Clumber SpanielThe dignified heavyweight of the spaniels

History and Origin

The breed takes its name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, the estate of the Dukes of Newcastle. Tradition holds that spaniels from France were sent there in the late 18th century, though the exact origin is uncertain.

On English estates, Clumbers worked at a slow, methodical pace, flushing pheasants and other game for walking guns and retrieving them. Members of the British royal family, including Prince Albert and King Edward VII, kept and hunted with them. The Clumber was among the earliest breeds recognized by the AKC, in 1884. Today it is uncommon on both sides of the Atlantic.

Size, Colors and Coat

The Clumber is a long, low, heavy spaniel with a massive head, deep chest and powerful hindquarters. It stands about 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs roughly 65 to 79 lb. The sexes differ clearly: under the AKC standard, males are 18 to 20 inches and about 70 to 85 lb, while females are 17 to 19 inches and about 55 to 70 lb. The body is noticeably longer than the dog is tall, which gives the breed its rolling, unhurried gait.

The coat is dense, straight and flat, with feathering on the ears, legs, belly and chest. A thick neck frill is common. The head shows a heavy brow, deep-set amber eyes and loose lower eyelids that may show some haw.

Color is mainly white with lemon or orange markings:

• Markings around the eyes and on the ears are typical
• Freckling on the muzzle and forelegs is common
• The fewer the body markings, the better under the standard

Temperament and Personality

Clumbers are gentle, loyal and easygoing. They are known for a calm, dignified demeanor indoors and a cheerful, busy attitude in the field. Most are friendly with visitors without being overly effusive, and they rarely bark.

They usually get along with children and other dogs. Some carry around toys or shoes as a retriever would. They can be stubborn and are not built for speed, but they make up for it with determination and a great nose.

Clumbers are usually not demanding, but they like to be near their people and dislike long hours alone. Many are notorious counter surfers, so keep food out of reach.

Is the Clumber Spaniel Good for First-Time Owners?

Yes, for the right household. The Clumber's calm, forgiving temperament and moderate exercise needs make it more manageable than most sporting breeds.

First-time owners should be prepared for the practical side rather than behavior problems: drool on furniture, white hair everywhere, regular ear and eye care, and a dog that steals food at every opportunity. Training needs patience because Clumbers think before they act. Budget for vet care related to hips, back and eyelids, and choose a breeder who health tests. Owners who value a mellow companion over speed usually adjust quickly.

Are Clumber Spaniels Rare?

Yes. The Clumber is one of the less common AKC breeds, and in the UK The Kennel Club lists it as a vulnerable native breed because so few puppies are registered each year.

For buyers, this means waiting lists are normal and you may need to travel to reach a reputable breeder. The national breed club is the best starting point for breeder referrals and the occasional rescue dog. Be wary of anyone with puppies always available. The small population also makes health testing, such as hip scores, eye exams and the PDP1 DNA test, especially important.

Are Clumber Spaniels Good With Cats?

Usually yes. Clumbers have a relatively mild, methodical hunting style and tend to be easygoing with household cats, especially when raised with them.

They still are bird dogs and may show interest in chasing, so introduce new pets gradually and supervise early meetings. Most Clumbers settle into a peaceful routine with a resident cat. Pet birds and poultry are a different matter, as flushing and retrieving birds is the breed's original job. Feeding the cat in a raised spot also matters, because a Clumber will happily clear out a cat's bowl.

Exercise and Training

Clumbers need moderate exercise: daily walks of 45 minutes to an hour with time to sniff, plus retrieving games. They enjoy tracking, scent work, hunting tests and rally. Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather, as their heavy build makes them prone to overheating.

Training should be patient and reward based. Clumbers learn well but can be deliberate in responding. Many are food motivated, which helps, but monitor treats to prevent weight gain. Puppies should avoid repetitive jumping and stairs while growing.

Swimming is a gentle, joint-friendly activity many Clumbers enjoy.

Grooming and Shedding

The dense, straight, white coat with lemon or orange markings sheds steadily, and white hair shows everywhere. Brush two or three times a week. Trim feathering and feet as needed.

Drooling is significant because of the loose lips. Clean the facial folds and check the drooping lower eyelids for irritation. The heavy, low-set ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections.

Expect some snoring, too; many Clumbers are vocal sleepers.

Feeding and Nutrition

Clumbers love food and are built heavy, so extra weight comes on easily and puts strain on the long back and hips. Keep your dog lean enough to show a waist, and weigh it monthly.

• Puppies grow into a large, heavy frame. A large-breed puppy food and steady, not rapid, growth support developing joints; three or four meals a day until around six months, then two.
• Adults do well on two measured meals. Avoid vigorous exercise right after eating.
• Use small, low-calorie treats and deduct them from the daily ration.

Food security is part of feeding this breed. Clumbers are famous counter surfers, so store food out of reach, keep trash secured and supervise at family meals. A raised bowl can make eating more comfortable for some dogs, but discuss it with your vet. Expect a wet face after drinking. Dogs diagnosed with PDP1 deficiency should follow the exercise and feeding plan their vet sets.

Estimates use the resting energy formula veterinarians work with (70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and standard activity factors. Use the feeding guide on your food as a starting point and adjust to body condition. Puppies, seniors, pregnant animals and pets that need to lose weight have different needs, so ask your vet.

Health and Lifespan

Clumbers usually live 10 to 12 years. Health concerns include eyelid problems such as entropion and ectropion, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease linked to the long back, hypothyroidism and panosteitis in young dogs. A DNA test exists for pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 deficiency, an inherited metabolic disorder in the breed.

Keeping a Clumber lean reduces stress on joints and back. Look for breeders who hip score, examine eyes and DNA test.

Clumber Spaniel Price and Cost of Ownership

Typical breeder price in the US$1,500 to $3,000

A Clumber Spaniel puppy from a reputable US breeder typically costs around $1,500 to $3,000. Prices vary by breeder, region and lines. Because the breed is rare, litters are few, waiting lists are common, and travel or shipping costs may add to the price.

Rescue dogs are occasionally available through the breed club's rescue network, usually adults.

Breed-specific ongoing cost drivers include:

• Possible eyelid surgery for entropion or ectropion
• Back and hip care, from X-rays to treatment for disc disease
• Pet insurance covering orthopedic and eye conditions, taken out early
• Ear cleaning supplies and treatment for ear infections
• Extra cleaning, lint rollers and washable furniture covers for drool and white hair

Is the Clumber Spaniel Right for You?

A Clumber is a gentle, quiet companion for owners who prefer steady walks to running and appreciate a laid-back house dog. It can live in a smaller home if well exercised, but stairs are best limited.

• Good match: families, retirees with an active routine, people interested in scent work or hunting tests.
• Think twice: very tidy homes, hot climates without air conditioning, owners wanting a jogging partner.