Clumber Spaniels have a long and low body build that is unique among spaniels. Their beautiful white coat may show orange or lemon-colored markings, and it is dense, straight, and flat. The coat provides good weather resistance, while still being soft to the touch. The Clumber Spaniel's ears are slightly feathered with straight hair and triangular in shape. They have a rectangle body with massive bone structure and deep-set eyes. These dogs measure 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 85 pounds. They live up to 12 years with proper care.
They enjoy a bit of activity, but they won't make good jogging or hiking partners, so active families wanting a breed to bring along on physical adventures should look elsewhere.
A loving and playful breed, Clumber Spaniels do well in families with children and other pets. They enjoy a bit of activity, but they won't make good jogging or hiking partners, so active families wanting a breed to bring along on physical adventures should look elsewhere.
This breed has been a favorite of the Brits, with Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, being a huge fan. Also enamored with the breed was Edward VII.
Clumber Spaniels are loving, jolly, playful, and intelligent dogs that get along great with other dogs and with cats and children. They are gentle, loyal, and affectionate, making them ideal companion animals for most people. These dogs may sometimes seem aloof with strangers, but they are quick to warm up. They are very adaptable and thrive in most settings.
These easy-going dogs have an intrinsic desire to please. They are also very determined and have a strong sense of purpose while working. They prefer to be given a job or task to do, and they feel unsure of what to do with themselves without some sort of purpose.
Clumber Spaniels are hunters at heart and are always ready for a day out in the field. But these dogs have another side that is calm to the degree of bordering on lazy. It may take some goading just to get these dogs off the couch when they are in one of their calmer, slower moods. A long, leisurely walk is about all the exercise these dogs need or want.
Clumber Spaniels are a fairly healthy breed, but this does not mean they are guaranteed free of health problems or genetic conditions. These dogs are known to be affected by congenital hip dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, intervertebral disc problems, epilepsy, cataracts, hypothyroidism, snoring, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye.
This breed is also prone to obesity, which makes it crucial to promote regular exercise and monitor food intake. Do not allow these dogs to steal food, and minimize treats and table scraps. Being overweight or obese puts dogs at risk for a variety of potentially serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Clumber Spaniels are also at risk for pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 deficiency, an inherited condition that sometimes leads to exercise intolerance, heart problems, and lung problems.
With weight management, routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and timely vaccinations, Clumber Spaniels live 10 to 12 years.
Clumber Spaniels are independent-thinkers and respond best to positive training methods. They are very eager to please, which can be of benefit in training situations. Training these dogs requires patience; Clumber Spaniels are natural problems solvers, and they can find a way around every rule created. This will likely remain an ongoing issue, but it is not one that can be ignored.
Some Clumber Spaniels may develop excessive barking, and the breed in general is a very mischievous breed that is prone to getting into trouble. Garbage cans and pantries should be secured at all times to prevent raiding of food, and training to address chewing on nonfood items, including furniture and towels, is essential. Boredom makes these behaviors worse.
While these dogs are fairly easy to house-train, the breed is prone to submissive urination. Speaking to them in a gentle voice may help. Punishing them for this behavior will usually only make it worse.
This breed sheds a decent amount all year, and this can be difficult to keep up with, especially for first-time dog owners. Brushing the Clumber Spaniel's coat several times each week, or more often during shedding season, can help manage loose hair and keep it off floors, furniture, and clothing. In severe cases, professional grooming may be needed.
The Clumber Spaniel's feathered, white coat requires bathing once a month to keep it looking bright and white. A coat conditioner can add shine and help control tangles. These dogs tend to drool and slobber more than most other breeds, and the hair on their face and neck area likely needs extra attention. The skin between their folds should be checked regularly for signs of irritation or infection.
The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to catch and prevent ear infections, and the nails need clipping every few weeks to prevent snagging. The hair on the feet should be trimmed to improve appearance and prevent tangles. To maintain dental health, it's important to brush the teeth regularly and seek out routine dental care.
Records of the Clumber Spaniel breed's origin are unclear, but most believe these dogs originated in France during the 1700s. Their ancestors may have been the early Alpine Spaniel and Basset Hound.
Clumber Spaniels were prized for their impressive ability to hunt quietly and in heavy cover. This enabled the dogs to come up close to the hunted game. They remained popular hunting dogs for many years. Now, they are mostly kept as companion animals, although their calm demeanor makes them excellent therapy dogs.
The breed's name comes from the Duke of Newcastle's Clumber Park, which is where they were moved at the start of the French Revolution in an attempt to save the dogs. A British officer brought the first known Clumber Spaniels to North America via Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1844. From there, they made their way to the United States.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Clumber Spaniel in 1884.
