Grooming an FT. Springer Spaniel
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Maintenance
FT Springer Spaniels have a practical hunting coat, developed to protect the dog in rough terrain, water, and dense vegetation. The coat is typically shorter and less dense than in show lines but still requires regular care to stay healthy and mat-free.
It is recommended to brush the coat a couple of times a week and bathe the dog as needed – especially if it is often active outdoors.
Brushing
Regular brushing helps remove dirt, loose hair, and small particles from forests and fields. Although the coat rarely mats severely, small knots can form behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the legs.
Always use tools that are gentle on both the coat and skin.
Clipping
FT Springer Spaniels have a coat type where the guard hairs should be preserved to maintain the coat's natural structure and protective properties.
Therefore, the body coat should not be machine-clipped. Instead, loose and dead hairs can be removed by hand stripping or light plucking, allowing new guard hairs to grow. This helps maintain the coat's natural quality and makes it easier to maintain.
Special attention
FT Springer Spaniels are active dogs that often spend time outdoors. Therefore, their coat can collect branches, seeds, burrs, and dirt.
It is a good idea to regularly check:
• behind the ears
• under the arms
• between the toes
• on the longer hair on the legs
Recommended grooming visits
It is recommended to visit a dog groomer approximately every 6-8 weeks for bathing, brushing, and trimming to keep the coat healthy and mat-free.
Brushes for FT. Springer Spaniel
FT Springer Spaniels have a practical hunting coat with shorter hair on the body and slightly longer hair on areas such as the ears, legs, and tail. Regular brushing helps remove dirt, loose hair, and small knots that can form after outdoor activities.
It is recommended to use a gentle brush for daily coat care and a comb to carefully detangle longer areas like the ears, legs, and chest, where small mats can more easily form.
An undercoat rake can be useful during shedding periods to loosen and remove loose undercoat. This helps keep the coat airy and well-groomed without damaging the guard hairs.
Shampoo and conditioner for FT. Springer Spaniel
Regular baths help remove dirt, pollen, and odor from the coat.
Products that both cleanse and nourish help maintain the skin's and coat's natural moisture balance. A conditioner can make the coat more supple and easier to comb through – especially in areas with slightly longer hair.
If bathing is not possible, a no-rinse shampoo can be a practical alternative for quickly freshening up the dog without using water.
Clipping an FT. Springer Spaniel
FT Springer Spaniels have a practical hunting coat where the guard hairs should be preserved to maintain the coat's natural structure, protection, and function in terrain and water.
Therefore, the body coat should not be machine-clipped. Machine clipping can alter the coat's structure, making it soft and woolly, and in some cases, lead to more matting and a coat that becomes harder to maintain over time. Instead, loose and dead hairs can be removed by trimming or light hand stripping, making room for new, healthy guard hairs.
The hair on the ears, legs, chest, and belly can be shaped and adjusted with scissors as needed, so the dog appears well-groomed while maintaining the breed's natural lines and functional hunting coat. Regular trimming helps keep the coat healthy, mat-free, and easier to care for in everyday life.
General care for FT. Springer Spaniel
It is especially important to keep the ears clean. FT Springer Spaniels have pendulous ears, where moisture, dirt, and small particles from nature can easily accumulate – especially after working in water, tall grass, or brush. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent irritation, discomfort, and ear problems.
It can also be a good idea to regularly clean the area around the eyes if dirt or tear fluid accumulates. A gentle eye cleaner can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of irritation.
Frequent tooth brushing is also important for the dog's oral hygiene. It can help prevent tartar and contributes to a healthy mouth and fresher breath.
Ear care for FT. Springer Spaniel
Eye cleaner for FT. Springer Spaniel
Dental care for FT. Springer Spaniel
Nail clipper for FT. Springer Spaniel
FT Springer Spaniels typically have strong nails that require a suitably sized nail clipper for safe and precise trimming.
A nail clipper for medium-sized dogs provides better control during clipping and makes it easier to cut in small, precise steps. This reduces the risk of cutting too far into the quick and ensures a clean cut.
Choose No. 1 if you have a smaller FT Springer Spaniel – often a female.
Choose No. 2 if you have a larger FT Springer Spaniel – often a male.
