Instead of running from danger, the 25-pound Cocker Spaniel mix ran straight toward it and ultimately extinguished the deadly fuse. Zarate says his courageous dog’s quick instincts stopped the explosive from detonating and saved his entire family from an unthinkable fate.

How a Loyal Dog Stopped a Lit Explosive

The security footage shows Manchis barking fiercely as a hooded figure approaches and drops something into the yard. She descends a few stairs, continuing to sound the alarm, just as the person tosses a lit stick of dynamite into the courtyard.

When the explosive lands just off camera, Manchis charges toward it without hesitation, pawing and sniffing at the dangerous device. Incredibly, she grabs the fuse in her mouth, extinguishing it and preventing the dynamite—typically used in landmines—from detonating. Her brave interference may have saved her entire family.

Zarate told NBC News that his brave pup “chewed it and chewed it, and saved our lives.” He added that Manchis’ quick actions protected not only him, but also the 10 family members and three other dogs who share their home.

Heroism Comes at a Personal Cost

Manchis’ bravery came at a cost. Zarate said that the heroic Cocker Spaniel mix suffered damage to her vocal cords during the incident, leaving her bark with a low rasp. She is now recovering from her injuries, but her courageous spirit remains unchanged.

Authorities in Peru have since detained a suspect in connection with the attack. Zarate believes the assault was linked to his work as a journalist. 

The dog parent’s employer, Central de Noticias, emphasized that the attack was part of a broader threat to press freedom. They also highlighted Manchis’ quick thinking, saying it “prevented a dynamite attack from turning into tragedy,” and recognized her as a true four-legged hero.

In hopes of getting Midge proper medical care and a bright future, the shelter reached out to several rescues and after hearing ‘No’ from all, they finally contacted Peace Love and Poms. The Lebanon-based rescue agreed to take the dog and provide her with the help she needs. 

Riddled With UTI, Ear, Infection, Blindness, And More

When the rescue took in Midge, she was completely covered in urine and feces, requiring three hours to clean. Her fur was so severely matted it caused her significant pain, yet as staff carefully removed them, the dog sat calmly, showing her sweet, gentle nature.

Additionally, Midge was suffering from a bad UTI, resulting in her having to pee every 10 minutes. Her paws and belly were raw because of urine burns. Midge’s hearing wasn’t good too because her ears were suffering from infections. She also had a mouth full of rotten teeth. 

This wasn’t all because her eyes were in the worst condition–covered in a white and pink layer of thick skin. The vet at the rescue figured that her eyes were dying, if not already dead. In short, the dog’s state was a mess. 

During her first vet visit, most of Midge’s issues were dealt with. Following that, her UTI slowly cleared up and her hearing started coming back. Later on, she went for her dental surgery, leading to the removal of almost all of her teeth except her canines and tiny incisors. 

Lost Her Eyes, But Not Her Spirit

At first, the rescue thought that Midge’s eyes were not painful. However, after a while, her eyes began draining a lot every day and became a discomfort for the senior dog. 

To ensure Midge could enjoy a pain-free life in her golden years, the rescue made the decision to surgically remove her eyes. Now, though she no longer has sight, this Cocker Spaniel is happier than she has been in a long time. Remarkably, the way she navigates her surroundings, you’d hardly guess she’s completely blind.

If you’re interested in giving Midge a loving home, you’re in for a treat because she is the perfect dog. Even without sight, she is great at alerting her pet parents when she has to go outside for potty. And there’s no need to worry about her settling in; she adjusts to new surroundings in less than a day. 

Midge has a docked tail and requires some routine medical care, including regular allergy shots and prescription food to manage ear and skin health. She also takes daily Proin due to past UTI-related incontinence. Despite these needs, she is fully housetrained and boasts an incredible personality.

Hence, if Midge sounds like a good fit for you, fill out her adoption application now and welcome this little sweetheart into your home.

Grooming your cocker spaniel at home can be a rewarding and bonding experience, but it also requires some knowledge and skills. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of cocker spaniel grooming, including how to brush, bathe, trim, and style their luxurious coat.

Why Do Cocker Spaniels Need Grooming?

Cocker spaniels have a double coat, which means they have a soft undercoat that provides insulation and a coarser topcoat that protects them from dirt and water. Their coat can grow up to six inches long, especially on their ears, chest, legs, and belly. This makes them prone to matting, tangling, shedding, and skin problems.

