Do NOT expect a commercial groomer to know how to trim a show-dog. Get help from someone currently competing. They love the water, hike happily, yet can adjust to a quiet, city life. They do need human companionship, though they can snooze all day while you're at work as long as they get good attention and exercise when you're home. Keeping the mature dog's weight within the standard guidelines will optimize health.
Most veterinarians recommend cleaning the ears weekly as a preventative.
If you see dark brown wax, it's a sign of trouble. Some Springers have been diagnosed with eye problems. Retinal Dysplasia is a genetic defect present at birth in which the retina may be curved or irregularly shaped and may also be detached. Most of the time, puppies do not get worse. RD is caused by a simple recessive gene.