Clumber Spaniel at a Glance: Quick Facts

Discover the key characteristics that make the Clumber Spaniel such a special breed.

Temperament

Gentle, affectionate, easygoing, calm, loyal, devoted, and adaptable. Can be a bit stubborn at times, requiring consistent positive reinforcement training. Forms strong bonds with family.

Height

Males: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm) <br> Females: 16-19 inches (41-48 cm)

Weight

Males: 64-75 lbs (29-34 kg) <br> Females: 55-64 lbs (25-29 kg)

Lifespan

10-12 years

Grooming Needs

Moderate to high. Requires regular brushing (a few times a week) for its dense, double coat, with more frequent grooming during seasonal shedding. Ear cleaning, nail trimming, and daily tooth brushing are also essential.

Exercise Level

Moderate. Typically needs 1 to 1.5 hours of activity daily, including leisurely walks, supervised playtime, and mentally stimulating activities like nose work or retrieving.

Good With

Families, children (with proper socialization), other pets (with early introduction and socialization). Thrives on human companionship.

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Shedding Level

Moderate. Sheds more heavily during seasonal changes, requiring increased brushing to manage loose hair.

The Soul of a Clumber Spaniel: Temperament and Personality

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The Clumber Spaniel is renowned for its gentle, affectionate, and wonderfully easygoing temperament, making them exceptional companions for families and individuals alike. These dogs possess a calm and steady demeanor, adapting well to various living situations, from bustling family homes to quieter environments. They form incredibly strong bonds with their owners, thriving on human companionship and eager to be an integral part of all family activities. Their loyal and devoted nature is a hallmark of the breed, ensuring years of unwavering affection.

While generally placid, Clumber Spaniels do possess a subtle independent streak and, on occasion, can exhibit a touch of stubbornness. This trait, however, is easily managed with consistent, patient, and positive reinforcement-based training. Their intelligence means they pick up commands readily, especially when motivated by treats, praise, and engaging rewards. They are typically excellent with children, exhibiting a patient and tolerant disposition. With proper early socialization, they also tend to get along famously with other pets in the household. Their distinctive “Clumber Roll” — a charming, unique gait — further adds to their endearing personality, embodying their blend of functionality and elegance. Owners often describe them as “super friendly” and “bundles of fun” who love both energetic play and long snoozes, showcasing their balanced energy levels.

Is a Clumber Spaniel Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

Choosing a dog is a significant decision, and understanding if a Clumber Spaniel aligns with your family and lifestyle is crucial for a happy, harmonious relationship. These dogs, with their unique blend of calm and playfulness, thrive in specific environments.

A Clumber Spaniel is an ideal companion for:

Families seeking a loyal and affectionate companion: Their gentle nature and devotion make them wonderful family pets who adore being involved in household activities.

Individuals or families with a moderate activity level: They require consistent exercise, but aren’t high-energy athletes, making them suitable for daily walks and playtime rather than intense sports.

Homes that can provide consistent, patient training: While intelligent, their independent streak means a gentle, reward-based approach to training is most effective and necessary for good manners.

Owners who appreciate a calm and relatively quiet household: Clumbers are not typically excessive barkers and enjoy peaceful downtime after their exercise.

You might want to reconsider a Clumber Spaniel if:

You’re looking for a low-maintenance grooming dog: Their thick coat sheds moderately and needs frequent brushing, especially during seasonal changes, plus regular ear and dental care.

You prefer a dog that requires very little exercise: While moderate, they do need consistent daily activity (1-1.5 hours) to maintain physical and mental health.

You’re unwilling to commit to early and ongoing socialization: To ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable around new people and other animals, early exposure is vital.

You’re not prepared for potential stubbornness in training: Their independent nature can make training a bit challenging without patience and positive reinforcement.

Caring for Your Clumber Spaniel: Needs & Recommendations

Proper care is fundamental to ensuring your Clumber Spaniel lives a healthy, happy, and long life. Here’s a detailed guide to their essential needs.

Diet & Nutrition

Clumber Spaniels thrive on a high-quality dog food specifically tailored to their age, size, and activity level. Due to their predisposition to obesity, careful portion control is paramount to maintaining a healthy weight.

  • Puppies (up to approx. 12 months): Require specially formulated puppy food to support rapid growth and development. Feed 3-4 meals daily until around six months of age, then transition to twice daily. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance on their diet transition to adult food.
  • Adults: Typically do well with two meals per day. Always adhere to the feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer, adjusting portions as necessary to prevent weight gain. A diet appropriate for medium to large breeds is often recommended, especially for those with moderate activity levels.

