Description
The Clumber Spaniel is a massive dog. The chest is broad and deep. It has a broad square head, wide across the top with a brownish or flesh colored nose. It has a deep stop and well developed lips. The muzzle is wide for good retrieving. The flews hang over the lower jaw. The eyes are dark amber and are slightly deep set, ears are large in the shape of vine leaves, hanging forward, and well covered with hair. The neck is thick, heavy, and feathered at the throat, and the tail is short-fringed. Dewclaw removal is optional. Carried level with the back, shoulders are robust and muscular. Limbs are short, straight and strong-boned. Its hair is thick, straight and silky in pure white with lemon or orange markings. They have a feathered coat and their tails are customarily docked, however docking is illegal in most of the European countries. Coat color is predominantly white, with either lemon or orange markings.
Temperament
The Clumber Spaniel is described as a gentle, sweet, quite intelligent and pleasant dog. Among the most low-key and easygoing of the hunting breeds. They are very affectionate and playful. Well-behaved, and not very active when mature. Clumbers will get along with other dogs and cats as well as other household animals if they are raised with them. The Clumber Spaniel is generally laidback and inconspicuous compared to many of the other sporting breeds. It is not a vocal animal when it is in the home as a house pet and getting the Clumber Spaniel to participate in exercise may take some motivation from the owner. They tend to be a one person dog and can be a bit willful. Clumbers are usually trustworthy with children of the family, but they do not make friends easily with strangers. Do not expect them to be friends with everyone, but they should never be timid or hostile. This breed is a gentle person's dog; they do not take well to heavy-handed discipline. They simply will not respond to it. This dog has a good memory and it likes to do things to please its master, therefore training is not usually difficult. As puppies, they may be submissive urinators. Clumber spaniels can be used as hunting dogs. They prefer to hunt for pheasant and partridges, take naturally to retrieving, and are good water dogs. Make sure you have good chew toys for them to chew.
Height, Weight
Height: 16-20 inches (41-51 cm.)
Weight: 55-85 pounds (25-39 kg.)
Health Problems
Some are prone to panosteitis (or juvenile lameness), and hip dysplasia. Also cataracts, dry eyes, and entropion. They tend to drool, wheeze and snore. They are known for swallowing foreign objects so take care. Tends to gain weight easily, do not over feed. Clumbers may be prone to flea and skin allergies. They may need to be fed a lamb & rice diet.
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
Young Clumbers grow very rapidly and are extremely active. As adults they slow down considerably. They need to be taken for a daily long walk, in addition, a few minutes a day of playing fetch will usually satisfy the exercise requirements of a full grown Clumber and since they love playing fetch, exercising them is easy. They are good for people who like to walk frequently. Do not jog with a Clumber in hot weather on pavement. This breed is a good swimmer. If it does not get a good amount of exercise, watch its diet carefully as it tends to gain weight very easily.
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years.
Grooming
The coat must be groomed regularly with a brush and comb. Some skilled trimming of the coat is required. The ears and eyes need to be cleaned and inspected regularly. Some of these dogs develop an irritation of the ear but there are special lotions which can provide relief for this. If there is too much hair under the ears, clip it before the next overall trim. This breed is a heavy shedder.
Origin
The heaviest of the Spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel was developed in France around 1768 by one of the dukes of Noailles. Threatened by the Revolution, he transferred his dogs to England - close to his family, the duke of Newcastle. Here the Clumber was perfected and was successfully presented at its first show in the nineteenth century. Several British monarchs have favored the Clumber, including Prince Albert (Queen Victoria's consort), King Edward VII and his son, King George V. The Clumber Spaniel has been used to hunt pheasant and partridge, both in small packs and alone and is especially well-suited for work in dense undergrowth. Although he is rather slow in the field compared to the other spaniels, the Clumber is a quiet worker with a fine nose and good stamina. He can also be trained to retrieve. This Clumber Spaniel was one of the earliest recognized by the AKC. Though the Clumber's early history is not well documented, Basset Houndsand St. Bernards may have contributed to the breed. This breed is pretty rare and hard to find.
Group
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
