Grooming Your Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels are a fantastic edition in any home, but their long coat can get dirty and matted if not groomed correctly. There are certain kinds of grooming for show dogs and for at home pets, here we’ll discuss the main key points for a home grooming for pet dogs, but for show pets as well. The grooming for show dogs is the same, but a little more detailed. Some of these steps are mandatory for your Springer’s health, and we’ll let you know which steps you need to follow. The first step in grooming Springer Spaniels is the tools. There is a short list of materials that you should have on hand when you begin. They are: nail clippers, 4-6″ straight scissors, 46 tooth thinning shears, good quality clippers, and a medium tooth Greyhound comb. Although this list may not make sense to a new pet owner, you can find them at any pet specialty supply store.

The first part of grooming Springer Spaniels is the trimming the neck, you’re going to use your clippers here. Start trimming about 2-3 finger widths about the breast bone and go up to the point above the shoulder. Go against the way the hair grows, and change directions as the hair changes. You should finish off the neck in a U shape. The next step is a necessity for all dogs, home or show. This involves trimming the lip around, going against the way the hair grows. Be careful not to trim inside the mouth. After you’ve done this, move on to grooming the head, using the clippers on the top of the head and around it. Make sure you hold the clippers flat against the skull, don’t dig in at an angle.

After you’ve done the head, it’s very important for all Springer Spaniels to have clean ears so they don’t get sick. Hair inside the ear can harbor germs and cause sickness. Use your clippers at whatever angle can help you get in the ear. Be careful htat you do not trim too close to the ear canal, just the hair around it. After you’ve done this, move onto the feet. Using scissors, cut the hair behind the pads on your dog’s paw. Use the scissors to trim the hair on the top of the foot as well. Finally, we move on to the last step, the body. Using a brush, brush the coat downwards, and get your thinning shears. Make sure that you clear out any knots in the arm pit areas, and then the main torso of the dog is left alone. The only other place that you need to trim is the “ham” or “thigh” area. Use thinning shears here also and just trim downwards.

If you have any more questions about grooming, contact a groomer in your area. They can tell you how to make this an easy, simple process for you and your dog! Groomers are also helpful for show dogs; letting the professional groom your show dog is better for you come competition day!