Grooming your cocker spaniel regularly can help prevent these issues, as well as keep them looking neat and tidy. Grooming also allows you to check your dog for any signs of injury, infection, or parasites, and to maintain their hygiene and comfort.

How Often Do Cocker Spaniels Need Grooming?

The frequency of grooming your cocker spaniel depends on several factors, such as their coat length, texture, activity level, and personal preference. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should:

What Tools Do You Need for Grooming Your Cocker Spaniel?

To groom your cocker spaniel at home, you will need some essential tools that will make the process easier and safer. These include:

How to Choose a Haircut and Style for Your Cocker Spaniel?

One of the fun parts of grooming your cocker spaniel is choosing a haircut and style that suits their personality and lifestyle. There are many options to choose from, ranging from traditional to modern, from long to short. Here are some of the most common haircuts and styles for cocker spaniels:

The Cocker Spaniel Show Cut

This is the classic haircut that you see on cocker spaniels in dog shows. It involves leaving the coat long on the ears, chest, legs, belly, and skirt (the hair that hangs down from the sides of the body), while trimming the rest of the body short with clippers. The show cut requires a lot of maintenance and brushing to keep it in shape.

The Cocker Spaniel Puppy Cut

This is a popular haircut for pet owners who want a low-maintenance style for their cocker spaniels. It involves clipping the entire body to a uniform length, usually between one and two inches, while leaving the ears slightly longer. The puppy cut for a cocker spaniel gives your cocker spaniel a cute and youthful appearance, and is easy to care for.

The Cocker Cut

This is a variation of the show cut that is more suitable for everyday life. It involves clipping the body to a shorter length, usually between half an inch and one inch, while leaving the ears, chest, legs, belly, and skirt longer. The cocker cut preserves the natural shape and silhouette of the cocker spaniel, but reduces the amount of hair and grooming needed.

The Cocker Spaniel Teddy Bear Cut

This is a cute and fluffy haircut that makes your cocker spaniel look like a stuffed animal. It involves clipping the body to a short length, usually between half an inch and one inch, while leaving the ears, head, and tail longer. The teddy bear cut requires some scissoring and thinning to create a round and soft look for your cocker spaniel.

The Cocker Spaniel Short Cut

This is a practical and easy haircut that is ideal for hot weather or active dogs. It involves clipping the entire body to a very short length, usually between a quarter of an inch and half an inch, while leaving the ears slightly longer. The short cut reduces the risk of matting, tangling, shedding, and skin problems, and is very easy to maintain.

Show-Ready English Cocker Spaniel Cut

The Show-Ready English Cocker Spaniel Cut is designed to emphasize the natural beauty of the English Cocker Spaniel breed while adhering to the standards set by dog shows. This cut requires meticulous attention to detail and careful trimming.

Cocker Spaniel Winter Cut

The Cocker Spaniel Winter Cut is a practical and cozy grooming style that helps your furry friend stay comfortable during colder months. This cut aims to provide warmth while maintaining a stylish appearance.

How to Groom Your Cocker Spaniel’s Coat?

Once you have chosen a haircut and style for your cocker spaniel, you can follow these steps to groom their coat:

1. Brush your cocker spaniel’s coat

Brush your cocker spaniel’s coat thoroughly to remove any loose hair and tangles. Start from the head and work your way down to the tail, using a pin brush or slicker brush. Use a metal comb or matting comb to gently work out any mats or knots, starting from the ends of the hair and moving up to the skin.

2. Bathe your cocker spaniel

Bathe your cocker spaniel in warm water, using a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for their skin type and coat condition. Massage the shampoo into their coat, making sure to reach all areas, especially under the ears, chest, legs, belly, and skirt. Rinse well with clean water until no soap residue remains. Apply the conditioner and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing again.

3. Dry your cocker spaniel

Dry your cocker spaniel with a towel or a blow dryer on low heat. If you use a blow dryer, make sure to keep it at least six inches away from their skin and move it constantly to avoid burning them. Brush their coat as you dry it to prevent tangles and mats.

4. Clip your cocker spaniel’s hair

Clip your cocker spaniel’s hair according to the haircut and style you have chosen. Use clippers with different blades for different areas of the body. For example, use a 10 blade for the face, head, neck, ears, feet, and tail; a 15 blade for the sanitary area; and a 3 ¾ blade for the body. Follow the natural contours of your cocker spaniel’s body and avoid cutting too close to the skin or leaving uneven patches of hair.

