Clumber Spaniel: Breed Information Guide

Learn everything you need to know about the clumber spaniel! This dog is special for more than one reason.

Is this your first time to care for a dog? Are you on the hunt for a dog that’s easy to train? Do you dream of owning a dog, but you live in an apartment building?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then what you’re looking for could be a Clumber Spaniel.

These spaniel-type dog breeds make terrific companions. They’re fairly low-maintenance, extremely loyal, and have a sweet disposition.

Interested in learning more? Read the complete guide to the Clumber Spaniel.

Also Read: Large Dog Breeds List A-Z with Pictures

[wpdatatable id=28]

All About the Clumber Spaniel Personality

Clumber Spaniels belong to the spaniel breed of dogs. It’s a breed that’s believed to have been developed in the United Kingdom as late as the 1700s. Their name comes from Clumber Park, where they were first developed.

They’re known for their dignified demeanor. Out of the 25 breeds of spaniels, the Clumber is known as the ‘aristocrats of Spaniels.’

The Clumber Standard

According to several dog clubs, dogs are classified into different breed standards. Some of these clubs include the Clumber Spaniel Club, the United Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club.

The Clumber Spaniel Breed Standard describes their ideal appearance, characteristics, and temperament. Breeders can then use these guidelines, hoping to maintain these standards.

The Clumber Character

If you’re looking for a guard dog, the Clumber Spaniel won’t do a very good job. Their calm temperaments make them low-key and easy-going.

This is despite the fact that they’re recognized as Sporting Dogs. Clumbers are great at hunting, pointing, and retrieving game.

Clumbers are usually standoffish with strangers. If someone is at the door, they’ll probably bark a couple of times. But they won’t do much more than that.

Puppies are active and quite intelligent. As they mature, they tend to prefer snacking and curling up on the sofa. But don’t let that fool you, they still love running around and exploring new areas.

Training Program

Training Clumber Spaniels is easy because they’re naturally curious and intelligent. They’re also eager to please.

Another reason is that they have a good memory. They’re attentive and try to listen to what you’re saying so they don’t disappoint you.

Just remember to use positive training techniques. They’re more encouraging and motivating. That’s exactly what a Clumber needs.

Pro-tip: Avoid rough handling. Clumber Spaniels are sensitive. They don’t respond well to harsh training techniques or hard-line discipline.

Playtime

Clumbers enjoy a long relaxing walk on a leash. They also prefer going on a leisurely hike through fields.

Your Clumber Spaniel will be happy when you take him on his daily walk. This can be for 20 to 30 minutes. It can also be broken up into two walks, each one taking no more than 20 minutes.

Other enjoyable activities are swimming. Clumbers are great swimmers and do great in the water.

They’re also excellent at tracking and retrieving. Taking him to the park or your backyard to run without a leash would really make his day.

You’ll notice that your Clumber is calm and well-behaved after his playtime. This could be because he has no more energy left to do any damage.

There’s a saying among dog-owners. “A tired dog is a good dog”. That certainly rings true in this case.

Home Life

Clumber Spaniels have calm temperaments, which makes them excellent pets for anyone living in an apartment. Clumbers are also not big on barking. So you don’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors.

If you ask Clumbers where their favorite home would be, they’d choose a suburban setting or the country. Yet they’re happy to adapt to any type of living arrangements.

Dependable Nature

If you own other dogs or cats even, you can stop worrying. They’ll get along just fine with your Clumber Spaniel.

One tip to make things go smoothly between fellow pets: early socialization. Early socialization is when you introduce your dog to other pets, objects, and people.

If early socialization isn’t an option, give your Clumber some time to adjust to his surroundings. They have a great zeal for companionship so they’ll make it a point to fit in quickly enough.

Clumber Spaniels are also dependable with children. It’s because of their gentle nature, as well as their somewhat inactive nature.

The Clumber Spaniel Look

These easy-going dogs are the largest of the spaniel breeds. They’re known for their white coat with orange or lemon-colored markings. These markings are usually on the muzzle and tail, as well as around the eyes.

The ears on these gentle dogs are floppy and resemble vine leaves. They’re also streaked with color. In addition to these markings, you may notice freckles on the front legs and the muzzle.

Clumbers are known for their dopey expression and mournful eyes. Their nose and muzzle are square-shaped.

