Got your eye on a Spaniel puppy, but worried about how much hair they’ll shed?
Unfortunately, the short answer to “do Spaniels shed?” is: It depends.
Spaniels typically have two layers of fur. These layers make sure their skin is waterproof, and they’re a comfortable temperature when outdoors.
There are different types of Spaniel breeds, including the English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, King Charles Cavalier… plus hundreds of other Spaniel cross-breeds.
The history lines of some Spaniels are known to shed more than others–like show and working dogs, for example. Show Spaniels were bred to look clean and polished, so their thicker fur makes them more prone to shedding.
Whereas working Spaniels, on the other hand, won’t have excessive hair to get rid of. They need their changing fur to cope with the change in seasons that come with working outdoors, but other than that, shedding is minimal.
The bottom line? Spaniels do shed, but the severity of their shedding all comes down to your individual dog.
Why Does Shedding Matter, Anyway?
As I touched on earlier, Spaniels shed their fur as they change seasons. That’s why you might’ve noticed your pup leaving more fur around in Spring and Autumn–just before they need a light coat for Summer, and a thicker coat for the Winter months.
It’s completely natural for your Spaniel to shed. But it’s something to think about before bringing a new puppy into your home.
Shedding releases excess fur from the dog’s body, along with tiny particles of dust that attach themselves to it. This fine dust is what can trigger allergies, or cause irritation when a person is around dogs.
Allergies are a common reason why pet owners have to put their dogs up for adoption just a few weeks after bringing them home, and causes heartbreak all-round.
(Fun fact: This is why non-shedding dogs are referred to as “hypoallergenic.”)
How to Deal With a Shedding Spaniel?
It’s not the end of the world if your Spaniel starts to shed. However, it can feel frustrating if they’re leaving a trail of fur wherever they go.
Here are four quick tips that’ll help you deal with a shedding Spaniel:
1. Brush Their Fur Every Day
One of the most important items in your Spaniel’s grooming kit is a wire brush.
This thick, durable brush gets through to the deepest parts of your dog’s fur, helping to remove any excess hair laying on the surface. It also helps prevent matting–which could cause excess shedding later down the line.
Do this every few days to stay on top, and give them a silky-smooth coat.
2. Get Them Professionally Groomed Regularly
While you can keep on top of your dog’s grooming schedule, it’s a good idea to book them into the groomers once a month… Even if you don’t want their fur to be shaved. Simply ask for a bath, brush, and general tidy-up to keep shedding to a minimum.
A trip to the groomers can be terrifying for some pups–especially on their first trip. A great way to combat this is to build up lots of positive association with the groomers throughout the puppy socialization period.
Show them it’s a fun place to be, and take it at their pace. They’ll soon grow to love it!
3. Cover Your Furniture
When your dog sheds, they leave a patch of hair wherever they go. Along with irritating allergies, it can look unsightly. However, you can prevent this (or at least minimize it) by covering the places your dog sits regularly, like:
- The back seat of your car
- Their bed
- The couch
The best part? Covering your furniture doesn’t have to look ugly, or feel uncomfortable for your pup to sit on.
You can use fluffy blankets or bed sheets to catch the dog hair, then pop them in the washing machine every few days. Have a few on rotation and you’ll always have a simple way to de-fluff the surface.
4. Remember That Lint Rollers Are Your Best Friend!
Most hoovers aren’t powerful enough to pick up on the fine dog hair that a Spaniel will shed. And while pet versions–like the Shark or Vax pet vacuum cleaners–might have enough suction power, you can’t use them in every corner of your home… Or on your clothes (without ruining them.)
That’s why a lint roller is your best friend when you’re living with a shedding Spaniel. They’re cheap, convenient, and small.
Simply roll them over any surface where excess fur has been laid to rest, and pick up the fur.
Final Thoughts
Although some Spaniels shed more than others, it’s tough to know whether your beloved pooch will leave a trail of fur behind them until they outgrow the puppy stage.
Bookmark this post for if (or when!) they do, and make their shedding more manageable.
This is a guest post written by Elise Dopson. Elise is a content writer and she runs SprockerLovers.com, a blog that documents her journey as a first-time dog mum.