5. Trim your cocker spaniel’s hair

Trim your cocker spaniel’s hair with scissors and thinning shears for some of the more detailed areas. For example, use scissors to trim around the feet and the feathering on the back legs; use thinning shears to blend any uneven hair around the shoulders, back leg feathering, and chest. Be careful not to cut too much or too short, as this can ruin the natural shape and appearance of your cocker spaniel’s coat.

6. Brush your cocker spaniel’s

Brush your cocker spaniel’s coat again to remove any loose hair and give it a final touch.

FAQ – Cocker Spaniel Haircut

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Are Cocker Spaniels Double Coated?

Cocker spaniels have a double coat, which means they have two layers of hair: an undercoat and a topcoat. The undercoat is soft, dense, and insulating, while the topcoat is longer, finer, and more water-resistant. The undercoat helps them regulate their body temperature and protect them from the elements, while the topcoat gives them their distinctive appearance.

The amount of shedding depends on the type of cocker spaniel you have. There are two main types of cocker spaniels: American and English. American cocker spaniels have a thicker and longer coat than English cocker spaniels, which means they shed more. English cocker spaniels have a shorter and less dense coat, which means they shed less.

Do Cocker Spaniels Have Hair or Fur?

Some people might wonder if cocker spaniels have hair or fur. The answer is that they have both. Hair and fur are both made of keratin, a protein that also makes up our nails and skin. The difference between hair and fur is mainly in the length, texture, and growth cycle.

Hair is longer, finer, and grows continuously, while fur is shorter, coarser, and grows in cycles. Hair also tends to have less undercoat than fur. Some dog breeds, such as poodles, have hair instead of fur, which means they shed very little or not at all. However, cocker spaniels have both hair and fur, which means they shed moderately.

How Much Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?

Cocker spaniels shed throughout the year, but they shed more during certain seasons. They usually shed more in spring and fall, when they are changing their undercoat to adapt to the weather. They also shed more when they are stressed, sick, or pregnant.

The amount of shedding also depends on the individual dog. Some cocker spaniels might shed more than others due to genetics, diet, health, or grooming habits. Generally speaking, cocker spaniels are not heavy shedders compared to other dog breeds, but they are not hypoallergenic either.

Why Is My Cocker Spaniel Shedding So Much?

If you notice that your cocker spaniel is shedding more than usual, there might be some reasons behind it. Some common causes of excessive shedding are:

1. Allergies

Cocker spaniels can be prone to allergies, which can cause them to scratch and lick their skin, leading to hair loss. Allergies can be triggered by food, environmental factors, or parasites.

2. Parasites

Fleas, ticks, mites, and worms can infest your cocker spaniel’s skin and coat, causing irritation, inflammation, and hair loss. Parasites can also transmit diseases that can affect your dog’s health and immune system.

3. Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal changes can affect your cocker spaniel’s coat quality and shedding. For example, spaying or neutering your dog can reduce their hormone levels and make their coat thinner and more prone to shedding. Other hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can also cause hair loss.

4. Nutritional deficiencies

Your cocker spaniel’s diet plays a vital role in their coat health and shedding. If your dog is not getting enough protein, vitamins, minerals, or fatty acids from their food, their coat will become dry, brittle, and dull. This can lead to increased shedding and other skin problems.

5. Stress

Stress can affect your cocker spaniel’s physical and mental well-being. Stress can be caused by changes in their environment, routine, or social interactions. Stress can make your dog lose their appetite, sleep poorly, and shed more.

6. Age

As your cocker spaniel gets older, their coat will naturally become thinner and less resilient. This can make them shed more and be more susceptible to skin issues.

If you suspect that your cocker spaniel is shedding too much due to any of these reasons,
you should consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

How to Reduce Shedding in Cocker Spaniels

While you cannot stop your cocker spaniel from shedding completely, you can take some steps to reduce the amount of shedding and keep their coat healthy and beautiful.

