Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is the largest of the flushing spaniels, known for its dignified, gentle demeanor and distinctive heavy build. Bred as a hunting companion for aristocrats, they combine a mellow personality with surprising stamina in the field.

Believed to have originated in 18th-century France, the breed was developed at Clumber Park, the estate of the Duke of Newcastle in England. They were favorites of British royalty including Prince Albert and King Edward VII.

Heavy-boned and low to the ground with a massive head and deep chest. Their white coat features lemon or orange markings. Large, soft eyes and pendulous ears give them a thoughtful, somewhat sleepy expression.

Gentle, loyal, and dignified with a calm demeanor that belies their hunting ability. Clumbers are affectionate but not demanding, making them pleasant housemates.

Friendly but reserved. Good with children and other pets. They warm up to strangers at their own pace. Their gentle nature makes them trustworthy around kids.

Moderate exercise needs. Daily walks of 30–60 minutes with some play sessions. They have more stamina than their laid-back appearance suggests. Avoid overexertion in heat.

Intelligent but somewhat independent. They learn at their own pace and respond to patient, positive methods. Food motivation is high and useful in training.

Regular grooming needed. Brush 2–3 times weekly. They shed heavily. Regular ear cleaning is essential. Facial wrinkles may need occasional cleaning.

Their heavy build makes them prone to joint and back issues. Eye problems are common. Regular health screenings are important for this breed.

Feed a large-breed formula with controlled portions. About 2–2.5 cups daily divided into two meals. They are prone to weight gain so monitor carefully.

Adaptable to various living situations including apartments if given daily walks. They are calm indoors and don't need a large yard. Air conditioning is helpful in hot climates.

Great for families wanting a calm, gentle companion. Excellent for less active owners who still enjoy daily walks. Good with children and other pets.

Quietly intelligent with good problem-solving abilities. They may appear lazy but are actually observant and thoughtful. Their intelligence shows in the field where they work methodically.

Generally quiet dogs. They are not big barkers and tend to be calm and collected indoors. May alert to visitors but not excessively.

Very heavy shedders. Their white coat shows up on everything. Regular brushing is essential but won't eliminate the constant hair.

Clumbers are rare, making rescue availability limited. Contact the Clumber Spaniel Club of America for rescue resources. Be prepared for heavy shedding and drooling.

Clumber puppies grow quickly. Feed large-breed puppy food for controlled growth. Start training early with positive methods. Limit stair climbing to protect growing joints.

Senior Clumbers are prone to obesity and joint problems. Maintain healthy weight through careful diet. Provide orthopedic bedding. Continue gentle daily exercise.