How to Groom a Cocker Spaniel With a Teddy Cut

Cocker spaniels are the smallest canines in the sporting dog group. They have a fine, flat or wavy coat, which comes in black with or without white markings, black with tan points or other solid colors such as white, cream or red. Parti-colored cockers also exist. The American Kennel Club standards dictate that the coat of spaniels is trimmed to emphasize the dog's contours and to have a natural appearance. The teddy cut, also known as the puppy cut, is a short, practical clip, but is not suitable for dog shows. The medium-length coat is trimmed short, leaving the hair on the head and the legs longer.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Steel comb
  • Slicker brush
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Dryer or towel
  • Clipper
  • Ear powder
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Thinning shears
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wet the hair and brush your cocker spaniel using a pin brush prior to the bath to remove debris from the coat. If you identify matted fur, use a steel comb and slicker brush to untangle the hair. Tangled fur is not desirable when you clip your dog, because it may get caught up in the clipper and cause pain in your pet.

    • 2

      Bathe your pet using a gentle shampoo. Apply a conditioner, which can prevent fur matting. Rinse well.

    • 3

      Dry the dog's hair with a dryer or a towel. If using a towel, pat the cocker dry and avoid rubbing the coat, which can result in matting.

    • 4

      Clip the hair on the dog's body short starting with the base of the skull. Use a clipper. Go with the direction of the hair growth and not against it. Going against it may result in plucking out the dog's hair. Typically, the teddy cut involves shortening the coat. Establish the length, which can be 1/2 inch or longer, according to your preferences. Choose the clipper blade accordingly. Some groomers shave the hair entirely when performing a puppy cut.

    • 5

      Remove the hair between the feet pads using a pair of scissors. Removing the hair is for hygiene purposes, because the hair between the pads tends to gather debris or ice and salt during winter.

    • 6

      Shape the leg feathering using the thinning shears. A teddy cut involves leaving the leg hair of cockers long, but you may trim the hair to shape the legs, if necessary.

    • 7

      Leave the hair covering the ears to full length, as this is the cockers' trademark, or shape them with the thinning shears to give both ears an even appearance. Remove the hair from the ear opening using scissors. As an alternative, spread medicated ear powder over the hair in the area and gently pluck out the hair using a pair of tweezers or using your thumb and index fingers. The hair removal in this area keeps the ears clean and prevents infections.