How to Groom a Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels is actually a broad term used to reference two separate breeds – the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel. Both breeds are similar in size and basic function, although field-bred dogs and show-bred dogs vary in coat length and texture. Bred to be active hunting and retrieving companions, Springer Spaniels are hardy breeds which need little in the way of grooming, although a steady routine will keep your Springer looking it’s best.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog shampoo
• Coat conditioner
• Small clippers
• Pin brush or slicker brush
• Small scissors
• Toenail clippers
• Blow dryer
• Cotton balls

1. The most basic step in grooming your Springer Spaniel is general brushing of the coat. Use the pin or slicker brush, starting at the root of the hair and combing all the way through to the tips. Check behind the dog’s ears for any remaining tangles or mats, and trim them out if necessary. Continue brushing the coat until all traces of dead hair are removed, using long even strokes to avoid damaging or tangling the hair. You can use the scissors or clippers to trim the long hair between the dog’s pads if you choose to. Trimming this hair makes it more difficult to pick up mats or stickers, and makes your dog more comfortable in general. You can trim the dog’s nails while working with the feet, being sure not to trim too far and cut the quick. Carefully trim the long hair inside the dog’s ears as well, which will make the ears easier to clean in the future.

2. If you choose the clip or trim the coat, you can do so once the dog is completely dry. Dogs who are actively used in hunting or field trials are usually kept in much shorter coat than show or companion dogs, as less hair makes it easier for the dog to maneuver through the brush and grasses. Be sure to not burn or nick the dog if the clippers get hot, and avoid trimming the coat too close. If you are not experienced in clipping or trimming with the clippers or scissors, have someone who is experienced show you how to safely trim the dog. If you will be showing your Springer Spaniel, do not trim or clip the coat without the guidance and supervision on an experienced show handler.

3. Once you have completed all of your coat trimming, your can bathe your Springer Spaniel. Be sure to run your pin or slicker brush through the dog’s coat to remove any remaining tangles or snarls before bathing, as they will only tighten up once the dog is damp. You can place a few cotton balls in the dog’s ear to avoid water in the ear canal. Wet the dog thoroughly and generously apply shampoo, working it through the coat from root to tips. Rinse the dog well to remove all of the shampoo, and apply conditioner, rinsing completely once the conditioner has been worked in. Towel the dog dry, and remove the cotton from the ears, ensuring they stay dry.

4. You can blow dry the dog if you choose, but do so immediately after the bath. If your dog is not used to the blow dryer, start with it on a very low setting, working slowly to avoid scaring the dog. Comb the dog’s coat from root to tip while bow drying, which will straighten and flatten the hair as it dries. To dry the undercoat, use the brush to lift the hair and blow dry the underside of the coat. Clean your brush often to remove and remaining dead or matted hair from the coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to be careful while using scissors or clippers. Cutting or otherwise injuring a dog will not only cause pain, but will make grooming an unpleasant experience.
• Avoid dropping trimmed hair into your dog’s eyes or ears. Trimmed hair can cause serious damage.
• Take care when bathing a dog in cold weather. Always make sure the dog is completely dry before allowing it to go outside.
• Never trim the coat too close, or use hot clippers against your dog’s skin. Clipper blades get very hot very quickly, and can hurt your dog.
• If you plan on showing your Springer Spaniel, it is essential that you do not trim the coat yourself if you are inexperienced. The coat on a Springer is a vital point in judging, and a poorly or incorrectly trimmed coat can knock a dog out of contention.