Spaniels & Mud: Managing Ears, Feet, and Feathers in North York

Whether it’s a working Cocker from Strensall, a Springer from Wigginton, or a Cavalier from Haxby, Spaniels are a staple of our local community. They are the ultimate "country dogs", happiest when they are ears-deep in a hedgerow or splashing in the River Foss. However, that beautiful silky coat is a magnet for the "Yorkshire elements." At Fluffs York, we specialise in Spaniel maintenance that keeps them looking elegant without losing their rugged, active spirit. The same three trouble spots come up again and again: the ears, the feet, and the feathers. Get those right and everything else tends to fall into place.

The "Spaniel Ear" Challenge

Every Spaniel owner knows the struggle: the long, beautiful ears that end up in the food bowl, or worse, soaked in muddy puddle water. Because Spaniel ears are heavy and hang low, they lack airflow, making them prone to yeast infections and matting. In our Wigginton salon, I focus on "under-ear thinning" to allow the skin to breathe while keeping the outside looking lush and long. I also check for grass seeds, a common and dangerous problem for Spaniels walking in the fields near Mill Lane.

At home, there is a lot you can do between appointments. After a muddy walk, gently towel the ears dry and have a quick look (and sniff) inside the flap. A healthy ear looks pale pink and smells of nothing much. If you notice a yeasty smell, redness, or your dog shaking their head and scratching, it is worth a vet check rather than reaching for a cotton bud. A snood (a soft fabric tube that holds the ears back) is also brilliant for keeping ears clean at feeding time and on very wet days.

Managing the "Feathers"

The long hair on a Spaniel’s legs and belly (the feathers) is what gives them their graceful silhouette. Unfortunately, it’s also what collects the most mud, burrs, and tangles. Many owners make the mistake of clipping these off entirely, but this can ruin the coat's texture and, in some coats, leave it woolly and quicker to knot. At Fluffs, I use traditional thinning and hand-scissoring to tidy up the feathers. I "contour" the trim so it stays off the ground, reducing the amount of mud they bring back into your Haxby kitchen, while still maintaining that classic breed look.

Brushing technique matters here. Feathers tangle from the skin outwards, so a quick once-over across the top does very little. I suggest a slicker brush followed by a metal comb, working in small sections and combing right down to the skin, especially behind the elbows and around the back legs where friction is highest. If the comb snags, that is a knot forming. Little and often (two or three short sessions a week) beats one long battle every fortnight.

Feet and the "Paw-Fuzz"

Feet are the unsung hero of a comfortable Spaniel. The tufts of hair that sprout between the pads (what I call "paw-fuzz") collect grit and mud, and turn a wet kitchen floor into an ice rink. Long hair between the toes also traps moisture, which softens the skin and invites soreness. I trim the fuzz flush with the pads and tidy around the outline of the foot so it grips the floor. Check between the pads yourself after country walks near Strensall Common: you are looking for compacted mud and any spiky seeds working their way in.

The "Walker’s Heart" Advantage

My background as a professional dog walker is a massive bonus for Spaniel owners. I know exactly how a "working" coat behaves compared to a "show" coat. I understand that a Haxby Spaniel needs to be able to run through a thicket without coming home in one giant knot. Our 1-on-1 grooming sessions allow me to spend the time needed on "detailing", clearing out the paw-fuzz, contouring the feathers, and making sure the hygiene areas are kept clear and comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

How often should my Spaniel be groomed?
For most pet Spaniels I recommend a full groom every six to eight weeks, with a bath and tidy in between if they are very active or swim a lot. Ears, feet, and hygiene areas benefit from more frequent attention, so many owners pop in for a quick "top-up" between full appointments.

Should I clip my Spaniel's feathers right off to save on maintenance?
You can, and for some very muddy, hard-working dogs a shorter "field" style makes life easier. Just be aware it changes the look and, in certain coats, the texture as it grows back. If you love the classic silhouette, regular hand-scissoring and good home brushing keep the feathers manageable without stripping them away.

My Spaniel hates having their ears touched. Can you still groom them?
Absolutely. Ears are often sensitive because of past discomfort, so I go slowly and keep it positive. In our calm, one-to-one salon there is no queue of dogs and no rush, which makes a real difference for worried Spaniels.

If your Spaniel is looking a little more "marshland" than "magnificent," bring them to our quiet Wigginton boutique. I’ll get the mud out, tidy the feathers, sort the feet, and have them sofa-ready in no time. To book a session, just get in touch with Fluffs and we’ll find a time that suits you and your country dog.