Spaniels are famous for their silky ears, feathered legs and silky coats, but that that means they need regular care to stay healthy and mat-free. Grooming is essential for your spaniel's comfort, skin health and overall wellbeing.

What you'll need

• A slicker brush for removing loose hair and light tangles

• A metal comb for working through feathering on ears, legs and tail

• Round-tipped scissors or clippers for trimming paw pads and hygiene areas

• Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner

• Cotton wool and ear cleaning solution

• Nail clippers or a grinder

• Towels and a hairdryer (ideally with a low-heat, quiet setting)

• Treats for positive reinforcement throughout

Step 1: Brush thoroughly before bathing. 

Always brush your spaniel out fully before introducing water, as wetting a matted coat tightens knots and makes them far harder to remove. Work through the ears, legs, chest and tail feathering with a slicker brush first, then follow with a metal comb to catch anything missed.

Step 2: Check and clean the ears. 

Spaniels' long, floppy ears restrict airflow, making them prone to infections and wax build-up. Gently lift the ear flap and wipe the visible area with a vet-approved ear cleaner on cotton wool, checking for redness, odour or discharge as you go.

Step 3: Bathe your spaniel using dog-specific shampoo.

Wet the coat thoroughly, then apply a shampoo formulated for dogs, working it in from the neck downward. Rinse completely, as leftover residue can irritate the skin, then follow with a conditioner if your spaniel's coat tends to tangle.

Step 4: Dry and brush again.

Towel-dry as much moisture as possible, then use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting if your spaniel tolerates it, brushing continuously as you go to prevent the coat from matting as it dries. Pay particular attention to where dampness lingers longest.

Step 5: Trim paw pads, hygiene areas, and feet.

Use round-tipped scissors to carefully trim the hair between paw pads, which can otherwise trap dirt and cause slipping on hard floors. Tidy the hygiene area beneath the tail for cleanliness, moving slowly and rewarding calm behaviour throughout.

Step 6: Trim nails and check teeth.

Long nails can affect your spaniel's gait and cause discomfort, so clip regularly, taking care to avoid the quick. While you're there, take a moment to check their teeth and gums for any signs of tartar build-up or irritation.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping regular ear checks. 

Because of their floppy ears, spaniels are especially prone to ear infections. Waiting until problems are obvious means missing early warning signs, so aim to check ears weekly, not just at bath time.

Bathing too often. 

Over-bathing strips natural oils from the coat and skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Most spaniels only need a full bath every four to six weeks, with brushing in between.

Rushing the drying process. 

Leaving a spaniel's feathering damp, particularly around the ears and armpits, creates the perfect environment for hot spots and matting. Always dry thoroughly before letting your dog settle or go outside.

Neglecting nail trims. 

Many owners put off nail trimming because their dog dislikes it, but overly long nails can cause lasting joint and posture problems. Short, frequent, low-stress sessions work far better than infrequent, stressful ones.

When to use a professional groomer

While regular brushing, bathing and nail trims can easily be done at home, most spaniels benefit from a professional groom every six to eight weeks to keep their coat in good condition. A professional groomer has the tools, experience and technique to manage tasks that are harder to get right at home, such as:

• Full coat trims and shaping. Spaniel coats, particularly around the ears, legs and tail, grow continuously and need regular shaping to prevent matting and keep the coat manageable between grooms.

• De-matting and thinning. If mats have already formed, especially behind the ears or in the armpits, a groomer can safely remove them without causing pain or nicking the skin, something that's much harder to do confidently at home.

• Hand-stripping (for wire or rough-coated spaniels). Some spaniel coat types benefit from hand-stripping rather than clipping, a specialist technique that maintains the coat's natural texture and colour.

• Professional-grade drying and finishing. Groomers use high-velocity dryers that dry the coat far more thoroughly and quickly than a home hairdryer, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and hot spots.

It's worth booking a professional groom sooner if you notice mats that won't brush out, a strong odour despite regular bathing, or if your spaniel seems uncomfortable during home grooming sessions. Building a relationship with a trusted, dog-friendly groomer from a young age also helps your spaniel stay relaxed and confident during future visits.

Keeping up with brushing and home care between professional grooms will make each visit to the groomer quicker, calmer and far more comfortable for your dog. Over time, a consistent rhythm of home grooming and professional appointments will keep your spaniel's coat healthy, tangle-free and looking its best.