Clumber Spaniel

Despite their shorter legs, the Clumber Spaniel should be considered a large, strong dog. Heavier and much more substantial than other Spaniel breeds, the Clumber is also steadier and less frenetic in their general attitude to life.

light colored spaniel standing on the grass

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Basic training required
Need to be aware of potential health issues
Enjoys gentle walks
Enjoys one to two hours of walking a day

Large dog
Some drool
Requires grooming every other day
Chatty and vocal dog
Welcomes everyone happily

Generally friendly with other dogs
Gets along with other pets with training
Great family dog
Needs a large garden
Can live in semi-rural areas

Can be left occasionally with training

This breed may encounter health problems

As with many breeds, the Clumber Spaniel can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Exercise-induced collapse which is a condition that can cause problems with nerve communication during exercise and can result in collapse.
- Entropion which is a painful eye condition where the eyelids role inwards.
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) which is a painful condition where the tear gland stops working properly.

Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
- DNA test for Exercise Induced Collapse which tests whether or not a dog has the potential to be affected by this condition.

Key Facts

Ratings

Key Facts

Lifespan:	10 – 12 years
Weight:	25 – 34kg
Height:	45 – 50cm
Colours:	Mainly white with lemon or orange markings and freckling to the muzzle
Size:	Large
UK Kennel Club Groups:	Gundog

Ratings

Family-friendly:	4/5
Exercise needs:	2/5
Easy to train:	4/5
Tolerates being alone:	2/5
Likes other pets:	4/5
Energy level:	3/5
Grooming needs:	4/5
Shedding:	5/5

Personality

The Clumber Spaniel being heavier built is slower to mature than other spaniels and generally steadier all round. They are a good natured, affable breed, dignified yet amusing and willing to do whatever task you take the time to teach them.

As happy on the sofa as they are following a scent, the Clumber makes a devoted family dog.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: England

The Clumber Spaniel is another breed with somewhat vague romanticised origins involving French nobility, English Dukes and revolutions, however there is little evidence to support such ideas.

The breed does owe their existence to the Duke of Newcastle and their name comes from his estate, Clumber Park where the Duke created his own particular type of heavy, steady Spaniel from the various hunting dogs available at the time. These may have included dogs imported from France, where notably, longer haired low slung ‘basset’ types were popular as these allowed huntsmen on foot to follow them without the need for horses.

Ideal Owner

For those who love a big dog, but like the soft spaniel nature and prefer a more thoughtful, slower moving breed, the Clumber could be your dog. They’ll still need plenty of training and exercise, but this is a steady, sensible breed, ideal for families with older children. Only suitable for those who can cope with drool and muddy wet paws though!

Exercise Needs

A strong, reliable recall is vital for off lead exercise, as whilst they are a slower moving Spaniel, they have considerable stamina and perseverance. Around an hour’s exercise per day with plenty of opportunity to enjoy finding scent and using their impressive nose will keep the Clumber Spaniel happy.

Space Requirements

The Clumber is a large dog on short legs, and this must be kept in mind when housing and buying equipment. Everything will be drooled on and coated in white hair! As with all low-slung dogs, whilst the Clumber Spaniel dries quickly and is easily brushed off, a sizeable quantity of mud and water can be gathered on paws and undercarriage. Suitable space to allow the Clumber to dry off after walks is necessary, but otherwise they are not hard to house. Providing a variety of interesting walks can be offered, the Clumber Spaniel can be happy in country or leafy suburb.

Nutrition and Feeding

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs.

Grooming Spaniel (Clumber)

The abundant coat is silky and straight, and there is longer hair (feathering) on the legs and chest that will tangle if neglected. Their coat is easy to maintain with regular weekly brushing, but do watch out for the slobber and the shedding! The feet should be checked daily for grass seeds and trimmed to prevent hair knotting, and the ears should be checked regularly. As with all low-slung dogs, whilst the Clumber Spaniel dries quickly and is easily brushed off, a sizeable quantity of mud and water can be gathered on paws and undercarriage.

Training Spaniel (Clumber)

The Clumber Spaniel can be trained to a variety of activities and sports, particularly anything scent based, just remember they will do them at a slower, steadier pace than others. With the right understanding of what motivates him, and a ‘working together’ approach, the Clumber is easy to train and fun to spend time with.

Teaching a recall is vital as the Clumbers excellent nose can otherwise lead him into trouble. As with all breeds who like to carry objects in their mouths, teaching a retrieve and swap game from a young age is important.

Suitability for Family Life

The Clumber Spaniel is a steady and dependable character once adult; puppies of course can be more enthusiastic. As adults, this is a heavy breed so care should be taken with small children, those frail or unsteady on their feet and of course with smaller pets.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Did You Know?

Prince Albert owned 7 Clumber Spaniels, and King Edward VII commissioned Faberge to carve a Clumber, ‘Sandringham Lucy’ from Chalcedony, with rubies set as eyes. This was purchased in 1909 by the then Prince of Wales (later King George V) for £102.
While not quite as popular as they were in Victorian times, Clumber Spaniels still have their celebrity fans, with TV Chef James Martin having owned a Clumber named Fudge.
Clumber Spaniel’s are seen in artwork as early as 1788, where they appeared with the Duke of Newcastle and his hunting party in Francis Wheatley’s painting, “The Return from Shooting”.
The UK Kennel Club has deemed the Clumber Spaniel a vulnerable native breed and there’s less than 300 new dogs registered each year in the UK.
The Clumber Spaniel was one of the first official breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club.