I have spent years helping owners build calm, positive grooming routines with their dogs, and the Sussex Spaniel is a breed I genuinely enjoy working with. That gorgeous golden-liver coat is one of the most recognizable features of any spaniel, flat and slightly wavy with abundant feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly. It is built to shrug off weather and brush, which served the breed well in its working past. With a sensible routine, that coat is very manageable for an everyday owner.
The catch is that the same feathering and those long, low-set ears need regular attention or they will mat and trap moisture. Grooming a Sussex Spaniel is not difficult, but it does need to be consistent. Done right, it becomes a relaxed bonding ritual rather than a battle, and it doubles as a weekly health check where you can catch skin issues, lumps, or ear trouble early. In this guide I will walk you through every part of the routine, from brushing to nails to baths.
What You Will Need
Good grooming starts with the right kit. You do not need a salon’s worth of gear, but a few quality tools make everything smoother for both of you.
- A slicker brush for the body and feathering
- A stainless steel comb to find and clear tangles
- A dog-specific shampoo, ideally gentle and moisturizing
- A vet-approved ear cleaning solution and cotton pads
- Dog nail clippers or a nail grinder
- Styptic powder in case a nail is trimmed too short
- Thinning shears for tidying feathering, if you trim at home
- Plenty of treats to keep the experience positive
Step by Step: How to Groom a Sussex Spaniel
Work through these steps in order. Keeping the same sequence each time helps your dog relax and know what to expect.
Brush Two to Three Times a Week
Use the slicker brush over the whole body, then comb through the feathering on ears, chest, legs, and belly. Gently work out any small tangles before they tighten into mats.
Clean the Ears Weekly
Lift each long ear, apply a vet-approved cleaner, massage the base, and wipe away wax with a cotton pad. Never push anything deep into the canal. Check for redness or odor.
Trim Nails Monthly
Clip a small amount at a time to avoid the quick, the pink blood vessel inside the nail. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, they are due. Reward generously.
Bathe Every Four to Six Weeks
Brush out mats first, then wet the coat, lather with dog shampoo, and rinse thoroughly. Keep water out of the ears. Bathing too often dries the skin, so do not overdo it.
Dry and Finish
Towel dry well, paying special attention to the ears and feathering. Dry the inside of the ear flaps. Once dry, comb through the feathering again for a smooth, tidy finish.
The hair between the paw pads and around the sanitary area can trap dirt and moisture. Trimming these neatly every few weeks keeps your Sussex Spaniel cleaner and more comfortable, and reduces the chance of debris matting into the longer feathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bathing before brushing out mats, because water tightens tangles into hard knots that then have to be cut out. Other frequent errors include skipping ear care until an infection sets in, trimming nails too short and hitting the quick, and over-bathing, which strips the coat’s natural oils and leaves the skin itchy and dry. Letting feathering go too long between brushings is another, since mats form fastest in those longer areas.
It is also a mistake to rush. A dog that has had a stressful, hurried grooming session will dread the next one. Patience now pays off in years of easy grooming later.
Tips for Success
Start grooming routines early and keep them short and positive, with plenty of treats and breaks. Brush in the direction of hair growth and use a detangling spray on stubborn feathering rather than yanking. Make ear checks part of every grooming day so problems get caught early. End each session on a good note with praise and a reward, so your Sussex Spaniel comes to enjoy the routine rather than fear it.
A weekly once-over while you brush is also one of the best health habits you can build. Run your hands over the body to feel for lumps, scabs, fleas, or sore spots, and look at the eyes, ears, paws, and skin. You will often spot a problem long before it becomes serious.
When to Get Professional Help
Routine grooming is well within reach for most owners, but there are good reasons to call in a professional. If your dog has developed tight mats you cannot safely brush out, a groomer can remove them without hurting the skin. If nail trims turn into a wrestling match, or you are nervous about cutting the quick, a groomer or your vet can do it and show you the technique. And if you notice persistent ear odor, redness, head shaking, hair loss, or itchy, inflamed skin, that is a veterinary matter rather than a grooming one, so book a checkup.
Safety note: Use only dog-formulated shampoos and ear cleaners, since human products and cotton swabs pushed into the ear canal can irritate the skin or damage the ear.