How to groom an English Springer Spaniel

Slightly larger than the English Cocker Spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel was also bred to be a working gundog. Their job was to startle game so that it would ‘spring’ into the air. The Springer Spaniel still proves to be a popular working and family dog. They are even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate.

Like the English Cocker Spaniel, the Springer Spaniel also has ‘Show’ and ‘Field’ strains. The show strain in a Springer Spaniel will have longer ears and coats than their field/working cousins. Both strains will have deep chests and a feathered tail which they hold level with their bodies.

Some pet owners may prefer to keep feathering shorter as this requires less maintenance. Check with the owner how long/short to trim the feathering before grooming

Coat Type

Combination / Silky

Grooming Requirement

Card & Hand-Strip

Pet Grooming Option

Clipper Trim & Card

Grooming Notes

The body and head of a Springer Spaniel can be carded and hand-stripped to encourage the coat to lay tight to the body. Many pet owners prefer for the coat to be clipped, but it is a good idea to card (remove dead undercoat) after clipping, as it promotes better skin health and can help preserve the brilliant colours of the coat.

Daily brushing is recommended to keep the longer coat tangle free. This also allows the owner an opportunity to remove burrs, twigs and other debris from the longer feathering. Always check ears and paws for debris which could cause discomfort
Springer Spaniels do tend to shed a little, but not as much as breeds with thick double coats. It can be worthwhile providing a de-shedding treatment in Spring and Autumn when they tend to shed more
Spaniels have dropped ears which can be prone to ear infections. It’s important to keep the hair beneath the ear flaps dry as this will promote better air circulation for the ear. It’s also important to keep the ear canal dry, so you may opt to ‘plug’ the ear with cotton wool when bathing

Grooming Guide

Prior To Bathing

Pluck hair from the ear canal as necessary
Use a blaster to loosen any skin dander, dirt, debris and loose/shedding coat
Use a rubber curry, undercoat rake, carding tool or bristle brush to remove loose coat
Brush out any tangles and/or matts from the longer coat or apply intensive conditioner
Hand-strip/Card the body so the coat lays flat against the body, always working in the direction of coat growth
Pluck or trim any long downy hair from the head and around the ears so the coat lays flat

After Bathing

Pet Clipper Trim: #7F, #5F, #4F or Short Comb Guides (anything up to ¾ inch). Card coat after clipping.

Use a damp cloth to go over the muzzle after bathing, wiping away tear stains
Line brush using a firm slicker, when finished the coat should be tangle free and little/no hair should be being removed. Double check work with a wide toothed comb
If the dog has a heavier coat, it is acceptable to clip the top skull and cheeks with a #4F – #7F blade
Clip the top ⅓ of the ear, or to the jawline with a #10 or #15 blade, blend into longer hair
Neaten edges and the bottom of the ear with thinning/safety scissors
Clip the muzzle with a #10 or #15 blade if necessary
Clip edges of lips with a #15 blade
The throat is left natural or thinned slightly
Use thinning scissors to trim the cowlick to blend into the shorter areas of the throat
The front of the front leg should be separate from the chest area. This area should be saddled out to be short and smooth, while the back side of the front legs are well feathered
The undercarriage should be well feathered and neatened into a soft arch. The highest point of the undercarriage should be below the last rib
The feathering on the back of the thighs/rear legs should be left long
Thin the thigh area to accentuate muscle
The upper side of the tail should be groomed in the same manner as the body of the coat. The underside of the tail should be trimmed with thinning scissors or clipper trimmed
Shave paw pads with a #15 – #40 blade
Back brush any excess hair between toes and trim with thinning/safety scissors
Trim feet and hocks to appear neat with thinning/safety shears

Grooming Tool Recommendations

Other Health Recommendations

Clipper Blade Recommendations

Shampoo Recommendations

For everyday use, mild/hypoallergenic shampoos are recommended.

Conditioner Recommendations

A conditioner is always useful in the longer areas of the coat, to weigh it down and add strength and shine. It can also help protect the coat while brushing