How to Groom a Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel originated in England, and breeders developed them by breeding the English Cocker Spaniel. They have a natural instinct for watchdogging, hunting, tracking and retrieving and also make great family pets. Although they are independent, they are also gentle, affectionate and friendly. The Field Spaniel has a moderate grooming regimen, which requires weekly general grooming and a full grooming every 8 to 10 weeks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• Steel combs
• Scissors
• Blending shears
• Clippers
• Blades (#10 for the ears, #15 for the pads, and #10 for the stomach).

1. Brush or comb 1 to 2 times per week with slicker or pin brush. Use steel combs to work on particularly tough tangles and knots.
2. Remove stray or straggling hair every few months with scissors.
3. Clean ears regularly.
4. Pluck dead hairs from the body. Carefully trim specific areas using blades: #10 for the ears, #15 for the pads and #10 for the stomach.
5. Remove dead hair from the body with a pin brush.
6. Bathe your Field Spaniel. Apply a conditioning rinse to get rid of static in the coat while blow drying. Brush the coat in the direction the air from the dryer is blowing. The coat should always be flat when drying and grooming. When you're finished, the coat should have a silky, smooth feel.
7. Finish with a final comb out.

Tips & Warnings

• If the dog is a show dog, schedule sessions with a professional groomer about 4 times per year.
• The life expectancy of the Field Spaniel is 10 to 12 years.
• The average height of the Field Spaniel is 18 inches. They generally weigh around 35 to 50 lbs.
• Field Spaniels belong to the Gun Dog group.
• Field Spaniels commonly suffer from hip dysplasia and ear infections.
• Don't keep your Field Spaniel in an apartment. These dogs are field workers, as their name implies, and thus need plenty of exercise.