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Grooming Your Cocker Spaniel

  • 01/11/2010

The Cocker Spaniel is a much sought-after breed due to its glamorous appearance. Its long, shiny fur and sturdy little body are very desirable features in a show dog, hunting companion, or family pet. However, along with this beauty comes a lot of responsibility. It is no easy task to keep a Cocker Spaniel looking his best. Attention must be paid to the Cocker Spaniel's coat on a daily basis, and the full grooming session can be complex.

Just like humans with long hair, Cocker Spaniels are prone to tangles, knotting, and collecting dirt. Their low-dangling ears are prone to picking up any dust or grime on your floor or on the ground outside. Regular brushing is the best way to combat these problems. The frequency with which the Cocker Spaniel requires brushing depends on the particular dog's hair cut. A sporting cut for hunting dogs means the hair is shorter and only needs to be combed or brushed a few times a week. Sporting cuts are also a good option for the family pet, as it reduces the amount of shed fur and makes grooming less of a chore. Cocker Spaniels with a show-length coat will need to be brushed daily, if not more often. If not properly brushed regularly, the Cocker Spaniel's coat will get tangled and can become matted, which is unattractive and uncomfortable for your pet.

Bathing also needs to occur with some frequency. Since the Cocker Spaniel's hair so easily gets dirty due to its length and the breed's activity level, they can become quite smelly and greasy. The dogs must be washed regularly, but over-bathing can result in the removal of essential oils in the skin and fur that keep the dog healthy. A Cocker Spaniel's bath may take some time. Their hair is long and thick and will need to have shampoo worked efficiently through it. Choosing a shampoo and conditioner for your Cocker Spaniel will probably be a trial and error process. Every dog's coat responds differently to certain products. If your Cocker is suffering from dry skin or frizzy fur, find a shampoo or conditioner that contains moisturizing ingredients. Again, just like humans with long hair, it may take some experimenting to find just the right product for your dog.

It is very, very important to create a stable trimming routine with your Cocker Spaniel. Whether you have a show dog, a hunter, or just an at-home companion, falling behind on a Cocker Spaniel's grooming schedule can leave an owner and their pet with some less than desirable results. If you plan to show your Cocker in the ring, you will probably want to have him professionally groomed. Small flaws in the coat, whether natural or by grooming error, can immediately disqualify an otherwise worthy show dog. If you would prefer to trim your Cocker Spaniel yourself, the best way to learn about and master the process is from a champion breeder or professional groomer who adheres to and is aware of AKC guidelines.

For dogs that will not make it into the ring and are instead kept as companions or hunting partners, a sporting cut is perfectly acceptable and far more manageable than the lengthy show cut. Any groomer can quickly provide this cut, though regular upkeep is necessary to make sure the coat doesn't grow too long for the dog to maneuver in the brush or too long for the owner to properly maintain. While the ease of the sporting cut costs less than the delicacy of the show cut, the frequency with which you will have to bring your dog to the groomer more than makes up for the savings.

Cocker Spaniels are a breed that requires very intensive grooming. Inefficient or irregular grooming can cause much discomfort and even health issues for your dog. The Cocker Spaniel is not a dog intended for a first-time owner or someone without enough dedication to groom their pet several times a week, sometimes even several times a day! If you are excited about the breed, be sure that you are ready for the commitment necessary to care for a Cocker Spaniel.

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