CLUMBER SPANIEL
APPEARANCE
The Clumber has heavier bone than other spaniels, a massive ‘melting’ head with a hound-like face and expression, a deep muzzle, large square nose, and broad low-set ears. His coat is dense, weather-resistant, straight, and flat. Clumbers are predominantly white in colour with lemon or orange markings. The weight of the Clumber Spaniel is around 55-70 pounds for females and around 70-85 pounds for males. The height of the Clumber Spaniel is around 17-18 inches for females and 19-20 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
The Clumber Spanielgentle, loyal and affectionate, but dignified and aloof with strangers. They may be active as puppies, but are generally very calm, lazy, and unmotivated as adults. Desiring to lie as close to its owner as possible to touch, it will lie on your feet or lap. Known as a stubborn breed, usually it refers to the fact the Clumber Spaniel is not getting enough physical or mental stimulation.
TRAINING
This breed loves to please their master and has an excellent memory. As a result, training Clumber Spaniels are not typically difficult. They are quiet and unassuming and will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. The Clumber Spaniel needs to be trained by a gentle person. Used as hunting dogs, Clumber Spaniels prefer to hunt for pheasant and partridges, take naturally to retrieving, and are good water dogs.
EXERCISE
As they grow up, Clumbers are extremely active, but as adults, they become less energetic and a few minutes a day of playing is enough for them. It is a good breed for people that like to walk a lot. This dog’s favorite past-time is playing ball and fetching, which can be done in the back yard or in the park.
SOCIALIZATION
Clumber Spaniel makes a great family pet, and gets on very well with children as well as with other pets and animals. They do not easily befriend strangers, but are never timid or aggressive. This breed greatly enjoys human companionship and attention. These dogs can be reserved and even timid, which means that early socialization is very important.
LIVING CONDITIONS
An apartment will be fine with the Clumber Spaniel as they are not really active indoors. Due to their dense coats, the Clumber Spaniel must be protected from becoming over heated.
GROOMING
Clumber Spaniels need daily grooming with a comb and brush. Professional trimming of the coat is required. Combing through the Clumber’s hair is best on a daily basis or at least two to three times a week, paying special attention to the area behind the ears. They also slobber and drool especially after eating or drinking. The Clumber Spaniel is a high shedder, which means that he is not ideal for allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
The Clumber Spaniel has a life expectancy of around 10 years. Canine hip dysplasia is a serious issue in this breed. Other health issues are entropion and ectropion (turning inward or outward of the lower eyelid) and hypothyroidism.
HISTORY
The Clumber Spaniel was developed in 1768 in France by a duke of Noailles. Because of the Revolution, he transferred his dogs to England where the breed was perfected and first shown in the nineteenth century. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1878.