General Tips: Avoid overfeeding and ensure treats make up no more than 10% of their total daily calorie intake. Always provide constant access to fresh, clean water. For any specific dietary recommendations or health concerns, consulting your veterinarian is always the best approach.

Exercise Requirements

Clumber Spaniels have moderate exercise needs, typically requiring about 1 to 1.5 hours of activity per day to stay healthy and happy. They are not high-energy dogs, but consistent activity is vital.

  • Daily Activities: Enjoy leisurely walks, supervised playtime in a secure outdoor area, and activities that provide mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or nose work. Engaging their natural retrieving instincts with games of fetch or even swimming can be highly beneficial and enjoyable.
  • Puppy Exercise: Clumber Spaniel puppies have different exercise requirements. Shorter, more frequent play and exercise sessions are recommended to prevent overexertion and protect their developing joints and muscles. Avoid high-impact activities during this crucial growth phase. Always consult your vet for tailored exercise guidelines for your puppy’s age and developmental stage.

 

Grooming

The Clumber Spaniel’s dense, weather-resistant double coat requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance.

  • Brushing: Brush their soft undercoat and straight, dense outer coat a few times a week to prevent matting, remove loose hair, and keep their coat free of tangles. Pay particular attention to areas prone to knots and debris buildup, such as the ears, the feathering on their legs, and the belly. During seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing with a de-shedding tool or slicker brush may be necessary to manage increased hair loss and keep their coat tidy.
  • Ear Care: Their long, pendulous ears can trap moisture and debris, making them susceptible to infections. Clean their ears regularly using a vet-approved solution to prevent issues.
  • Nail Trimming: Trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and lead to structural problems.
  • Dental Hygiene: Ideally, brush their teeth daily or as often as possible with dog-specific toothpaste to maintain good oral health and prevent dental disease.
  • Bathing: Bathe as needed, typically every few weeks or when they get particularly dirty, using a gentle dog shampoo.
Training & Socialization

Clumber Spaniels are intelligent and generally eager to please, though they are known for an independent and sometimes stubborn streak. With the right approach, they are highly trainable and make wonderful, well-mannered companions.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward-based training methods, utilizing treats, praise, and toys as motivators, work best with this breed. This approach encourages them to focus and learn desired behaviors effectively.
  • Consistency and Patience: Due to their occasional stubbornness, consistency in commands and patience during training sessions are crucial.
  • Early Socialization: Crucial for Clumber Spaniels, exposing them to a variety of people, animals, sounds, and environments from a young age helps them develop into confident, adaptable, and well-rounded dogs. This foundation prevents unwanted behaviors and ensures they are comfortable in diverse situations.
  • Engaging Sessions: Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to maintain their attention and prevent boredom, which can arise from repetitive or lengthy sessions.
  • Bonding: Despite occasional boundary-testing, Clumber Spaniels are deeply loyal and eager to bond with their owners. A thoughtful training approach will strengthen this bond and lead to an obedient, happy companion.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

The average lifespan of a Clumber Spaniel is 10 to 12 years. While generally considered a healthy breed, like all purebred dogs, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Being aware of these potential issues allows owners to provide proactive care and seek early veterinary intervention when necessary. Reputable breeders, like those partnered with PuppyGuyz, screen their breeding dogs for many of these conditions to minimize their occurrence in puppies.

  • Bones and Joints:

Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, leading to discomfort, lameness, and potentially arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, affecting the elbow joint.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): A spinal condition where the discs can slip out of place, putting pressure on the spinal cord, leading to pain or, in severe cases, paralysis.

  • Eyes:

Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea and irritate the eye.

Ectropion: The opposite, where the eyelids roll outward, exposing the sensitive inner eyelid.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): An ongoing condition where the tear glands don’t produce enough protective tear film, leading to discomfort, infections, and potential eye damage.

  • Ears:

Outer Ear Infections: Their long, heavy ears can trap moisture and debris, creating a warm, moist environment prone to overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, leading to irritation, inflammation, and odor. Regular cleaning is key to prevention.

  • Skin:

Atopy (Allergies): When the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens, resulting in skin irritation, redness, and itchiness.

