Spaniel Dog Hairstyles

The cpaniel family includes several breeds, including the cocker, American cocker, clumber, springer and water spaniels. All spaniels can be identified by the long droopy ears and dome-shaped head that are both typical features of the breed. Spaniel breeds generally have a feathery coat and come in a variety of color types. Water spaniels are the exception as they have an overall curly haired coat with areas of smooth hair on the face, legs and neck. All spaniels were originally bred to be gundogs in order to assist with the hunting and retrieving of small game.

  1. Working Trim

    • Some owners prefer a short haired cut for their spaniel with no feathering at all in order to minimize the amount of dirt that the dog will pick up in its coat and ears. This is a hairstyle which is usually chosen for working dogs such as the springer spaniel.

    Feathered Trim

    • The feathered hairstyle can be seen on all spaniels besides the water spaniel. This cut enhances the animal's natural shape, keeping the hair on the top half of the body cut relatively short while keeping the longer feathered hair on the ears and lower half of the body.

    Long hair

    • The American cocker spaniel can grow longer hair than the other breeds and this longer hairstyle is usually preferred when entering the breed in dog shows. This hairstyle is similar to the feathered look although the hair on the lower half of the body is much longer and is allowed to grow to ground level. This hairstyle requires daily maintenance and grooming to prevent a matted coat and to keep the dog clean. The long hair can either be curly or straight.

    Curly

    • The water spaniel is the only spaniel that has a naturally a curly hairstyle, The Irish water has a more tightly curled coat than the American water with added long curls on the top of the head. This waterproof coat type needs very little upkeep and an occasional trim is sufficient maintenance for the breed.