Clumber Spaniel

Origin & history

The Clumber Spaniel takes its name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, the estate of the Duke of Newcastle, and was developed in England as a gundog for the aristocracy from the late 1700s. Bred to push slowly and methodically through dense undergrowth and flush game for waiting guns, it was prized as a quiet, steady worker that several shooters could follow on foot. The breed had royal patronage through the 19th and early 20th centuries, with King Edward VII and King George V keeping Clumbers in the kennels at Sandringham. Numbers fell sharply around the World Wars and the breed remains fairly uncommon today, kept going by dedicated enthusiasts. In Australia the Clumber is a rare sight, seen mainly in the show ring and with a handful of devoted breeders.

Temperament

The Clumber is one of the most placid and good-tempered of the spaniels, devoted to its people and content to be wherever they are. It is excellent with children, tolerant and gentle, and usually gets on well with other dogs and household pets. With strangers Clumbers tend to be a little dignified and reserved rather than shy or sharp, warming up once introductions are made. They are intelligent but can have a stubborn, independent streak, so training works best with patience, consistency and food rewards, which this breed will happily work for. Their watchdog instinct is mild, an occasional deep bark rather than serious guarding. The main behavioural points to manage are their attachment to company, as they can be glum if ignored, and that strong appetite, which needs sensible portion control.

Appearance

Clumber Spaniels are long, low and heavy, generally standing about 43 to 51 cm at the shoulder but weighing a hefty 25 to 39 kg, with dogs noticeably heavier than bitches. The breed is built for power rather than speed, with a broad, deep chest, short strong legs and a large, square head carrying a deep stop and loose flews. The expression is gentle and a little solemn, with some haw showing in the eye. The coat is dense, straight and silky, weather-resistant and feathered on the legs, chest and ears. The colour is white, marked with lemon or orange, mainly around the head.

Suitability

Clumber Spaniels do well in a house with a yard but adapt comfortably to a relaxed indoor life, as their exercise needs are moderate. Their calm, forgiving nature makes them a reasonable choice for a patient first-time owner who has done their homework, particularly families wanting a gentle dog. They are sociable and prefer not to be left alone for long stretches, doing best where someone is around much of the day. Prospective owners should be ready for drool, shedding and the occasional muddy mess. In the Australian climate the dense coat and broad, deep build mean Clumbers feel the heat, so provide shade and water, exercise during the cooler hours, and watch closely for signs of overheating in summer.

Health

Clumber Spaniels generally live around 10 to 12 years. As a heavy, long-bodied breed they are prone to hip dysplasia, and elbow problems also occur, so parents should be hip and elbow scored. The prominent, loosely lidded eyes can suffer from entropion and ectropion (eyelids rolling in or sagging out), sometimes needing surgery. The breed carries a known DNA-testable condition, PDP1 deficiency, a metabolic disorder, and breeders should test for it. Like other deep-chested dogs they have some risk of bloat, and their love of food makes them prone to obesity, which worsens joint strain. Buy from a breeder who hip and elbow scores, eye-tests and DNA-tests for PDP1, and keep your Clumber lean to protect its joints.