Clumber Spaniel
GROUP 3 - GUNDOGS
The Clumber Spaniel is renowned for having excellent memory. These intelligent dogs are eager to please so training is a breeze. But their intelligence only extends so far as they are prone to eating anything and everything. They are a gentle, sweet and laid-back dog who will enjoy watching TV with you at night but try not to encourage their lazy habits as regular exercise is key to their good health.
They have average energy levels so ideally, take your dog for a daily walk or jog. They love the water so a swim or game of fetch by the beach is great. Highly affectionate and playful, your canine will befriend other pets if raised together from a young age. They will also befriend the stranger at the door; so don’t rely on them as watch dogs.
Fun fact: It is thought the breed originated in England, when the Duke of Newcastle
and his gamekeeper perfected a dog for the Duke’s estate in Clumber Park.
They became popular and are associated with royals.
Loyal and devoted, Clumber Spaniels are also known to choose favourites. Their hunting instinct means most things end up in their mouth so provide plenty of toys. They are prone to snoring, flatulence and drooling so stock up on wipes. Clumber Spaniels also shed heavily. Groom their coat by brushing daily and trim the hair regularly. Check and clean the ears and eyes often to prevent infections.
Health:
Clumbers typically can be expected to live between 10-12 years of age, but with correct nutrition and and optimum environment will live to 15 plus years. However, sufficient exercise is needed if the Clumber is to avoid gaining weight and to avoid losing muscle tone and bone strength which are required throughout a healthy life.
The breed is often cited as being prone to hip dysplasia but if the dogs are bred to meet the requirements of the breed standard this is rarely a problem (Australia’s hip score record demonstrates this, but breeders must be very careful in choosing which dogs to breed to avoid a decline in this record). The breed has two confirmed autosomal recessive defective genes (PDP1def and EIC) that breeders must screen for to avoid producing unhealthy puppies.
As with poor hip joints, breeders must be careful in choosing which dogs to breed to avoid eye rim and shape issues which, if they develop, will cause pain and require surgery (yes, the pricey sort) (entropion/ectropion).
Size
They are a large-sized breed weighing 25-34kgs with an average height of 41-51cms.
Space
A Clumber Spaniel can happily live in any sized space as long as their family is nearby and they receive sufficient exercise.
Energy Levels
They have moderate energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.
Difficulty Of Training
They are intelligent dogs and eager to please making training a breeze.
Family suitability
Great family pets and loyal companions.
Suitability to other pets
If socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other pets.
Need for company
They have a moderate need for company and enjoy being by their humans side at all times.
Coat and grooming needs
This breed requires Brushing their coat daily, trim regularly and check and clean the ears and eyes often to avoid infections. They have a predominantly white coat with either lemon or orange markings.
Shedding
They shed heavily.
Tendency to bark
They have a low tendency to bark so don’t expect much noise.
References:
DogsNSW, Dogs Australia, Petbarn.
Summary:
Clumber Spaniels have a happy-go-lucky attitude. Their favourite pastime includes eating and being a couch potato so you may need to hide the dog food. They are gentle, loving and great pets for families.