How to Groom a Springerdoodle

Breeders cross English springer spaniels with either a standard or miniature poodle, depending on how large they want the adult dog. The hybrid combines the best of both breeds, including a coat that sheds very little compared to many other breeds. The hair produces softer, wavier curls than the poodle, but the hair length can exceed 4 inches. Provide some of the grooming for your springerdoodle, even if you take the dog in for professional grooming occasionally.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Scissors
  • Hand sprayer
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Vinegar
  • Neem oil
  • Water
  • Claw clippers
  • Dog comb
  • Cloth
  • Shampoo/conditioner mix
  • Bathtub
  • Handheld sprayer
  • Towel
  • Hair dryer
  • Electric clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your springerdoodle with a slicker brush every day. Pay special attention to areas behind the ears, under the tail and just inside the legs for hair mats. Clip the mats out if you can̵7;t brush them out, as this distresses your dog less that pulling hair.

    • 2

      Trim the hair under the tail weekly. Check the dog̵7;s ears for insects and an ear infection. Spray the ears with a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide, one part vinegar, one part neem oil and two parts water. This cleans infection and kills insects that have crawled into the ear. Trim the claws every week or two with standard dog claw clippers.

    • 3

      Mist the dog lightly once a week with a solution of 1/2 ounce of neem oil to 1 1/2 cup of neem oil and 1 drop of mild dish soap to deter fleas, ticks, biting flies and mosquitoes. Shake the liquid well to thoroughly mix and spray the dog immediately. This should supply you with enough spray to dampen the dog̵7;s hair. Ruffle the hair to get the oil down to the skin. Begin this treatment about the time you see the first buds on trees and bushes to stay ahead of the insect population. Discard any leftover bug stray.

    • 4

      Trim the hair around the eyes when necessary to keep stray hairs from scratching the dog̵7;s cornea or reducing the dog̵7;s field of vision. Trim hair around the paws and between the pads as required.

    • 5

      Warm the room before bathing the dog so he doesn̵7;t become chilled. Comb out tangles with a dog comb before you get the dog wet. Use a wet cloth dipped in water to wash the dog̵7;s face. Bathe the dog every two weeks with a mild shampoo that includes a conditioner and 3 drops of neem oil. Start the shampoo from the top of the head and work back towards the tail. Rinse the dog several times with a handheld sprayer to make sure you remove all the shampoo from his hair. Dry the dog by rubbing the coat with the grain and then using a hair dryer on low. Keep the hair dryer several inches away from the dog to keep from burning him. Don̵7;t let the dog outside in cool weather if his hair is wet.

    • 6

      Trim hair with sharp scissors or electric clippers, evening out the lengths. Leave at least 2 inches of length all over the dog except under the tail, over the eyes, and around the paws. Consider leaving the coat long during cooler weather to protect the dog from the weather.