Field Spaniels are medium-sized dogs that have medium-length, silky, single-layered coats with abundant feathering on the ears, underbelly, backs of the legs, and rear end. And though these dogs require some grooming, they're much lower-maintenance than other spaniel breeds. See below for details on caring for the Field Spaniel coat, including info on brushing, bathing, and optional haircuts.
These dogs' medium-length, silky coats are much easier to care for than other spaniel breeds, so Field Spaniel grooming doesn't take too much work overall. The coats do shed a bit, and they mat or tangle some in the feathered areas on the underbelly, legs, and rear end, but these dogs only need brushing about twice a week. They'll need baths every 6-8 weeks (or if they get particularly dirty or stinky). And no haircuts are necessary, though some owners have the feathered areas trimmed and thinned to make them more manageable.
To brush your Field Spaniel: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then use a slicker brush to go through the coat section by section, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a mat or tangle, first try working it out with your fingers, then continue working through it with the brush or a 2-in-1 comb. If you plan to follow the brushing with a bath (and you should always thoroughly brush your Field Spaniel prior to bathing), use either a bathtub or an outdoor kiddie pool and a garden hose. Be sure to use canine shampoo, as the human kind can irritate a dog's skin; lather well, rinse thoroughly, towel-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look neat and silky.
Some people also choose to clip the longer featherings shorter, and possibly thin them some with thinning shears, to make them more mat- and tangle-free. Though this clipping and thinning can be done at home with practice, it's recommended that you visit a professional groomer at least once, as he or she can demonstrate the proper haircutting method and provide additional grooming tips.
See the complete guide on how to care for Field Spaniels.
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