Clumber Spaniels have long, heavy bodies. They stand at 17 to 20 inches, and can weigh anywhere from 55 to 85 pounds. Clumbers have a muscular build, with short legs and large feet.

The massive Clumber Spaniels share the same physical appearance as the Sussex Spaniel. They both have a straight double coat with feathering on the chest, legs, and ears. While both of their outer coats are weather-resistant, the Clumber Spaniel has a denser undercoat.

Comparing the Clumber Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel, you also get two dogs of the same breed, but with different appearances.

The Cocker Spaniel has a golden black or liver-brown colored coat. It sheds at a moderate rate, which makes their grooming routine not as intensive as the Clumber.

A Clumber Spaniel Growth Chart

This gentle breed is a big-sized dog. At six months old, male Clumbers are 15 inches in height and weigh 34 pounds. Female Clumbers are 14 inches and 29 pounds.

At 12 months, they gain only a couple of inches. The males reach 18 inches and the females reach almost 16 inches—their weight increases to almost half. The males become an average of 52 pounds and the females weigh an average of 47 pounds.

Another six months go by. Now the puppies are 18 months old. Males reach an average of 19 inches in height. The females grow to 18 inches.

An 18-month old male Clumber Spaniel can weigh an average of 77 pounds. Females weigh about 62 pounds.

This massive dog is much heavier than the Cocker Spaniel, which can reach an average weight of 31 pounds in males and 29 pounds in females.

Clumbers also weigh more than the medium-sized Sussex Spaniel, whose weight can be between 35 and 45 pounds.

How Much do Clumber Spaniels Eat?

Clumber Spaniels belong to a species that suffers from joint aches and pains as the years wear on. So they mustn’t put on any excess weight.

Being overweight puts unneeded strain on the bones and joints. It can also lead to injuries and serious health conditions.

This brings us to the question: “How much food is enough for a Clumber?”

Taking into consideration that Clumbers enjoy eating, 3 cups of high-quality dog food should be enough. The dog food you choose should have all the essential minerals and nutrients this specific dog breed needs for healthy growth and development.

Pro-tip: Avoid giving too many treats during training. Also, never feed him fatty table food or cooked bones.

Human Foods Safe for Clumber Spaniels

The following is a brief list of some of the common foods you can share with your Clumber. You’ll also find some foods that you absolutely shouldn’t give any type of dog in general.

Plain Bread

In small amounts, plain bread doesn’t pose any threat to your dog’s health. That being said, you should also know that it doesn’t provide any nutritional benefits either.

Bread is high in carbs. So, it can quickly pack on the calories, resulting in an overweight dog.

Cashews

Unsalted cashews are one of the few nuts that are safe for dogs to eat. Just be sure to give him two or three at a time.

This fun snack is rich in antioxidants, calcium, protein, and magnesium. They also contain fat, so give it to your Clumber in moderation to prevent weight gain.

The same goes for peanuts, which is also loaded with proteins. Make sure it’s unsalted just like the cashews.

Eggs

Another great food that’s high in protein is eggs. They’re safe as long as you make sure they’ve been cooked all the way.

Honey

Feeding dogs honey in small amounts provides them with numerous nutrients and vitamins. It’s also rich in antioxidants.

Stay away from the following foods:

• Almonds
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Citrus
• Milk and dairy

How to Groom a Clumber Spaniel

Clumber Spaniels regularly shed throughout the year. They need constant grooming.

Brushing the Coat

Brushing needs to be done about two or three times a week. Use a grooming brush and a medium-sized comb to get out the kinks. Combs also remove trapped debris and dirt that’s stuck to the undercoat.

The coat itself must be trimmed frequently using scissors and clippers. Vets recommend trimming it about once a month.

Eyes, Ears, and Nails

The ears and eyes need to be cleaned regularly. These are places of high infections, so be careful when you’re cleaning them.

The nails should also be looked after. Use dog nail clippers to trim them monthly and make sure they’re kept short.

Bath Time

Bath time can be repeated once or twice a month. Make sure you use a pet shampoo designed specifically for dense undercoats.

Folds on the Head

One thing to watch out for are the wrinkles and heavy folds on a Clumber’s head. They’re an important part of the Clumber Spaniel grooming routine. These areas need to be cleaned with a damp cloth, then wiped dry. This should be done at least twice a week.

If not frequently taken care of, these folds can cause a yeast infection. Besides having an unpleasant smell, yeast infections are extremely uncomfortable for your dog. They can also lead to more serious health conditions.

