Clumber Spaniel
A dignified, heavy-boned spaniel with a calm demeanour, rolling gait and a surprisingly determined working spirit.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The Clumber Spaniel is the largest of the spaniel breeds and one of the oldest, believed to have been developed at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire in the late 18th century by the Duke of Newcastle. The exact origins are debated, but Basset Hound, Alpine Spaniel and early Saint Bernard blood likely contributed to the breed's distinctive heavy build and calm temperament.
The breed was a favourite of British royalty - Edward VII and George V both kept Clumbers at Sandringham. They were among the first breeds recognised by the Kennel Club in 1873. Today they are classified as a Vulnerable Native Breed with fewer than 300 registrations per year, making them one of Britain's rarest native breeds.
Appearance
The Clumber is a massive, heavy-boned spaniel standing 43-51 cm at the shoulder. The head is large and square with a deep stop, heavy brow and a thoughtful expression. The predominantly white coat has lemon or orange markings, typically on the head and ears. The body is long and low, giving the breed its characteristic rolling gait.
Is a Clumber Spaniel Right for You?
Clumbers are calm, gentle dogs that suit owners who appreciate a more relaxed pace of life. They are less demanding than most spaniels, content with moderate exercise and happy to spend much of the day resting. However, they are determined workers in the field and capable of sustained effort when motivated.
They shed heavily, drool moderately and can be stubborn about training. Their sweet, affectionate nature and calm temperament make them excellent companions for those who want a spaniel without the hyperactivity of a Cocker or Springer.
Living with a Clumber Spaniel
Clumbers are the gentleman of the spaniel world. They are dignified, affectionate and devoted to their families. At home they are calm and quiet, happy to lie at your feet or on the sofa. They are surprisingly food-motivated and will employ their considerable intelligence in the pursuit of snacks, so counter-surfing is a genuine risk despite their apparently relaxed nature.
Training Tips
- Use food rewards generously - Clumbers are highly food-motivated
- Keep sessions short and positive as they can be stubborn with repetitive exercises
- Their natural retrieving instinct can be channelled into structured gundog work
- Socialise well as puppies to build confidence in different environments
- Be patient - they learn at their own pace but retain lessons well
Temperament
The Clumber temperament is gentle, loyal and affectionate. They are calm, dignified dogs that lack the frenetic energy of smaller spaniels. They are devoted to their families and particularly gentle with children. They can be reserved with strangers but warm up quickly once introduced.
Despite their relaxed appearance, they have a determined, independent streak that surfaces during training and when they pick up an interesting scent. They are stoic dogs that rarely complain, which means owners need to watch for subtle signs of discomfort or illness.
Exercise Needs
Clumber Spaniels need approximately one hour of exercise daily - significantly less than most spaniels. They enjoy steady walks rather than vigorous running, and their heavy build means high-impact exercise should be moderated, particularly in hot weather. They are prone to overheating and should not be exercised heavily in warm conditions.
They enjoy swimming and gentle retrieving games. Mental stimulation through scent work and puzzle feeders complements their physical exercise needs. While not demanding athletes, they do need daily walks to maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming
The dense, flat coat sheds heavily year-round and needs brushing three to four times a week. During shedding season, daily brushing is necessary. Pay attention to the ears, which are long and feathered, checking regularly for infections and debris. The facial folds should be wiped clean daily to prevent irritation.
Clumbers drool, particularly after eating and drinking. Keep a towel handy for post-meal cleanup. Trim the fur between the paw pads regularly, and maintain standard nail, dental and ear care routines.
Health
Hip dysplasia is the most significant health concern, and all breeding stock should be hip-scored. Intervertebral disc disease can affect the breed's long back. Ectropion (drooping lower eyelids) and entropion (inward-rolling eyelids) both occur. Ear infections are common due to the heavy, pendulous ears.
Clumbers gain weight easily and obesity is a significant health risk. Careful diet management and regular exercise are essential. Pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 (PDP1) deficiency is a breed-specific condition that can cause exercise intolerance. Overall lifespan is 10-12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Clumber Spaniels lazy?
Not lazy, but calm. They are less energetic than other spaniels and happy with moderate exercise. In the field, they are surprisingly determined and can work for hours. At home, they enjoy resting and are content with a steady daily walk.
Do Clumber Spaniels drool?
Moderately, yes. The loose lips and heavy jowls mean some drooling, particularly after eating, drinking and exercise. It is less extreme than breeds like Bulldogs or Saint Bernards but more than most spaniels.
Are Clumber Spaniels rare?
Very. They are a Kennel Club Vulnerable Native Breed with fewer than 300 registrations per year in the UK. Waiting lists for well-bred puppies can be long, and finding a responsible breeder requires patience.
How much do Clumber Spaniels shed?
Heavily. Their dense white coat sheds year-round and requires frequent brushing. White hair will be found on all clothing and furniture. If you are house-proud, a Clumber may test your tolerance.
Are Clumber Spaniels good with children?
Excellent. Their calm, gentle nature and patient temperament make them one of the best spaniel breeds for families with children. They are tolerant and affectionate without being boisterous.
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