The 3 Best Brushes for Your Cocker Spaniel

If you have a Cocker Spaniel, you already know how beautiful their coat can be — soft, feathery, and full of personality. But that same beauty comes with a challenge: tangles, mats, and constant grooming. Between their long ears, fluffy legs, and silky body hair, keeping a Cocker Spaniel’s coat healthy takes the right tools and a consistent routine.

The good news is that with the right brushes, it doesn’t have to be complicated. You can easily maintain that show-dog shine and prevent mats before they start. Today, I’ll walk you through the three Freshly Bailey tools I consider essential for every Cocker Spaniel owner — plus one detangling spray that makes brushing smoother and faster.

3 Best Dog Brushes Every Cocker Spaniel Owner Should Have

1. Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush — The Everyday Must-Have

This is the brush I reach for first — every single time. The Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush is built for long, thick, and wavy coats just like a Cocker Spaniel’s. The fine, stainless-steel bristles glide through layers of fur, removing loose hair, surface tangles, and dirt without scratching the skin.

Cocker Spaniels have a dense double coat — a soft undercoat covered by a silky top layer — and this brush gets through both gently. It’s perfect for daily use or for quick touch-ups after walks, helping prevent knots before they form.

I like to start at the chest and work my way down the body, brushing with light, steady strokes in the direction of hair growth. Around the ears and legs, I use shorter strokes to avoid pulling. If you feel resistance, don’t force it — just pause and apply a bit of detangling spray (more on that below).

The slicker’s curved design helps reach tricky areas, especially under the arms, belly, and tail where mats love to hide. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold even during longer grooming sessions.

Used regularly, this brush keeps your Cocker’s coat smooth, fluffy, and full of shine. It’s the one tool you’ll always want nearby.

2. Freshly Bailey Metal Comb — The Finishing Touch

Once you’ve brushed through the coat with the slicker, the next step is to use the Freshly Bailey Metal Comb. This is your finishing tool — the one that ensures the coat is truly free of tangles and ready to shine.

I use the metal comb to go over the coat slowly, section by section. If it glides through easily, you’re good. If it catches anywhere, that’s your signal there’s still a small tangle hiding — go back to the slicker or use the dematting comb for that area.

This comb is also great for fluffing up feathered areas — those signature Cocker “skirt” hairs along the chest and legs — and for styling after a bath. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to keep on hand for quick daily checks.

Even if your dog gets regular professional grooming, using this comb a few times a week at home helps maintain that salon look longer and keeps the coat from matting between appointments.

3. Freshly Bailey Deshedding Tool — The Smart Way to Maintain a Healthy Coat

Cocker Spaniels have a thick double coat that naturally sheds, but instead of dropping all over your house, the loose hair often stays trapped underneath the silky top layer. Over time, that buildup can make the coat feel heavy, dull, and more prone to matting.

That’s where the Freshly Bailey Deshedding Tool comes in. This tool gently removes the dead undercoat while leaving the healthy topcoat intact — a process that’s often called stripping the coat. It’s a much better alternative to shaving, which can permanently damage a Cocker’s coat texture and cause it to grow back uneven or woolly.

I like to use this deshedding tool every few months, especially during shedding season. The stainless-steel teeth glide through the coat, grabbing and lifting the loose hair without cutting or pulling. It’s satisfying to see how much undercoat comes out, and your dog’s fur immediately feels lighter and smoother afterward.

When I use it, I always start with light strokes in the direction of the hair growth. I run the deshedding tool along the back, sides, and legs. You don’t need to press hard — let the tool do the work.

This simple step helps keep your Cocker’s natural coat in great shape and reduces shedding around the house. More importantly, it keeps you from having to shave their coat short — preserving that beautiful, natural Cocker look while keeping the fur healthy and manageable.

Bonus Grooming Tools for Cockers

Make Brushing Easier with Freshly Bailey Detangling Spray

Brushing a long coat like a Cocker’s can sometimes cause static or small snags. To make it smoother — for both you and your dog — I recommend using the Freshly Bailey Detangling Spray.

It’s made to reduce friction, add slip, and help brushes glide easily through the coat. I like to mist it lightly over the fur before brushing, especially in areas prone to tangles like the ears, chest, and belly. You don’t need much — just a light spray will do.

Wait about 20–30 seconds, then start brushing with the slicker. You’ll feel the difference right away — less pulling, less resistance, and a softer finish.

It also helps control frizz and adds shine, which is perfect for a silky-coated breed like a Cocker Spaniel. The spray is gentle, smells clean, and makes brushing sessions more comfortable for your pup.

