warm in the winter. Although that doesn’t impact their shedding level too much regardless of a few distinctions,
English Cocker Spaniels
- Have a little shorter hair
- Necks are shorter as well
- Possess longer snout
- Hold shorter coats
American Cocker Spaniels
- Have a bit taller hair
- Necks are more towering
- Possess shorter snouts
- Hold longer coats
Daily brushing is the most effective way to control your Cocker Spaniel’s shedding. So, get the best dog brushes for grooming from our top-listed amazon collection and keep your home free of dog-loose hair. You may choose to bathe them as well. But make sure that you don’t get their coats wet if you live in a cold place.
Cocker Spaniel Hair or Fur – What’s The Difference?
There’s one thing we all know about Cocker Spaniels — they shed. However, there are two types of shedding; fur and hair. While both suffer from the same problem, their methods differ. Your dog’s coat determines how much loose hair comes out into your home. Matted hair tends to be longer and denser. It also feels coarser and thicker than furs.
Keratin is the same material that makes up dog fur and hair. Even though hair and fur are chemically identical, there is a length variation. Their fur is generally short, whereas their hair is long.
Frequent brushing of the Spaniel’s coat helps keep her devoid of dead hair and adverse health issues. In general, it’s best to brush your pet’s beautiful coat more often if she has longer hair. This will help you keep her free of nicks and cuts.
Cocker Spaniel Grooming Tips
You know the basics by now. But, once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, what else do you need to know? There’s a big difference between hair shedding and grooming. How can you become a pro at coat grooming? Here are a few tips for grooming your Cocker Spaniel puppy coat:
1. The weather affects the density of dog hair. Climate change and heat make them shed more. Given the circumstances, you need to maintain a weekly brushing routine, especially during the spring and autumn season. These are the seasons your spaniel will face severe shedding issues.
2. Become a better pet parent. Bathing your dog regularly will provide them with special care and ensure healthy potential health.
3. To keep your cocker spaniel free from skin irritation and dry skin, always ensure that you rinse the dog with warm water. You can use quality shampoo to clean the coat thoroughly. The longer hair on your pet should be carefully covered with soapy water, as it will help to loosen up any dirt along with the fur. After you’ve finished, you may either let him air dry or use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
4. Your pet may look and feel good, but it’s a good idea to double-check his fur and delicate coat if that is as healthy as it seems.
5. Hiring a professional dog groomer is a surefire way to get your dog ready for summer. Inexpensive DIY dog grooming supplies will also do the job, but only if you know what you’re doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most common spaniels questions right here in this blog post. Hopefully, you’ll find what you’re looking for!
Final Thoughts
Like any breed of dog, a Cocker Spaniel with an unkempt coat can suffer from various problems. But you can’t change a Cocker Spaniel’s skin without proper coat maintenance. If you have the correct grooming requirements, like a Slicker Brush or a Shedding Blade, and if you know the right grooming tips, then you can prevent your dog’s excess shedding and keep the coat healthy.
We hope that we have been able to answer all your questions about “do cocker spaniels shed.” If you have any more questions, just leave a comment below – we’ll be happy to answer!
