Show cocker - clipped coat

[ohsheglows]

Our show type cocker is 11 months old and our groomer has been getting him used to handstripping. Unfortunately despite us brushing him, he's developed a few matts, particularly on his ears and on his back legs which had to be clipped off. Does anyone have any experience of this and did the hair grow back more course/curly? He had a beautiful straight coat.

Not a cocker but I have a rough coated terrier who is hand stripped. Her tummy is scissor cut as it's more comfortable for her and easier than stripping. I haven't noticed a difference to that bit of a coat. It's still harsh with an undercoat and still amazingly protective.

If you decide to neuter that will change the coat quite considerably anyway.

My last CKCS was clipped every summer but her coat still grew back the normal texture.

The one I have now hasn't been clipped, I just take her for a tidy up with scissors, she has very soft fine hair. She was also spayed in May, her coat is still the same texture but she did loose hair on her chest near her stomach which still hasn't grown back properly. The vet said it can take a while for their hormones to settle.

To prevent further clipping just feel over him daily and if you notice any tiny knots or little matts just cut them out with groomers scissors. They can be a pain for getting knots in their armpits, ears and backs of legs.

I'd also recommend Spaniel bowls if you don't already have them. It stops water/food getting in their ears and matting them up.

I have to be honest and say I just used to clip my show cocker all over. He had a beautiful soft, silky coat as a pup but as soon as he was neutered it turned into a thick mass of tight curls. Nigh on impossible to keep him clean and dry in the winter and far too hot in the summer.

He was much happier with a skinhead although I did get asked what breed he was on occasions!

I've got a working cocker and a sprocker. I don't buy into the crap about hand stripping - they live rurally, spend their lives ankle deep in mud and water and as a result are clipped. More closely in the summer and using clip guards in the winter.

Life's too short for a miserable dog with a coat full of knots. I spend enough time bathing their legs and underbelly without brushing them as well!