Here are some tips:

1. Brush your cocker spaniel regularly

Regularly grooming your cocker spaniel is the best way to remove loose hairs, dirt, and mats from their coat. This will prevent them from spreading around your house and furniture. You should use a slicker brush to gently detangle their hair and a comb to remove any knots. You should also use a deshedding tool to thin out their undercoat and reduce shedding. You should brush your cocker spaniel at least once a week, or more often during shedding seasons. Just brushing your dog’s coat can help alleviate itchy skin

2. Bathe your cocker spaniel occasionally

Bathing your cocker spaniel can help wash away any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells that can cause shedding. You should also use a mild, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that are specially formulated for dogs and rinse them thoroughly. How Often Should You Wash Your Dog? Take Our Quiz

3. Trim your cocker spaniel’s coat

Trimming your cocker spaniel’s coat can help reduce the amount of hair they shed and make them more comfortable and neat. You can trim their coat yourself or take them to a professional groomer. You should trim their coat every 6 to 8 weeks, or more often if you prefer a shorter style. You should also trim the hair around their eyes, ears, mouth, feet, and anus to prevent infections and matting.

4. Feed your cocker spaniel a high-quality diet

Your cocker spaniel’s diet can affect their coat health and shedding. You should feed your cocker spaniel a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and suits their age, size, and activity level. You should also avoid any foods that can cause allergies or sensitivities in your dog. You can also supplement their diet with omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve their skin and coat condition and reduce inflammation.

5. Keep your cocker spaniel hydrated

Your cocker spaniel’s hydration level can also affect their coat health and shedding. You should make sure that your cocker spaniel has access to fresh, clean water at all times and encourage them to drink enough. Dehydration can cause dryness, itching, and flaking of the skin and coat, which can lead to more shedding.

6. Keep your cocker spaniel healthy

Your cocker spaniel’s overall health can also influence their coat health and shedding. You should take your cocker spaniel to the veterinarian for regular check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, and parasite prevention. You should also monitor your cocker spaniel for any signs of illness or injury that can affect their skin and coat, such as infections, wounds, rashes, lumps, or bald spots. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Cocker Spaniels make wonderful companions despite their shedding tendencies. By understanding their unique coat characteristics and implementing effective grooming practices, you can enjoy a clean and well-maintained living environment while providing the best care for your furry friend.

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With their big, round eyes, goofy personalities, and easygoing demeanor, it’s easy to fall in love with the Cocker Spaniel! Beyond being one of the sweetest, most tolerant breeds, Cocker Spaniels are also revered for their plush, feathery coats. Wavy and so soft, you’re not alone if you’re imagining what it might feel like to bury your face in a Cocker Spaniel’s gleaming fur. 

But, what if you have allergies? Are American Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic? What about the English variety? 

Before we go any further, let’s answer the question on everyone’s minds: Cocker Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. But, that doesn’t mean allergy sufferers should give up all hope of ever owning one! 

Keep reading to learn more about this popular breed and how you can adjust your life to make room for a Cocker Spaniel, even if you’re allergic to dogs.

Get To Know the Cocker Spaniel

Originally bred to be bird hunters and sporting dogs, Cocker Spaniels are among more than a dozen unique Spaniel breeds. The Cocker Spaniel is so named for the woodcock, a variety of bird the breed was used for specifically. Smaller than the also popular Springer Spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel has the heart of a big dog, and excels in sporting and hunting environments. 

Despite their hard-working personalities, Cocker Spaniels are also known for being affectionate with their humans and particularly good with children of all ages. Lovely little family dogs, Cocker Spaniels are eager to please and love to play. 

The Cocker Spaniel’s most distinguishing feature is its stunning coat. Heavy and lush, their fur grows mostly straight with a slight wave, and when maintained can be kept sleek and shiny. Cockers also come in a huge range of colors and patterns including black, silver, buff, red, brown and tan, brown and white, and more. 

High-energy and often vocal, the Cocker Spaniel enjoys having something to do and is happiest with an activity or a job to do. Some are prone to laziness, which makes them excellent snuggle companions, but it’s important to keep these pups moderately active to protect their joints as they age. 

Most Cocker Spaniel owners also note that this breed can be a bit food obsessed. “Mine is a complete loon. He has trained the neighbor to feed him when he barks. As a result, he’ll sit out there for an hour, in the rain, waiting to get fed,” says one Reddit user in a comment on a thread about Cocker Spaniels and food motivation. 

Don’t let the big brown eyes fool you, your Cocker Spaniel will try to get a second breakfast out of you!

American Cocker Spaniel vs. English Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are broken into two categories or breed types: American Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels. 

American Cocker Spaniels (usually just called Cocker Spaniels) are slightly smaller at around 13.5–15.5 inches tall and 20–30 pounds in weight. American Cocker Spaniels may be shorter, but they have a slightly longer body and tail than the ECS. Their fur collects mainly around the feet and is heaviest at the bottom.

