The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Wesley's coat is very curly and thick, especially on his legs and shoulders. I'm finally able to groom his head perfectly, but his skirt and legs puff out like crazy. He looks like a big fat dog with a tiny pin head I've tried using the furminator on his shoulders, but it doesn't seem to be making a difference.

Is there a way I can thin out his legs and shoulders without shaving? I don't shave his back and want to keep it natural. It seems like his back is all undercoat though since it looks really puffy.

I'm thinking about trying the mars coat king #20, but I'm not sure if it's possible to thin out the legs with that. Any suggestions?

IMO If you really want to keep the natural back (not shaved) you will need to invest in a Mars Coatking #20, classic stripper course & classic stripper fine. I use all 3 on my show kids plus use my thinning shears.
As far as thinning on the legs the only thing I would know to suggest is thinning with the thinning shears also. I have never attempted to thin the legs as I LOVE the full looking legs.

I agree, using the thinning shears is a good way to get the fluffy legs a bit thinner, just go under some of the hair to thin under it, comb out and repeat until you have it a bit thinner. Its tedious work but works well. We have to do that with many show dogs that have way too much coat.. also if you are not blending the sides of the back coat with the legs, that will make it look fluffy too.. also make sure that even though you are not shaving the back coat which is good for the correct coat, you are keeping the overall length down, you do need to use your thinners to not have the back coat super long, that will over power the whole look of the dog too.
Just a few suggestions.

I know all those in-the-know here say not to use the coat king on the skirt or legs... but I remember reading on the Mars website, they recommend using the coarse coat king in those areas for Cockers.


Bonz