Background
The Clumber Spaniel is not your average spaniel. He towers over other Spaniels: the largest among them. His origin is masked by doubt and uncertainty because not much factual evidence of bloodlines actually exists.
The most prominent theory is that Duc de Noailles of France became worried about his spaniels during the French Revolution so he moved them to England under the watchful eye of the Duke of Newcastle who housed them in his Clumber Park estate, hence the name.
The Clumber Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884.
Sizing up
- Weight: 55 to 85 lbs.
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Coat: Long and feathery, weather-resistant
- Color: Primarily white with markings around the eyes and base of the tail colored lemon, brown, or orange
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
What’s the Clumber Spaniel like?
The Clumber Spaniel is loyal, loving, and has strong hunting instincts. The Clumber Spaniel adores his family and is great with children, other dogs, and even cats! He was bred to hunt pheasants and partridges so he’ll be eager to go on a hunting trip with you.
Training can sometimes be a difficult task because of how independent a Clumber can be. Patience and a calming tone are recommended. Always reward and praise your Clumber when he has done something right.
Because of his long coat, grooming will require extra attention if you want a beautiful looking Clumber. To keep his coat looking soft and smooth he’ll need a solid brushing at least three times a week to avoid tangles or mats and also to remove any dead hair. He should, in addition to the brushing, have a bath once a month.
Health
Clumber Spaniels are typically a healthy breed but notable concerns include the following:
Cataracts
- A condition that clouds the lens of the eye and in some cases can lead to blindness. Because the Clumber Spaniel is a pure bred, he has a higher chance of developing cataracts than mixed breeds.
- Occurs when an eyelid is inverted causing an eyelash to irritate the eye.
- Occurs when the lower eyelid droops down exposing the tissue
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (dry eye)
- A disorder that causes a lack of ability to produce tears resulting in a dry cornea, if not treated blindness could occur
- One of the most common diseases seen in dogs, with larger breeds being the most affected. It is ultimately a malfunction of the hip joints and can deteriorate over time, resulting in a loss of function in those joints.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency
- PDP1 is a genetic condition distinguished by a lack of exercise resulting in a post-exercise collapse.
Takeaway points
- The Clumber Spaniel would make a great companion for someone who lives alone.
- The Clumber Spaniel is suitable to both city life and country life.
- The Clumber Spaniel is great with children.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
