Clumber Spaniel Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Clumber Spaniel?

The Clumber Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel breeds and has been around for over 250 years. It was rumoured that the Clumber Spaniel first originated in France and was first brought over to the UK by the Duke of Newcastle during the French Revolution, who obtained a number for his kennels at Clumber Park.

This is all a rumour and there's no evidence that the Clumber Spaniel dog breed didn't originate from England. The Duke of Newcastle was known for the hunting skills of his Spaniels which made other estates around the country keen to acquire this new and endearing breed of Spaniel.

Who are Clumber Spaniel dogs best for?

A Clumber Spaniel will make an ideal dog for a first-time owner or a family. They are intelligent, making them easy to train but even without training are great around kids or other animals.

This breed can form very close bonds with their family members which can make them prone to separation anxiety, resulting in destructive behaviour if they are left alone for long periods. It's important to bear in mind that the Clumber is a large dog too so have the potential to cause damage if they are stressed.

They're best suited to people with larger homes and good garden space to allow this active dog freedom to roam around.

They can be stubborn and boisterous but generally settle down by the time they are 2-3 into agreeable, sweet-natured, and occasionally silly pooches.

How much grooming does a Clumber Spaniel need?

Clumber spaniels shed heavily throughout the year and even more so during the Spring and Autumn.

They will leave a heavy trail of long white dog hair around your home if they are not brushed regularly. The feathered fur around their legs and on the underside of their bellies is also a magnet for mud and debris which will need to be cleaned after they've been out for a walk.

Their big ears can serve as a moisture trap which can lead to a painful yeast infection in the ear canal if not pre-empted by removing any moisture build-up. Also, stay on top of their nails getting too long to stop any hair from tangling or knotting in them.

Do Clumber Spaniel bark much?

Generally, Clumbers are not vocal a vocal dog breed and will rarely back simply because they feel like it. Instead, they're more likely to voice an opinion if something in their environment is irking them or if they detect a presence they're not used to.

Do Clumber Spaniel bite?

Clumber Spaniels are friendly dogs who rarely show any sort of aggression. This quiet breed is great around other dogs given that they have grown up together.

Early socialization is key when they are puppies as while they are not typically aggressive they can be boisterous without appreciating their size, but they are not known to be nippy dogs.

What is the temperament & personality of a Clumber Spaniel?

The high level of intelligence and trainability that the Clumber spaniel breed enjoys reflects their sweet, agreeable nature, making them great around kids or first-time owners.

The Clumber Spaniel will form very strong familial bonds which can lead to separation anxiety in some cases, which is even more alarming considering their size, so they are better suited to families where the home is rarely empty for long periods.

They aren't as speedy as other breeds of spaniel but display an enthusiastic work instinct which can lead them to behave independently or stubbornly as they doggedly follow a scent that's caught their attention.

Despite being bred as working and hunting dogs, Clumbers haven't retained their heightened prey instinct so are unlikely to chase smaller animals, but it's still wise to keep them on a lead if your local park has squirrels or you walk near livestock.

They can also be noisy snorers and are prone to picking up a bunch of slobber around their chops, especially after a drink, but we think this just adds to their loveable charm.

What is the weight & size of a Clumber Spaniel?

Clumbers are big, heavy dogs. Both sexes can reach from 43-51cm in height and females can weigh 25-29kg while men can weigh as much as 34kg.

This size combined with their sometimes independent, exuberant spirit can make this breed a handful.

How much training does a Clumber Spaniel need?

Clumber spaniels enjoy a high level of easy trainability compared to other dogs. These dogs have a winning combination of high intelligence and an eagerness to please which makes them blank canvases for painting model behaviour onto.

They have been trained to be tracking dogs and can also perform in dog sports like heelwork to music, so it's clear they're predisposed to taking and following complex instructions.

It's important to note here that Clumber puppies can be adorable, with their innocent expressions and chunky trunks, but that isn't a reason to spoil them. Once they've settled into your home you need to establish what you expect to be good behaviour before the puppy's cheeky tendencies become lifelong annoyances.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Clumber Spaniel?

Like lots of pedigree dogs, this breed is prone to its fair share of congenital health issues which are worth being made aware of. The most common disorders are -

• Hip dysplasia - dogs should be hip scored through the BVA/KC scheme

• Elbow dysplasia - dogs should be tested

• Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency (PDP1) - DNA test available

• Cataracts - dogs should be eye tested through the BVA/KC eye scheme

• Intervertebral disc disease

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

• Anal Gland impactions - it is sometimes necessary to remove a dog's glands

• Colitis

• Skin allergies

• Dry eye (kerato conjunctivitis sicca)

• Entropion

• Ear infections

What is the lifespan of a Clumber Spaniel?

If you take good care of your dog's life with an appropriate diet and proper care you can expect this breed to live for 9-15 years.

How much should you feed a Clumber Spaniel?

If you get your first Clumber spaniel from a breeder they will give you a feeding schedule that you should stick to to the letter to avoid any upset stomachs. If you do decide to change their eating schedule it's better to do it gradually so you don't upset their gentle juvenile digestive system.

Once they're older, Cumbers are not fussy eaters but they will still require well-balanced, high-quality dog food that gives them the minerals and nutrients they require.

What is the price of a Clumber Spaniel in Australia?

On average a Clumber spaniel puppy costs $1500 but can vary between $800 up to $2400.