Clumber Spaniel

Country of origin: Great Britain
Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC
Occupation: Gun dog
Size: 17 to 20 in tall; 55 to
80 lbs
Longevity: 12 to 14 years
Exercise: Low activity level
Training: Keep it fun
Grooming: Moderate
Colors: Tan and white

This heaviest of all spaniels was developed by the Duke of Newcastle in the 18th century. Its ancestors may include the Basset Hound, bequeathing the long back, and the St Bernard, from which it gets its massive head. A laid back, easygoing dog, once used in pairs to beat game slowly towards hunters, they are now firmly household companions. Heavy skin around the face can lead to eye, ear, and lip problems. They are methodical dogs that seemingly understand that life can be enjoyed at leisure.

Dog name synonym: Clumber

HISTORY

The exact origin of the breed is obscure, but it is known that Clumber Spaniels have a royal bloodline in their history. The breed originated in France, but during the French Revolution the Duc de Noailles from France moved his kennel of these dogs to England for safety. In England, the dogs were safely kept and became very popular with the aristocracy.
Possible progenitors of the breed include the Basset Hound and the Alpine Spaniel. Some people even place St. Bernard Dogs in the gene pool. It is believed that the name Clumber derives from the ancient name “Clun” of a local river.
Even today the Clumber Spaniel is a very unique breed. In recent years its popularity is the highest it has ever been both in the show ring, in the field and at home.

PERSONALITY

Clumber Spaniels can be described as gentle, loyal, affectionate and great-hearted. They have an intrinsic desire to please. Clumbers are intelligent and independent but love spending time with their families. They are easy-going and laid back. Clumbers show great enthusiasm for both work and play, as long as it involves spending time with the owner.
Although Clumber Spaniels are quite reserved to strangers, they are never hostile nor aggressive, but they are always alert and ready to protect their owners if needed.
Clumber Spaniels are extremely tolerant of children. On the down side they have a tendency to steal food from children.

TRAITS

Clumber Spaniels have long, low-set bodies with long forelegs and powerful hindquarters. They are heavily built and big-boned. They have dignified stature and pensive, intelligent expression.
The Clumber Spaniel’s double coat is straight with medium length. The under coat is dense and the outer coat is water resistant. The coat’s color is always white with lemon or orange markings.
The ideal height for dogs is 19-20’’ (48-51cm) and for bitches is 17-19’’ (43-48cm) at the withers. Dogs weigh between 70-85Ib (32-38.5kg) and bitches weigh between 55-70Ib (25-32kg).

HANDLING

Clumber Spaniels are very intelligent and known for their good memories, which makes them easily trainable. They must be trained by firm but gentle hand. Positive reinforcement and lots of treats should be included in the deal. Clumbers are sometimes noty and may try to find loopholes in the rules or test the boundaries. However, treating them with a harsh hand almost always results in absolute refusal to listen to commands. In some cases it can even lead to aloofness and aggressive behavior.

Because of their hunting instincts, Clumber Spaniels should be properly socialized. They get along well with other dogs, but when it comes to other home pets, if not raised together they may try to hunt them.
All in all their easy-to-adjust temperament makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners.

HEALTH
Clumber Spaniels are relatively healthy breed. As a breed they are prone to some musculoskeletal conditions (mitochondrial myopathy, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease), ocular conditions (cataracts, entropion, ectropion, macropalpebral fissure resulting in combined entropion–ectropion also known as‘diamond eye’), neurological conditions (seizures) and dermatological conditions (otitis externa).

Clumber Spaniels are highly prone to obesity. Therefore they must not be overfed and their food intake must be carefully monitored. Regular daily exercises must be complemented in their schedules.

The average life expectancy of a Clumber Spaniel is between 9 to 15 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.

The Clumber Spaniel may exist as a consequence of the French Revolution. Legend says that the French Duc de Noailles sent some of his spaniels for safekeeping to his English friend, the Duke of Newcastle, at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.

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