Choosing a Clumber Spaniel

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Choosing a Clumber Spaniel

By: April Metroulas

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Clumber spaniels are ideal pets for a variety of people. These slow-moving spaniels are fun and loving, adjusting easily to families with children and adults alike. They are highly adaptable to various living situations, including apartment living.

History and Origin

Although their exact origin is unknown, Clumber spaniels probably made their debut in France. However, Great Britain is credited as the Clumbers' place of residence due to the origin of their name. In the mid 1700s, the French Duc de Noailles presented a gift of hunting dogs to the Duke of Newcastle. The Duke of Newcastle had a home in an area of Nottinghamshire called Clumber Park where he housed these dogs. He named his hunting dogs after his home.

Originally utilized as a hunting dog, Clumbers are now commonly found as companions. These spaniels may be descended from basset hounds crossed with either Saint Bernards or Alpine spaniels.

They made their first appearance in the show ring in England in 1859. After this appearance Clumbers gained popularity quickly.

The Clumber made his first U.S. appearance in the late 1800s. The Clumber was registered with the AKC in 1883.

Appearance

The Clumber's short silky hair coat comes in two color combinations: lemon and white or orange and white. The hair coat is straight and thick with feathered ends and a dense undercoat.

These dogs have long bodies that are low to the ground. Clumbers are stout and possess powerful muzzles and thick necks with lots of wrinkles. Their flesh colored nostrils and hazel eyes soften their appearance.

Size

Female Clumbers, weighing between 35 and 50 pounds, are significantly smaller than the males who weigh in between 55 and 65 pounds. Both sexes are around 19 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders.

Personality

Although Clumbers are slow-moving dogs as adults, puppies are untamed and destructive. Puppies require a firm hand and patient training. However, a well-trained Clumber makes a superb friend.

These dogs are amusing, loving, and very much adaptable. They are easy going, getting along wonderfully with children, adults, and other animals. Clumbers are affectionate and loyal. They love to spend time with their families, but will also have fun with visitors.

Like other spaniels, the Clumber is a natural retriever and water dog. Give them a lake and they'll jump on in.

Home and Family Relations

Clumbers do well in apartments as well as in houses. They do require moderate exercise to prevent obesity. If you leave the exercise up to your Clumber, he'll hang out on the couch. They love people and are motivated by the energy of children. They get along well with most animals.

Training

All Clumber puppies need obedience training. They are exceptionally easy to train due to their intelligence. A little time and attention will produce a wonderfully obedient dog.

They are swift, enthusiastic workers. They love to please, and really enjoy agility classes. Most agility done with Clumbers is done for fun, as they are not the most graceful dogs in the world. They are great hunters and excel in tracking.

Special Concerns

Clumbers require daily brushing to keep their dense coat tangle free.

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