Clumber Spaniel Breed Information

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Clumber Spaniel – Just The Facts

General Description

The endearing Clumber Spaniel is one of the original nine member breeds of the American Kennel Club, founded in 1884. The Clumber is actually much older and probably originated in France before the French Revolution.

The Clumber is a gentle, loyal and affectionate dog with a strong desire to please. These playful, loving dogs make great family pets as long as you’re not looking for a jogging partner and you don’t mind a little drool.

Origin and History

By all accounts, the Clumber Spaniel was one of the first specialized spaniels, developed for use in low, heavy cover to hunt partridge and pheasant. He is a particularly good hunting dog for someone working on foot since he works at a slow pace.

It’s believed that the breed was developed by crossing Basset Hounds with early Alpine Spaniels, among other breeds in the early 18th century. At the time of the French Revolution the Duc de Noailles in France moved his kennel of these dogs to England for safety. They went to the kennels of the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. There the dogs were safely kept and became very popular with the aristocracy. They eventually became known as Clumber Spaniels.

Clumber Spaniel Temperament

The Clumber is a typical spaniel in some ways, and then again, he’s not. He is gentle and loving and has a strong desire to please his family. He loves to be with people. On the other hand, the Clumber can also be an independent thinker. He is very intelligent. He’s very determined at times.

The Clumber has great dignity and can even seem aloof with people he doesn’t know which is quite unlike most spaniels. But once he knows you he will be your friend. These are loving, playful dogs and they are great with children. They make very good family pets. However, they have deep flews (lips) and they do drool a lot. Expect drool and slobber.

The Clumber does need exercise but he isn’t going to go anywhere very fast. If you are looking for a dog to go running with you or do lots of outdoor activities, then look for a dog with longer legs. This dog breed also has a long coat that sheds. They were born to curl up next to you and keep you company.

These are large spaniels who sometimes think they are lapdogs. Clumbers usually get along very well with other pets. They do like to chew so provide them with plenty of good chew toys to stop dog chewing.

Care, Grooming, Diet & Exercise

Living Environment – The Clumber Spaniel can do very well living in an apartment. They are not very active indoors and they do well with a small yard. They do need to have regular daily exercise. They need to be with people and do not do well living in a kennel.

Grooming – These dogs require regular grooming, preferably a couple of times per week. Without regular brushing the coat will mat. They need to be trimmed regularly to look tidy. Check their eyes frequently since the haws can become irritated. The Clumber does shed a great deal.

Diet & Exercise – This dog breed can be prone to canine obesity, so do not overfeed. Monitor their food intake carefully. They do require moderate daily exercise.

Health – This breed is prone to several dog eye problems including entropion and ectropion. Spinal disc herniation also occurs in the breed. Canine hip dysplasia can also be a problem.

Other problems that can occur in some dogs include impacted anal sacs, temporary lameness in puppies, and heat sensitivity. It is said that some Clumbers may be sensitive to anesthesia so talk to your vet about this possible problem.

If you are interested in this dog breed, you should talk to a breeder about possible dog health problems in the breed.

Clumber Spaniel Trainability

Clumber Spaniels are intelligent dogs and they have a very strong desire to please their owners. Dog training is generally very easy. However, they can have a “soft” temperament so they don’t do well at all with harsh training methods. They respond very well to positive dog training (praise, rewards). Keep training fun and pleasant and you should have no trouble at all with training.