Do Clumber Spaniels Get Lonely?

Clumber Spaniels are social dogs. They enjoy constant interaction with humans and with other fellow pets.

This sensitive breed also craves attention. In fact, they need to be the center of attention more so than other dog breeds.

If left alone for long periods of time, a Clumber Spaniel may become stressed. This can lead to separation anxiety and even depression.

Another thing that happens when Clumbers are left to fend for themselves is that they get bored rather quickly. We discuss the best ways to prevent boredom and save your home in the process.

Does Your Clumber Suffer from Separation Anxiety?

Stress-induced separation anxiety is often triggered by certain things you do before you get ready to leave the house. Clumbers are smart, and they can tell when you’re about to go out.

It freaks him out not knowing when you’re coming back. He’s also secretly asking why you’re leaving without him.

Signs of Separation Anxiety

You may notice some of these separation anxiety symptoms in your Clumber.

• Gets anxious and sticks by you when you’re getting ready to leave
• Behaves in a destructive or mischievous way when you’re gone
• Starts to pace or scratch the door
• Rips up anything he can get hold of
• Behave aggressively towards you
• In severe cases of separation anxiety, dogs may start to pee and poop indoors
• Unexplained diarrhea and vomiting

Tips to Help Get Rid of Separation Anxiety Triggers

Here are a few tricks you can use to remove these triggers.

• Vary what you do before leaving the house
• Try to not let your dog see you taking your things before you head out the door
• Find an alternate way to leave the house, if that’s an option
• Leave as quickly as you can to avoid a meltdown

Ways to Manage your Clumber’s Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is often at its worst during the first hour or two after you leave alone. So what can you do to reduce your dog’s stress and prevent separation anxiety?

Exercise

If you take your dog out for a walk or some playtime, he won’t have much energy left to do any mischief when he’s alone. Plus, all the mental and physical stimulation will reduce his stress.

This way, your Clumber will feel much more relaxed when he gets home. He’ll likely fall asleep before you even leave the house.

Keep Him Busy

Make sure you leave a decent selection of toys. Try to incorporate several types of chew toys because Clumbers love to chew. They’re a great way to keep him busy and occupied.

Toys are also a great way to keep him mentally engaged. Besides keeping him busy, they reduce stress and anxiety. Make sure all the toys are safe for him to play unsupervised.

Turn On the Radio

Switch your radio to a station that plays easy listening or classical music. Another good idea is the chat radio shows. The voices and sounds will help ease his anxiety until you get home.

Don’t Punish Him

Punishing your dog will get you nowhere. In fact, it may lead to more aggressive and damaging behavior.

What to Watch Out for With Clumber Spaniels

We’ve mentioned how easy mannered and gentle Clumber Spaniels are. Yet they tend to have a couple of negative habits that you need to keep a lookout for.

• Drool
• Snore
• Constant shedding
• Prone to breed-specific ailments, such as hip dysplasia or bone growths as a puppy
• Possessiveness, which may lead to aggressive behavior

History Tidbits

Clumber Spaniels are believed to originate in France. Some believe they’re descendants of the Basset Hounds, Alpine Spaniels, and even the Blenheim Spaniels.

While their origins are still a mystery, there are things we know for certain. We know that the Duke of Noailles took his spaniels to England to keep them safe during the French Revolution. We also know they were housed in kennels. These dog shelters were located in Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, hence their name.

Clumbers were owned and bred by various members of the British Royal family over the years. Prince Albert, King Edward VII, and King George V all had Clumbers

In 1844, Clumbers were introduced into Canada by Lieutenant Venables. A British officer, Venables took a Clumber Spaniel to his station in Nova Scotia.

A few years later, Clumber Spaniels became widely popular in America. So much so that the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Clumbers as one of the first ten breeds in 1878. There are currently 195 breeds registered with the AKC.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Final Note

After reading the complete guide to the Clumber Spaniel, you know everything there is about this adorable spaniel breed. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never cared for a dog in your life or you already have dozens of pets at home.

Owning a Clumber Spaniel might be one of the best decisions you’ll make in your life. Gentle, obedient, and easy to manage, Clumbers make terrific companions.

They have many great characteristics, from loyalty to dependability to their easy-going manner. It’s no wonder that they’ve become such a big part of so many people’s lives.

[wpdatatable id=4 responsive= stack responsive_breakpoint=”phone”/]