Spaniel Grooming: Ears, Feathering and Feet Explained

Cocker and Springer Spaniels have one of the most characterful coats around — a smooth body coat combined with longer "feathering" on the ears, legs, chest, and belly. It is a beautiful look, but each of those elements needs specific care, and Spaniels come with a couple of well-known problem areas: those long ears and famously hairy feet.

This guide explains how to groom a Spaniel properly, from feathering and ear care to keeping the feet tidy and preventing the matting these coats are prone to.

Understanding the Spaniel coat

Spaniels have a medium-length double coat that is short and smooth over the back and head, with longer feathering on the ears, legs, underside, and tail. Working Spaniels often have shorter, denser coats, while show-type Spaniels carry heavier feathering. The feathering is where tangles and mats form most readily — especially behind the ears, in the "armpits," and on the trousers (the hair on the back legs). Spaniels are also active, outdoorsy dogs, so their coats pick up mud, grass seeds, and debris on walks.

How often should a Spaniel be groomed?

Most Spaniels benefit from a professional groom every six to eight weeks, with regular brushing in between to keep the feathering tangle-free. For a typical feathered Cocker or Springer, our Bath & Style is the regular service — bath, blow-dry and a neat tidy of the feathering, ears and feet. Shorter clipped styles or unusual coats are assessed individually. Our Spaniel grooming page has current prices and booking details. Our guide on grooming frequency by coat type puts this alongside other breeds. Cavalier owners can see our Cavalier King Charles grooming guide.

Those famous Spaniel ears

Spaniel ears are long, heavy, and hairy — which makes them one of the most infection-prone parts of the breed. The ear flap covers the canal, trapping warmth and moisture and reducing airflow, creating exactly the conditions ear infections thrive in. Regular ear cleaning is non-negotiable for Spaniels, along with keeping the hair around and under the ears trimmed to improve airflow. Watch for head shaking, scratching, odour, or discharge — all signs to get the ears checked.

Spaniel feet: keeping them tidy

Spaniels grow a lot of hair between and around their paw pads, and it needs regular trimming. Left long, it traps mud, grit, and grass seeds — the last of which can burrow into the skin and cause real problems. Keeping the feet neat also gives better grip on floors and stops the classic "muddy Spaniel" mess after every walk. Trimming the feet is a standard part of every Spaniel groom.

Managing feathering and mats

The feathering is the highest-maintenance part of the Spaniel coat. Brush it two to three times a week with a slicker brush and comb, paying attention to behind the ears, the armpits, and the back legs. Dry it thoroughly after wet walks, since damp feathering mats fastest. Our guide on the hidden health risks of matted fur explains why staying ahead of this matters.

Spaniel grooming checklist

• ✓ Full professional groom every six to eight weeks.
• ✓ Brush the feathering two to three times a week.
• ✓ Clean and check ears regularly — Spaniels are highly infection-prone.
• ✓ Keep hair between the paw pads trimmed, especially in grass-seed season.
• ✓ Dry the coat thoroughly after muddy or wet walks.

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