Clumber Spaniel Dog Breed Information

Group

Gundogs, Sporting

Weight

25-34 kg

Height

43-51 cm

Lifespan

9-15 years

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About the Clumber Spaniel

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Clumber Spaniels are effortlessly charming dogs with warm, loveable faces and soft, long coats peppered with lemon or orange markings.

This unique-looking dog is heavier than other spaniel dog breeds and approaches life in a more relaxed and gentle way. This well-behaved dog loves being part of a family and will make an agreeable, loving addition to your home.

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.

What is a Clumber Spaniel Breed?

According to the American Kennel Club, Clumber Spaniels are bigger than other spaniels with big square heads and heavy brows. Their eyes are full of character and they always seem to be wearing a gentle, thoughtful expression underneath their big floppy ears.

They have long, muscular necks with sloping shoulders, strong front legs, and a powerful bodies, though you wouldn’t know it to look at them as they are covered in soft, long silky hair which sits close to their body.

The Clumber Spaniel is a rare breed that is slowly becoming a popular family choice again and they make good show dogs with their appealing nature and handsome good looks.

Who is a Clumber Spaniel 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.

Clumber Spaniel Grooming & Shedding

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 Spaniels bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Clumber Spaniel dog?

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.

Are Clumber Spaniels easy to train?

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.

How do Clumber Spaniels behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Clumber Spaniel have any common health issues?

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: This genetic condition affects the hip joint and should be assessed using the BVA/KC hip scoring scheme to identify potential issues early.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, dogs should be tested for elbow deformities to prevent future complications.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency (PDP1): This inherited condition can be screened with a DNA test, helping to identify at-risk dogs.
Cataracts: Regular eye exams through the BVA/KC eye scheme can help catch cataracts early, preventing vision loss.
Intervertebral Disc Disease: This condition affects the spine and can lead to pain and mobility issues, requiring careful management.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: An immune system disorder where the body attacks its own red blood cells, leading to anemia and other health issues.
Anal Gland Impactions: Some dogs may experience frequent anal gland problems, and in severe cases, surgical removal of the glands may be necessary.
Colitis: Inflammation of the colon can cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and discomfort.
Skin Allergies: Dogs may suffer from various allergies that lead to skin irritation and discomfort.
Dry Eye (Kerato Conjunctivitis Sicca): This condition results in insufficient tear production, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing irritation and potential damage to the cornea.
Ear Infections: Due to their ear structure, some breeds are prone to recurring ear infections, necessitating regular cleaning and monitoring.

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 does a Clumber Spaniel need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for a Clumber Spaniel in Australia?

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

Clumber Spaniel FAQs

Are Clumber Spaniels lazy?

Clumbers love to ‘clown’ around and play the entertainer or be entertained. They aren’t a lazy breed necessarily but also aren’t overly boisterous dogs. That being said that they can get a spurt of energy from time to time but for the most part, are gentle docile dogs.

Do Clumber Spaniels get along with cats?

Provided they are raised alongside the cat, this dog breed is an agreeable companion to a cat. They can maintain their playful puppy attitude for the first three years of their life and even as an adult dog so they enjoy playing with other pets.

Are Clumber Spaniels hypoallergenic dogs?

This isn’t a hypoallergenic breed. The Clumber is a heavy shedder, of course, shedding plentifully throughout the year and especially during Spring and Autumn.

Are Clumber Spaniel’s good swimmers?

Clumbers are natural swimmers and are well-suited to the water, taking to it whenever they can. With that in mind, it is important to keep them on a lead if you’re walking past a tempting body of water just in case they decide to leap off the edge and need rescuing.