Do Cocker Spaniels Shed? You Bet They Do!
Cockers Spaniels are a popular breed of dog, known for their friendly personalities and beautiful coats. One of the most common questions people ask about these dogs is whether or not they shed. While all dogs shed to some extent, the amount that Cockers Spaniels shed may surprise you!
Cocker spaniels are renowned as one of the world’s most beloved dog breeds and one of the most popular in America, often doing well with both children and elderly people. With their big eyes, long, floppy ears, and unique personalities, it is hard to not love them. Spaniels are a versatile breed, and are also sporty and athletic. They love spending time with their owners and going on adventurous walks.
Generally speaking, cocker spaniels are happy, friendly, and energetic companions with good temperaments. They are even recommended to people looking to adopt for the first time, as they are medium-sized, and they are not known to excessively shed.
All dogs shed, but the amount ranges drastically between breeds. So how much do cocker spaniels shed, how can you manage it, and what does the amount they shed say about their health?
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Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?
The short answer to this is yes, like all dogs to some degree, though this purebred is known to shed a light to moderate amount. Shedding is a common topic among cocker spaniel owners. Although the same breed, different varieties shed at varying rates, some hardly shedding at all, while others go through typical seasonal shedding patterns during the spring and fall.
The exact reason for this is unknown, but it is thought that dogs with solid-colored coats tend to shed more. Generally speaking, no matter the color, your cocker is not likely to shed more than a moderate amount.
How To Reduce Cocker Spaniel Shedding
Every dog owner understands the struggle of having loose dog hair everywhere, all the time. It gets on the carpet, in places you never thought it could get, and all over your clothes, especially the black ones. Although the hair from a cocker spaniel does not shed as fast or as much as other dogs you still don’t want to always be vacuuming the carpet or lint rolling your clothes.
You can’t prevent a dog from shedding. They shed fur the same way humans’ hair falls out; it is just a natural process. Thankfully, there are a few remedies to make the amount of shedding more manageable or to reduce the amount of hair that makes it onto the carpet.
Regular grooming is the first step in reducing shedding. A bath every 2-3 months is recommended. This time frame prevents against over-striping the dog’s natural oils from the fur. Although more costly, professional grooming does a more thorough job of removing excess fur from bathing, brushing, and blow drying more in-depth.
Another way, which is also simple, to reduce shedding in your dog is to regularly brush them. Many dogs love the feeling, and brushing allows you to capture the fur before it gets out into the open. Three times a week is best, but it doesn’t hurt to brush your dog more than that, as they have long hair that can get matted or tangled.
An additional remedy that can help with shedding and maintaining a healthy coat, in general, is giving your dog omega-3 fish oil, either in liquid or capsule form. There are many additional benefits to this on top of helping with your pup’s coat. Fish oil aids in allergy control, prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease, and prevention of cancer.
Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
No, cocker spaniels are not hypoallergenic. Although they shed moderately, people with allergies are allergic to the skin dander, not the fur itself.
If you are looking for hypoallergenic breeds, here are large hypoallergenic dogs, check into the poodle breed, doodles, or maybe a yorkie.
Do Cocker Spaniels Have Hair Or Fur?
Cocker Spaniels have hair. They have long, luscious locks all around that are finer and smoother than fur.
Do Cocker Spaniels Have A Double Coat?
Dogs have either double or single-coat fur, indicating the amount and thickness of it. Cocker spaniels have a single coat of fur, while dogs like Siberian huskies and labradors have double coats. Having a single coat is a reason that the cocker spaniel only has moderate shedding levels, since there is less fur to lose.
When Will My Cocker Spaniel Lose His Puppy Coat?
It is normal for your cocker spaniel to have more fur when they are a puppy, especially between 8-12 months. The fur may appear a little more fluffy, and will shed much more than the average adult. After one year, shedding should slow down as the adult hair grows in.
Should I Be Concerned About Excessive Shedding?
Shedding is a normal process. Some dogs shed in larger amounts than others, and shedding during the changing seasons is completely normal, but is it ever too much? Excessive shedding, especially in large clumps, can indicate a medical issue. If its caused by health problems it will usually come from the tail, back of the legs, and head.
While the terrible shedding may come from allergies alone, here are 3 other common reasons.
Hypothyroidism
This is a common disease among this breed in general and happens when the thyroid is under-active.
Dehydration
If your dog does not have access to clean and cool water they risk dehydration, causing dry skin, leading to itching and shedding.
Nutritional Issues
Cockers are known to be prone to food allergies and sensitivities which cause itching. Low quality diet, overeating, or under eating can all lead to dietary issues.
Products to Help Manage Spaniel Shedding
ZYMOX Shampoo is a non toxic formula that is great for those with excessive shedding, but also for dogs are allergy prone. The solution will not further irritate hot spots, instead help to soothe it. There’s also the conditioning rinse that we use after the shampoo, which leaves their fur feeling soft and fluffy.
Shedding blades work wonders to remove excess hair! However, we highly recommend you use this outside just to cut down on the furballs in the house. We use this before using a regular brush.
This slicker brush is also another favorite of ours. Just when you think they have no hair left to come out, use the brush and you will see! It’s best to use the slicker as long as they don’t have any mats or tangles. Sometimes we go through with a wet comb and Burt’s Bee’s Detangler then back over with the slicker.
Our doodle hates being brushed, well she is a puppy so while we are getting the tangles out, we feed her these small little treats. This has helped a ton with behavior!
Other FAQs
Yes, cocker spaniel puppies shed more than adults. However, shedding is still considered to be moderate to light.
The Short Version: How Much Do Cocker Spaniels Really Shed?
- Cocker spaniels shed a light to moderate.
- They have a single coat, meaning they have fewer layers of fur.
- Cocker spaniel puppies have more fur and shed more than adults. This usually goes away by the end of the first year, though, and is still considered to be moderate.
- Excessive shedding can indicate a health problem that needs attention in your pup.
- Hyperthyroidism is common in the cocker spaniel breed, and excessive shedding and itching are the main symptoms of this problem.
