Do Springer Spaniels Shed? (Answered)

If you are thinking about getting a Springer Spaniel, shedding is probably on your list of things to consider. These beautiful dogs have gorgeous coats, but that coat does come with some maintenance. Springer Spaniels do shed, and understanding how much and when can help you decide if this breed is right for your home and lifestyle.

Do Springer Spaniels Shed?

Yes, Springer Spaniels shed a moderate amount year round. They have a double coat, which means they have a soft, insulating undercoat beneath a longer, water resistant outer coat. Both layers shed, and you will find dog hair on your furniture, clothes, and floors throughout the year. They are not the heaviest shedders out there, but they are definitely not hypoallergenic either.

Shedding increases significantly twice a year during seasonal coat changes, typically in the spring and fall. During these periods, Springer Spaniels “blow” their undercoat, which means they shed large amounts of the dense underlayer to prepare for the changing weather. This is when you will notice the most hair around your home.

Understanding the Springer Spaniel Coat

The Springer Spaniel’s double coat serves important purposes. The outer coat is medium length, flat or slightly wavy, and designed to repel water and protect the dog from brush and thorns in the field. The undercoat is dense and soft, providing insulation in cold weather and some protection from heat.

Springer Spaniels also have longer feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and belly. This feathering can collect dirt, debris, and tangles, which means those areas need extra attention during grooming. The feathering also sheds, though not as heavily as the undercoat.

The coat type can vary slightly depending on whether your Springer comes from show lines or working lines. Show line Springers tend to have longer, thicker coats with more feathering, which means more shedding and grooming. Working line Springers often have shorter, more practical coats that are easier to maintain.

How to Manage Springer Spaniel Shedding

While you cannot stop a Springer Spaniel from shedding, there are effective ways to keep it under control and minimize the impact on your home.

Regular Brushing

Brushing is the single most effective thing you can do to manage shedding. Aim for at least three to four brushing sessions per week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair from the outer coat and an undercoat rake to get through the dense underlayer. Regular brushing catches loose hair before it ends up on your furniture and also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.

Professional Grooming

Taking your Springer Spaniel to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks can make a big difference. A groomer can trim the feathering, thin out the undercoat, and give your dog a thorough wash and blow dry that removes a lot of loose hair in one session. Some owners have their Springer’s coat clipped shorter for easier maintenance, especially during the warmer months.

Bathing

Regular baths help remove loose hair and keep the coat clean. Bathe your Springer Spaniel every 4 to 6 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo. Over bathing can strip natural oils and actually make shedding worse, so do not overdo it. A good brushing before the bath helps remove loose hair, and a thorough blow dry afterward will blast out even more.

Good Nutrition

Diet plays a surprising role in shedding. A high quality dog food with plenty of protein and omega fatty acids supports a healthy coat and can reduce excessive shedding. Fish oil supplements are particularly beneficial for coat health. If your Springer Spaniel seems to be shedding more than normal, talk to your vet about whether a dietary change might help.

Keeping Your Home Clean

Even with the best grooming routine, some hair is going to end up around your home. Having a few strategies in place makes it easier to manage.

A good vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair is worth the investment. Look for one with strong suction and a brush roll that can handle dog hair on carpet, hardwood, and upholstery. Running it a few times a week during heavy shedding season will keep things under control.

Lint rollers and furniture covers are your friends. Keep lint rollers near the door for a quick pass over your clothes before heading out, and use washable covers on couches and chairs where your Springer likes to hang out.

Designating dog free zones in your home, like bedrooms, can give you hair free spaces to retreat to. This is especially helpful if anyone in your household has mild allergies.

Are Springer Spaniels Good for Allergy Sufferers?

Springer Spaniels are not a good choice for people with significant dog allergies. They shed moderately, produce dander, and are not considered hypoallergenic. If allergies are a major concern, you would be better off looking at breeds that shed less, like Poodles or Portuguese Water Dogs.

For people with mild allergies, regular grooming, frequent cleaning, and air purifiers with HEPA filters can make living with a Springer Spaniel more comfortable. But if someone in your household has severe allergies, this breed is probably not the right fit. If you love the Springer Spaniel personality but need a lower shedding option, consider that their affectionate and loyal nature is shared by some hypoallergenic breeds too.