Guide
Spaniel Grooming: Cockers, Springers, Ears and Feathering
Cocker and springer spaniels need a groom every 6 to 8 weeks, at £45 to £53, the middle half of 27 published prices. The ears, feet and feathering do most of the work, and neutered spaniels can grow a softer, woollier coat.
How often should a spaniel be groomed?
Every 6 to 8 weeks for most cocker and springer spaniels, and where groomers publish a spaniel price, the middle half for a full groom is £45 to £53, from 27 prices checked in October 2026. A groom keeps the ears, feet and feathering (the longer hair on legs, chest and belly) in order and the coat free of the burrs and knots spaniels collect on walks.
Why do spaniel ears need attention?
Long, heavy, hairy ears hang over the ear canal, holding in warmth and moisture. Groomers trim the hair under the ear flap and around the opening to let air in, and clean the outer ear. Check your spaniel's ears weekly for smell, redness or discharge, which are reasons to see a vet, not a groomer.
Clipper or scissor and hand strip?
Show and many pet spaniels are traditionally hand-stripped or carded on the back and scissored on the furnishings to keep a flat, glossy coat. Working-type spaniels are often clipped short for practicality. Clipping the back of a spaniel can leave a softer, fluffier coat over time. Tell the groomer which you want.
Why has my spaniel's coat gone woolly?
Many spaniels, especially after neutering, grow a thicker, softer, woollier coat, sometimes called a cotton or puppy coat, which tangles more easily and does not lie flat. It is common in cockers, springers and setters. It is not a sign of poor grooming. Groomers usually manage it with carding, thinning or a shorter clip.
What about feet and grass seeds?
Spaniel feet grow tufts between the pads that pick up mud, ice balls and grass seeds. From late spring to autumn, grass awns can work into the skin between the toes or into the ear. Keeping feet and ears trimmed reduces the risk; a swollen foot or a head-shaking dog after a walk is a job for a vet.
How much does a spaniel cost to keep groomed?
At £45 to £53 a groom every six to eight weeks, about seven grooms a year, most spaniel owners spend roughly £300 to £370 a year on professional grooming. Working-type spaniels kept in a short clip often go longer between grooms. Show-type cockers with a full, hand-finished coat cost more per visit, because stripping and scissoring take longer than clipping.
Common questions
How much is a cocker spaniel groom?
The middle half of 13 published cocker spaniel prices is £45 to £55, and of 27 spaniel prices overall £45 to £53 (October 2026).
Should a spaniel be clipped?
It can be, especially working types, but clipping the back can change the coat's texture. Hand stripping or carding keeps it flatter.
Why does my spaniel get ear infections?
Long, hairy ears trap moisture. Regular trimming helps; recurring infections need a vet.