Clumber Spaniel: Characteristics, Health, Care And Breed Information

The Clumber Spaniel is an accomplished hunting dog and has been associated with sporting life for over two hundred years, though the actual details of the breed's origin are still debated.

There is wide belief that this somewhat rare breed was developed in Nottinghamshire, England and took their name from Clumber Park in that region. Another account suggests they originated in France and came to this northern part of England via a French aristocrat who, supposedly, brought similar dogs over during the revolution.

The Clumber, also known by the unusual name of "Retired Gentleman's Spaniel", does not have a typical spaniel appearance, being very large-boned, long and heavy-set in his body. He is also lower to the ground, has a very large head, broad muzzle and strong thick neck.

It is suggested, based on his physical attributes, that there was some blending of both the Basset Hound and alpine spaniels - such as the St Bernard, in his development.

The facial lines and kindly expression are very reminiscent of the latter. Clumber Spaniels have the distinction of being the largest flushing-type spaniels and were recognized as one of the first nine original AKC breeds, first recorded in 1878 as part of the sporting dog breeds.

A Clumber Spaniel named Bruin was crowned Best in Show at the 2026 Crufts dog show after first winning the Gundog Group. In a competition that attracted nearly 19,000 entries, this was a significant achievement and prestigious honor.

Another Clumber Spaniel, Sh. Ch. Raycroft Socialite, also won Best in Show at the Crufts 100th anniversary show in 1991, rising to the top in a field of 22,900 competitors.

Characteristics of the Clumber

Clumber Spaniels have a reputation for being reliable, calm and dignified in their demeanor. They are considered ideal family companions, being very gentle and extremely loving toward their master. The loyalty of the breed makes them useful as watchdogs though they are not nuisance barkers.

The Clumber is eager to please, very intelligent and easily trained for hunting, tracking and retrieving. But, they can be a tad stubborn during other types of training. The best approach with the Clumber is to use positive reinforcement, which includes using treats, praise, and rewards to motivate them. Along with patience and consistency, allowing for breaks in training sessions, this method is essential to getting results. 

Since the breed is more than fond of food, treats could be used on a temporary and limited basis during training to get them motivated!

His very keen sense of smell coupled with a slow and stealthy approach, enables him to sneak up on his quarry without detection. His white coat helps him to be seen by humans in hunting situations.

The Clumber Spaniel is an efficient retriever both on land and water. His very dense double coat protects him in heavy brush as well as in pursuit of duck in cold water.

These spaniels have healthy appetites and enjoy food. It is recommended that owners keep an eye on the scale to make sure their dog stays within a healthy range for its size.

Appearance and Grooming

Height: 19-20 inches
Weight: 55-85 lbs
Coat Color: Predominantly white with lemon orange markings.

The Clumber's abundant coat is straight, silky, quite dense and weather resistant. It does shed year round and at times quite heavily.

Regular brushing will help keep your home from an abundance of furballs. Use a high quality pin brush and a coarse tooth buttercomb to remove loose hair and any accumulation of debris from outdoor activities which may become attached to the heavy coat. This will help prevent matting and tangling in the coat.  

An excellent tool to deal with periods of heavy shedding is the FURminator.

Clumbers are susceptible to eye conditions, necessitating the need for frequent inspection and cleaning as needed.
They are also prone to ear infections because their long ears inhibit air circulation and trap moisture, setting up ideal conditions for bacteria to flourish. Check inside the ears and clean weekly using a cotton ball and good ear cleaner.

Brush the teeth regularly with a dog-safe toothpaste.

Once a week, or when you hear them clicking on the floor, trim or grind the nails with a dremel to keep them short.

Clumber Spaniel Health

Lifespan of the Clumber Spaniel averages 10-12 years - not very long when compared to similar size dogs. This apparently is due to the small gene pool resulting in more inbreeding. 

There are some health issues for pet parents to be aware of that are associated with the breed.

They include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A genetic joint disease that results from the malformation of the hips and is characterized by joint weakness, stiffness, and pain caused. In some cases, a veterinarian may advise pain medication or surgery.
• Elbow Dysplasia: A common cause of front leg lameness. More specifically, an abnormal development of the elbow joint in young, large, rapidly growing dogs. Signs of elbow dysplasia appear in puppies 4 to 10 months of age.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease: A serious and painful condition where the discs between the vertebrae are subject to degeneration, extrusion, protrusion and herniation. In humans, a similar condition is often called a “slipped” or herniated disc.
• Entropion:  A condition in dogs where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and fur to rub against the cornea, leading to irritation and potential corneal damage. It is often hereditary.
• Hypothyroidism: A disease resulting from thyroid hormone deficiency. Typical signs include weight gain, absence of heat cycles, hair loss and lethargy. It is generally treated with replacement hormones.
• Ear Infections
• Cataracts: A condition of the eye where the lens appears opaque. Some forms of cataract do not interfere with a dog's eyesight.

Testing should be done by responsible breeders for some of these diseases and results/certificates should be provided to prospective buyers.

Activity Level of Clumber Spaniels

The Clumber's orientation has been as a working dog enjoying plenty of outdoor activity. As such, he needs regular exercise to satisfy the call of the wild and to stay healthy.

Inside the home, the Clumber frequently seeks out the couch, but if allowed to become too sedentary, this breed has a tendency to gain weight.

Space Needs

Clumber Spaniels do best in a home with a significant yard and plenty of room to run about.

Apartment living might be too hard on them as well as confining for a breed that enjoys being outside.

That being said, given sufficient exercise, they won't be fussy about space. And, on the plus side, if you do have close neighbors, the Clumber is generally not a barker.

The Clumber With Children?

The Clumber is laid back and patient and has an excellent reputation with children. Known for being a playful and fun-loving pet that enjoys being close to his family.

However, because children and dogs can be unpredictable, adult supervision is always recommended whenever they are interacting.

The Clumber With Seniors Or Less Active Families?

The loving and loyal nature of Clumber Spaniels make them ideal companions for seniors or less active families, as long as someone is available to provide a couple of thirty minute walks each day. All dogs need walks for socializing as well as, more importantly, mind and body health.

Ideally the home would have an outside area of sufficient size where the Clumber could spend some time each day, but in general they are not dogs to be left outside. 

Where to Buy Or Rescue a Clumber

Clumbers are a somewhat rare breed so your search to find one may take a little longer than average. 

The Clumber Spaniel Club of America is one of the best places to begin your research for a puppy, adult or rescue. The club offers a wealth of information and advice beyond a breeder referral list and a puppy buyer's guide. If you go there first, you may not have to look further.

American Kennel Club Marketplace is another reliable venue for gathering information about the Clumber as well as where you can find puppies from reputable breeders offering 100% AKC-Registered litters. 

When purchasing a purebred Clumber puppy from reputable breeder, expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on several factors, such as health testing, pedigree, show potential, reputation of the breeder and your location. 

It is recommended to avoid casual (or backyard) breeders, since these breeders may not prioritize the health of the puppies or perform proper health testing on the parents.  

FAQ

An Invitation to Clumber Friends

If you have a Clumber Spaniel, or are knowledgeable about this somewhat rare breed, you're invited and encouraged to share your insider information here on the website. First hand experience is always valued by those wishing to learn more about this large and lovable spaniel.

 Recommended Book Resource

A handy reference covering everything you need to know about owning, breeding and raising a Clumber Spaniel.
Includes development of the breed, standards, choosing and getting a dog, exercise, living accommodations, feeding, grooming and health, training, breeding considerations, whelping and raising Clumber puppies.

Extensively illustrated.

Check price on Amazon

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