Cocker Spaniels have a medium-length silky coat with heavy feathering on the ears, legs and belly. Grooming runs $60–$110 every 6–8 weeks. Their long, low-hanging ears make them one of the most ear-infection-prone breeds, which shapes the whole grooming routine.
The coat and the feathering
The body coat is short to medium and easy. The feathering — the long silky hair on the ears, chest, belly and the backs of the legs — is where all the work is. It mats readily, picks up burrs and mud, and drags through wet grass.
Most owners keep the feathering trimmed shorter than the show standard, which is a sensible and entirely legitimate choice for a dog that actually goes outside.
Ears: the defining issue
A Cocker's ears are long, heavy, densely furred and seal the ear canal shut. Warm, dark and damp is exactly the environment ear infections need, and this breed gets more of them than almost any other.
What genuinely helps:
- Keep the hair on the ear leather thinned or trimmed, particularly on the inside — airflow is the whole battle
- Check weekly for redness, odor, discharge or head-shaking
- Dry thoroughly after swimming or bathing
- Lift the ears daily for thirty seconds — it costs nothing and lets air in
- Use a raised or narrow bowl so ears don't sit in food and water
An ear that smells yeasty or looks red needs a vet, not a groomer.
Common cuts
- Cocker trim / show trim — short back, full feathering, skirted. Traditional and high maintenance.
- Puppy cut — even short length all over. Practical and popular.
- Field or sporting clip — short body with feathering trimmed close. The right answer for a working or muddy dog.
What it costs
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Full groom | $60–$110 |
| Bath, dry & tidy | $40–$70 |
| Ear cleaning add-on | $10–$20 |
| Dematting surcharge | $15–$30 per 15 min |
Annual cost: roughly $400–$850.
Home care
- Comb the feathering two or three times weekly — ears, chest, legs, belly
- Brush the body weekly
- Check and dry ears weekly and after every swim
- Trim paw pad hair monthly
- Bathe every 4–6 weeks, drying the ears completely
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Cocker keep getting ear infections?
Anatomy. Heavy ears seal the canal. Thinning the ear hair, weekly checks and thorough drying reduce the frequency substantially, but some dogs need ongoing veterinary management.
Can I cut the feathering short?
Yes, and many owners do. It's purely cosmetic and makes daily life much easier.
How often should a Cocker be groomed?
Every six to eight weeks, with feathering combed at home two or three times a week.
Related guides
Costs are typical U.S. ranges for 2026 and vary by region and coat condition.