Kennel.com – Complete Guide to Dogs The Dog Lovers Guide
The Clumber Spaniel is a very loyal and intelligent dog who has the appearance of 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
Kennel.com Recommends
Clumber Spaniel – Limited Edition