Grooming an English Springer Spaniel
Everyday grooming need not be complicated. The coat needs extra attention when shedding, alongside regular brushing and appropriate nail care. A calm grooming routine can become a pleasant time together and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
If you plan to show your Springer, coat preparation becomes more involved, but it remains a skill that owners can learn. 🙂
Good coat care starts before buying grooming products. Feeding and general health matter too: a healthy, well-nourished dog provides the foundation for a coat in good condition.
The video below demonstrates English Springer Spaniel coat preparation.
Below, our dog Echo models the results, with a short explanation.
Grooming an English Springer Spaniel — feet.
The front and hind feet should look compact, with neatly maintained nails.
Springers grow quite a lot of hair between their toes. Trim the hair on the underside level with the pads, taking care not to injure the skin. On top, tidy hair extending beyond the outline of the foot so that the nails are visible.
Hair also grows along the back of the hind pasterns. Tidy it to produce the outline shown in the second photograph.
Thinning scissors can soften the final lines for a more natural result. Grooming improves with practice, and small uneven areas grow out. If you are unsure how to work safely near the pads, nails or skin, ask an experienced groomer to demonstrate. Even experienced groomers often finish thinking they could have made one small improvement. 😉
The aim is a natural-looking outline.
Liver or black spots on the legs produce hair in the corresponding colour. Loose, mature hair can be gently removed to keep the spots looking tidy; never pull firmly attached hair or cause discomfort. Where hair is particularly thick, careful use of thinning scissors can help. Regular maintenance is easier than allowing it to become overgrown.
Neatly maintained feet are useful for family dogs as well as show dogs.
They bring less dirt into the house, dry more quickly and are easier to inspect and keep comfortable.