Why does my springer spaniel's coat mat so much behind the ears?

The feathering behind a springer's ears is fine and long, and it's an area with less airflow and more friction from the dog scratching or shaking its head, all of which encourage mats to form faster there than on the body coat.

How often should I brush a springer spaniel?

The body coat generally needs brushing a couple of times a week, but the feathering on the ears and legs is worth checking and combing through after most walks, since it picks up debris and tangles far more readily.

Do springer spaniels need professional grooming?

Many owners manage routine brushing at home but book a professional groomer every couple of months for a proper trim, particularly of the feathering and any trapped mats, plus nail and ear maintenance that's easier for a professional to do thoroughly.

Are springer spaniels prone to ear infections?

Their long, floppy ears and feathering can trap moisture and reduce airflow, making ear problems somewhat more common in the breed. Regular checking as part of grooming, and prompt vet attention if you notice odour or redness, helps catch issues early.

Best brush for a springer spaniel

A springer spaniel's coat is really two different coats in one — a shorter, flatter coat over the body and longer, silkier 'feathering' on the ears, legs, chest and tail — so the brush that works best covers both: a slicker brush or bristle brush for the body, and a metal comb specifically for working through the feathering, where mats form fastest.

Why feathering needs its own tool

The feathering on a springer's ears and legs is finer and longer than the coat covering the rest of the body, and it picks up grass seeds, mud and tangles on every walk in a way the shorter body coat doesn't. Left unchecked, this feathering mats quickly, especially behind the ears and in the armpits, where friction and moisture make it worse.

A wide-toothed metal comb, used gently and in sections, is the right tool for feathering specifically, because a slicker brush alone can skim over the top of a mat rather than working through it. Running a comb through the feathering after every walk, particularly in wet or muddy conditions, catches small tangles before they become established mats.

Brushing the rest of the coat

The body coat on a springer is shorter and flatter, and a slicker brush or firm bristle brush is generally enough to remove loose hair and keep it looking tidy, used a couple of times a week outside of a heavier shedding period. This part of the coat mats far less readily than the feathering.

Springers do shed, particularly around seasonal coat changes, and more frequent brushing during those periods helps manage loose hair around the house as well as keeping the coat in good condition, rather than being purely cosmetic.

Checking the ears while you're at it

Springer spaniels are prone to ear problems partly because their long, floppy ears and feathering trap moisture and reduce airflow, so a grooming routine is a good opportunity to check the ears for odour, redness or excess wax at the same time as brushing the feathering around them.

This isn't a substitute for veterinary care if you spot a genuine problem, but regular checking as part of grooming means issues tend to get caught and treated earlier rather than being missed until they've become more established and uncomfortable for the dog.

What we stock for this breed

Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.

Electric Pet Grooming Clipper

A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.

From£11.99

Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles

A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.

£18.99

Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb

A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.

From£8.99

Pet Deshedding Grooming Mitt

A soft mesh grooming mitt you wear on one hand to lift loose fur while stroking your pet, turning shedding control into a soothing massage. Suits dogs and cats with any coat length.

From£7.99

Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

A skin-friendly slicker brush that gently lifts loose fur and undercoat from dogs, cats and rabbits. The angled pins glide through the coat while a one-click button releases the collected hair for easy cleaning. Soft non-slip handle.

£9.99

Double-Sided Deshedding & Flea Comb

A two-sided steel comb with coarse deshedding teeth on one side and fine flea-comb teeth on the other. Lifts loose fur and catches fleas to keep your cat or dog's coat clean and healthy.

£13.99

Steam Spray Detangling Grooming Brush

A rechargeable steam grooming brush with a fine mist that lifts loose fur and eases tangles while you brush. Gentle on the skin and cuts down flyaway hair, no bath needed. Chick design.

£12.99

Fast UK delivery

Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades

High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.

From£37.99

Double-Sided Undercoat Rake

A twin-bladed rake that removes mats and tangles on one side and reduces shedding on the other. The non-slip ergonomic handle suits cats and dogs with thick or long coats.

£23.99

Silicone Pet Bath & Massage Brush

Soft silicone bristles work shampoo into a rich lather while gently massaging your pet and lifting loose hair at bath time. A handy strap keeps the brush secure across the back of your hand.

£7.99

Self-Cleaning Deshedding Slicker Brush

A deshedding grooming tool for dogs and cats that lifts loose undercoat and eases out tangles, with a self-cleaning button that releases the trapped fur in one press.

£25.99

Wooden Pet Deshedding Grooming Brush

An ergonomic wooden grooming brush with a fine-toothed edge that loosens and lifts away dead and shedding fur. The smooth contoured handle sits comfortably in the hand for quick, gentle daily de-shedding.

£14.99

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Common questions

Why does my springer spaniel's coat mat so much behind the ears?: The feathering behind a springer's ears is fine and long, and it's an area with less airflow and more friction from the dog scratching or shaking its head, all of which encourage mats to form faster there than on the body coat.
How often should I brush a springer spaniel?: The body coat generally needs brushing a couple of times a week, but the feathering on the ears and legs is worth checking and combing through after most walks, since it picks up debris and tangles far more readily.
Do springer spaniels need professional grooming?: Many owners manage routine brushing at home but book a professional groomer every couple of months for a proper trim, particularly of the feathering and any trapped mats, plus nail and ear maintenance that's easier for a professional to do thoroughly.
Are springer spaniels prone to ear infections?: Their long, floppy ears and feathering can trap moisture and reduce airflow, making ear problems somewhat more common in the breed. Regular checking as part of grooming, and prompt vet attention if you notice odour or redness, helps catch issues early.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.