Clumber Spaniel
Gundogs

Group:

Gundog

Size:

large

Lifespan:

10-12 years

Exercise:

low

Grooming:

medium

Trainability:

medium

Watchdog ability:

low

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

England

Date of Origin:

1700’s

Other Names:

none

Original Function:

bird flushing and retrieving

History

The first Clumber Spaniels originated in France, but were moved to sanctuary in England during the French Revolution. They were in the care of the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park, hence the name. This sturdy spaniel is the slowest and heaviest of the spaniels, but works well in heavy brush, flushing and retrieving game. Though the Clumber's early history is not well documented, Basset Hounds and St. Bernards may have contributed to the breed.

Temperament

Clumber Spaniels are quiet gentle dogs. They are affectionate and easy going. They get along well with children and other pets. Clumber Spaniels love to chew and fetch. They have excellent memories and like to do things that please their masters. They are not outgoing, and will not open up to everyone

Upkeep

The Clumber enjoys a daily outing, but its exercise requirements can be met with a long walk on leash or a leisurely hike in the field. The coat needs brushing two to three times weekly, although in dirty areas it may need more frequent bathing in order to keep its coat a gleaming white. Clumbers tend to drool and, at times, snore.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
That of a dog with a thoughtful expression, very massive but active, which moves with a rolling gait characteristic of the breed.

Head and Skull:
Head large, square and massive of medium length, broad on top, with a decided occiput, heavy brows with a deep stop; heavy muzzle, with well-developed flew and level jaw and mouth. Nose square and flesh-coloured.

Eyes:
Dark amber, slightly sunk with some haw showing.

Ears:
Large, vine-leaf shaped and well covered with straight hair and hanging slightly forward, the feather not to extend below the leather.

Mouth:
Should be level and neither over nor undershot.

Neck:
Fairly long, thick and powerful and well feathered underneath.

Forequarters:
Shoulders strong, sloping and muscular; chest deep. Legs short, straight, thick and strong.

Body:
Long and heavy and near the ground, with well-sprung ribs. Back straight, broad and long.

Hindquarters:
Very powerful and well-developed. Loin powerful, well let down in flank. Hocks low, stifles well bent and set straight.

Feet:
Large and round, well covered with hair.

Tail:
Set low, well feathered and carried about level with the back.

Coat:
Abundant, close, silky and straight; legs well feathered.

Colour:
Plain white, with lemon markings, orange permissible; slight head markings and freckled muzzle, with white body preferred.

Weight and Size:
Dogs: About 25 - 31.8 kg (55 - 70 lb) Bitches: About 20.4 - 27.2 kg (45 - 60 LB).

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.