A Dematting Comb — For Those Stubborn Mats That Sneak In

Even with regular brushing, Cocker Spaniels have a talent for finding ways to tangle. The long fur around their ears, armpits, and tail can quickly form mats — especially if they’ve been running, rolling, or playing outside. When that happens, the Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb is the tool you’ll want in hand.

This comb is designed to gently break apart mats without pulling or cutting the coat unevenly. The stainless-steel blades are curved and rounded at the tips, so they slice through tough tangles safely while protecting your dog’s skin.

When I spot a mat, I start by holding the fur close to the skin with my fingers to reduce any tugging. Then I work the comb slowly through the tangle, starting at the ends and moving toward the base. It only takes a few careful passes before the mat begins to loosen.

The key is patience — forcing it will just cause discomfort. Used properly, this comb removes mats quickly and keeps the rest of the coat smooth and even.

It’s also a great backup tool between professional grooming visits. If you catch a few tangles early, you can easily fix them yourself instead of letting them grow into big mats that require trimming or shaving.

With this comb, you can stay ahead of tangles, keep your Cocker Spaniel’s coat soft and manageable, and make sure those silky ears and feathered legs stay as beautiful as ever.

How to Use These Tools Together

If you want to make grooming simple and stress-free, here’s the routine that works beautifully for Cocker Spaniels:

1. Lightly mist the coat with detangling spray.
   This helps reduce friction and makes brushing smoother for both you and your dog.
   
   
2. Brush through with the slicker brush.
   Use it to remove loose hair, surface tangles, and dirt. Work in small sections and brush gently in the direction of hair growth.
   
   
3. Check with the metal comb.
   Go over the coat to catch any hidden knots and make sure the fur is tangle-free from root to tip.
   
   
4. Use the deshedding tool every few months.
   During shedding season, or when the coat feels heavy, run the deshedding tool through to remove the dead undercoat and keep the fur light and healthy — no shaving needed.
   
   
5. Remove mats with the dematting comb.
   If you find a tangle, work it out gently starting from the ends and moving toward the base of the fur.
   
   
6. Finish with the metal comb again.
    A few final strokes will polish the coat and give it that soft, silky finish Cocker Spaniels are known for.
   

When done regularly — even just 10 to 15 minutes every few days — this simple routine keeps your Cocker Spaniel’s coat healthy, clean, and easy to manage all year round.

Why Grooming Matters So Much for Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are known for their silky, flowing coats and sweet, soulful eyes. But beneath that beauty is a double coat that needs consistent care. Without regular brushing, tangles can form quickly — especially in humid weather or after outdoor play.

Brushing doesn’t just make your dog look nice; it helps with overall health. It removes dirt and dead hair, spreads natural oils through the coat, and lets you check for signs of skin irritation or ear problems (which are common in Cockers).

It’s also bonding time. When you brush your dog gently and consistently, they learn to relax and enjoy it. Many dogs even fall asleep during grooming once it becomes part of their routine.

Small Tips That Make a Big Difference

Start brushing when your dog is calm — after a walk or playtime works best.

Always brush before bathing. Wet hair tightens knots, making them harder to remove later.

If you’re working on a tangle, hold the base of the fur to reduce pulling.

Use a blow dryer on low heat after baths to prevent moisture from sitting in the coat — that’s where mats love to form.

And reward your Cocker Spaniel after every session! A little treat goes a long way in helping them look forward to grooming time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my Cocker Spaniel?
Ideally every day, but at least three to four times per week. Their long coat can tangle quickly, so consistency is key.

Which areas tangle the most?
Behind the ears, under the collar, around the armpits, and behind the legs. These spots need extra attention.

Do I need all three tools?
Yes. The slicker brush is for daily maintenance, the metal comb is for finishing and checking, and the dematting & deshedding tool handles deeper tangles and seasonal coat care.

What’s the best way to make brushing easier?
Lightly mist the Freshly Bailey Detangling Spray before brushing. It helps the brushes glide, reduces friction, and prevents breakage.

What is the best shampoo for a Cocker Spaniel?
Use the Freshly Bailey Shampoo and Conditioner. It helps clean, moisturize, and detangle the coat, leaving it soft and shiny. It’s not tear-free, so avoid using it directly on the face.

Cocker Spaniels have one of the most beautiful coats of any breed — soft, silky, and full of personality. But keeping it that way takes a little consistency and the right tools.

The Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush, Metal Comb, Deshedding Tool, and Detangling Spray are the essentials I recommend to every Cocker owner. Together, they make grooming simpler, faster, and a lot more enjoyable — both for you and your dog.

With just a few minutes of brushing each week, you can keep your Cocker Spaniel’s coat healthy, shiny, and free of tangles.

And honestly, there’s nothing quite like running your hand through that clean, silky fur — smooth, soft, and perfectly brushed.