English Cocker Spaniels are slightly taller and more square at around 15–17 inches in height and 26–34 pounds in weight. 

What Triggers Dog Allergies?

Contrary to popular belief, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. No, not even Poodles. 

The idea of a completely hypoallergenic breed was created mostly as a marketing tactic, mostly fueled by the myth that a low-shedding dog also produces less allergen. This is untrue. So-called hypoallergenic dogs have been shown to carry more Can f 1—one of the proteins that cause allergic reactions in people—than non-hypoallergenic breeds. Despite this, homes with “hypoallergenic” and non-hypoallergenic dogs test approximately the same for accumulated canine allergens. 

Humans can be allergic to proteins found in dog dander (aka dead skin), saliva, and urine. Every breed of dog produces approximately the same amount of these allergens, although there are some differences between individuals. You can be allergic to some, or all of these proteins, and your dog allergies can change over time. 

“There is no guarantee that, over time, you won’t develop an allergy to one of the other dog allergens,” says the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in their quick guide to hypoallergenic dogs. The ACAAI goes on to note that, even if you find a dog that doesn’t immediately trigger an allergic reaction, “[that] dog [could] produce higher levels of those allergens later in its life.”

So, what should you do if you’re a dog lover with dog allergies? Are you doomed to never own a dog? 

In just a moment, we’ll share a few tips for managing allergies if you’ve already got a Cocker Spaniel, or are getting a dog soon. If you have the time to prepare or are ready to start treating your pet allergies long-term, there are allergen immunotherapies available that can help to reduce your sensitivity to canine allergens. 

How To Care For Your Cocker Spaniel’s Coat To Manage Allergies

1. Give Your Cocker Spaniel Regular Baths

There are two key reasons to bathe your Cocker Spaniel if you have dog allergies. 

First, a good bath now and then will help to wash out stuck fur and dander, which would otherwise be dropped around your home. 

Second, bathing your Cocker Spaniel with a good quality dog shampoo and conditioner can help to nourish their skin, reduce dryness, and reduce some dander production. 

2. Brush Your Cocker Spaniel Outside

Because Cocker Spaniels have that gorgeous, long, flowing fur, they need regular brushing to keep them detangled and to remove debris. Every time you brush your dog, they will drop loose fur and dander. To reduce the amount of dander they drop in your home, try doing their regular brushing outside! 

3. Schedule Regular Appointments with a Dog Groomer

Giving your dog a bath at home is important, especially for breeds like the Cocker Spaniel. That said, taking them to the groomer is just as important, since a professional can do a more thorough job, and can get more stuck fur and dander out than you can at home. 

Every 6–10 weeks is the right grooming schedule for a Cocker Spaniel, but this will also depend on how often your dog plays outside, how well you brush/wash them between professional grooms, their diet, etc. 

4. Eliminate Soft Surfaces From Your Home

Soft surfaces like rugs, carpets, and fabric furniture collect dust and dander no matter how often you clean them. These items often have the highest allergen concentration in the home. By eliminating as many soft surfaces from your home as possible, you can significantly reduce the amount of dander that builds up. 

5. Filter Your Air

It’s impossible to stop your furry friend from shedding dander since even low-shedding dogs still have skin cells that can trigger allergies. However, investing in a top-notch air filter or purifier for your living space can help eliminate tiny particles of dander and allergen from the air. This can significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe and reduce allergic reactions caused by your Cocker Spaniel. 

If you’re trying to avoid cold or flu season, having an air purifier in the home can also protect your immune system from disease. 

Popular Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

Although low-shedding dog breeds aren’t necessarily less likely to trigger your allergies, there are other reasons to choose one over a moderate or heavy-shedding breed. For example, you might not want to manage loose fur stuck to all of your clothing or furniture—for some people that’s not a problem, for others, it can be a real nuisance. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that low-shedding dogs shed, just not very much! 

Here are thirteen popular (and unique) low-shedding dog breeds. 

• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Basenji
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Chinese Crested Dog
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Maltese
• Poodle (Toy, Miniature, and Standard)
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, and Giant)
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic? The FAQ

If you scrolled down to this section to get a quick answer to the question: are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic dogs? The answer is: No.

If you’re looking for an answer to another question about the Cocker Spaniel, keep on reading!

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