Obesity: Clumber Spaniels are prone to weight gain. Obesity can exacerbate joint issues like hip dysplasia or IVDD. Maintaining a healthy weight through monitored portions, a high-quality diet, and regular, low-impact exercise (like swimming or controlled walks) is crucial for their overall health and joint well-being.

It is important to remember that this list is not exhaustive. Regular veterinary check-ups are vital for early detection and management of any health issues. Choosing a puppy from a breeder who conducts thorough health screenings provides the best foundation for a healthy life.

The History of the Clumber Spaniel: From France to Your Home

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The Clumber Spaniel’s origins trace back to 18th-century France, specifically to the kennels of the Duc de Noailles, who, fearing for his dogs during the French Revolution, sent them to the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, England. It is from this estate that the breed derives its name.

Developed primarily as exceptional hunting dogs, Clumber Spaniels were bred for their prowess in retrieving game from both land and water. Their sturdy build, low-set bodies, and methodical working style made them perfectly suited for dense cover and challenging terrain. Unlike other spaniels, they were known for their quiet and deliberate approach to hunting, hence their nickname “the aristocrat of spaniels.” Over time, their gentle temperament and devoted nature made them equally cherished as companions in grand estates, solidifying their place as beloved family members. Their rich heritage and unique “Clumber Roll” gait are testaments to their long and distinguished history.

Meet Our Available Clumber Spaniel Puppies

Ready to welcome a gentle, loyal, and loving Clumber Spaniel into your life? Our puppies come from health-tested, ethical breeders who prioritize the well-being and temperament of their dogs. Explore our current litters and find the Clumber Spaniel puppy who’s waiting to become your new best friend.

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Cavapoo – Rosie

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Siberian Husky – Betty

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German Shepherd – Fern

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Rory Male German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Rory

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Labrador Retriever – Daisy

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Harry male Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Harry

$2,300.00
Isabella female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Isabella

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Find a Clumber Spaniel Near You

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Your Comprehensive Clumber Spaniel FAQ

Are Clumber Spaniels good family dogs?

Yes, Clumber Spaniels are known for their gentle, affectionate, and easygoing temperament, making them ideal companions for families with children and other pets, provided they are properly socialized from a young age. They form strong bonds and thrive on human companionship.

How much exercise does a Clumber Spaniel need?

Clumber Spaniels have moderate exercise needs, typically requiring about 1 to 1.5 hours of activity per day. This can include leisurely walks, playtime in a secure area, and mentally stimulating activities. Puppies need shorter, more frequent sessions to protect developing joints.

Do Clumber Spaniels shed a lot?

Clumber Spaniels are moderate shedders year-round. They will shed more heavily during seasonal changes, requiring increased brushing during these periods to manage loose hair and keep their dense double coat healthy.

Are Clumber Spaniels easy to train?

Clumber Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, but they can have an independent and occasionally stubborn streak. With patience, consistency, and reward-based positive reinforcement techniques, they can be trained effectively to become well-mannered companions. Early socialization is crucial for their development.

What is the average lifespan of a Clumber Spaniel?

The average lifespan for a Clumber Spaniel is generally between 10 to 12 years. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and consistent veterinary care can help maximize their longevity and quality of life.

What kind of grooming does a Clumber Spaniel's coat require?

Their dense, weather-resistant double coat requires regular brushing a few times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Special attention should be paid to the ears, legs, and belly, which are prone to tangles. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing (daily) is recommended.

What are the common health concerns for Clumber Spaniels?

Common health concerns for Clumber Spaniels include joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), certain eye conditions such as entropion, ectropion, and dry eye, and a predisposition to outer ear infections due to their long ears. They are also prone to obesity. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions to promote healthy lines.

What should a Clumber Spaniel eat?

Clumber Spaniels should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Portion control is important due to their tendency towards obesity. Puppies require specialized puppy food until around 12 months, fed 3-4 times daily initially, then twice daily. Adult Clumbers typically do well on two meals per day. Always consult your vet for personalized dietary recommendations.

Do Clumber Spaniels get along with other pets?

Yes, Clumber Spaniels generally get along well with other pets, especially if they are introduced and properly socialized from a young age. Their calm and adaptable nature helps them integrate into multi-pet households.

Are Clumber Spaniels known for barking?

Clumber Spaniels are not typically excessive barkers. They are known for their calm and quiet demeanor, making them suitable for various living environments where excessive noise might be a concern.