Clumber Spaniel: Personality, Exercise, Grooming

Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

AKC Ranking: 121

About Clumber Spaniel

Origin of the Breed One theory is that it originated in France, stating that the Duc de Noailles at the time of the French Revolution gave his kennel of prized spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Another theory holds that it was developed in Britain from older breeds of hunting spaniels, perhaps by crossing them with Bassets or St. Hubert's hounds.

Description of the Breed

The Clumber Spaniel is a massive, long, heavy, robust, muscular dog. The chest is broad and deep. It has a broad square head, wide across the top with a brownish or flesh colored nose. The muzzle is wide for good retrieving. The neck is thick, heavy, and feathered at the throat, and the tail is short-fringed. Limbs are short, straight and strong-boned.

Coat

Its hair is thick, straight and silky in pure white with lemon or orange markings. Coat color is predominantly white, with either lemon or orange markings.

Height

Males are 18–20"
Females are 17–19"

Weight

Males are 70-85 lbs;
Females are 55-70 lbs.

Personality

The Clumber Spaniel is described as a gentle, sweet, quite intelligent, a bit willful, well-behaved, playful, affectionate, easy-going, low-key and pleasant dog. Clumbers will get along with children, other dogs, cats as well as other household animals if they are raised with them, but are often unfriendly towards strangers. They tend to be a one-person dog. As puppies, they may be submissive urinators. Clumber spaniels can be used for hunting and retrieving pheasants and partridges. They are good water dogs. They should be provided with good chew toys.

Living Conditions

Clumber Spaniels will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. They are more comfortable in cool weather due to their dense coats.

Exercise & Training

Young Clumbers are much more active than grown ones. They need to be taken for a daily long walk. In addition, a few minutes of swimming or playing fetch will usually satisfy the exercise requirements of a full grown Clumber. One should not jog with a Clumber in hot weather on pavements. They do not take well to heavy-handed discipline. This dog has a good memory and it likes to do things to please its master, therefore training is not usually difficult.

Grooming

The coat must be trimmed, brushed and combed. The ears and eyes need to be cleaned and inspected regularly. If there is too much hair under the ears, it should be clipped before the next overall trim. This breed is a heavy shedder.

Health Issues

Some are prone to panosteitis (or juvenile lameness), hip dysplasia, cataracts, dry eyes, and entropion. They tend to drool, wheeze and snore. They are known for swallowing foreign objects. Tends to gain weight easily. Clumbers may be prone to flea and skin allergies. They may need to be fed a lamb & rice diet.

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years.

Breeder Club: www.clumbers.org

Rescue Link: www.clumbers.org/CSCArescue.htm