🐶 Dog · silky coat
Coat care: English Cocker Spaniel
Silky, straight, close-lying coat – short and fine on the head, medium length on the body, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and belly.
The English Cocker Spaniel has a silky, straight, close-lying coat – short and fine on the head, medium length on the body, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and belly. The coat sheds all year round and tangles easily where the hair is longer. At home it needs regular brushing and combing, and roughly once a month a tidy-up around the paws, face, neck, ears and under the tail, so that the dog looks natural. The long ears should be checked every week.
🛁 Bathing
Usually every 4–6 weeks, often together with the maintenance trim, or more often if needed. Brush before bathing, dilute concentrated shampoos according to the label, rinse thoroughly and dry on a low heat setting, smoothing the coat in the direction of growth.
🪮 Brushing
A thorough brush at least once a week with a slicker brush or a pin brush, followed by combing with a metal comb, and the feathering on the ears and legs more often – daily if possible. Brush in layers down to the skin and pay attention to the areas behind the ears and under the armpits, where tangles form most often.
Tips for home
- Check the ears once a week for dirt and wax; clean them with a product recommended by a vet, and after every swim.
- Trim the nails at least once a month.
- For show grooming, some areas are plucked by hand or with a stripping knife, and thinning with scissors is done after bathing and drying; for pet dogs, scissors, thinning shears and clippers are also commonly used.
- Trim the hair around the paws and between the pads.
Shampoos and conditioners for English Cocker Spaniel
More in the finder →-
Crown Royale Biovite #1 Shampoo, Concentrate 4:1 for Fine Coats
€42,85 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €90,59/L -
Groom Professional Almond Detangle Shampoo, Concentrate 10:1, 4 l
Regular price €71,53 Sale price €48,99 Size: 4 l · 2 sizes Unit price €12,25/L -
Chris Christensen Spectrum Ten Shampoo for Soft, Smooth Coats
€35,99 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €76,09/L -
Crown Royale Biovite #2 Shampoo, Concentrate 4:1 for Medium-Density Coat Texture
€42,85 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €90,59/L -
Crown Royale Soothing Oats & Aloe Shampoo Concentrate 8:1 3.8 l
€132,40 Unit price €34,84/L -
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangling Shampoo
€34,99 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €73,97/L -
Chris Christensen Spectrum Ten Smoothing Conditioner for Silky Coats
€35,99 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €76,09/L -
Chris Christensen Spectrum Ten Hypro Pac Professional Deep Nourishing Mask 473ml
€34,99 Unit price €73,97/L -
TropiClean Watermelon Luxury 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner for Dogs and Cats 355 ml
€12,99 Unit price €36,59/L -
Crown Royale Condition Plus Conditioner, Professional Anti-Static Concentrate 20:1
€42,99 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €90,89/L
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe a Cocker Spaniel?
The English Cocker Spaniel is usually bathed every 4–6 weeks, often together with the maintenance trim, and more often if needed. Brush the feathering out well before bathing. Dilute the shampoo according to the label, rinse thoroughly and dry the coat on a low heat setting, smoothing it in the direction of growth. After the bath, dry the long ears as well.
Does the English Cocker Spaniel need trimming?
Yes, but in moderation. The coat is tidied roughly once a month in specific areas – around the paws, on the face, under the neck, on the ears and under the tail – so that the dog looks natural. The breed standard allows trimming that removes excess hair without changing the natural look. Many owners learn to trim at home with scissors, thinning shears or a stripping knife; others prefer a groomer.
How do I keep my Cocker Spaniel's ears from matting?
The feathering on the ears tangles easily, especially if the dog eats from a deep bowl or is often in damp conditions. Brush the ears often, daily if possible, first with a brush and then with a metal comb, down to the skin. Check the ears once a week for wax and dirt. If you notice an unpleasant smell, redness or frequent head shaking, consult a vet.
Care for other breeds
All breeds →This advice is general. For skin or ear problems, consult a vet.