English Springer Spaniels are energetic, affectionate sporting dogs with a medium-length coat, feathered legs and long, heavy ears. They love water and the outdoors, so their grooming routine is about keeping the feathering tangle-free, the ears clean and dry, and the coat neat.
- Coat type: Silky / long coat
- Routine: Plan for a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks to trim the ears, feet, feathering and sanitary area.
- Key tools: Pin brush, fine and medium-tooth metal comb, small slicker brush
What kind of coat does an English Springer Spaniel have?
Springers have a medium-length outer coat that is flat or wavy over a soft undercoat, with feathering on the ears, chest, belly and legs. They shed moderately. The long ears and feathering catch burrs, sand and moisture, and the ears can trap humidity after swimming.
Coat type, more than breed name, is what decides how often a dog needs a bath, a brush or a haircut. Mixes and individual dogs vary, so treat the schedule below as a starting point and adjust it to your dog's lifestyle, skin and how quickly the coat gets dirty or tangled.
How often should you groom an English Springer Spaniel?
Plan for a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks to trim the ears, feet, feathering and sanitary area. Bathe every 4 to 6 weeks or after swimming in the pool or ocean. Brush 2 to 3 times a week, check and dry the ears weekly and after every swim, and trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks.
How to bathe an English Springer Spaniel at home
- Brush and comb out completely before the bath, paying special attention to behind the ears, armpits and the collar area.
- Wet the coat with lukewarm water, letting it flow downward with the hair.
- Shampoo by smoothing it down the length of the coat instead of piling it up and scrubbing.
- Rinse well, apply conditioner from mid-length to tips, and rinse again.
- Blot with a towel, then blow-dry on low while brushing in the direction of growth.
- Clean around the eyes and keep hair out of them with a trim or a loose topknot.
Always use a shampoo made for dogs; human shampoo is formulated for a different skin pH. Keep water out of the ears, and give a treat at the end so bath time stays positive.
Brushing routine
Use a slicker brush on the body and feathering, then comb through the ears, armpits, chest and legs with a metal comb. Check between the toes for debris after walks.
Short, frequent sessions beat one long struggle. Two to ten minutes, a few times a week, keeps most coats in good shape and gives you a chance to spot skin problems, lumps, ticks or sore spots early.
Fitting the routine into your week
Keep a pin brush and comb somewhere visible, like next to the couch, and brush during TV time. Check the friction zones (ears, armpits, collar) every day, even if you only brush the whole coat a few times a week. Wipe the face daily and book haircuts on a regular cycle so the coat never gets ahead of you.
Tools you'll need
- Pin brush for the long coat
- Fine and medium-tooth metal comb
- Small slicker brush for the legs and feet
- Gentle dog shampoo plus a conditioner or leave-in detangler
- Soft hair ties or clips for the topknot (never tight)
- Tear-stain wipes or a soft damp cloth for the face
Tools from the Pawradise shop: Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush · Stainless Steel Grooming Comb (2-Pack)
Mango's guides: a happy coat between grooms
Printable PDF guides from our groomers, with Mango as your coach. Instant download after checkout, anywhere in the US. English and Spanish editions included.
- Mango's Starter Kit: Brushing Guide + Calendar · $19.99 (best value)
- Mango's Between-Visits Brushing Guide · $14.99
- Mango's Grooming Calendar & Checklists · $7.99
Common English Springer Spaniel grooming mistakes
- Skipping the friction spots. Mats start where things rub: behind the ears, under the collar, under the legs.
- Rubbing with a towel. It knots fine hair instantly. Blot and squeeze instead.
- Tight topknots. They pull on the skin and break the hair. Keep them loose and redo them often.
- Leaving ears damp after swimming. Springers love water and their ears hold moisture. Dry the ears after every swim, and see your vet for odor, redness or head shaking.
English Springer Spaniel grooming FAQ
Do Springer Spaniels shed?
Yes, moderately year-round. Brushing a few times a week keeps it under control.
How often should a Springer Spaniel be groomed?
Every 6 to 8 weeks professionally, with brushing a few times a week.
What is the best haircut for a Springer Spaniel?
Many pet owners choose a shorter body with tidy ears, feet and feathering, which is easier to keep clean.
How do I clean my Springer Spaniel's ears?
Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner on the visible part of the ear only and dry well after baths and swimming.
How often should I bathe an English Springer Spaniel puppy?
Puppies usually need fewer baths than adults: bathe only when dirty, with a gentle shampoo made for dogs, and keep them warm until fully dry. Use short, positive sessions to get them used to water, brushing, nail trims and the dryer. Ask your vet when your puppy is ready for a professional groom.
Can I groom an English Springer Spaniel at home?
Yes, most of the routine can be done at home: brushing, baths, ear checks and nail trims. Many owners handle brushing at home and book a professional for haircuts.
How much does it cost to groom an English Springer Spaniel?
It depends on the salon, your dog's coat condition and the trim. Springers' medium-length coat, feathering and long ears need a groom with a trim of the ears, feet, feathering and sanitary area, and a tangled coat takes longer and costs more. A professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks with brushing 2 to 3 times a week at home keeps the price more predictable. See what affects dog grooming prices. New to our Boca Raton salon? Get $10 off your first groom with code PAWFILE10 (teeth brushing is always included).
This guide offers general grooming information. For skin, ear or coat problems that don't improve, talk to your veterinarian. More Pawfile breed guides.