Do you need to clip/strip these dogs? i heard you can only trim them( using scissors) to keep them in shape - is this true. Also is clipping or stripping better for a pet dog?

All the cocker spaniels I've seen who have been clippered look, to my eyes, dreadful! It ruins the look of a lovely breed. Properly groomed, however, they look stunning.

If you intend showing, then cockers are best hand stripped, but if kept for a pet as long as it's done properly then there is nothing wrong with clipping, I've visited breeders who's retired dogs are clipped and they look amazing!