 Description:
Clumber Spaniels are very loyal and intelligent
dogs and have the appearance of a great power.
They're long and heavy-bodied (more so than
other Spaniels), but not very tall. Clumber
Spaniels have a deep and broad chest and a
massive 'melting' head. They have powerful
feet and hindquarters which helps them move
through dense underbrush in pursuit of game.
Clumber Spaniels have a thick, soft weather
resistant coat.
The Clumber Spaniel's origins are not exactly
known, but it is believed these dogs originated
in France as early as the 18th century. Evidence
does prove the breed took its name from the
Duke of Newcastle's 3,800 acre estate Clumber
Park in Nottinghamshire, England. It is believed
the Duke of Newcastle's long time gamekeeper,
William Mansell was responsible for the development
and improvement of this unique breed. Clumber
Spaniel are thought to be related to Alpine
Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and other various
breeds. They're excellent hunters of partridges
and pheasants and work well in dense undergrowth.
Clumber Spaniels hunt alone or in small packs
and while they're not quick, they possess
great stamina and do not tire from a long
day of work.
Clumber Spaniels have been favored by Several
British monarchs. Prince Albert, the Prince
consort of Queen Victoria, was a fancier and
promoter of the breed, as was his son King
Edward VII, who bred them at the Sandringham
estate in Norfolk.
Clumber Spaniels are thought to have arrived
into the United States in 1883 and they were
among nine other breeds first recognized by
the American Kennel Club. The first Clumber
Spaniel registered with the AKC was recorded
in 1878. Note: The AKC accepted a few records
of pedigrees that were older than the actual
club upon its founding in 1884.
Height:
The height of a Clumber Spaniel is 17 to 20
inches (43-51 cm)
Weight: The ideal weight of a Clumber
Spaniel dog is 36 kgs (80 lbs) and for bitches
29.5 kgs (65 lbs)
Coat Type: The Clumber Spaniel's coat
is dense, weather-resistant, straight, flat
and soft to the touch. These dogs are are
heavy shedders, so brushing and combing should
be done on a regular basis. Clumber Spaniel's
eyes and ears should be regularly checked.
Color: The Clumber Spaniel is primarily
a white dog with lemon color or orange color
markings.
Temperament: Clumber Spaniels are sweet,
loyal and intelligent. Very playful and active
when puppies, but once they have matured,
they are very calm. These dogs have an intrinsic
desire to please, they're very kind and affectionate.
Clumber Spaniels are aloof with strangers
(more so than any other Spaniels), until they
get to know them. Clumbers are independent
thinkers. These dogs should never be timid
or hostile. Clumber Spaniels have a great
memory making them easy to train, but one
must keep in mind they are gentle dogs and
will not respond to tough discipline. Clumber
Spaniels like to chew, so be sure to have
many chewing toys to satisfy this urge.
Health Problems: Canine hip dysplasia
is a serious issue in this breed. Other health
concerns for the Clumber Spaniel include entropion
and ectropion (turning inward or outward of
the lower eyelid), hypothyroidism, dry eyes
and cataracts. Some Clumber Spaniels are also
prone to panosteitis which is a bone disease
in young dogs. Without enough exercise, the
Clumber Spaniel tends to gain weight very
easily. They also can suffer from flatulence,
slobber and drool especially after eating
and drinking and they can also snore. The
average life expectancy of a Clumber Spaniel
is between 11 - 12 years.
Special Interest:
• Clumber
Spaniels were first shown in England in 1859.
• Clumber Spaniels are the heaviest
of the Spaniels.
• Clumber Spaniels
are called 'Clumbers' for short.
•
Clumber Spaniels entered Canada in 1844 with
a member of the British army.
•
Clumber Spaniels in hunting situations are
depicted in many vintage paintings.
•
An entry in Queen Victoria's diary on October
16, 1840, reads: "Walked out directly
after breakfast before Albert went to shoot.
He had his 7 fine Clumber Spaniels with us
and we went into the Slopes, with such a funny
old Gamekeeper, Walters, in order that I should
see how the dogs found out their game. They
are such dear, nice dogs."
Classifications:
AKC: Sporting Group
ANKC: Group 3 - Gun Dogs
CKC: Gun Dog
FCI: Group 8 Section 2 - Flushing Dogs
KC: Gun Dog Group
UKC: Gun Dog Group |
