Clipping the American Cocker Spaniel

By Manuel Villanueva | Published: 2003 | Updated: September 8, 2020

Grooming a black American cocker spaniel — Grooming black American cocker spaniel
Photo: iStock

There's no denying American cocker spaniels have gorgeous long coats but they require frequent grooming. At the very least, a minimal amount of grooming is required for hygiene and safety. Insufficient grooming can lead to hair matting, soiling, skin irritation from feces and urine. Cockers can slip when foot pads are covered with hair. This is especially true for cockers with joint problems.

Pet owners can rely on trusted professional groomers or do their own grooming with proper instruction. Some groomers will let the owner observe and learn how to safely groom their own pet. There are instructional cocker spaniel grooming videos available online. Pet clippers, blades and grooming supplies are available from Amazon, PetEdge, Chewy and other sources.

Supplies

Large pin brush
Steel comb
Pet grooming clippers
#10 blade*
Slicker brush
Ear powder (medicated)
Lanolin coat conditioner
#7 or 8½ blade*
Matting comb*
Nail clipper(guillotine type)*
Scissors*
Thinning shears*
Artificial tears eye drops

Where To Use
Item	Where
Large pin brush	Brushing the coat
Steel comb	Entire coat
#10 blade	about ½" around the anus (never directly on anus) underneath tail pelvis (navel to groin) front neck top upper ⅓ of ears (inside & out) head
Slicker brush / Matting Comb	Removing mats
Ear powder	Inside of ears
Lanolin coat conditioner	Entire coat
#10 or 8½ or 7	Entire back & tail (from back neck to tail)
Nail clipper	Nails
Scissors	between pads of feet leg feathering feet
Thinning shears	blending uneven hair at shoulders and hindquarters with leg feathering blending uneven hair on chest under chest (if necessary) front legs
Artificial tears eye drops	Use during and after clipping to remove any hair blown into the eyes

* ⚠ Warning: Sharp instruments

The use of sharp pet grooming instruments can be potentially harmful to both your pet and yourself. Please handle these tools with care, follow manufacturer guidelines, and seek professional advice if needed to ensure safe and responsible grooming.

References

Kohl, S., & Goldstein, C. (1973). The all breed dog grooming guide. New York: Arco.
Maris, K. (2016). The Dog Grooming Business Course: How to Set Up and Run Your Own Dog Grooming Business. at Home. Mobile. Salon.. United States: AuthorHouse UK.