Clumber Spaniel

Other names

Clumber
Clumber Spaniel

History of the Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is one of the oldest and most unique spaniel breeds. It originated in England and was developed in the 18th century for hunting pheasants and partridges. Its name comes from Clumber Park, an estate owned by the Duke of Newcastle, where the breed was bred and refined.

Although its exact origins are unknown, it is believed that the Clumber Spaniel originated from crossbreeding the Basset Hound with other spaniels. This resulted in a low-built, powerful breed with an excellent sense of smell and a calm disposition. Originally, the Clumber Spaniel was the exclusive property of the nobility and was considered a valuable hunting companion.

Today the Clumber Spaniel is a beloved family dog and still makes an excellent hunting dog, particularly for its ability to track game in dense undergrowth.

Character and temperament

The Clumber Spaniel is known for its calm, friendly, and affectionate nature. Unlike many other spaniels, it's less energetic and hyperactive, making it a perfect housedog for those seeking a relaxed yet devoted companion.

Gentle and friendly, Clumbers are loving dogs who get along well with their family and other pets.
Intelligent and eager to learn: They learn quickly, but can sometimes be stubborn. A positive and patient training approach works best.
Calm yet playful: Although they love to relax, they also enjoy games of fetch and walks.
Alert but not aggressive: They are alert and will bark if they hear anything suspicious, but are rarely aggressive.

Physical characteristics

The Clumber Spaniel has a robust, low-built body structure, with a broad head and expressive eyes.

Height at the withers: Males: 43-51 cm, females: 41-48 cm
Weight: Males: 30-39 kg, females: 25-34 kg
Coat: Medium length, dense and water-repellent
Color: White with lemon or orange markings
Build: Strong and muscular with short, powerful legs
Ears: Large, set low and slightly wavy

A collar with a neck circumference of 50-65 cm is suitable. A well-fitting harness with a chest circumference of 80-100 cm is ideal for this breed.

Care

The Clumber Spaniel has a thick, medium-sized coat that requires regular brushing to remove tangles and loose hair. Due to their heavy build and loose skin folds, they require extra care to prevent skin problems.

Weekly brushing prevents tangles and keeps the coat clean.
Check the ears regularly, as long ears are prone to infections.
Cleaning skin folds prevents irritation and inflammation.
Clip nails if they do not wear down naturally.
Eye care, as Clumbers can be sensitive to irritation.

Movement and activity

Although the Clumber Spaniel is less energetic than other spaniels, he does need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Moderate activity: A few long walks a day and play sessions in the yard are sufficient.
Retriever: Their hunting instinct makes them love playing with a ball or dummy.
Swimming: Many Clumbers love water and swimming is great exercise for them.
Not a dog for long distances: Due to their heavy build, they are less suitable as a running partner.

Health

The Clumber Spaniel has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years and is prone to some health problems:

Hip dysplasia: A common problem in larger breeds.
Eye problems: Such as entropion (inward-turning eyelids) and cataracts.
Ear infections: Because of their long, drooping ears.
Obesity: Clumbers have a tendency to become overweight and should be fed a controlled diet.
Gastric torsion (bloat): A risk with deep-chested dogs, so spread meals over the day.

Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy diet will help prevent these problems.

Power supply

The Clumber Spaniel needs a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats.

Recommended daily amount:

400-600 grams of high-quality dry food per day, depending on weight and activity.
Pay attention to the calorie content to avoid obesity.
Avoid excessive snacking and choose healthy rewards.

View the full range of dog food here .

Training and socialization

Clumber Spaniels are bright and enthusiastic learners, but can sometimes be a bit stubborn. Positive and patient training works best.

Start socialization early: Get your puppy used to different people, animals, and environments.
Use rewards: They respond well to positive reinforcement with treats or praise.
Keep the training playful and varied: Repetition can quickly bore them.
Work on obedience: Because Clumbers can sometimes be stubborn, a consistent approach helps to create clarity.

Suitability for owners

✅ Families looking for a relaxed and friendly dog
✅ Owners who enjoy walks and outdoor activities
✅ People who are willing to pay extra attention to care and training
❌ People looking for a very active dog
❌ Owners who don't have time for coat care

Frequently Asked Questions about the Clumber Spaniel

Does this dog get along well with other dogs?
Yes, the Clumber Spaniel is generally sociable and tolerant of other dogs.

Is this dog good with children?
Yes, he is patient and kind and fits well in a family with children.

Does this dog bark a lot?
No, Clumber Spaniels are generally calm dogs that are not prone to barking.

Is this a good watchdog?
Moderate. They are alert and will warn of strangers, but are not aggressive.

Share your experience with us!

Do you own a Clumber Spaniel or know someone with this unique breed? Send a photo of your dog to klantenservice@fidello.nl and receive a 10% discount on your next purchase!

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