Do Cocker Spaniels Shed? 7 Answers That Will Make Things Clear!
You like Cocker Spaniels but have no experience in dog maintenance and grooming. So, a question pops up in your mind: do Cocker Spaniels shed? And if “yes,” just how much?
“I`m getting a Cock Spaniel” – probably 4 of the most exciting words you feel to say. But before screaming them out of your lungs, start doing your own research and then decide if this is the right dog breed for you.
How bad does a Cocker Spaniel Shed? Are they hypoallergenic canines? Are they high maintenance? There are only a few of the questions you need an answer to before going any further with your decision.
What Kind of a Coat do Cocker Spaniels Have?
Dogs of this breed have double coats. The one underneath is dense enough to offer protection against cold, water, or wind. The top one provides a smoother or rougher texture and is longer than the first one.
It makes no difference whatsoever if the topcoat is rough or smooth when it comes to shedding. At times, the texture of this dog`s coat might be described as “silky” or “feathery” as well.
It`s important for owners of Cocker Spaniels to know that these dogs blow these coats twice yearly. These periods of excessive shedding occur during the autumn and spring seasons.
The decrease or increase in the hours of the day leads to a shift of hormones in your canine, resulting in heavy shedding.
Are Cocker Spaniels High Maintenance?
Well, this isn`t probably something that you want to hear, but Cocker Spaniels are anything but low-maintenance dogs.
An owner of such a dog has to spend a great deal of time grooming the long fur of this canine.
Also, the health problems that these dogs can suffer aren`t a few, and here we are talking about both physical and emotional health issues.
However, if you think these aren`t issues for someone like you, a person who really enjoys having a dog of this breed as their pet, then you can be sure these are excellent canine companions to have around.
How Bad Does a Cocker Spaniel Shed?
Although this isn`t really a reason to worry, a Cocker Spaniel will need a regular grooming routine. If you brush your little pal regularly, your dog`s loose strands won`t be hard to gather up on your brush. – More like this!
An American Cocker Spaniel requires more effort on your part. But if you love your dog, you`ll want to ensure your pooch`s hair looks healthy and shiny, right?
If you want your canine to shed less, brush them twice a week and bathe them on a fixed schedule.
Get in touch with your vet about the best grooming options so you can offer your furry friend the same “treatment” they would receive from a professional groomer.
Does Every Cocker Spaniel Shed the Same?
The reason behind various debates regarding Cocker Spaniel shedding is that they shed their fur at distinct rates. That is because canines of this breed aren`t a breed that will cast their fur so that it can be better maintained.
Due to this specific reason, the owner of a Cocker Spaniel will have to apply a regular grooming routine to maintain the fur`s length.
Canines that require their fur cut will still shed their coats somewhat. This is why there are different debates regarding the distinct level of shedding between one dog of this breed and another.
If you are fortunate, your Cocker Spaniel might shed just a bit of hair.
Note: Always remember that some Cocker Spaniels might shed more than others!
Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Sadly, if you are considering getting a canine of this breed, you may be disappointed to find out that this isn`t considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Actually, the flowing coat of a Cocker Spaniel is considered among the reasons why is such a well-known dog breed.
Cocker Spaniels have flat, smooth, wavy coats with various colors, including deep red, black, or cream.
Still, this amazing fur tends to shed quite a lot and needs grooming regularly if you want your dog to have a healthy coat.
How to Groom Dogs of This Breed?
If we compare the two types of canines, English Cocker Spaniels and American Cockers, the first ones will need less maintenance as their fur is a lot shorter.
The AKC advises brushing an English Cocker 2 – 3 times weekly to prevent tangles and mates.
The American Kennel Club also advises:
In addition the dog is usually trimmed every month or so in certain areas – around the feet, on the face, under the neck, on the underside of the ears, and under the tail. The owner can learn to use scissors, thinning shears or a stripping tool, and clippers.
English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Information
What Does Science Say?
Lots of mixed-breed canines have been promoted as being hypoallergenic dogs. However, recent scientific data have shown differently.
This scientific study performed in 2011 used samples of dust from homes where both hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic canines lived.
The outcome of this study has proved there`s no difference whatsoever in the allergen level of dogs from both categories.
Actually, another scientific research made in 2012 showed increased levels of the canine allergen canis familiaris 1 in samples of hair of hypoallergenic pooches.
Final Word
So, do Cocker Spaniels shed? Well, yeah, sometimes you may “endure” some heavy shedding.
However, this shouldn`t be a reason for concern for you if you are really a dog lover, especially if you like dogs of this breed in particular.
