Blog
Grooming FT. Springer Spaniel
by
Louise fra Hunni
on
Jun 18, 2020
Care of an FT. Springer Spaniel
See all products selected for FT. Springer Spaniel here
Maintenance
FT Springer Spaniels have a practical hunting coat, designed to protect the dog in 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 free of mats.
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 coat and skin.
Trimming
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 coat on the body should not be machine-clipped. Instead, loose and dead hairs can be removed by trimming or light hand-stripping, allowing new guard hairs to grow. This helps maintain the coat's natural quality and makes it easier to maintain.
The hair on the ears, legs, chest, and belly can be carefully shaped with scissors, if necessary, to keep the dog well-groomed.
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 professional groomer approximately every 6–8 weeks for bathing, brushing, and trimming to keep the coat healthy and free of mats.
Brushes for FT. Springer Spaniel
FT Springer Spaniels have a practical hunting coat with shorter hair on the body and slightly longer hair on the ears, legs, and tail, among other areas. Regular brushing helps remove dirt, loose hair, and small knots that can occur after activity outdoors.
It is recommended to use a gentle brush for daily coat care and a comb to carefully detangle longer areas such as the ears, legs, and chest, where small tangles can more easily form.
An undercoat rake can be beneficial during shedding seasons to loosen and remove loose undercoat. This helps keep the coat airy and well-maintained 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 condition 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 to quickly freshen up the dog without using water.


Clipping of 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 if needed, so the dog appears well-groomed while preserving the breed's natural lines and functional hunting coat. Regular trimming helps keep the coat healthy, free of mats, and easier to care for in daily life.


General care for FT. Springer Spaniel
It is especially important to keep the ears clean. FT Springer Spaniels have floppy ears, where moisture, dirt, and small particles from nature can easily accumulate – especially after working in water, tall grass, or dense undergrowth. 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 contribute 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 clippers for FT. Springer Spaniel
FT Springer Spaniels typically have strong nails, which require a nail clipper of appropriate size to be clipped safely and accurately.
A nail clipper for medium-sized dogs provides better control during clipping and makes it easier to clip 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.
